The Sleeping Devil
Vol. 1 - Ch. 17 - Hermes' Visit

A few days had passed since Dior's investment declaration.

Rainer's trading company was in a state of turmoil.

There was a difference in significance between the experimental venture started by the still-unbaptized child, Sheriel, and the venture supported by the current lady of the estate.

Essential oils, fragrant oils, and floral water, or rather, facial toner, had smoothly progressed in production as they only required a change in the existing production process.

However, soap made from vegetable oil and essential oils required a large amount of raw materials, so for now, they were only being produced as part of the research, limited to what would be used within the castle.

"Sheriel-sama, have you been a bit tired lately? I'm worried since you seem to fall asleep abruptly every time," Rainer said, looking at the report before breakfast.

Mary brought hot milk while I was reading the report.

"Don't worry, I'm still alive and kicking."

Indeed, there was an increase in tasks, and I found myself reading more documents.

It may seem busy, but since there's nothing else to do, it's just the right amount.

After all, there's no entertainment here.

It's troublesome to go out into the garden, requiring a change of clothes and such, and as Sergio said, Bergar takes care of all the specialized tasks, leaving no room for leisure. The boredom of having no entertainment wears on the mind.

...Perhaps my infamous brother has his questionable hobbies because of boredom too.

I put away the document that resembled a cryptogram and placed it in a dedicated wooden box, then opened the book I've been enjoying lately.

Though I call it a book, it's more like a bundle of papers. Moreover, it's unbelievably difficult to read.

Apparently, paper is scarce.

"You still have time until the class, yet you're studying already?"

"Well, I can't help but be curious about what happens next. It's a history book for learning foreign languages, but it's written like a story, so it's interesting. It goes into great detail about culture and people."

Mary smiled with an expression of slight exasperation and returned to her work.

Bassa!

Clatter, clatter, clatter, clatter!

Suddenly, a strong gust of wind blew, making me think that the window was going to shatter.

Startled, I turned my gaze in that direction and saw a large tree near the window swaying its branches as if it were about to be stripped bare.

"Wow, that's a strong wind!"

Perhaps because there is no internet or television here, I have become more aware of the changes in seasons and nature.

In my previous life, there were times when I didn't even realize that summer had arrived until autumn came. So, I think it's nice to be more attentive to these things.

What was it again? Rohas... No, it's something different. Slow life? I think that's it?

Even such passing thoughts quickly returned to the succession struggle in a distant country.

Just as the story was reaching a climax, it was time for breakfast.

"Sheriel, let me introduce you. This is my father and your grandfather, Hermes Beriard."

"Huh?"

"This child is..."

As soon as I entered the dining hall, an unfamiliar man gathered right in front of the door, along with Sergio, Dior, and Didier.

Hermes... Grandpa? Why all of a sudden? Ah, he looks incredibly intimidating, but also incredibly dignified! It's beyond the level of being called a cool older guy. Is this what a gentleman looks like? Should I call him grandpa? Or maybe grandfather? But he exudes an air of calmness and authority. Ah, he's scary! He's an adult! This is what adults are like!

"Sheriel ? Are you spacing out? Are you okay?" Didier's words brought me back to reality, and I hurriedly straightened my skirt and folded my knees.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Sheriel. Pleased to meet you."

"Ah, Hermes."

Ah, he's cool but scary!

Hermes, with his pale blond hair slicked back like milk tea, had a truly noble appearance.

As someone who only knew councilors and servants, Sheriel couldn't help but think that the overflowing elegance was befitting of a noble. She could only come up with childish impressions because her mind hadn't caught up yet.

Hermes glanced briefly at me with a few words and then turned to Sergio and the others standing next to him.

Are the deep wrinkles etched into his face adding to his sophistication and dignity?

As I pondered such thoughts and took my seat, Hermes joined us for breakfast.

"So, what's the meaning of coming here without any notice?"

"I sent a magic bird, but it seems I was faster. It should arrive soon, shouldn't it?"

"Faster than a magic bird... Wait, are you saying you flew here on a familiar?!"

"Yeah, I have a griffin that I turned into a familiar for research purposes. It seems it arrived overnight without drawing attention. Oh, by the way, please feed it. I've let it rest near the eastern tower."

It was the first time I had seen Sergio being tossed around like that, and I felt like I was being shown the dignity of the previous head of the family.

Wait, isn't the eastern tower near my room? Was that gust of wind from the griffon just now? I kind of wanted to see it.

"Didier has grown up, hasn't he? Can he understand the hearts of people?"

"Yes, with the arrival of my sister Sheriel, I have been learning things that I couldn't fully grasp through academic studies."

I thought he was unusually quiet, but Didier completely restrained his usual frivolous attitude. His face, smiling as if saying, "Am I really such a good boy?" was actually quite terrifying. He managed to put up such a facade as an older brother...

Relax a bit. The strain of trying not to be read makes the other person wary.

"Yes, I will do my best to improve."

The seemingly impenetrable honor student's smile vanished, and Didier clearly showed a disappointed expression. Sheriel tried to hide her presence and stole glances at Hermes. She didn't have the courage to stare directly at him, but since she had met a proper blood relative for the first time, even though she was scared, she couldn't help but feel curious.

"Did you say Sheriel..."

"Yes!"

Even though our eyes shouldn't have met, my name was suddenly called, and my body jumped.

"What are your plans for the afternoon?"

"Ah, I have a history class."

"I see. Then during that time, I will teach you about understanding people. Didier, you should accompany her. But before that, it seems there's something I need to ask Sergio."

Eek... Is it going to happen all of a sudden? Is everything okay?

It wasn't just Sheriel who froze. Sergio and, for some reason, Didier also froze.

Dior was happily cutting meat with a smile on her face, seemingly oblivious to it all.

"By the way, what's the deal with that letter? "I have a daughter, so please come and see her," is that it?"

"Well, you see, I couldn't use magical communication tools... So there was no other way."

After the meal, Sergio was taken away first. The back that disappeared down the corridor belonged to a son who hadn't been scolded yet.

Didier cast a gaze of compassion, thinking, "What does it mean to be an adult..."

"It's been a while since he's come here."

"Has my brother been taking classes with Hermes-sama for a while?"

As soon as he entered the room, Didier looked around somewhat nostalgically and motioned for Sheriel to sit on the large armchair. This was Hermes' dedicated study room, in other words, a counseling room. Didier seems to call this place the "interrogation room."

"My obsession was similar to grandfather's, and there was a time when I was slightly viewed with suspicion. So, occasionally, I would have a class that doubled as a diagnosis."

"Suspicion?"

"Yeah, it was too boring until Sheriel arrived. I was trying various things, and it turned out I had a diagnosis like 'tendency for sadism,' or something."

Didier shook his head as if saying, "Oh well, I can't believe it," and continued talking.

"Anyway, you see, Father is skilled in swordsmanship, so the boundaries aren't clear, right? As long as you don't cut, everything should be fine. But when it comes to the human heart, it varies from person to person, where it starts and where it becomes harmful. Playing and bullying depend on the receiver."

"That's true, right?"

"That's why I call it boundaries, I guess. People's tendencies, physical changes. You won't know unless you try, right?"

"Could it be that you don't know about the human heart...?"

"Oh, right. Sheriel, you have a lot of mixed memories, so you don't remember. That's how children are."

No, normally you would learn about it in a different way, right? Like picture books, fairy tales, and also from parents... Ah, parents, is that it?

"I see, so that's why my older brother was like that when we first met..."

"Hmm? I had already received the passing judgment back then."

"Huh?"

"Hmm?"

As they tilted their heads at each other, Hermes suddenly stood near the door.

"Didier was testing if he could kill someone with words, as one of the people in the castle."

"Grandfather, you were quick."

Huh, what's happening now? Brother, are you just letting it slide like that?

Sheriel widened her eyes and looked at the two alternately.