Chapter 118 ….
Helion, watching Angelica today, felt his heart start racing once more. Although Angelica was still young, to Helion she somehow felt older than himself.
‘Of course, that doesn’t mean Angelica is like an old soul.’
It was one of the strengths he had noticed while spending the years with her. Angelica was more mature than most children her age—in her studies and in everything else.
Because of that, Helion sometimes found himself impressed by what she said. Naturally, he also learned a lot from her.
“Today marks the sixth year since our Rika came to the Grand Duke’s residence.”
At that moment, Olivier finally spoke. Angelica stood beside her, with Master and Seolho positioned protectively behind.
Leonard and Teiren had already approached Celia and Aiden inside the banquet hall.
As Olivier spoke, all the guests in the hall turned their attention toward them. Most of them were already acquainted with Angelica. So despite the large crowd, she wasn’t afraid.
‘I am a little nervous, though…’
Even so, Angelica bravely held Olivier’s hand and formed a faint smile. Over the past six years, she had grown considerably. Of course, she still wasn’t completely at ease like other people.
‘But this much is okay.’
Steeling her resolve, Angelica looked up as Olivier finished greeting the guests and turned to her.
“Now, Rika. Greet the guests who came all this way.”
At Olivier’s words, Angelica gave a small nod. She took a deep breath, put on a gentle smile, and slowly looked around at the guests.
“To everyone who came here today, thank you very much.”
Angelica greeted them politely, then spoke with quiet confidence.
“It’s already been six years since I came to the Grand Duke’s family. Honestly, I still feel like I have many shortcomings, but thanks to the family who always loves me, I think I’ve been able to grow this much. From now on, as a member of the Lespel family, I will do my best to never bring shame and to help raise the Lespel name even higher.”
At Angelica’s words, her family—including Olivier and Celia—were deeply moved. Olivier, standing right beside her, nearly teared up but quickly composed herself.
When Angelica finished speaking, Olivier pulled the child into her arms and whispered,
“Rika, you don’t have to raise our family’s name. This grandmother only hopes you live doing what you truly want.”
“Hehe, yes, Grandma. I will.”
Hearing Olivier’s warm words, Angelica smiled softly. While holding her, Olivier announced the start of the party to the guests.
Pleasant music began to play, and people started chatting among themselves. Angelica and Olivier moved to the seats of honor and sat down. Soon, several nobles approached them.
At first Angelica had been flustered by this, but now she handled their greetings with ease.
“Hello, Count. Have you been well?”
She now exchanged pleasantries naturally and even joined conversations alongside Olivier.
Watching from behind, Master smiled faintly. The past six years flashed through his mind.
‘You’ve really grown a lot, Rika.’
At her first banquet, Angelica had been extremely nervous. But the Angelica of today was different. She now conversed with people skillfully.
‘Though she still seems tense when facing strangers.’
Even so, there were moments when Angelica became nervous—usually when meeting someone for the first time.
However, there was something Master didn’t know. Most of the people who made Angelica tense were those connected to her previous life.
‘Still, I haven’t run into the male leads I loved in my past life yet…’
Even so, whenever she suddenly encountered familiar faces, she couldn’t help but feel nervous—no matter how their past relationships had ended.
‘Because I keep wondering… what if they remember their past lives too?’
But Angelica’s worry was nothing more than imagination. Fortunately, none of them remembered her. They were simply people eager to gain the favor of the present-day Angelica.
While Angelica was conversing with other nobles, Leonard—who had been talking with the family—spotted Helion.
“Helion, you came after all.”
“What? If you came, you should’ve come over. Why are you standing there alone?”
Following Leonard, Teiren also approached Helion. Though Teiren spoke bluntly, Helion knew he was actually looking out for him.
“Ah… It looked like you were having family time.”
Teiren shrugged at Helion’s words.
“Family time, my foot. Helion, you’re basically family to us now.”
At that, the corners of Helion’s lips lifted slightly. Noticing the subtle change, Leonard lightly punched his shoulder.
“Exactly. Not just us—Mother, Father, and even Grandmother all consider you family.”
As he said this, Leonard gestured toward Celia and Aiden. Though they had been greeting other nobles, they soon noticed Helion.
Celia gave him a very warm smile, and Aiden offered a light nod in greeting. Their expressions were far brighter than when dealing with other nobles.
Seeing this, Helion bowed politely.
“I’m grateful that everyone thinks of me that way.”
As Helion spoke, Teiren nudged him.
“You don’t have to be so stiff. It’s been nearly six years since you started coming to our house.”
Helion nodded.
“Right… It’s already been that long.”
Unlike Angelica, the Lespel family didn’t commemorate the day for him. But Helion was content—just being treated like family by them was enough.
“Well then, Helion, you should go see Rika. Looks like she’s finished greeting everyone.”
Teiren spoke first. Helion shook his head.
“No. Family time should come first.”
“What are you talking about? We spent time together this morning.”
Teiren pushed Helion forward again. Only then did Helion reluctantly start walking.
In truth, he had wanted to talk to Angelica for a while now—but the boy had tried not to show it.
But once Teiren gave him that push, Helion headed straight toward Angelica.
“Rika. Congratulations.”
Helion spoke with a gentle smile. Angelica beamed back at him.
“Helion!”
Watching the two, Olivier smiled with satisfaction. Helion quickly greeted her as well.
“Your Grace, congratulations.”
“Oh my. Come to think of it, it’s been about six years since you became part of our family too. Thank you for always getting along so well with our children.”
“Not at all. I’m the one who’s grateful for always being treated like family.”
Leonard and Teiren stared at the three chatting together. Then Teiren spoke with a mischievous grin.
“If our Rika gets married later… Helion would be the perfect match, wouldn’t he?”
At his words, Leonard slowly nodded.
“Yeah. Among the imperial nobles, there are barely any decent ones. Especially among kids our age—Helion’s the best option.”
“I knew you’d think the same. These days, our Rika’s quite the hot topic.”
As Teiren said this, he frowned slightly. Angelica’s name had been circulating among the noble young ladies and gentlemen.
Because as Angelica grew, she was reaching the age where engagements were being discussed. But Leonard and Teiren knew most noble children well.
“Our Rika is way too good for those trashy guys.”
Leonard and Teiren were in perfect agreement.
“Exactly. Absolutely not.”
There was only one exception—
Helion.
