Given that his growth rate and lifespan are similar to humans’, in my eyes, he was as young as a distant relative.

Feeling pity for his past, I responded with a cheerful expression.

“See? If you eat too quickly, you’ll get sick. Chew your food well!”

“Yeah. That’d be better for you.”

“Are you gonna say ‘ow’ if your stomach hurts, too?”

Concerned that Raven might feel awkward, I diligently ate my food with a fork.

While I could tell him to eat moderately because there’s plenty of food, I already knew that might be seen as pity.

“Ahh, that was good! Sione, let’s eat again next time.”

“Everyone seems to have enjoyed the meal; that makes me happy. Shall we get up now?”

The darkness had deepened outside, as our dinner had run longer than expected.

“I’ll take care of Bella’s bedtime tonight, Rosa. I have some business to attend to.”

“At this late hour?”

“I feel I should tidy up my study a bit, especially since the master is here. I’ll do it myself.”

“Alright. Let me know if you need help.”

“Please guide the master as well. You’ll be in charge of palace matters when I’m away.”

In the midst of their lengthy conversation, I quickly went to Raven’s side and handed him something.

“…What’s this?”

“Shh. A gift! Eat it secretly.”

Pleased with my own meticulousness, I wrapped the gift in a handkerchief so its contents would remain hidden, then casually joined Rosa.

“Rosa, I’m sleepy now. Wanna go to bed.”

“You must be tired from baking and attending the banquet. Let’s go to your room. I’ll help you rest.”

“Hmm!”

Before leaving the dining room, I yawned conspicuously and covertly checked Raven’s reaction.
I wondered briefly if there was a good place to hide the cookies, but thankfully it seemed there were pockets in my pants.

‘Would be nice if he likes it. Is it okay for dessert?’

Imagining Raven being moved by eating the cookies, I chuckled to myself as I walked towards the room.

Unaware of the consequences that this act might bring.

Several days later.

Disguised as a maid in service to Charlotte, Talia was riding in a carriage headed towards Rose Palace.

Not long after receiving orders to eliminate Benian, a vacancy appeared at Rose Palace, allowing Talia to easily secure a position as a palace maid.

Though Charlotte had discreetly arranged things, it was mostly possible due to Talia’s near-perfect disguise.

“Hey, you said you’re from a city in the south, right? What’s your name?”

Upon hearing the woman across the seat, Talia introduced herself with a soft smile.

“My name is Lina. I applied because they were recruiting maids who aren’t from the capital this time. I was worried because I don’t have much experience, but thankfully I passed.”

“Lucky you. I applied for a maid position too but got rejected. Looks like I’ll be working in the kitchen.”

“Oh, that’s unfortunate. But don’t worry too much. When they need people like this time, you can apply again.”

“Thanks for saying that. You’re really kind!”

Pretending her name was Lina, Talia continued the conversation naturally with the people inside the carriage.

There were a total of four new recruits to work at Rose Palace, and everyone was quite excited just by the fact that they’d be working in the palace.

Talia humored their conversations about getting along well while thinking about the mission she had been given.

‘I must complete this task without any mistakes.’

Before entering Rose Palace, Talia had prepared thoroughly.

Though she was already experienced in disguises, she was confident that no one would recognize her this time.

Using a hidden technique to deform and rearrange her bones, she altered her face; she also tanned her skin darker and even created freckles that weren’t there before.

Even Charlotte, who she passed by right before leaving the Repel residence, didn’t notice her disguise.

‘Maybe I should have said goodbye to the master.’

Saying goodbye before a mission was almost an unwritten rule among assassins.

It was because that could very well be their last farewell.

Though she was somewhat bothered by the frequent thoughts of Charlotte that morning, Talia was not afraid as she was confident in her skills.

“Everyone, we’ve arrived. That building over there is Rose Palace.”

The kindly-faced coachman pointed, and there stood a building that was not grand but sufficiently beautiful.

Among many royal buildings, this was the only one personally built by Lord Vlady, so it naturally had a captivating appearance.

“Once you enter the main gate, someone in charge of attendants will meet you. Just follow their instructions.”

“Thank you, coachman.”

“No need for thanks. Good luck to all of you in the palace!”

As the carriage receded, people who had picked up their luggage looked around in wonder and walked towards the main gate.

Following them into the gate, just as the coachman had said, a person in higher-ranking maid attire came out to greet them.

“You’ve had a long journey. I am Sione, in charge of managing Rose Palace.”