Chapter 10

***

Lestia was adjusting to her new life at the Verchester mansion.

It was a short time, but now she was used to being served by the servants and learning how to eat with the various utensils like a noble lady.

“The young lady has adapted better than I expected.”

Butler Halo reported briefly as he handed the sword to Lysian, who was ready to take up the sword armament.

“I was actually quite worried about her. She lived in the slum for so long that I thought she would need a lot of time to adjust to the life of a noble.”

“Joel was worried too. But she’s brave. Perhaps it’s because of her innate qualities and admirable character.”

“Hahahaha, Master Lysian, you complimented your sister.”

Lysian did not respond to Halo’s words but quietly accepted the sword.

Lestia had a natural quality and personality.

Of course, it was fitting that Lestia was an honest child compared to the environment in which she had lived.

She never uttered a single word against her uncle who had abused her.

But Lestia’s quick adaptation to Verchester was because she was trying hard.

That’s right.

This little one was constantly trying to get used to an unfamiliar world.

It was the same with the use of tableware, which was reported that she was now quite used to.

Lysian had instructed the head chef to prepare dishes that were always easy to eat for Lestia, who was unfamiliar with the dining manners of the nobles.

He had planned to teach her how to use the tableware slowly, as it was not that important.

However, Lestia visited the head chef in person and instructed him to prepare dishes that would teach her how to eat.

“If I’m a Verchester, I should learn.”

Then Lysian heard that she received a special course from Halo, the butler.

When she first saw Halo, Lestia was terrified. But now, they looked like a grandfather and a granddaughter.

Lysian was proud of her efforts in many ways.

And yet, he was still worried.

“Is she old enough to be spoiled?”

He thought Lestia would cling to him and ask about the former Duke of Verchester at least once.

However, she didn’t and only immersed herself in the mansion life, as if she would always keep Joel’s promise to talk about it when the family was all together.

He wondered if it was her honesty or innocence. Or was it…..

‘Why do I care so much? It’s my duty as a Master of Verchester…’

When the thought reached that point, Lysian’s brow wrinkled and he swung his sword roughly.

Whoosh!

With a clear, whooshing sound, the sword of the knight Franker, who had been competing as usual, fell far away.

But Flanker was not the least bit disappointed and smiled smugly.

“Ah, Master Lysian wants to finish early again today. If you don’t mind…thank you.”

“No. Again.”

Franker scratched the back of his head as Lysian fixed his sword in frustration.

“Why don’t you finish quickly? Isn’t Lady Lestia waiting over there?”

“What?”

As Lysian followed Franker’s gaze, he saw the girl in his field of vision as she stood in the sword training hall, with her pure white hair like clouds fluttering in the air.

Lestia was watching their sword practice with curiosity, her big eyes were twinkling.

Ever since Lysian said he would teach her letters, Lestia had waited for his morning schedule to end like this.

‘She’s so diligent.’

Lysian clicked his tongue and quietly lowered his sword.

“Miss! You are beautiful today!”

Before he knew it, Franker had gone up to Lestia and greeted her eagerly like a big dog meeting its owner.

“Franker, you’re looking good today.”

“Of course. I’m the knight who was bestowed flowers by the Lady of Verchester. I have to look good, haha!”

“It’s nothing.”

Lestia blushed shyly.

A few days ago, the news about Lestia giving paper flowers to the servants spread, and the knights were jealous.

There was a myth among knights that if they go into battle with a flower given by the lady of the family they serve, it will save their life.

When Lestia heard it, she folded a bunch of flowers and gave them to the knights as a gift, and wished for their well-being.

It was not a big deal in Lestia’s position.

However, the knights, who received the flowers, shouted, “Verchester’s lady gave me flowers! I’ll be loyal for the rest of my life! I’m immortal now!”

“Lestia, let’s go.”

Lysian interrupted, and Lestia nodded to Franker slightly and ran long.

Lysian, who had been giving Lestia a very satisfying  look at her pretty gait, gasped and said,

“You. There’s no need for you to be so nice to the subordinates.”

“But they’re friendly. They’re happy when I greet them.”

“Yes, well, if you’re happy, that’s fine. “

“…… Yeah, well, as long as you’re having fun, that’s all that matters.”

It wouldn’t matter.

Lysian was going to let Lestia do whatever she wanted, as he promised her in the beginning.

He thought it was nothing, but his actions had a powerful influence on Lestia, who had never had anyone’s support since she was born.

Thanks to Lysian’s support, what had taken a lot of courage was now slowly being done easily and bravely.

However, it didn’t stop Lestia from suddenly having doubts about whether she was really a member of the Verchester’s.

The only thing to do was to wait for the day when the whole family would gather together and hear the truth.

Lestia clenched her fists and entered the study with Lysian.

Then she concentrated on learning the official language of the Empire, as she had been doing lately.

‘If I am a Verchester…I  should at least know the writing. At least for the rest of my time here.’

Although she felt that way inside, she found the study of writing itself very interesting.

Unlike when she read the ancient book, she had a headache. However, it was very fun to read a book and learn new information.

“I’d like to read the book you’re reading …… someday.”

Lestia glanced at the book in front of Lysian.

Between the thick books with titles that looked difficult at first glance, there was a yellow paper flower that Lestia had given him as a gift, inserted like a bookmark.

‘I didn’t know paper flowers could be used like that………..’

Lestia blushed shyly at the thought that she had done something remotely useful.

Then her eyes met Lysian’s.

“Did you finish reading that part?”

“Oh, no, I did not.”

Lestia hastily turned her attention to her book at the thought that she had been caught thinking about something else.

But Lysian spoke bluntly.

“If you have any difficulties, tell me.”

“Yes, yes!”

That was when Lestia hastily began to read the letters again.

The window in the study suddenly made a rattling sound. A violent wind seemed to hit the window, and soon the ground shook slightly.

“Huh? What’s going on?”

Lestia blinked and stared at the window.

But Lysian didn’t move a muscle, he was just reading a book.

“Don’t worry, it’s really just the idiot coming back this time.”

“Idiot?”

Lestia wondered who Lysian was talking about. But she just nodded her head.

It was then….

Boom!

The door opened wildly and someone rushed into the study and shouted loudly.

“Where are you! My sister!”

She could hear the sound of running footsteps.

Lestia’s gaze spontaneously turned to the owner of the voice. The pale lemon-colored hair was the first thing that caught her eyes.

“Huh? Joel?”

Lestia jumped up from her seat delightfully.

But it wasn’t Joel who appeared in front of her.

This man looked exactly like Joel in hair color, height, and face.

But the atmosphere itself was completely different.

If Joel was as graceful as an angel, the person standing in front of her looked like a troublemaker.

His hair seemed to have not been cut for a long time, and his bangs had grown so long that they covered a little of his purple eyes, which showed an unconcealed mischievousness.

And in both ears he wore a series of dark green earrings that looked like they had been carved out of the magic neutralization stone.

Lestia knew who he was at a glance.

He was the third brother she had heard about only through rumors. It was Mathias Verchester.

“No, I’m not Joel! I’m a much cooler brother than Joel. How can you be so confused?”

Mathias looked a little shocked at Lestia’s words, and immediately protested.

“Which one is better?”

Joel walked up behind Mathias. He was carrying a large gift box in one arm.

“I’m home, Lestia.”

Joel passed Mathias and came over to Lestia.

He bent down and looked at her, smiling as he always did.

“How are you doing, my sister? As promised, I have brought you a present.”

Joel said, ripping open the box and immediately holding the content in front of Lestia.

“Awwww!”

Fluffy touch.

Joel’s gift to her was a large, pure white, stuffed rabbit.

The stuffed rabbit with long, drooping ears had a cute red ribbon and a small gold bell hanging around its neck, and its eyes, carved from black diamonds, sparkled as they reflected the light as it moved.

“I chose it while thinking about Lestia. His eyes in particular seem to resemble your eyes. What do you think?”

“It’s so cute. May I have this one?”

Lestia was hesitant, and Joel said,

“Hmm, then I can give it to Lysian, right?”

Lysian’s face crumpled when his name was mentioned.

At Joel’s words, Lestia imagined Lysian playing with this stuffed rabbit.

It didn’t suit him too well, Lestia couldn’t help but chuckle.

“I’ll keep it. Thank you, Master Joel.”

Lestia then shyly expressed her gratitude with her cheeks flushing red.

“I’m glad you like it.”

Joel chuckled and said provocatively as he stared at Mathias. It was a provocative remark like a competition, saying, “A brother who prepared a gift must be a better brother than a brother who ran away from home and returned empty-handed.”