"W-what are you guys doing!?"

Upon hearing the prince's voice, Earl took his face away and greeted politely. "Your Royal Highness."

"I-I asked what you guys are doing!" Prince Seth continued to blush and stutter. It could not be helped. He was entering puberty and his mind was on overdrive on certain subjects.

"I am simply having fun with my maids, your Royal Highness. Although, I must offer my most sincerest apologies for being in such location that your Royal Highness was able to spot us." Earl was saying one thing but his actions were that of another. His hand moved around to touch Aria's body sexually.

"Master... The prince is watching..." Aria whispered over to Earl blushingly.

It was a simple statement that only acted to further Earl's behaviour. How could he stop his hands when Aria was looking at him with such a cute expression? Furthermore, it was amusing to see how the prince would react.

The prince fumed seeing that Earl continued to act unrestrainedly in front of him. "Get your hands off Aria!" He said in his childish voice.

"Huh?" Aria and Earl both let out voices of confusion. Earl then suddenly let out a smirk.

"Your Royal Highness."

"What?"

Earl's smirk grew wider as he mouthed out his words. "Why do you know the name of my maid?"

Slaves were the belongings of their master. It was a simple manner to not meddle in others' belongings. The prince ultimately realized this fact as well after Earl presented his question. "W-w-why wouldn't I know?"

"Fufufu." Earl laughed at Prince Seth's reaction. The previously blushing boy with silver hair and blue eyes was now completely red in the face. Even if he was a prince, he was still a child. And children would not know what to do when placed in this sort of situation. And so, to not make things too difficult for the child prince, Earl took a step back.

"I understand. Well, although it pains me to leave so early, I shall take my leave now, your Royal Highness." Earl released his embrace on Aria and took her hand. "Let's go home now, Aria. Lily."

"Yes, master!" Aria replied more enthusiastically than she should've. Being in the situation really got her blood pumping. She then eyed Lily to respond in the same manner. Right now, the little girl with red hair was still standing in the corner like a chicken.

"...Yes, master." Lily nodded cutely after Aria's urging and followed her master. Her short skirt fluttered in the wind as she ran after them, leaving the sight of her garters to be seen by the prince.

Earl waited for Lily to catch up and said his last words to the prince. "I shall see you at your birthday party, your Royal Highness."

When Earl completely stepped out of the Royal Palace, he hugged Aria's waist and told her. "It seems the prince has his eyes on my Aria."

She shook her head and said strongly. "No way. Aria belongs to master!"

Once again, Aria's cute expression was right in front of him. He blew some hot air onto her elven ear to tease her. "Of course. But it's not really a surprise. My Aria is so beautiful, she would always attract eyes."

"Master..." She blushed.

He gave her head pats and called Lily over. "You too, Lily. Come here."

Lily tilted her head curiously and stepped to Earl's side only to be immediately embraced. This was her first time being embraced and it was... comfortable. She had wondered why Aria made those expressions while being embraced by master, and now she understood.

"Master..." She subconsciously muttered because of how comfortable her master's touch was.

"That's right." Earl nodded. "I am your master so rely on me, alright? I know you are still familiarizing yourself in this new environment but know that by being with me, I will give you comfort and security. You'll learn to serve me from Aria, and I, your master will protect you."

From Earl's words, Lily widened her eyes slightly. Comfort. Security. Protect. Those were the words she needed to hear. As someone who had no memories of her life prior to being a slave, those were the things she needed that she did not know she needed.

"Master... Lily can trust you, right?" She asked genuinely. She was opening up.

"Yes. You can always trust your master, and I will also trust you. It's a special relationship between us." Earl rubbed Lily's head to assure her. He had to angle his arm a different way to reach her head because her horns were in the way.

"Okay. Lily will trust master." Lily firmly nodded.

This would be the moment that Lily will never forget. Years from now, she would look back and consider it the turning point in her life. It was the moment when she truly became a part of Earl's household.historical

From Earl's other side, Aria fondly nodded. This was the talk that Lily needed to have.

That night, Aria began to teach Lily how to read and write and also answered any questions she had.

Lily was like a machine when she started to ask questions. She asked about the city, the kingdom, and mostly about her master. She wanted to know everything about him. His age, hobbies, background. How Aria met master and et cetera.

When Aria was finally done answering Lily's questions, she tucked Lily into bed and turned off the light. The room was suddenly shrouded in darkness, and the only source of light was from the window from which the brightly lit streets of Ablax could be seen.

Along with the darkness, came silence. It was soothing.

"Aria." Lily suddenly said.

"What is it?" Aria asked as she placed the lightless lamp on to the table.

"Can I call you big sis?"

"..."

"I don't have any family members. And you've taught me so much over these past few days..."

"You don't need to say anymore... Of course. Of course, you can!"