TVSI 08

Chapter 08

“In my personal opinion, Young Master, since you have deep golden eyes, this heliodor would suit you best.”

It certainly matched Emil well. The gem wasn’t overly bright yellow, but rather glowed with a soft golden hue like sunlight.

Still, Emil rejected it briefly.

“…I don’t like gold.”

It was probably because of his eyes. As if golden gems had never even been taken out, the jeweler immediately opened another box.

“These blue topaz and sapphires are also excellent choices. If you prefer something elegant, diamonds would be wonderful as well.”

But again, Emil reacted indifferently.

At this point, wouldn’t it be easier to just buy everything like before? He didn’t seem particularly interested in jewelry.

Still, after some time, with Mom’s help, Emil managed to pick out several decent items.

“This is enough.”

Even if he called it “a few,” it was still far more than most people could casually purchase. The jeweler smiled brightly and bowed deeply.

“We look forward to serving you again. If you ever need any other jewels, please don’t hesitate to call for us.”

As soon as he left the drawing room, I stretched and stood up.

“I have something to say to the jeweler who just left. I’ll be right back.”

“…Want me to come with you?”

“No, it’s okay.”

When I stepped into the hallway, the jeweler had already made it to the first floor.

“Wait a moment!”

Gathering up my dress, I hurried down the stairs, making him visibly startled.

“Y-you’ll fall!”

“I won’t. More importantly, do you have a moment? There’s something I’d like to order secretly.”

Thinking it must be something important if I had rushed after him, he asked cautiously,

“Is it a gift for His Grace?”

“No. Not for Dad.”

I placed a finger to my lips.

“Shh. I want to order a pair of cufflinks—simple and elegant enough to still be worn even as an adult.”

As I described the design in detail, the jeweler looked astonished.

“Where did you hear of such a design?”

He quickly pulled out a notebook and began sketching.

The design featured tiny gemstones intricately set together to create a picture. It was the kind of style that would become hugely fashionable once I became an adult.

“This would require extraordinary craftsmanship.”

“Is it impossible?”

Thankfully, the jeweler smiled confidently.

“Not at all.”

After confirming that Ilena would handle the payment and successfully placing the order, I sighed in relief.

That took care of the biggest task.

When I returned upstairs to the now-busy drawing room being cleaned up, Mom and Emil were waiting.

“Emil, are you tired?”

“…Not really.”

“Your face says otherwise. Shall we go rest now?”

Emil didn’t refuse.

And little by little, Emil began adapting to our house.

For someone who had suffered oppression and abuse since birth, the scars didn’t disappear easily.

But with affection and care, things could gradually improve.

Over the two years Emil stayed with us, much of the darkness he had carried on those small shoulders faded.

“Bell, I came to pick you up.”

“Already?”

The child who once hated how timid and withdrawn he had become—who thought such behavior was only natural—had now regained quite a bit of confidence. Naturally, he looked far better this way.

Changes in mindset influenced expressions and behavior too.

Though his expressions were still subtle, he no longer constantly watched others or worried about their opinions.

Bit by bit, his likes, dislikes, and preferences became clearer.

“Sorry, can you wait a little longer? I think I’ll take some more time.”

Isana was still fixing my hair, so it was hard to turn my head.

As I had always encouraged him to, Emil naturally sat on the sofa and waited nearby.

I didn’t notice because he’s always beside me, but he’s gotten much taller.

Girls usually grew faster at this age, yet Emil’s height wasn’t far from mine anymore.

“Want a snack? We just got these.”

“I’m okay.”

“Then I’ll eat them when this is done.”

“Miss, you said that earlier too, but you secretly ate some halfway through.”

“…You saw?”

At the conversation between Ilena and me, I heard a small chuckle.

“Want me to feed you?”

“Mmm, okay.”

Emil approached with a cookie but suddenly paused.

“What? Is my hair weird?”

“…No, it’s not that.”

Pretty.

While he quietly murmured the word, I quickly bit the cookie.

Behind us, Isana and Ilena laughed.

“Miss, it’s all done. What do you think?”

“Thank you. I love it.”

As soon as my hair was finished, I grabbed Emil’s hand and headed to the mirror.

Half of my shoulder-length hair had been tied up, leaving the back of my neck pleasantly cool. A glossy ribbon swayed elegantly whenever I moved.

After staring at the ribbon for a moment, I looked at Emil.

Today was a rare occasion, so seeing him dressed up this much felt strange.

“Emil, dark colors suit you really well.”

“I don’t know. I can’t really tell.”

“I’m serious. It’s just… um…”

Like some angelic-looking kid suddenly turning into the budding villain…

I stopped myself.

This child really was the son of a villainess.

My expression nearly stiffened.

“You—you look even more handsome.”

“…That’s good, then.”

Even though I stumbled over my words, Emil casually extended his arm.

“I’ll escort you.”

Where had he learned that?

He was only twelve, yet offering to escort me felt both adorable and admirable.

“Before, we just held hands. When did you learn this?”

“…His Grace.”

Ah, right. He must have learned by watching Dad escort Mom.

“Thanks. Then I’ll leave it to you.”

I took his still-small hand.

From behind us, I heard Isana say to Ilena with a smile,

“They’re both so adorable.”

To adults, we probably looked like children playing house.

Embarrassingly enough, since we were dressed in similar colors, it almost looked like what the Duke of Callicst had said before—that we were already engaged.

“Did you match your clothes to mine on purpose?”

“The outfit I was originally going to wear got stained.”

“Oh, right. The one you showed me before was different, wasn’t it?”

For an important banquet like this, Mom and the butler checked every outfit in advance. I had wondered why he was wearing something different, but a stain made sense.

Some time after we got downstairs, Mom and Dad came down too.

“I think changing Emil’s clothes was the right call. Dear, don’t they look good together?”

“…Did the colors really need to match?”

“What’s the harm?”

Ignoring their conversation, we boarded the carriage.

Once we entered the main road, several other carriages heading toward the Imperial Palace came into view.

Normally, children who hadn’t debuted in society weren’t expected to attend official banquets. If this had been an ordinary event, Emil and I would’ve been lazily lounging around at home.

Unfortunately, today’s banquet was far from ordinary.

Princess Elsie had been born.

It was a joyful event for the imperial family, who had gone so long without a child.

All nobles in the capital—unless prevented by unavoidable circumstances—had been ordered to attend. This included children who would grow up in the same generation as the princess.

The Emperor probably wanted to judge future companions with his own eyes rather than rely on rumors of whose son or daughter was promising.

“There’s a playroom prepared for children, so stay there and wait, alright?”

“Don’t worry.”

Mom gave us all sorts of advice.

In short: greet nobles of higher rank properly, and don’t follow strangers just because they offer to buy you a house.

I’ve heard not to follow strangers offering candy, but never one offering a house.

The carriage passed through the palace gates without trouble.

Mom and Dad headed to the banquet hall, while we were guided to the children’s room.

“B-Belsia!”

“Bri!”

The first person to run toward me was Blensia Byute.

“I’ve missed seeing you. Y-you look wonderful today too.”

“You too, Bri. You said you were learning something new recently, so you must’ve been busy. Thank you for still sending letters. I treasure every one of them.”

Though we had exchanged invitations and letters, it had been a long time since we’d seen each other.

Blensia, dressed in yellow, looked just like a chick.

Her soft light-brown hair was tied back, making her gentle impression seem even softer.

Her chirpy voice practically sounded like peeping.

“Ah, Emil came too.”

After greeting me, Blensia finally noticed Emil beside me and turned pale.

“I-I’m sorry. I got too…”

“It’s fine.”

“But still…”

“It’d be weird to raise my voice over a greeting. Besides, we’ve already met before.”

Emil casually brushed off her mistake.

Relieved, Blensia carefully moved closer to my side.

Before I knew it, I had Emil on my left and Blensia on my right—flowers in both hands.

“Hello, Young Master Callicst.”

Thanks to the two of them, I was spared from the other children.

Even if Emil made sense, I hadn’t expected some children to be intimidated by Blensia too.

Since we were already here, I was about to go look around the garden.

“It’s been a while, Young Master Callicst.”

The tone—half mocking, half not—was familiar.

Hildred.

“You too.”

“Mmm, I suppose.”

“Looks like you even matched outfits?”

“That just happened.”

Apparently, no one had intentionally mentioned our matching colors, because Bri flinched.

“I-I know you two are close, but matching outfits makes it seem like…”

I knew what she meant without her saying it.

“…”

Emil merely stared at Hildred, apparently unwilling to even talk to him.

“Emil’s just a friend.”

“Oh, i-is that so?”

Is this really the kind of conversation kids have?

Though if there ever came a time when my connection with Emil weakened, engagement would admittedly be a useful method.

At my denial, Emil briefly looked at me.

Covering my mouth so Hildred couldn’t see, I whispered,

“Don’t worry about it too much.”

If Emil ever found someone he liked, I wouldn’t force an engagement just to keep him close.

Especially if that person could comfort him and prevent my family’s massacre.

“Anyway, don’t bully Emil.”

“I never bullied him.”

“But he already seems uncomfortable around you.”

Because of the palace setting and the eyes on us, Hildred relaxed his expression.

Then, surprisingly, he admitted it easily.

“Fine. Then I won’t bother him.”

The surprisingly cooperative Hildred waved toward his group and walked away.

“Bell, want juice?”

“I’m okay. Bri?”

“If Lady Belsia isn’t drinking any, then I’m fine too. Ah! Young Master, those seats over there look quiet.”

After checking where Blensia pointed, Emil accepted juice from a passing attendant.

I was worried Hildred would pick another fight.

Unexpectedly, things seemed calm.

It would’ve been even better if Hildred hadn’t come back.

“Why are you here again?”

“I have something to say.”

“Something to say?”

Hildred raised both hands toward Bri and Emil as if to show he meant no harm.

Trying to look harmless only made him seem more suspicious.

“I just want to talk for a moment. So stop glaring.”

“I-I wasn’t glaring…”

Unlike the flustered Bri, Emil said nothing.

After a moment, Emil told me,

“Go. We’ll wait.”

It should be fine if it’s only for a moment.

Keeping some distance but staying close enough to the two, I followed Hildred.

“You really look like a mother hen herding chicks.”

Clicking his tongue, he pointed at Emil and Bri.

“Must be entertaining dragging them around.”

“That sounds more like you.”

“No way. The kids I keep around all have their uses.”

“Just tell me why you called me over.”

Whatever it was, it’d either be an annoying proposal or some kind of interrogation.

When I clearly wanted him to get to the point, Hildred frowned slightly.

“You’re impatient.”

“Because there are too many people trying to get close to Emil like you.”

Apparently displeased with my answer, irritation flashed across his face.

As I glanced toward Emil, I reluctantly reached over and patted Hildred’s head.

Immediately, he grabbed my hand and pulled it away.

“You really…”

“What? Annoying? I know.”

The moment he let go of my hand—

A shadow fell beside us.

And suddenly, I understood what Hildred had been trying to say.

Ah. Considering today’s event, it’d be stranger if he didn’t show up.

Hildred flashed a polished smile.

“You’re late, Rastain Lucretius.”

Someone I had almost forgotten.

More mature-looking than the other children.

Tall for his age.

Dark purple eyes carrying an intimidating aura despite how young he was for someone who had already begun training with a sword.

The second son of the Lucretius Ducal House.

Rastain.

My fiancé from my previous life