At that moment, Ariante, who had been leaning against the window with a bored expression, playing with hair ornaments, suddenly hopped over to Cissy and extended her hand.
Cissy raised her eyes and glared at Ariante. Then, Ariante looked at the outstretched hand and… looked back at Ariante.

“What are you doing?”

“Make up with me.”

At Ariante’s words, Ambrose widened his eyes. Ariante was the first person to boldly say, ‘Let’s make up,’ to Cissy, who was forcing herself so much! And so confidently…

“Why should I make up with you!”

Cissy yelled, but Ariante, as if she had expected that, did not react at all. Then, with a serious expression unusual for a seven-year-old, Ariante looked at Cissy and said.

“I helped you once in the forest before. So, this time, you should listen to me. Make up with me. That’s it.”

At the unexpected words, Cissy forgot her anger and just stared at Ariante. Come to think of it, something like that had happened! When she wanted to hide in a place where no one was with Sylas, she forced her way into the deep woods… When she slipped down the hill and sprained her ankle, Ariante helped her.

But Cissy didn’t want to listen to Ariante’s words obediently. Cissy, with a blushing face as if she were angry, just stared at Ariante. Then, tears welled up in her distorted eyes. And then, Cissy, who had completely forgotten her usual reserved expression, began to cry loudly.

“I hate it! Why should I make up with you! I don’t like you!”

Ariante, with the corners of her lips slightly lowered, pondered for a moment and asked.

“Why do you hate me? I haven’t done anything wrong to you.”

Cissy’s eyes flared up, and she shouted.

“Sylas always, always wants to play with you! I want to play with Sylas too, why always with you, huh… Ugh… I hate you both! I want to play with Sylas too!”

The foot that peeked out from under the dress wobbled as if it were moving, and Cissy started shaking her whole body while crying. Not only the kids present, but even those who rushed first were confused by the sound of her crying. Along with the footsteps, a maid ran first, and behind her, Lady Alt appeared with wide-open eyes.

“What’s going on? Sylas, why is Cissy crying?”

“Oh, uh, Mother… Well, you see…”

Lujan sneaked in quietly.

“Cissy said something mean to Ariante.”

Hearing that, Cissy burst into even louder sobs. Lady Alt had a puzzled expression, but she hugged the crying Cissy. Then, she looked at the children one by one and finally turned her gaze to Ariante.

“Lady, would you please tell me what happened? Not here, let’s go somewhere else.”

Lady Alt spoke gently. Ariante nodded, as if it were nothing, and took the hand she offered. And after a few steps, looking up at the lady with innocent eyes, she said.

“Please call me Ariante.” Then, a kind smile appeared on Lady Alt’s lips.
“Can that be possible? Even if you’re young, you’re a noble lady.”

Ariante’s eyes blinked once, slowly. The child didn’t repeat the same words, and Lady Alt thought she had persuaded Ariante. Cissy continued to cry, and because the sound was so loud, Lady Alt couldn’t hear Ariante’s faint murmur.

“In fact, it might not be the case.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Cedric, for the first time in a while, felt the unfamiliar stillness as he had lunch alone. He momentarily gazed at the empty seats with new eyes and was surprised at the thought itself, bursting into a bitter smile.

These days, at any time, he always had a meal with Ariante and Swan. Initially, it wasn’t easy. Ariante got better, but Swan often dropped spoons or forks because she was busy watching the two.

Regretting not delving deeper into why the child was so scared, why she had never shown a relaxed and happy appearance since coming here, Cedric reconsidered Mayaana’s words and let out a bitter smile.

If he thought something had changed, there were things to fix again. Feeling bitter about realizing that he had lived even scrutinizing and thinking about such simple things, it wasn’t a complete failure to take a late step forward.

Mayaana was the one who made him realize that.

“My lord.”

A tall servant hastily entered the dining room. Unlike other household employees, he was dressed like an old, shabby traveler, and his face was dirty.

The moment Cedric stood up, he stopped at the edge of the long table and bowed, lowering his waist as if to apologize. When Cedric saw the unkempt strands of hair that hadn’t been properly cared for for a few days, he spoke.

“Aynd, is it?”

“Yes, my lord. I dare to meet you in such a state. I apologize if it is an affront, my lord…”

Cedric interrupted his words.

“Stop, that doesn’t matter. Get to the point.”

Aynd raised his head immediately and replied.

“I brought the forester Becker safely. We pursued him as he resisted, and in case he wouldn’t willingly end his life, we tied the reins to ensure he is currently unconscious. However, please rest assured.”