As the rustling upstairs came to a stop, Mary led Codette down the spiral staircase. After respectfully returning the keys to their owner and giving a slight bow, she picked up the belongings of the two Outer God Shrine Maidens and prepared to leave.
"Lord Samael, if there are no further instructions, please excuse us for taking our leave first."
"There is one thing..."
Samael smiled, picked up a crisp, rich chocolate cookie from the plate, and bit down with a crunch, looking quite satisfied.
"The cookies taste good. Next time you come, remember to prepare more."
Mary, who had been bracing herself, froze slightly at those words. She raised a hand to cover her cherry lips, and an elegant yet reserved smile bloomed across her delicate face.
"I'm glad you like them."
With the passage of time and the changes in her status, there were not many things left that she cared about.
For a maid, having her skills recognized was deeply gratifying—especially when that appreciation came from the person who had granted her salvation.
"Oh, right, Miss Codette. The books you asked me to buy last time have arrived."
Samael then turned his gaze toward the somewhat shy girl behind Mary. He casually pulled several exquisitely wrapped books from a storage compartment beneath the wine cabinet and handed them to Codette.
Codette was momentarily stunned as she accepted the so-called delivery. Only when someone winked at her with a smile did she suddenly understand. Delighted, she accepted the gift and hugged it tightly to her chest, nodding solemnly.
"My lord, don't worry. I'll definitely read them carefully and seriously listen to your teach... teachings?"
Just as Codette made her earnest vow with the air of a devout believer, her lowered eyes caught sight of the cover: a man