After leaving the dining room, I went straight to my room, the only place in this big house that still felt safe to me.
The silence here gave me space to think. I might look carefree on the outside, but deep down, I was worried. Staying here was dangerous, and one day, it might even cost me my life.
Still, the system’s mission was a clear hint that this was where I needed to be. My priority was to make Ella and Ellie dance in the palm of my hand.
Her mother would be easy, but that brat was a different story—she was able to resist my skill completely because of how hostile she was toward me.
From what I’d learned so far, my power didn’t work as well on people of the same gender, or on those who already had a bad impression of me.
It made sense, though. My ability wasn’t full hypnosis, just something close to it.
knock! knock !
"Come in."
A young woman in her mid-twenties stepped inside, dressed in the household’s black-and-white uniform. Her golden-blonde hair was neatly tied back, and I already knew she was a hottie, even with her head slightly bowed.
When she looked up, her blue eyes revealed a fleeting emotion before she quickly averted her gaze.
"Alice."
My personal maid.
Her mother served as the head housekeeper, and her father worked as a butler who later managed the estate.
She grew up alongside the original, running through these very room whenever the staff weren’t looking.
Ace had liked her even then, though he had never said it aloud.
But as they got older, the gap between them widened — not because the feelings faded, but because fear took their place. With Ethan watching for any chance to make his life miserable, and with his family’s status in decline, Ace began to keep his distance to protect her.
Frankly, I feel bad for him. His step-siblings were a bunch of jerks.
My heart pounded faster with every breath—a reminder that this body still remembered her. I wasn’t the type to get caught up in emotions, but tonight, I would be more mindful of my actions.
"Young master Ace? Is there something you need?"
I took a deep breath, returning to the present. "Alice. How long has it been since we’ve spoken? Actually spoken?"
She moved uncomfortably. "I’m not sure what you mean, sir."
"Drop the ’Master.’ It’s just us."
"That wouldn’t be appropriate." Her voice was cool, professional. Gone was the girl who always smile.
"I’m sorry for treating you badly before..." I sighed, pretending to be guilty.
Her lips pressed together, and her eyes looked away for just a second before she met mine again, hiding whatever feeling appeared on her face. I knew that wasn’t the look of hatred or indifference.
Taking advantage of this I continued.
"Since my mom died, this house felt different. But after everything I’ve been through, I realized life still has a lot to offer. I just want to make up for my mistakes... starting with you, my dearest friend."
Her eyes widened, and she clasped a hand over her mouth as tears began to fall.
The sudden changed in her expression caught me off guard. I did not expect my words to affect her this much; perhaps Ace never really understood how deep their friendship had been.
"Alice, I—"
Her footsteps cut me off as she closed the distance between us, arms encircling me in a tight embrace.
"I’m glad that you’re okay now, young master. I’m really glad."
Unable to hold back her emotions any longer, she buried her face in my chest. Her tears soaked through my shirt, but I didn’t mind. I was glad I didn’t use my ability on such a sweet girl.
Hugging her back, I whispered, "I miss you, Alice."
She pulled back just enough to see my face. Relief etched every feature, her tears evolving into laughter and joy.
"I miss you too."
Her innocent look made my heart flutter like never before. Without thinking, I leaned in and kissed her. I half-expected her to pull away.
But that never happened. Instead, she kissed me back, and we stayed like that for over a minute before finally pulling away. Evidently, I had inherited not just Ace’s resentment, but also his feelings for her.
"I’m sorry, young master, I didn’t mean to," she stuttered, and I silenced her with another kiss.
It felt good, knowing this wasn’t the system’s skill doing.
I pulled back with a faint smile, studying her face before letting my forehead rest gently against her shoulders. "Do you like me too?"
She couldn’t hold back the tears and nodded. "Yes... I’ve liked you since we were little."