Greetings, Mister Principal

On the western outskirts of Berger, a two-story building was casting a long shadow in the sunset. This building had obviously been renovated recently. The white mortar on the wall was emitting a special fragrance due to the plants climbing the corner of the wall having grown new shoots.

Anvina hurriedly walked down the street, passing by several city residents. People nodded and smiled at the young girl. Anvina bowed to them one by one as she came to the door of this building.

Taking out the key, she opened the door and entered.

"Mom, I'm back... Why are you here?"

However, the moment she just stepped over the threshold, she saw two uninvited guests sitting at the table.

"We've asked the people in the city and inquired about your home."

The male of the two said. He had short light gray hair and amber pupils. He was handsome and young, looking calm and confident.

"So I came uninvited, I hope it doesn't disturb you."

"Where is my mother..."

Anvina shuddered. Although she had a hunch, she didn't expect that they would really find her.

"She's cooking dinner in the kitchen, mhm, it's so fragrant."

The man smiled. Anvina glanced at the kitchen and indeed, saw her mother humming a small tune while cooking as always. She relaxed and opened the cupboard to take out the dinner utensils.

Because it was usually only her and her mother at home, the additional tableware had to be taken from the depths of the cabinet. Anvina cleaned them and set them on the table.

"Please allow me to introduce myself, I'm Reiner Ian Gray, this is Claire, as you can see, we are mages."

As Anvina set the plate, the man, Reiner said to her.

"I know you are a mage, I saw you at the mansion."

Hearing Anvina's response, Reiner nodded slightly as he scrutinized the maid who he had noticed earlier.

Anvina had long blonde, slightly curly hair and delicate skin. She looked above average in Reiner's opinion, but her appearance was a little plain without makeup. She was not wearing her maid's outfit at the moment, but a normal coarse dress. To be honest, if it weren't for the long blond hair that was very eye-catching, Reiner probably would not have been able to distinguish her from other maids.

He had relied on this feature to inquire in the city.

"It seems that I didn't find the wrong person."

Reiner confirmed as they looked at each other. Anvina's emerald eyes flashed with hesitation.

"You know Elymia, right?"

Anvina's hand movements stopped at Reiner's question. She gripped the edge of the plate as if struggling before sighing lightly and replied.

"Yes, I know Miss Elymia. In fact, I have been responsible for taking care of her diet and daily life at home for the past few years."

Taking the plate from Anvina, Reiner set it down on the table.

"What happened to her? That is not the Elymia I know!"

Claire asked from the side. She hadn't known why Reiner had brought her to this house, but now she understood.

"This… is a long story."

Anvina bit her lower lip and didn't continue.

"Oh, Anvina, you are back. These two mages specially came to visit you. I made your favorite chickpea stew."

Her mother just came out of the kitchen with a pot of steaming vegetables.

"Madam, let me help you."

Reiner gently raised his arm, the wizard's hand firmly held the pot of stew and placed it at the center of the table.

"Oh, thank you. Anvina, what are you doing? Come and help."

"Okay, mother."

Anvina was dazed for a moment and then hurried into the kitchen.

......

Although the simple dinner was not a delicacy, it was still delicious. After everyone enjoyed the stew, Anvina's mother went upstairs to rest after cleaning the table and kitchen. When there were only three people, Reiner continued to ask.

"Is the relationship between Elymia and the Erubiorene family not so good?"

Hearing Reiner's words, Anvina was a little surprised.

"If they are really following the traditions of these pure-blood mages with Elymia marrying her elder brother, as the bride-to-be, they should be taking good care of her. However, her clothes are obviously dirty and she is very haggard looking. Moreover, her original personal maid had been replaced. This is not a normal situation."

Anvina, a girl under twenty years old, felt like she was being stared at by a predator while under Reiner's gaze

"How did you know that I was replaced..."

"You told me just now." Reiner shrugged.

Anvina was taken aback. Then he continued.

"I believe you care about Elymia, otherwise it is impossible for your body to tense up when you heard her name. You know, among so many maids, only you were shaken earlier."

"Am I that obvious?"

Anvina gently bit her own finger. To be honest, she was really powerless facing Reiner.

"So Anvina, if you can tell me more about Elymia and the Erubiorene family, I might be able to help her."

Reiner said, causing Anvina to fall silent.

After a long time while the candlelight flickered, Anvina slowly started speaking.

"Actually, Miss Elymia is an illegitimate daughter."

"An illegitimate daughter? "

Claire almost spat out half of the tea she was drinking. Her eyes went wide as her face was filled with disbelief.

"In fact, Master Erubiorene originally had three wives. The first wife gave birth to Master Edward and Miss Esis, the second wife gave birth to Miss Margaret, and the third wife was Miss Elymia's mother."

Anvina explained with a deep melancholy expression.

"But Miss Elymia's father is not master Erubiorene. Not long after Miss Elymia was born, her mother was accused of having fornication with other men and was later imprisoned in the tower until her death. Afterwards, she was not buried in the family cemetery, but in a public cemetery with other people from the city."

"So, Elymia's status in the family has been very low ever since she was a child. Even the servants of the Erubiorene family looked down on her..." Reiner inferred.

He didn't expect that there was such a hidden secret. It is unlikely that Elymia's life at home would ever be easy in the future.

"That's right, even Miss Elymia had believed that her mother betrayed the family and always felt inferior about her identity. Perhaps this is why she is willing to stay."

Anvina added with a sigh, feeling rather helpless