The Secret Room fell silent.
Then bubbles began rising through the liquid in the Culture Vessel.
Bubble, bubble.
Tiny bubbles floated up, and Cosette drifted over from the corner. She stretched out her little hand against the glass, her half-closed eyes opening fully.
Blue-black.
A color much like the [Undead Flame].
The corners of Arthur's mouth lifted slightly. He raised his hand and wiggled a finger against the glass, tickling Cosette's little hand from the other side.
Bubble, bubble.
More tiny bubbles rose.
Only then did Titon, the steward, realize that those bubbles must have meant Miss Cosette was laughing.
The sight warmed his heart.
At least the young lady genuinely liked Lord Credos.
As for being a monster?
Hah, what truly talented person wasn't a monster?
That was nothing more than slander from those of ordinary talent against people whose gifts were beyond their reach.
There was no need to pay such people any mind.
So long as they didn't provoke Creados or the Harold Family.
And if they really dared to provoke them?
Then, just as Lord Credos had said, let them experience the terror of a monster!
Titon stood to one side with his hands lowered, not interrupting the "conversation between father and daughter"-
"Cosette, if you want to grow up healthy, you need sleep. From now on, this place will be very safe.
Nothing will threaten you.
And no strangers will barge in here.
So don't be afraid. Be a good girl and go to sleep."
Arthur comforted Cosette.
Was Cosette frightened inside the Culture Vessel?
Arthur hadn't sensed it.
He had guessed it.
Taking the state of Harold Manor and Baron Harold together, it wasn't hard to guess what was happening-the former was dilapidated, the latter distorted.
It took no thought at all to realize