Ancilla Caines was a woman who always maintained her dignity as the mistress of the prestigious Lionheart family, but she wasn’t insistent on keeping her dignity even in front of her beloved husband. She raised herself out of bed while rubbing her sleepy eyes.

“Are you going again today?” she asked.

“As you can see,” answered Gilead in a feeble voice. Ancilla’s heart ached when she saw her husband’s sagging shoulders. Upon a closer examination, she noticed that his face was slightly slimmer compared to before. It was all because of that child, Eugene. More than half a year had passed since the child first challenged the secret ordeal of the Lionheart family. At first, he would attempt the challenge every ten days or so, but… his resting period continued to lessen as time passed. The problem was that the ordeal placed a burden not only on Eugene but on Gilead, Gion, and Carmen as well. Although Gilead himself had never called it a burden or a challenge, from Ancilla’s perspective, it was no different from a challenge for Gilead.

“I am the Lionheart’s mistress, and I also remember when you went through this trial, which is why I haven’t said much so far, but… that child, Eugene, isn’t he taking this too far?” asked Ancilla.

“I can’t deny that,” answered Gilead. He had no choice but to admit it. After tying back his ash-colored hair with a string, he started to wrap bandages around each of his fingers. “But I cannot blame him for his passion. Even I have been inspired by the child’s passion.”

“Gilead.”

“You must have felt it as well, but the child’s trial is not entirely for him alone. Gion and I, and even Carmen, are reaping benefits from the trial,” continued Gilead.

But was it really true? Ancilla squinted while gazing at her husband’s back. After giving a long sigh, she climbed out...