Quti, Taini, Oseum are monsters.

No matter how they appear, or how well-behaved and nice they act in front of me, that fact remains unchanged.

But until now, I had only been applying standard puppy training methods to Sammemma. Was that really the right choice?

Shouldn’t I have come up with a more innovative method suited for monsters?

So, let’s think. To properly care for and raise monsters, what exactly should I do?

But before that, what exactly is a ‘monster’?

I finally realized. What I lacked was knowledge about monsters. I should first find out what monsters are, in order to properly raise Sammemma.

‘Study.’

From now on, all my free time will be dedicated to studying about monsters.

With that decision, I immediately ran out of the ranch to find a book that could provide me knowledge about monsters.

My destination was the royal library located in the West Wing of the Princhia Palace. Its sheer scale made it the perfect place to find the book I needed.

Although asking researchers would probably be more reliable than going through books… I haven’t met any of them ever since the ranch construction was completed.

It seemed that they not only relieved themselves but also ate their meals and slept in their own labs. Their research must be keeping them extremely busy.

As a result, I had been eating alone ever since I opened the ranch.

‘Lonely.’

I wish someone would eat with me. I sniffled with bitterness.

Anyway, getting help from the researchers was clearly not an option, so I had no choice but to turn to books.

‘Can I use the royal library freely?’

The library in the Princhia Palace, where all the political affairs are conducted, might be a place only bureaucrats can use.

‘Hmm…’

I should probably get prior permission from Asphayren. I’d get to see my favorite face while I’m at it.

I hummed as I headed toward the unmanned carriage storage units scattered throughout the castle.

This small unmanned carriage, which I had used several times before, looked similar to a rickshaw. Instead of a human or horse, it was connected to a cute, intricately designed deer-shaped doll.

I’ve heard that it’s a vehicle made from some sort of magical engineering. I don’t understand the operating principle, but it was easy enough to handle with pedals and a steering wheel.

“Good!”

As I started it, the cute deer doll tapped the ground with its hooves.

Well then, let’s go meet our great Lord.

“I am~ the fisherman who catches people~ You are~ my rainbow-colored fish~ Swimming in the unknowable sea of emotions……”

I drove the unmanned carriage while humming a strange song of incomprehensible lyrics. It didn’t take long to reach the North Wing of Princhia Palace, where Asphayren’s office was.

As I parked the unmanned carriage and headed for the entrance of the North Wing, I saw two knights slowly walking out. They were guards I had met a few times while walking Sammemma.

“Oh, Miss Shuria! Good afternoon!”

The knights recognized me and greeted me. I happily returned their greetings.

“Hello! Are you leaving for the day?”

“Yes, it’s our shift change. What brings Miss Shuria here?”

“I’ve come to see the Lord. I’ve never been to Princhia Palace before, so could you tell me where to go?”

“Oh, if you wish to meet the Lord, you should speak to the palace steward over there.”

The kind knights not only guided me but also directly handed me over to the palace steward. Thanks to them, I was able to easily reach Asphayren’s office without getting lost.

There was a separate room in front of the Lord’s office where the aides and servants managed their work. An aide with a tired face nodded after hearing my introduction and purpose.

“I will inquire immediately. Please wait for a moment.”
The aide disappeared into the office. Soon after, the office door opened.

The waiting page spoke.

“Miss Shuria, the Lord wishes to see you.”

I swallowed nervously and cautiously stepped through the door.

The office, adorned in a cool white, dark navy, and gray tinged with blue, exuded an imposing aura just like its owner.

Asphayren was sitting at a large and sturdy white work desk in the center of the room. I bowed slightly in greeting and quickly surveyed the office.

In the spacious room, a large bookshelf and two cabinets densely filled the right wall, along with a modest work desk used by Kiara, the chief aide. No other furniture or decorations were visible.

Yet, it didn’t feel barren or empty. I blankly stared at the massive portrait hanging on the left wall.

In the frame, a beautiful man, who could be mistaken for a god of beauty, looked down upon me with dignity.

It was as if the painter had carved his passion into the brush and mixed his soul into the paint to create this intricate and majestic portrait of the Lord.

That alone was decoration enough. That single portrait would make the spacious hall feel as grand as a lavishly decorated ballroom.

The moment of Asphayren Loarkin captured on paper was overwhelming.

“Why are you losing focus on a mere painting when you’ve come to see me?”