Growl~
My stomach let out a loud, disgruntled noise. I groaned and clutched my belly.
"Oui! I'm hungry again," I muttered, half-complaining, half-laughing at myself.
As if on cue, the door creaked open.
Lady Nozomi stepped into the room, the scent of warm food preceding her like a divine omen. A tray stacked with all kinds of mouthwatering dishes rested in her hands.
I didn't even try to hide my delight.
"Food!" I reached out with both hands like a toddler offered candy.
Lady Nozomi chuckled at my reaction. "Yes, yes, be patient."
She placed the tray down with practiced grace.
The second it touched the floor, I lunged—like a beast released from its cage.
The first bite melted on my tongue. Flavors burst like fireworks in my mouth, the heat, the spices, the softness of perfectly cooked meat—it was everything. I lost myself in the moment.
"Be careful not to choke," Lady Nozomi warned gently.
Too late.
Hick.
Hick.
"…Or hiccup." She handed me a cup of water, stifling a laugh.
I glugged it down, tapping my chest to chase the hiccups away. Once they passed, Lady Nozomi wiped my mouth with a napkin—gentle, motherly.
I didn't stop eating until the tray was clean.
Burp~
"Yummy!" I said proudly, wiggling my toe like it was the cherry on top.
Master Sylph and Lady Nozomi… At first, I'd thought they were cold, untouchable—merciless. But the more time I spent with them, the more their strange, teasing personalities began to show. It was unexpected.
And kind of nice.
"How are you feeling now?" she asked, tilting her head.
I raised an OK sign.
"Good," she nodded. "Now we can start the second test."
1 month, 13 days later.
Eight tests completed. Eight damn tests.
I was breathing hard, sprawled across the cold floor. My limbs twitched. My body was running on fumes.
"I'm stuck in this room most of the time. No sunlight, no exercise, just the gloominess and emptiness."
I slammed my fist against the ground, groaning. "THIS SUCKS!"
I flailed like a dying fish.
"If I keep this up, I'm going to lose my mind… Just like Masta… I need fresh air."
I stumbled to my feet, swaying like a zombie, and changed into something passable. Then, on all fours, I crawled toward the door.
Creak.
It opened slowly. I dragged myself out into the hall, every joint in my body screaming in protest. I was a ghost. A pale, grumbling ghost crawling toward salvation.
Finally, I reached the garden.
I collapsed on the grass.
"Ah~ I'm alive!" I gasped, inhaling a lungful of clean, crisp air. I blinked, and for the first time in weeks, my vision sharpened.
"Oh! My nose!"
The fragrance of the earth and the flowers flooded my senses, clearing out the murk in my head.
I stood, wobbly but alive, and wandered through the garden.
"So many beautiful flowers," I whispered in awe. "They not only look stunning but also smell delightful…" My mouth watered. "…Tasty too…"
Without thinking, I leaned down and opened my mouth.
WHACK.
"Ouch!" I reeled backward, clutching my head.
Lady Nozomi stood beside me, her hand raised like she'd just disciplined a naughty puppy.
"You shouldn't eat the flowers in the garden," she said firmly. "They're extremely toxic. One lick, and it can kill you instantaneously. You wouldn't want that, would you, young lady Llyne?"
I shivered. "T-Toxic flowers? Deadly smell?"
I rubbed the sore spot on my head. "Then… why plant them here?"
Lady Nozomi's gaze turned sharp.
"They're a defense mechanism. In the House of Aum, even our gardens kill. The flowers release a scent that entices and paralyzes intruders. The venom spreads immediately. Only those with strong poison resistance can pass."
A chill ran through me.
"…Oui… They're truly deadly."
"If you're hungry," she added nonchalantly, "here's some buns."
From her inventory, she pulled out a mountain of warm, fluffy buns like it was nothing.
I dove into them with renewed gusto.
"Thanks, Lady Nozomi!"
She sat beside me as I devoured the food.
"How are you coping so far?" she asked.
I paused, a soft smile on my lips. "Better. My recovery's quicker now. Before, I used to sleep for weeks after just one test. Now it's only a week."
Lady Nozomi nodded. "That's a good sign. Your body's adapting."
"Mhm!" I mumbled, mouth full. "I'm getting stronger!"
She patted my head. "Indeed. Keep it up. Master will be proud."
I hesitated, then spoke honestly. "But lately… I feel like all I do is eat and sleep like a pig. I used to be so athletic. Now I'm just a glutton in bed."
"'Eat and sleep like a pig' is an understatement," Lady Nozomi said, amused. "I remember when you raided the kitchen and emptied everything. The head chef fainted when he saw the fridge. Those ingredients were supposed to last us months."
"I did sleep for weeks! I needed fuel!"
"Still, most people don't eat a ten-person meal and feel hungry again an hour later. Because of you, the House of Aum's food expenses are shooting up faster than light."
"D-Do I eat that much?"
"Yes," she deadpanned. "At this rate, we might need to start farming our own planets."
I lowered my head in shame. "I'm sorry… I've always had a huge appetite. Even back in Eden, my mom said I'd eat a middle-class family's savings in a single day."
"That sounds about right."
"I even tried all those internet tips! Smaller portions, chewing slowly… But they backfired. I ate more!"
Lady Nozomi tilted her head. "Maybe there are worms in your stomach."
"Nope. I got tested. No parasites. No explanation. They just told me to avoid excessive exercise. Still hungry."
"Well, you're young. Your metabolism is at its peak. But once it slows down… you'll start gaining unhealthy fats."
"True…" I sighed. "I'll try to control myself."
"Good. Remember, it's about balance. Let me know if you need help with your diet."
"Thank you, Lady Nozomi," I said sincerely. "I will."
I stretched, feeling the energy surging through me again. "Now that I'm fresh and recharged… I'm ready for the next test!"
Lady Nozomi gave me a confident smile.
"Good luck, young lady Llyne."
And just like that, she walked away—leaving me surrounded by deadly flowers, ready to face hell once more.