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Chapter 16
There really are people who can kill with just a word?
Yes, there are.
I nearly had a heart attack.
Seriously, what am I supposed to do when even his outburst is adorable? I don’t even know why he directed his words at me, but if I hadn’t known the original story, I might’ve misunderstood and fallen for him. Thank goodness we’re both only seven years old.
If I were an adult, I might’ve stretched Killian’s honey-sweet cheeks and, whether he liked it or not, kissed him all over—smooch smooch, nom nom!
I let out a breath, warm and full in my chest, mixing it with a laugh and nodded.
“Alright, alright. So, you’re both not going to fight anymore, right?”
“Yes, C-Celestia.”
“We promise. No more fighting.”
With the “make-up with your same-age friends” mission complete, it was time to really start having fun.
The three of us had a wonderful time at the beach. We threw and caught a ball, splashed around with our feet in the waves, drew pictures in the white sand using sticks as pencils, and built sandcastles until the backs of our necks turned red without us even noticing.
Killian and Adel looked so free and happy. Their pale faces were lit with smiles, almost blinding—like the sun and the moon.
Speaking of which, their hair colors match too, don’t they? If platinum-blond Adel is the sun, then silver-haired Killian must be the moon. Hehe.
Just looking at the two of them made me happy too. I remembered my not-so-happy childhood in my past life, and felt a bit envious. Maybe some of Celestia’s lingering feelings surfaced too, as I found myself briefly feeling a little jealous seeing how well they played together—but that feeling quickly faded.
Killian and Adel were gradually growing closer as they enjoyed their time. Even when I took a little break, they kept chatting and playing, and I felt proud that I made them reconcile, even if I had to force it a little. The only shame was that I didn’t have a camera to capture my precious favorites.
Nice.
Everything’s going smoothly.
Perfectly, in fact.
Right on cue, Liz arrived with a bunch of snacks—sandwiches, juice, and desserts.
“Princess, Young Master, Young Lady, it’s time for a snack!”
“Nice timing!”
“Huh? What timing?”
“It’s a thing, Liz.”
To stop her from asking more, I took a big bite out of my sandwich. Once they saw me eating, Killian and Adel each picked up their sandwiches and began munching happily.
“Thank you for the food.”
“Th-thank you, L-Liz.”
Adel stuffed the sandwich into her mouth as if she hadn’t eaten in days.
“Take your time and eat plenty. Let me know if you need anything.”
Liz smiled warmly, like a kindergarten teacher, as she helped us. Killian and I didn’t need much help since we’d been trained in strict etiquette since we were young, but Adel still struggled with pacing herself while eating. Not that anyone pointed it out.
Even when she stuffed her cheeks, she just looked adorable.
To help Adel eat at a better pace, Liz quietly handed her juice and napkins without making it obvious, then began tidying the picnic box before asking:
“Will you continue playing at the beach in the afternoon?”
“Hmm? Killian, Adel—what do you two think?”
Instead of answering on my own, I turned the question to Killian and Adel. They looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders at the same time.
Aaack!
I clutched my chest and let out a dramatic groan. Everyone rushed to me, concerned.
“Liz… I think my heart just exploded.”
“Whaaat? Princess! Are you okay?!”
“Killian and Adel are just too cute.”
Can I see it just one more time? Please?
Shrug-shrug—do it again!
My sincere fangirling made everyone burst into laughter.
We returned to the villa before the sun got even hotter. Our sun-exposed skin had started to itch, and any longer outside might’ve led to sunburn. After washing up and changing clothes, we shared the soothing skin potion Liz brought.
“Killian, hurry and apply your potion.”
“Okay. Did you put yours on, Tia?”
I nodded and looked over at Adel. She’d stopped rubbing the potion into her arm and was staring at me, mouth agape.
“Adel? What’s wrong? Does it sting? Want me to help?”
“C-can I… Can I call you T-Tia too? I want to!”
Ah…
She must’ve heard Killian call me Tia.
I hadn’t even realized, but if Adel wanted to, of course I wouldn’t stop her.
“Of course. You don’t need my permission. I call you Adel too, don’t I?”
“Th-thank you! Tia!”
While applying potion to his neck, Killian’s brows furrowed slightly.
Guess it really does sting.
We should definitely take it easy tomorrow.
As we sat quietly waiting for the potion to dry, someone called for Adel from outside. Liz opened the door, and a maid respectfully delivered the message.
“Young Lady, the Marquis of Rewendiff has sent word.”
“F-father? O-okay. I’ll be back soon, Tia.”
“Alright! We’ll be right here.”
Adel left with the maid, and Liz went to clean the laundry soaked in seawater and sand. I was now alone with Killian.
But for some reason, his expression seemed a bit gloomy.
Was he feeling jealous?
Maybe seeing Adel contact her father?
Nothen’s a horrible man. He abused Killian continuously. But Killian accepted it like it was normal. Maybe it was because of Nothen’s gaslighting. Or perhaps he endured it out of a desperate desire for parental love. Though he eventually breaks free and understands real love after meeting Adel… right now, he’s just a seven-year-old boy. It wouldn’t be strange for him to envy a loving family.
Feeling oddly sympathetic, I couldn’t help myself from meddling.
“Killian.”
“Yeah?”
The moment I met his gaze, which seemed a little different than usual, I was momentarily speechless.
Hmm…
What should I say?
How can I make sure my favorite boy doesn’t get hurt?
After a moment of thought, I decided not to beat around the bush. After all, I already knew he was uncomfortable around the Duke of Märchen.
“Did Duke Märchen say anything about you coming here? I mean, about this trip…”
“Ah… Father isn’t in the capital right now. He went back to the territory.”
Killian tilted his head slightly as he answered.
“I see. Then how did you get permission? Don’t tell me… you came without asking? I mean, um…”
“Count Tolkien came as acting head in his place. He gave me permission… so you don’t have to worry, Tia.”
I see.
No wonder things went so smoothly.
Killian trailed off at the end, and a shadow passed over his face. Was he worried about what might happen later? Or just upset?
Either way, I couldn’t stand seeing my favorite with such a gloomy face. So I cranked my voice up a pitch and beamed at him.
“Well, that’s a good thing! I was worried you might get in trouble because of me.”
“You were… worried? About me?”
“Of course. I was wondering what I’d do if Duke Märchen yelled at you.”
“I see, Tia.”
Killian gave a bitter smile. Wow… even a genius child actor couldn’t pull this off. I swear, I saw autumn leaves fluttering just now.
“Honestly, if you weren’t allowed, I would’ve just dragged you along! Remember what I said? That I always win! So don’t feel bad that he hasn’t contacted you. You have me!”
I tapped my chest twice with pride. Seeing that, Killian smiled and nodded. His shimmering silver hair danced with each movement.
“You’ve got me, Killian. I’ll always be with you! You trust me, right?”
“Really, Tia? You’ll stay with me forever?”
“Well, o-of course…”
Okay, I felt a little guilty about making such a bold promise. But hey, anyone can throw around that kind of line. If it keeps my favorite smiling, I’ll tear my conscience to shreds if I have to. I smiled sweetly at him. Finally, Killian smiled too, his eyes curving like a crescent moon.
That smile… seriously, it could drive someone crazy.
Once again, thank goodness we’re only seven. Phew, seriously.
After finishing her call with the Marquis of Rewendiff, Adel returned to us with a bright expression.
“What did he say?”
“He told me to have a good time with you, Tia. And that he misses me.”
“I see. The Marquis really is… well, quite affectionate. Haha…”
I almost said too much. Even if he’s a chatterbox, he’s Adel’s one and only precious father. I quickly smiled awkwardly, remembering all the dizzying letters the Marquis used to send, and sat Adel down beside me.
“T-Tia, what were you doing?”
“Nothing really. So, what should we do next? Hm?”
“But Killian… don’t you need to call the Duke?”
What the—why would she just blurt that out without warning? Do you know how long it took me to cheer him up?
I instinctively glanced at Killian. After a brief silence, he spoke.
“I’m not very close with my father. Actually… the Duke isn’t my biological father.”
“Whaaat?! Killian?”
You’re revealing that now? Wasn’t that supposed to be after your first night with Adel? But now? Here?
“S-sorry, Killian. I-I really didn’t k-know.”
I was speechless, and Adel looked like she was about to cry again. And yet Killian remained perfectly calm.
“This is my secret, so don’t tell anyone, okay?”
“O-okay. I won’t t-tell anyone.”
Adel nodded vigorously, but I couldn’t help feeling a bit anxious. They were both still so young—there was no guarantee they wouldn’t slip up. What if something bad happened because of it?
“Are you sure it’s okay to say that?”
“We’re friends, right? You’ll still be my friend, won’t you?”
Tia?
Killian mouthed my name without a sound.
“Of course. I’m just… worried, that’s all.”
“That’s enough for me.”
So carefree. So naive.
He wouldn’t say that if he knew what kind of person Nothen really was. That guy even curses you later!
But worrying about things I can’t change won’t help anyone. Now that it’s come to this, I just need to do my part well. My mind was already spinning with plans.
