"It's delicious."

The rich, warm flavors melted on my tongue, making me sigh in satisfaction. I had eaten plenty of good food in Korea, meals prepared by expert chefs, yet nothing had ever tasted this amazing.

Was it magic? It had to be.

The idea excited me. If I learned how to use magic, I could infuse it into food, making everything taste even better. Maybe even vegetables…

"If it's that tasty, then you should finish all the vegetables."

I stiffened at my mother's words. My spoon hovered over the plate, dangerously close to those green things I had been carefully avoiding. I needed to change the subject—fast.

"B-But Mom, you still haven't told me the name of that black flower!"

A perfect distraction.

I had never seen flowers from this world before, but something about that dark petal intrigued me. It reminded me of a flower from a novel I once read—a flower that symbolized darkness yet held mysterious healing properties.

Mom exhaled softly, picking up her cup of tea. "Its common name is Black Rose—" she started, but then she paused.

Her cold, piercing gaze met mine, but there was something else hidden beneath it—a smirk. A smirk!

"As for its other name, you will find out yourself. That is your punishment for not eating your vegetables."

"Ehh—" I let out a small whimper, my lips trembling into a pitiful pout. Surely she wouldn't be cruel to a child on his birthday?

But my mother was merciless.

"Don't give me that face. And for the next month, you will be eating only vegetable dishes. That is your punishment for trying to change the subject earlier."

No! This was cruel! Unforgivable! I needed backup—someone who could vouch for me! My eyes darted toward my only ally.

"Carla! Please tell Mom that I always eat my vegetables!"

Carla, my loyal maid, my savior—surely she would support me.

She bowed slightly. "We always maintain a healthy diet for the young master, my lady."

Yes! That was true! See, Mom? I was healthy! Thank you, Carla—

"But every night, he sneaks into the kitchen to eat desserts and sweets."

…

You. Traitor.

I take back every kind word I ever said about you.

Mom's gaze sharpened. "Is this true? That you sneak out every night to eat dessert?"

I was cornered. There was no escape. My mind worked rapidly, trying to find a loophole. Then—I had it.

"No, that's not true," I declared with confidence. Then, carefully, I added, "I didn't sneak out yesterday."

Yes, technically, that was correct! I didn't sneak out every day!

But Mom was having none of it.

"That doesn't make a difference. Emma, return all the desserts we brought with us."

So this is Emma my Mom personal maid.

She was a vision of quiet elegance—black short hair sleek as silk, framing a porcelain face . Her deep, unreadable black eyes held a silent intelligence, revealing nothing yet seeing everything.

Wait—Mom brought desserts?! From the capital?!

A deep sense of betrayal hit me. "Mom! You brought dessert with you?! But last time, you said sweets weren't healthy for me!"

"You remember what I told you, yet you never apply it." Her voice was laced with disapproval. "I brought pastries from the capital's most famous bakery. But since you've been sneaking sweets at night, I have no choice but to take them back with me."

No. No, no, no—this was worse than just losing dessert. This was losing dessert I didn't even know I could have had!

I had to fix this.

"Sorry, Mom! It's my fault for eating too many sweets!" I turned toward Carla, my voice full of regret. "But the desserts and cakes Carla make are just too delicious—I can't help myself! Sorry, Mom! Sorry, Carla!"

Mom sighed, shaking her head. "If you realize what you did wrong, then it's okay. You can eat dessert later."

Yes! Victory!

The real mistake I made was getting caught. Every time.

Carla… she was no ordinary maid.

Mom's expression softened just slightly. "And happy birthday. Your present is already placed in your room, so you can check it later."

I blinked. "Thank you, Mom! I'll cherish your gift!"

A warm feeling spread in my chest. Even if she was strict, my mother never forgot my birthday.

She sipped her tea again. "Now then, what question will you be asking me today? Last time, you asked something that no child your age should even think about."

A small smile tugged at my lips. It had become a habit—every time she visited, I asked her questions. And today was no different.

I took a deep breath, steadying myself.

"My question is simple."

Well, simple to me. But not one you could ask carelessly.

"Do gods exist? And if they do, do you believe in them?"

Mom's fingers paused on the rim of her cup. She met my eyes, her expression unreadable.

"Interesting. You question the very existence of the gods." She tilted her head slightly. "Your question—and my answer—can both cause trouble. But I already told you, I would answer whatever you ask."

She set her cup down.

"Yes, gods exist. The church has deep faith in them, and gods do answer the prayers of believers."

I exhaled slowly. That was an answer I had expected, but confirmation still sent a strange shiver down my spine.

Gods existed.

"So, Mom… which god do you pray to?"

She didn't even hesitate. "I'm not answering that."

I froze.

"But… why?"

"If I tell you now, you'll try to get involved with that god. And that's not a good thing. You're just three years old."

She had a point. But I still wanted to know.

"And now it's my turn to ask a question."

I didn't have many secrets from her… except for one. The truth of my reincarnation.

"Why did you try to change your name, Lucy?"

I stiffened.

So. She was serious about that name.

Yes, Lucy von Zoldyck was the name my mother had given me.

And the only thing I didn't like… was something my mother had chosen.

The reason?

Because it was a f*cking girl's name.

Sh*t.