Light Novels

“I don't think I can quite match your consistency. Hasn’t your penchant for murder remained steadfast from then until now? Who would have guessed that a guest would meet their end on Christmas Eve? Chief, did you come to interrogate this friend, or are you here to protect him as a fellow comrade-in-arms, as you always do?” Was it a misunderstanding—or perhaps wounded pride—that drove Knoxus to attempt my demise alongside the hotel incident? Assad, not the Chief, responded to Knoxus’s rare openly picking on Benya. “Your tongue seemingly itches when a day passes and you haven't picked a fight.” “What fight? Isn’t it natural to suspect the host first when a noble is murdered during a hotel reception? Especially if the host has a strained relationship with the victim. I heard he didn’t even make an appearance during the reception. So where was he, and what was he up to?” “Prince Serpente is far too elegant to resort to bottle-based killings.” Assad’s tone wavered between jest and s...

I turned carefully, enfolding him in my arms, and settled onto the altar. Benya followed suit, as if collapsing, and I pressed a tight kiss to the crown of his head. After a moment of shared silence, Benya—his face buried in my chest—slowly raised his head. The crimson hues of sunset painted his light blue eyes, framed by his long lashes. His hand reached up, intending to brush away the hair covering my ear. But I anticipated his move and swiftly pulled my hair aside. “Do not do that.” “...” “It’s not that unsightly, but I don’t want you to see it.” I snapped playfully and smiled casually. I’d already put him through enough. He’d borne pain on my behalf, feeling what I couldn’t. To say I glimpsed eternity in his eyes, even as they shed blood-tinged tears, would be the height of selfishness. Even if I were to vanish into another world or if our paths never crossed again, asking him to forget me felt like an audacious request. Benya pursed his lips, and a cracked whisper escaped him. “Yo...

The restaurant hummed with New Year’s Eve excitement—the kind that draws crowds, eager for celebration. A line of hungry patrons snaked outside, craving a taste of festivity. But for us, there was no waiting. We were whisked straight to the balcony seats, the same breathtaking view stretching before us. Ah, Serpente—may it thrive forever! My stomach gnawed at me; I hadn’t eaten since waking up. Oh, the hunger pangs! Our Young Master sat there, barely touching his food, while I attacked the caviar-topped canapés, turtle soup, and crab dishes with gusto. Culinary joy threatened to spill into tears. His gaze, usually sharp and focused, now seemed distant and gloomy. “Wow, I was really, really hungry,” I exclaimed. “…” “But why aren’t you eating? No appetite?” I prodded. “… no.” “This is amazing. Watch—I’ll crack this crab open.” Even in my current state, I remained the Queen of Poisonous Snakes! Hehe, destroy! And so, I wielded my fork, extracting crab meat with ruthless precision. The ot...

𝕍𝕠𝕝𝕦𝕞𝕖 𝟙𝟚: 𝕊𝕟𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕃𝕚𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕙 “Woof woof woof!” The snow-blanketed landscape of Serpente Estate, which I hadn’t laid eyes on in nine years, resembled a white fairy kingdom. Wendy, her golden fur dusted with powdery snow, darted in every direction, inviting me to join her playful romp. But my head still spun from the late awakening. It had been ages since I slept in this late. Perhaps I should have ordered a brunch instead of the usual breakfast. Even Jose had taken a vacation, leaving me to forgo dinner at home. “Miss Sasha? Feeling better?” Mr. Pavel’s grumbling voice interrupted my thoughts. “Good morning, Mr. Pavel. After a long rest, I’m fine. Didn’t you take a break while Oppa was away?” He sighed. “Holidays and breaks don’t feature prominently in my memories from working here. I have nowhere else to go, you see…” Mr. Pavel’s gaze shifted, focusing on my face—specifically the right side. My hair hadn’t concealed it as well as I’d thought. I chuckled, covering o...

“My heavens, oh dear, what the hell is this?” The deputy bishop hurried toward me as I descended the stairs, my hands pressed to my head. Two police officers followed closely behind. “Sniff, I… I came to pray for Christmas, but suddenly—” The deputy bishop regarded me with tearful eyes, while the officers who had opened the chapel door exchanged grim expressions. Surveying the scene inside, the deputy bishop crossed himself. “My goodness! Blood defiling the holy temple—what kind of evil is this?” “Calm down, Deputy Bishop,” one of the officers interjected. “It appears to be the work of the Night Butterflies. Miss, did you witness who might have done this?” “Sniff…” “It’s all right, my Lady” the other officer assured me. “Now that you’re safe, there’s nothing to fear. Here’s a handkerchief.” “This poor woman must have been utterly shocked! How did things deteriorate to this extent in our country?” “I share your shame, Deputy Bishop, I never imagined something like this could happen on C...

"Kyaaa! What, why are you here…” Unfortunately, it seemed they hadn't managed to lock the door—this couple within. “You believed I wouldn't locate you amid a tryst?!” “Is it your crowning achievement, having finally ferreted us out?!” “W-what?! This woman… No, then who is this? Are you the Marquis Peroro?! I pondered if my wife was the object of your affection, but it's you?!” “Well, but…” "Damn it! I can't let this slide. If you wish for me to keep mum, provide the requisite compensation! Otherwise, I'll divulge the entirety of this to your family…” “Hey, you scoundrel! Is that all you have to say?!” “Ah! I can't maintain my composure when dealing with an old man like you!” Midst this couple whose conversation was marked by ceaseless shouting, the Marquis of Peroro was situated in the center, unsure of how to proceed, his hand covering his center. I had a particular objective in mind, but was this a con artist couple scheme? I discreetly shut the door...

Juan shook his head. His pink eyes held a vacant expression, as if his very soul had been drained, and his face and the white tails of his coat were splattered with blood. It looked like he'd been spattered with someone else's blood. "What happened..." "I-I don't know... It just happened... He's not moving... " "Whom are you talking about?" Mr. Pavel persisted with his inquiries, yet Juan's response remained a blank stare aimed in my direction, devoid of any discernible reaction. Taking action on impulse, I grabbed Juan's wrist and guided him into a nearby room. We hastened into an employee-only restroom. Mr. Pavel secured the bathroom door while I led Juan to the sink, turning on the faucet to let cool water flow. Juan tentatively pressed his lips against the water stream, as if he had regained some semblance of awareness upon hearing the soothing sound of water. "I instructed him to surrender it to me... No, I instructed him ...

Just then, someone called out in a cheerful tone and hurriedly approached, interrupting Juan's words. As the siscon Prince hesitated and continued down the stairs, I smiled and turned to the enthusiastic banking apprentice. "Do you enjoy the party?" "Y-Yes, of course! It's my first time experiencing such a luxurious Christmas Eve. Thank you for inviting me." "Of course, as your cousin's wedding, you should be attending. Did your father accompany you?" "Yeah, he wanted to greet you, Madame Sasha. And earlier... Well, this is a humble Christmas gift from me." I widened my eyes in mock surprise at the small gift box that Pierro shyly handed over, scratching his platinum hair. "Oh... You really didn't have to..." "M-My gift is really insignificant! Still, I chose it wholeheartedly... I-I hope you like it." "I'm looking forward to seeing what's inside. I really appreciate it. I'll cherish it." ...

“Well, it's a bit awkward to say this... There are rumors, however absurd, that suggest that Alsie and the Duke's engagement was orchestrated by you. That you had a suitable substitute ready for the Duchess's seat. So, I was wondering... perhaps Sasha…” "Even if those preposterous rumors were true, what would you do about it now?" "Excuse me...?" Her eyes widened in disbelief as if she couldn't fathom what she had just heard. Observing her reaction, I quirked the corner of my mouth. “That's precisely what I said. Why is someone who cares so much about her friend bringing this up now that everything is done and over with? There's no going back at this point.” "What in the world..." "Why not be straightforward? That's not what you really want to ask me. You're curious about my relationship with the Ducal Prince, not the Duke." As I untangled her clenched hands from mine and pulled away slightly, her usually fair chee...