"Welcome, please take a seat," the woman at the end of the table said with a bright smile.
I sat down next to a guy who looked like he was over thirty. Is he the marquis?
"What's your name?" a man at the other end of the table asked.
Wait, why's he the one talking? Shouldn't the marquis—who's apparently right next to me—be asking that?
"Why should I tell you?" I mocked.
"Because I might not become your biological father, but I will be your adoptive one, kiddo."
I stared at him, confusion clear on my face. My eyes flicked between him and the man beside me. Then I laughed.
"You're joking, right? Isn't he the marquis?"
"That's right."
An awkward silence settled over the room like a thick fog.
"Then... who's that?" I asked, nodding toward the man beside me.
"That's James, the oldest son," Hellen whispered from behind me.
So that old man really is the marquis, I thought. I didn't point this time, but my eyes probably did.
"Pointing is rude," the little girl, Mika, said sweetly. Too sweet. Pathetic.
"I know that, kid. No need to spell it out."
Her eyes welled with tears as she looked at the woman. Tears I caused. I smirked.
"Ahem. That's right. I am the marquis," the man at the end of the table finally confirmed, drawing all attention to himself.
"I see. Cool," I said flatly. I just wanted out. The room was so stiff, so tense. I might've enjoyed their discomfort—but not mine.
Sensing it, Hellen smiled gently and suggested everyone introduce themselves.
The marquis started. Then the marquess. Then James, the oldest son. Then the youngest introduced themselves. And finally... it was my turn.
I cleared my throat, took a deep breath, and began, "I'm Lilith. I'm 15, a high school student—"
Then I stopped. No. That's not right anymore. I wasn't in the world I came from, and I wasn't the same pathetic little human I used to be.
I smiled faintly as the truth settled in again. "...I'm a quarter demon."
"What's high school?" Lila asked.
"Must be some kind of school," her twin brother, Liam, guessed.
"That's right. It's a school for murderers~" I said with a sly grin.
Their shocked faces made it worth it—but I rolled my eyes and added, "Kidding. It's just a normal school."
To be continued...