I left the cabin because I wanted to see the outside world.(Also, because I was extremely bored.)
Last time I was here, I'd been knocked out cold, so I didn't even get the chance to appreciate where exactly I had landed.
I took a deep breath, letting the fresh air fill my lungs. I glanced around with curiosity, trying to take in the Valentine estate's surroundings—when a familiar voice pulled me out of my thoughts.
—"Son?"My mother's voice, full of concern.
I turned my head and saw her hurrying over with a furrowed brow. Her steps were brisk, her expression a mix of surprise and disapproval.
—"What are you doing outside?" Elisa asked, arms crossed. "Your father was very clear—you weren't supposed to leave the cabin."
I scratched my head, pretending to look confused.
—"Ah, about that... I think I hit my head so hard I forgot a few things. Mother, would you be so kind as to show me around our masters' estate?"
Her face changed instantly. Her eyes widened in disbelief, and she covered her mouth in concern.
—"You even forgot that!?" she gasped, before pulling me into a tight hug."Oh, my baby... I'd be more than happy to show you!"
I pursed my lips, caught off guard by the warmth in her embrace.Even knowing this was all part of a game, her affection felt so real, it made me drop my guard for a second.
When she pulled back, she suddenly clicked her tongue—like she had remembered something important—and looked at me urgently.
—"Ah, yes… I almost forgot. Thank you for reminding me, my dear. Our masters want to see you. That's why I came looking."
—"And why so suddenly?" I asked, cautiously.
She sighed, her expression softening, though the worry didn't leave her face.
—"I suppose they want to check on your health… and of course, hear everything about that goddess who healed you."
My muscles tensed at that last part.
—"Mother... you didn't tell them anything, did you?" I asked, quieter than I intended.
Elisa cupped my cheek and smiled sweetly.
—"Of course not. I would never betray my beloved son."
A lump formed in my throat, and I looked away.
—"Thank you, Mother... Well then, could you show me the estate on the way?"
She nodded with a calm smile.
—"Of course, no problem."
As we walked, I realized just how massive this place was. It was practically an estate, or even a plantation.
There were workers everywhere—most of them slaves—and watching them move back and forth gave me a strange, unsettled feeling.
What shocked me most was discovering that my father, Richard Raymond, was actually the overseer in charge of both the northern and southern agricultural fields.
I scanned every detail of the estate like a tourist, trying to memorize as much as possible.
Eventually, we reached a section that looked like a small community of slaves or laborers.
My mother gestured toward it.
—"This is where those closest to the Valentine family live," she explained.
The cabins and houses were simple in design, but oddly cozy. Not run-down or abandoned—just modest.The architecture reminded me of something out of the Middle Ages.
We kept walking for quite some time, until, in the distance, I saw the crown jewel of the entire property:
The Valentine castle.
Or was it a palace? Or mansion? Call it whatever you want.
What mattered was—it was stunning.The towering structure radiated wealth and social superiority.
The moment I saw it, I knew this was the heart of the territory.
My mother leaned in and whispered:
—"Son, we have to go around back."
—"What? Why?"
Elisa sighed, resigned.
—"Because we're slaves, not guests. Only nobles, guests, or people with status are allowed to enter through the front gates."
I clenched my jaw and nodded.
(Ugh. Damn social hierarchies... this is why I was never a fan of medieval fiction.)
It took a while, but we eventually circled around to the rear entrance of the massive estate.
As we walked, a thought kept circling in my mind.
—"Mother, if you're a servant and Father's an overseer... what are my brother and I supposed to do?"
She turned to me with a faint smile.
—"Well, you're in charge of washing and supervising the stables. That's why I went looking for you in the barn."
A shiver ran down my spine.
(Wow. What a glamorous job... cleaning horse crap.)
But before I could dwell on it, she continued:
—"And your brother... well, you could say he's the personal assistant of young master Jeremy."
My brow furrowed involuntarily.
(I don't know why... but just hearing that name pisses me off.)
And honestly, "personal assistant" sounded more like "personal slave" to that idiot.
My mother noticed my discomfort but didn't comment on it.
—"Anyway, let's finish talking. I'll take you inside. Our masters are waiting."
I took a deep breath and mentally prepared myself.
The moment we crossed the threshold, I was slammed by the sheer opulence of the place.
My eyes darted over the polished marble floors, the intricately woven tapestries on the walls, the crystal chandeliers dangling from the high ceilings.
It looked like a mansion straight out of medieval royalty.
Compared to this, my old penthouse barely felt aristocratic.
Deciding to stay in character, I asked with innocent wonder:
—"Mother... is this our masters' mansion?"
Elisa looked at me warmly.
—"Yes, this is the grand Valentine mansion. Ah, that's right—this must be the first time you've seen it from the inside, right?"
—"Yes, I think so."
(Like anyone's gonna invite the shit-shoveling stable slave into a luxury palace.)
She let out a small laugh.
—"I understand… It's always overwhelming the first time."
—"Mother, is this everything the Valentines own?"
She shook her head.
—"No, Count Valentine has other estates in different kingdoms. There are seven in Lichstein, including this one. He also has ties with the Empire that rules most of our continent—Aurotia."
I nodded, pretending to be impressed.
—"Thanks, Mother. Can you wait for me? I need to step outside for a moment to clear my head."
Elisa frowned, clearly not thrilled with the idea, but sighed and gave in.
—"Alright, but don't take too long. Don't make me come looking for you."
—"Got it, Mother. Don't worry."
I stepped out into the back courtyard and exhaled heavily.
(Well... now what?)
I couldn't just march in and say:
"By order of the goddess, Lord Valentine, please grant my family and me our freedom."
Even thinking that sounded laughably stupid.
I had to find another way to get what I wanted.
That's when a ridiculous idea popped into my head.
(What if I seduce Lord Valentine's wife?)
I froze.
(WHAT THE HELL AM I THINKING!?)
I shook my head hard.
(This isn't an adult's body—it's a kid's. This is wrong on every imaginable level.)
But then... an idea began to take shape in my mind.