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  I was lounging on my expensive sofa, watching the exclusive news about myself on my expensive 85-inch TV... Oh, wait, that’s probably a bit too much information! [Chuckling awkwardly—hehehee]

  "Idol Jane has once again broken the charts, becoming the highest-selling music album of the year in just one day! Is there anyone who can stop her? Breaking records like it's a hobby, she’s shattered almost every record in just a year and a half since debuting in the industry!"

  Yes, that’s me. Idol Jane. One and a half years ago, I debuted in the music industry, and the rampage began. Well, not the violent kind of rampage—no need to call the cops—but winning trophies, taking the top spot on all the charts, selling out records, and breaking records? That’s basically my daily breakfast now.

  I debuted through a below-average agency. But now? That agency is the number one in the world. Pretty good, huh?! Successful, established, all my struggles paid off, no boyfriend drama, not in any life-threatening situations, and my career’s looking pretty secure. Now, you might wonder, what’s left to share? Isn’t the story over? Should I share some deep, emotional struggle with you?

  Well... I can’t. I really can’t. Because to be honest, there wasn’t any struggle to begin with.

  "Master, we’ve obtained information about the whereabouts," [an old man in his fifties, dressed in a formal butler suit, bowed from the side.]

  "Oh, then exterminate it tonight. Easy," [rolling my eyes at Inglis.]

  Ah, yes. This old man here is my butler and my right-hand man—the one I trust the most. His name is Inglis, but I call him my shadow. He’s German and has been with me for more than seven years. Why do I call him my subordinate? Well, you’ll see.

  Anyway, back to me—[ I am not done finished introducing myself yet]. I’m Jane. When I debuted, I was 20 years old, and now I’m 21, give or take. One day, I just decided I wanted to sing and make music. Simple as that. I’ve got the looks, the talent, and even the things you don’t need, things you wouldn’t even think to ask for. How can a person ask for something they don’t know exists? Well, let me tell you, I’ve got all of those things that the world didn’t even know they needed.

  But, you know how it goes—where there’s light, there’s darkness. And where there’s darkness, there’s light.

  And the "whereabouts" Inglis was talking about? One of the bases of a cult of darkness. Even in this lively, charming music industry, darkness exists.

  People use it for the success they crave. You might be wondering if I used it. Well, no, I didn’t. I used the light. Remember that "Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic" thumbnail? Yeah, I’ve also got a few wrong ways to use light when the situation calls for it.

  Oh, it's my tea time.

  "ATORIIIII! Serve me tea outside! I’ll be there in a second."

  "Yes, Jane-sama!" [A cheerful female voice responds immediately.]

  Well, by now, you probably know she’s Japanese. Uuuff, I love Japan. Anyway, her name is Atori. She’s a 16-year-old Japanese girl who’s been with me for six months now. She’s so cheerful, unlike Inglis, who’s basically a serious grandpa. Atori always dreamed of being a maid in a mansion, so I made her one. She wears a maid outfit all day and helps with chores like assisting my head cook, Hilde, and serving me tea and food. I actually enjoy keeping her around.

  This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  Atori is basically the head maid. We have five other maids—two work under Hilde in the kitchen, and three regular maids work under Atori. There are also three male servants—one under Hilde and the other two under Atori. Atori loves the authority I gave her. Sometimes, she gets a little carried away with her "head maid" role. Maybe she learned it from anime called thing, but honestly, I enjoy watching her.

  In the front of the mansion is a massive garden, and to the right of it, there’s a huge greenhouse. Right beside the greenhouse, there’s a two-room building that was supposed to be a storage area. But now it’s the residence of Mr. Ota and his son Nagisa. They’ve been living here for the last three years. When Inglis brought them to me, they became my subordinates, though they insisted on staying in the storage rooms instead of the mansion. Mr. Ota refused to live in a luxury building, and Nagisa wouldn’t leave his side.

  So, I had the storage area cleaned up for them. Mr. Ota is an incredibly talented herbalist, and Nagisa has inherited that talent. He’s only 15, though, so I wanted him to go to school. But he won’t. He’s mature beyond his years, and he speaks with wisdom that’s more fitting for an adult than a teenager. Probably all the hardship he’s been through.

  I gave Mr. Ota full authority over the garden and greenhouse. He grows all kinds of rare herbs for me, and thanks to him, I now have an impressive herbal collection.

  "Here’s your tea, Jane-sama. And the snacks. You shouldn’t eat too many though, or you won’t be able to eat dinner properly."

  Right now, I’m sitting in the front garden, facing the greenhouse, at a round table with a massive umbrella shading me. I love extravagant things.

  In front of me is a cup of tea and a tray of delicious, luxurious snacks. I love it.

  "Bring four more cups of tea," [I tell Atori, not even looking at her.]

  "On it!"

  "Oh, and don’t forget to call Hilde too."

  As much as I enjoy my own indulgence, I love sharing it with my subordinates. After all, they’re my only family.

  I spot Nagisa inspecting the garden. He glances at me, and I wave him over.

  “How can I help you, Master?” [He says with a serious expression while bowing.]

  Nagisa is so polite—maybe a bit too polite with me. He still doesn’t feel comfortable around me, and it makes me uncomfortable too. It’s like this cycle of awkwardness. [A painful, forced smile tugs at the corner of jane's lips.]

  “Can you call Mr. Ota here?” [I try to force a smile that doesn’t seem too hostile.]

  “Yes, Master. Right away.” [He gives another short bow and leaves.]

  Not long after, Atori and Hilde come out with another tray of tea cups, and Mr. Ota joins us. Atori serves everyone tea, and I push the tray of snacks gently toward them, signaling I want to share. The weather is perfect—neither too sunny nor too cloudy. A gentle breeze brushes against my cheeks. It’s so relaxing.

  Hilde tells us what she’s preparing for dinner, Mr. Ota briefly updates us on his plant progress [he’s always brief—so brief, she sometimes call him “Brief Ota”], Atori talks about everything on her mind, and Nagisa listens to everyone in silence, contributing nothing. Hilde asks about Inglis, but he’s out on a mission.

  The mansion we’re sitting in is on the outskirts of Landown, one of the most developed countries in the world. Landown is a place where celebrities and businessmen live—the land of the rich. It’s full of opportunities, but no one can get a good look at my mansion. Why? Because they’re not allowed to. And even if someone does manage to peek inside, they’ll have to give up either their memory or their life. Because here lies all sorts of mysteries.

  The afternoon tea with the people in my mansion is as pleasant as ever. With them, I live peacefully in my mystery mansion…

  Hehehe, just kidding! [Wink, wink.]

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