Chapter 19: The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far from the Tree 【Part 2】

【Siegfried PoV】

Life couldn’t get any better.

Seriously.

This whole situation is amazing.

I smiled proudly, watching Eksu and Elizabeth interact.

Eksu looked like a trapped mouse.

Elizabeth looked like a very happy cat.

Perfect.

Just perfect.

I can’t help but think of how beautifully things worked out.

That orchid perfume idea was genius, if I do say so myself.

Eksu had no idea what hit him.

Literally and figuratively.

Elizabeth clung tightly to his arm, dragging him through the mansion.

Eksu glanced back at me, his eyes begging for help.

I pretended not to notice.

After all, I’m just a humble bystander.

Nothing suspicious here.

The mansion itself was impressive.

Tall ceilings, elaborate paintings, carpets so plush my feet practically sank into them.

And best of all, no one was attacking me.

This is what life feels like without constant heroic interruptions.

This is true happiness.

Eksu struggled awkwardly against Elizabeth’s grip, clearly uncomfortable.

I chuckled softly.

Don’t worry, Eksu, your 【Absolute Defense】 will save you.

As always.

Suddenly, a maid approached us.

She was stunning.

Her dark hair was tied neatly, accentuating her soft, brown eyes.

A shy smile graced her lips.

“Elizabeth-sama, Siegfried-dono and…”

” Eksu… you can call him Eksu-sama, since he’s going to be my future husband,” Elizabeth corrected, pouting playfully.

I held back a laugh.

Eksu’s future was already decided.

He didn’t stand a chance.

Poor guy.

The maid smiled politely, bowing slightly.

“Of course, Elizabeth-sama.”

Elizabeth’s jealousy suddenly flared.

She noticed Eksu staring just a bit too long at the maid.

Without hesitation, Elizabeth threw a punch straight at Eksu’s face.

I couldn’t stop the quiet laugh that escaped me.

That’s Elizabeth for you.

Eksu’s skill activated immediately, protecting him effortlessly.

A ripple of blue energy shimmered beautifully in the air.

Elizabeth huffed in frustration, crossing her arms.

I met eyes with the maid and smiled warmly.

She shyly smiled back, her cheeks turning slightly pink.

Interesting.

Elizabeth leaned in, whispering something in the maid’s ear.

The maid nodded gently.

She led us silently to a lavish room.

As soon as Eksu stepped inside, the maid swiftly pulled me back.

The door closed firmly behind Elizabeth and Eksu.

A beautiful silence settled in.

I glanced at the closed door.

“Finally.”

It took years to get this far.

My careful plotting finally paid off.

Elizabeth and Eksu, alone at last.

I couldn’t contain my smile.

The maid stood quietly beside me, politely hiding a giggle behind her hand.

“You seem pleased, Siegfried-sama.”

I turned to her, grinning mischievously.

“Call me Siegfried, please. Titles aren’t necessary.”

She blushed softly, her eyes darting to the floor.

“Then… please call me Sophia.”

Sophia.

What a lovely name.

“Well, Sophia. I’m just happy for those two.”

She nodded, laughing softly.

“Me too. Elizabeth-sama talks about Eksu-sama constantly in the letters she sends. I was starting to think he wasn’t real.”

I chuckled.

“Oh, he’s very real. And currently very trapped.”

She tilted her head, curious.

“Trapped?”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s a good kind of trapped. He secretly enjoys it.”

Sophia laughed softly, gently placing her hand over her mouth.

“Those two seem made for each other.”

“They definitely just haven’t fully realized it yet—Elizabeth has, but Eksu hasn’t.”

I agreed warmly.

He’ll figure it out.

Eventually.

I glanced briefly at the door, imagining Eksu’s desperate struggle.

But I didn’t pity him.

Why should I?

He has the world’s strongest shield.

And this entire scenario was my doing.

“Sophia.”

I said softly, turning my full attention back to her.

“How long have you worked here?”

She looked thoughtful.

“Since I can remember—I was born here…”

I raised an eyebrow, genuinely impressed.

“That explains why you handle Elizabeth’s chaos so gracefully.”

She smiled shyly, blushing again.

“She’s… special. But I’ve grown used to her.”

“Good for you. Personally, I prefer to keep my distance from her.”

Sophia laughed lightly, shaking her head.

“You seem to truly care about Eksu-sama’s happiness.”

I shrugged nonchalantly.

“I’m just a very, very good friend.”

Her smile widened, her eyes sparkling gently.

“I can see that.”

A comfortable silence fell between us.

For a moment, I simply enjoyed being near her.

She seemed kind, sweet, and patient.

After dealing with Elizabeth for three years, patience was certainly her virtue.

Sophia’s eyes flicked back to the door.

“I wonder if they’re alright.”

I laughed softly, gently waving off her concern.

“Believe me, they’re fine. Eksu has the world’s strongest shield. He’ll survive.”

She looked intrigued, tilting her head curiously.

“Strongest shield?”

I smiled mysteriously, tapping my lips playfully.

“A little secret of his.”

She laughed, clearly amused.

“You have a talent for intrigue, Siegfried.”

I leaned a bit closer, whispering softly.

“Only for those who are truly worth my intrigue.”

Her cheeks instantly turned bright red.

Adorable.

I straightened up, deciding to spare her further embarrassment.

“How about a walk? I’m sure those two need some… privacy.”

She glanced at the door, hesitating briefly.

Then she nodded gently.

“I’d like that.”

We slowly walked down the beautiful hallway.

Sunlight streamed through tall windows, casting warm glows on our path.

So—Sophia.

I began conversationally, looking at the paintings on the walls.

“Tell me something about yourself.”

She smiled thoughtfully.

“There’s not much to tell. I’m just a simple maid.”

I shook my head.

“I doubt that. Anyone who handles Elizabeth daily is far from simple.”

She laughed, her eyes sparkling with humor.

“I suppose you’re right. She keeps things interesting.”

Interesting was definitely one way of putting it.

We continued chatting softly as we walked, our voices echoing pleasantly in the grand corridors.

Sophia led me to a large window overlooking lush gardens.

She paused, staring into the distance.

The leaves glimmered like emeralds in the afternoon light, creating a serene atmosphere that felt oddly out of place in Elizabeth’s chaotic world.

“Siegfried?”

Her voice was quiet.

“Hmm?”

She smiled softly, her eyes gentle.

“Thank you. Elizabeth-sama seems genuinely happy now.”

I chuckled warmly, shaking my head.

“Don’t mention it. I’ve enjoyed every minute.”

Sophia laughed softly—a musical sound that eased my nerves.

We stood quietly for a moment, simply enjoying each other’s presence.

Yes, this was perfect.

After all my careful planning and manipulation, things were finally falling into place.

Elizabeth was now Eksu’s problem.

And maybe, just maybe, Sophia could become mine.

As we turned to continue our walk, I glanced one last time toward Eksu’s closed door.

Hang in there, Eksu.

Your sacrifice is deeply appreciated.

I promise.

Grinning, I gently guided Sophia forward.

Yes, today really was a wonderful day.