Chapter 4

Upon entering the mansion,

"Whoa..."

"What's with that look on your face?"

The first thing I noticed was the red carpet. Glancing around, I saw expensive-looking paintings, sculptures, suits of armor, and more. Overhead, a chandelier illuminated everything brightly. Right by the entrance, a staircase led up to the second floor. Even the stairs were carpeted, giving off a luxurious vibe. Honestly, having never been inside a place like this before, I had no words to properly describe it.

It felt like The Nobility in every sense. And then—

"Lord Albert, those things floating around...?"

"They're a type of familiar. Looks like they're welcoming you, Yuka."

"Heh, wow..."

Ghost-like lights spun around me in circles. Red, blue, yellow, purple, green—familiars in all sorts of colors were darting about.

"Lord Albert, what about that one?"

"That's a golem. I made it to handle chores."

"A golem..."

It's literally an RPG come to life. Amazing. It looked like a two-meter-tall suit of full metal armor. No eyes where you'd expect—just a single glowing mono-eye like something out of Gundam. It held a mop and a feather duster, busy cleaning. Despite all the movement, there was barely any noise... maybe because of magic?

"My room's on the second floor. Come."

"Ah, right."

"Oh, and I almost forgot. Hey, Yuuka. You're now my vassal. Your species is Arc Demon. Not that it should feel much different from before."

"Eh?"

Hold on, what did I just hear? Vassal? Arc Demon?

"Um, wait a second. Wasn't I human?"

"If a human were to come to this world as-is, the massive magic energy would crush them. So I changed your species. Think of it as a kind of reincarnation."

"HUH!?"

"Quiet! Don't just start screaming!"

No way, seriously? I got reincarnated just like that? Species can change this easily!? And what's more, I don't feel any different physically!

"Um, I don't feel any changes though?"

"You've just been reborn. You'll notice them eventually."

Lord Albert said it so casually. Well, even if he'd told me sooner, what could I have done? It was basically forced on me anyway. What's done is done. No point in resisting. I'm the guy who got blamed for something my bald, scumbag boss did and ended up bowing on the office floor. I'm used to taking things in stride.

Anyway, what really mattered was—

"Can I use magic or anything now?"

"Since you inherited my magic power, you should be able to use lightning-based magic. I'll teach you eventually. Wouldn’t want you burning down the mansion."

Lightning magic, huh? That's seriously cool. I remember how awesome Gash from Golden○ was back in the day. And that heroine who controlled electricity in A Certain ○ Index was amazing too. Seems like I lucked out with a pretty good attribute.

"Thank you very much!!"

"I don’t really get it, but I’m glad you’re happy."

With that, we climbed the stairs and reached a door at the end of the hallway.

"This is my room. Come in."

"Yes, sir."

"There’s something important I need to tell you. Listen carefully."

"Y-Yes..."

Lord Albert looked at me with a serious expression. What could it be? Some rule about the mansion or something?

"Once a day, you have to hug me."

"...Huh?"

What the heck does that even mean?