Chapter 8
“In my opinion, since the young lord has deep golden eyes, this heliodor would suit you best.”
It was true. The soft golden color, not too bright but shining like sunlight, matched Emil well.
But Emil refused shortly.
“…I don’t like gold.”
It was probably because of his eyes. The jeweler acted as if gold had never been an option and opened another box.
“These blue topaz or sapphires are also excellent. If you want something elegant, diamonds are a great choice.”
But again, Emil showed little interest.
It might be better to just buy everything like before. He didn’t seem to care much about jewelry.
After some time, with my mother’s help, Emil finally chose a few decent items.
“This is enough.”
Even “a few” was something most people couldn’t easily afford. The jeweler smiled brightly and bowed.
“Please call me anytime if you need more.”
After he left, I stretched and stood up.
“I have something to say to the jeweler. I’ll be back.”
“…Want me to come with you?”
“No, it’s okay.”
By the time I reached the hallway, he had already gone downstairs.
“Wait!”
I hurried down the stairs, holding my dress.
“Y-you’ll fall!”
“I won’t. More importantly… can you spare a moment? I want to secretly order something.”
The jeweler looked cautious.
“Is it a gift for His Grace?”
“No, not for my father.”
I put a finger to my lips.
“I want to order cufflinks. Simple and elegant, something that can be used even as an adult.”
As I explained the design, he looked surprised and quickly started sketching.
It was a design with small gemstones carefully arranged to form a pattern—something that would become very popular later.
“This will require great skill.”
“Is it impossible?”
He smiled confidently.
“Of course not.”
After finishing the order, I sighed in relief.
The biggest task of the day was done.
Back in the room, my mother and Emil were waiting.
“Emil, aren’t you tired?”
“…Not really.”
“Your face says otherwise. Shall we go rest?”
He didn’t refuse.
And like that, Emil slowly began to adapt to our home.
* * *
The marks of abuse from childhood don’t disappear easily.
But with care and affection, they can slowly heal.
During the two years Emil stayed with us, the darkness he carried began to fade.
“Bel, I came to pick you up.”
“Already?”
The boy who used to shrink and hate himself had regained confidence.
Even his expressions and actions changed.
He still didn’t show many emotions, but he stopped worrying about others’ opinions.
He also became clearer about what he liked and disliked.
“Sorry, can you wait a bit? I’ll take a little longer.”
Isana was still fixing my hair, so I couldn’t move.
As usual, Emil sat on the sofa and watched me.
‘He’s grown a lot.’
Even though girls usually grow faster at this age, Emil was almost my height.
“Want some snacks?”
“I’m fine.”
“Then I’ll eat them later.”
“You said that earlier but ate them secretly.”
“…You saw that?”
A small laugh came from Emil.
“Should I feed you?”
“Mm, do it.”
He brought the snack close—but stopped.
“Why? Is my hair weird?”
“…No.”
“You look pretty.”
I quickly bit the snack.
Behind us, Isana and Ilena laughed.
“My lady, it’s done.”
“Thank you. I like it.”
I grabbed Emil’s hand and stood in front of the mirror.
My hair was half tied, showing my neck. A shiny ribbon moved elegantly.
Then I looked at Emil.
“Emil, dark colors suit you too.”
“I don’t really know.”
“Really. You look… um….”
For a moment, I thought—
Like a pure angel suddenly becoming the start of a villain.
I stopped.
He really was the son of a villainess.
“…You look even more handsome.”
“…That’s good then.”
Even though I stumbled over my words, Emil calmly held out his arm.
“I’ll escort you.”
It was cute for a twelve-year-old to say that.
“When did you learn that?”
“…From His Grace.”
Ah, from watching my father.
“Thank you. Then I’ll accept.”
I held his hand.
“Both of you are so cute,” Isana said softly.
It felt embarrassing.
Maybe to adults, we looked like children playing house.
Also, since our outfits matched, it looked like we were already engaged.
“Did you match your clothes with mine on purpose?”
“The one I planned got stained.”
“Oh, I see.”
Soon, my parents came down.
“Good thing Emil changed clothes. Don’t they look good together?”
“…Did they really need to match colors?”
“What’s wrong with that?”
We got into the carriage.
Outside, other carriages were heading to the palace.
Normally, children who hadn’t had their debut couldn’t attend formal banquets.
But today was different.
The birth of Princess Elsi.
All nobles in the capital had to attend.
Even children.
The Emperor likely wanted to see them himself.
“Stay in the playroom prepared for children, okay?”
“Don’t worry.”
Mother gave us advice.
Basically—greet higher nobles properly and don’t follow strangers.
‘I’ve heard don’t follow strangers with candy… but not with a house.’
We arrived at the palace.
Our parents went to the banquet hall.
We were guided to the children’s room.
“B-Belcia!”
“Bree!”
Blensia ran toward me.
“I missed you! You look beautiful today too!”
“You too. Thank you for your letters.”
She looked like a chick in her yellow dress.
“Oh, Emil is here too.”
She noticed him late and panicked.
“I-I’m sorry—”
“It’s fine.”
“It’s just a greeting. And we’ve met before,” Emil said calmly.
She relaxed and stood next to me.
Now I had Emil on one side and Blensia on the other.
“Hello, Young Master Calixt.”
Thanks to them, other children didn’t approach much.
We were about to go outside—
“Long time no see, Young Master Calixt.”
That tone.
Hildred.
“You too.”
“You even matched clothes?”
“It just happened.”
Blensia flinched.
“You two look like….”
She didn’t finish.
Emil stayed silent.
“Emil is just a friend.”
“Oh… I see.”
Emil glanced at me.
I whispered,
“Don’t worry about it.”
If he liked someone else, I wouldn’t force anything.
“As long as you don’t bother Emil.”
“I never did.”
“But he’s already uncomfortable.”
Hildred smiled.
“Fine. I won’t.”
He walked away.
“Bel, want juice?”
“I’m fine. Bree?”
“I’m okay too.”
Things seemed calm.
But then—
“Why are you back?”
“I have something to say.”
He raised his hands.
“I just want to talk.”
“I didn’t glare,” Blensia said.
Emil stayed silent.
After a moment—
“Go. I’ll wait.”
I stepped aside with Hildred.
“You look like a mother hen with chicks.”
“That’s you.”
“The kids with me all have value.”
“Just say why you called me.”
“You’re impatient.”
“There are many people aiming for Emil.”
He frowned.
Then suddenly—
He grabbed my hand.
“Honestly—”
“I know. You think I’m annoying.”
At that moment, a shadow fell over us.
I immediately understood.
Hildred smiled.
“You’re late, Rastain Lucretius.”
I had forgotten about him.
Tall. Mature. Strong presence.
His dark purple eyes looked at us.
Rastain Lucretius.
My fiancé… from my previous life.
