Chapter 112 …
At Helion’s words, Marquis Dorter fell silent. He didn’t quite know how to respond to the child. Just the mention of Duke Lespel carried significant weight.
‘Even if Helion is lying…’
As long as Duke Lespel’s name was involved, even suspicion had to be expressed cautiously. Watching this exchange, Kesel finally spoke.
“What? You mean Duke Lespel cares about you that much?”
Kesel looked down at Helion as he asked. In the past, Helion would have flinched instinctively. But Helion now was different. The boy did not avoid his elder brother’s gaze.
“…Yes. The Duke cares for me a lot. So much so that he told me to inform him immediately if anything happens.”
Helion said this boldly, with a serious expression. Kesel was momentarily taken aback by the change.
“R-Really? The Duke actually said that?”
Without realizing it, Kesel clenched his fist tightly. He had not expected Helion to challenge him this way—not only because Helion had Duke Lespel’s favor, but also because of his newfound confidence.
“That’s right. If you want, I could even bring you a letter from the Duke.”
Helion’s continued words made Kesel bite his lip. He had never seen Helion so self-assured, and he didn’t like it at all.
“Don’t get too full of yourself.”
Kesel muttered softly. Yet Helion was unafraid.
“I’m not full of myself. I’m just stating the truth.”
Helion responded with the same serious gaze. Kesel raised his fist for a moment—but the boy’s presence was enough for Marquis Dorter to intervene, grabbing Kesel’s hand.
“Kesel, don’t do anything reckless.”
At the Marquis’s words, Kesel merely bit his lip. When the boy’s grip loosened, Dorter finally let go.
“…Helion, go ahead.”
Dorter immediately looked at Helion, who nodded respectfully before turning and quickly leaving the Marquis’s residence.
Dorter and Kesel watched Helion’s back as he headed toward the Lespel family carriage. Kesel clenched his fist as Helion climbed into the carriage, but Dorter lightly patted his shoulder.
“Don’t hate the boy too much.”
“But Father…!”
Kesel wanted to say something, but he couldn’t bring himself to voice his feelings for Helion.
In truth, Kesel had never disliked Helion from the beginning. His resentment only began a few years ago.
At most, two and a half years ago. The cause?
‘It was when we measured his magical power.’
Dorter had tried every method to find his sons’ talents since their childhood. Kesel excelled in almost every skill—but magic was different.
‘Helion’s magical power… it was said to be several times greater than mine.’
Kesel bit his lip again, remembering. He recalled his father’s expression upon hearing Helion’s magical power—a rare moment when Dorter, who had always considered Kesel the heir, showed interest in Helion for the first time.
‘Not just the quantity, but also the innate talent for magic…’
Kesel hated that. Helion’s magical talent. And that his father secretly admired it. Of course, Kesel’s other skills were superior, which is why he became the heir.
‘But if one day, Father chooses Helion instead of me…’
The mere thought sent shivers down Kesel’s spine. So he began tormenting Helion—to ensure he would lose hope in this household and the idea of succession.
But even that was no longer possible. Helion had now become involved with the Lespel family.
‘Damn it. If that kid really becomes the heir…’
Kesel bit his lip, silently praying that his worst fears wouldn’t come true.
Helion began visiting the Duke’s household regularly, and Angelica started taking magic lessons from Skaro. Time passed quickly.
Six years had already flown by. During that time, Angelica and Helion grew steadily under the protection of the Duke’s household, along with the other Lespel siblings.
Angelica had turned thirteen, Helion sixteen, Leonard sixteen, and Tairen fourteen.
During these years, various incidents occurred—not as dramatic as those Angelica experienced at seven, but still part of their lives. Many were trivial enough to barely be called incidents.
“Rika, did you sleep well?!”
At the early dawn, Angelica’s bedroom door swung open. Still groggy, she looked up at the visitor.
Her soft pink hair and blue eyes were stunning even at this early hour. It was Celia Lespel.
“Uu, Mama…”
Angelica yawned softly as she looked at her. Celia smiled brightly and stepped forward, hugging Angelica tightly.
“Did you sleep well, my little one?”
“Yes… But why so early…?”
“Today is the sixth anniversary of you becoming a member of the Duke’s household!”
Celia scooped Angelica up and spun her around in the air. Master and Seolho chuckled quietly at the sight, and Angelica laughed out loud herself.
“Ha ha, Mama!”
“You’re excited too, Rika? I’m so happy!”
After planting a kiss on Angelica’s forehead, Celia finally put her down. Angelica gasped for breath and looked up as Celia continued gently smoothing her hair.
Over the past six years, Celia had fully regained her health thanks to Aiden’s care and Angelica’s regular administration of medicinal herbs. Not only had she recovered, but she was stronger than before—strong enough to spin thirteen-year-old Angelica in the air without trouble.
“I can’t believe it’s already been six years since I first met you, Rika!”
Celia gazed at Angelica with affection, remembering the first time she had seen the child.
“When I first saw you, I truly thought a little angel had come to me.”
“Uu, it wasn’t that dramatic…”
Angelica blushed, smoothing her hair, and Celia tenderly stroked it.
“Hmm, that’s really how I felt. And of course, you’re still my little angel now!”
Though embarrassed, Angelica smiled brightly. Over the past six years, Celia had been a kind and loving mother to her, and Angelica could now truly call her “Mama.”
Knock. Knock.
At that moment, someone knocked on the door, which soon opened to reveal Aiden. Despite the early hour, he looked perfectly composed.
“Celia. You disappeared without a word—I was worried.”
Seeing Celia in Angelica’s room, Aiden let out a sigh of relief. Celia smiled warmly at him.
“But Aiden, today is Rika’s sixth anniversary, so she woke up early!”
“I know. I see how excited you are.”
Aiden couldn’t hide the faint smile that slipped onto his face as he entered the room. He approached the two, then knelt before Angelica, stroking her hair.
“Did you sleep well, Rika?”
Angelica beamed at his touch. Over the years, Aiden had always been gentle with her, so she naturally called him:
“Yes, Papa!”
