I took a moment to examine Eschtra’s face as I caught my breath.

“I wasn’t mistaken.”

Indeed, her eyes were covered by a blindfold.

“Come to think of it, the first day.”

I recalled how Eschtra had used magic to draw curtains while guiding us.

“Are you unable to face the sunlight?”

“Ah, I apologize for causing you concern.”

Eschtra seemed unfazed by her own blindfold.

However, she didn’t deny my statement either.

“Is there anyone else among the other mines who is sensitive to sunlight?”

“No, it’s only me. I had injured my eyes in the past.”

Upon closer inspection, her pupils, almost skyblue, seemed a bit cloudy.

“She had been wearing the blindfold because there were no curtains.”

I felt embarrassed for not realizing it and welcoming the sunlight.

“I’m sorry I didn’t notice earlier.”

“It’s understandable that you didn’t know. And it doesn’t inconvenience me in my movements, so it’s fine.”

Mines had highly developed senses.

Although she probably had memorized the paths and would not bump into walls, not being able to see was a greater issue.

“You don’t have to worry. Then, I’ll be going.”

With a nod, Eschtra turned her back and walked away.

She descended the stairs without even touching the handrail.

Yet, somehow, her retreating figure looked lonely.

(This is a time separator.)

The next morning.

I immediately searched for Eschtra upon waking up.

“Wait a moment, Eschtra!”

“What is it?”

Eschtra stood in the hallway, bathing in the morning sun.

Her eyes were covered by the same blindfold as yesterday.

I led Eschtra into the shade and presented her with a prepared gift.

“I wanted to give you this.”

What I held in my hand was a round case.

Eschtra hesitantly accepted the case and reluctantly removed her blindfold.

Urged by my gestures, she eventually opened the case.

And inside it was…

“These are sunglasses. They’re like glasses to protect your eyes from the sunlight.”

It was a stylish pair of sunglasses with a dark sheen.

“Lucky there was an optician at the mart.”

A variety of shops, including opticians and pharmacies, were situated in the large mart.

I had picked out the most stylish sunglasses in a dream the previous night.

“It’s Hayang’s recommended pick, but…”

Choosing just one pair of sunglasses had involved more unsolicited advice than one would expect from a motherinlaw.

“Try them on.”

I hoped she would like them.

During the tense moment, Eschtra picked up the sunglasses.

“…They suit you very well.”

The slightly pointed sunglasses looked great on her.

Almost like…

“Like the beautiful assistant in the dormitory.”

As if she would command to roll left, then roll right, at any moment.

With the “third eye” equipped, Eschtra blinked slowly.

I led her to the window where the sun was shining.

“How is it?”

Yet, given that she was a mine, it might not have any effect.

Eschtra slowly raised her head.

Her eyes remained protected by the sunglasses under the sun.

“…My eyes don’t hurt.”

Eschtra, seemingly fascinated, began to look around, finally setting her gaze in the direction of the sun.

“It’s been a very long time since I’ve looked directly at the sun.”

The words sounded refreshing but carried a trace of melancholy.

“…Can mines usually look directly at the sun?”

“Yes, not feeling any pain is the norm.”

Sheek, Eschtra smiled at me.

It was that killer smile of hers, yet today, it didn’t scare me.

“…It’s not that she’s doing it deliberately, she’s just awkward at smiling.”

Eschtra was mostly expressionless and unfamiliar with kindness.

Yet, being in the same family, I had the chance to observe her.

“Is it alright to give me something this precious?”

“Of course. Changing the castle was my wish too.”

I felt bad for not having realized it earlier.

“I’m relieved you like the gift.”

At least she wouldn’t have to face the frustration of not seeing ahead.

Touching the frame of the sunglasses, Eschtra finally spoke as if confessing.

“You are our benefactor, Hallen. The castle has never been this lively before.”
The master who could not taste and the always desolate castle.

That was all that Eschtra felt.

“I’ve always felt sorry for human colleagues for adapting too much to my kind.”

According to Eschtra, human servants finally opened up about finding the castle intimidating.

I shared a faint smile with her.

“The separate building used by my servants and the farright garden will not be touched.”

Spaces for those who had left their homes had to remain.

Concluding my statement, Eschtra bowed her head.

“Thank you very much, future lady.”

Future lady.

A magical word that made me blush.

(This is a time separator.)

A week had passed since the construction began.

Whether it was due to Frijia declaring that she couldn’t stand slowness or her excessive use of magic, progress was incredibly fast.

‘Mikhail got sacrificed too.’

Frijia brought her former apprentice, Mikhail, to expedite the construction.

Although Mikhail increasingly paled, he seemed content being beside Frijia.

A month after the construction began.