Chapter 54

Translator and Editor: Effe and Nabi

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Chapter 54

You need at least one space to breathe…

With that thought, Anriche spoke softly and timidly, hiding her bitter feelings.

“All people are different. Even in each talented field, it is different.”

“…Mom.”

“Of course, I think it’s very unique that you have a sense of responsibility as the next head of the family.”

She meant what she said. Nevertheless, as much as she was proud of Elliot, she was also saddened.

With that in mind, Anriche added her words.

“But, just because you’re the Heir Apparent of Valois doesn’t mean you have to completely give up your happiness, right?”

“…Do you really think so?”

“Yes, of course not.”

In response to Elliot’s cautious question, she nodded her head vigorously.

“Think about it. In the long history of Valois, there are a lot of heads of family who have made achievements as knights…”

Making eye contact with her son, Anriche asked in a gentle tone.

“There’s never been a single head who has stood out through his paintings, right?”

“Yes, that’s true.”

“I mean, I think the head of Valois, who has great swordsmanship, is cool, too…”

Turning to Elliot with a bewildered look on his face, Anriche gazed at him and closed one of her eyes.

“…I think the head of Valois, who has excellent drawing skills, it’s very cool.”

“…”

Elliot was silent.

Though thankfully, it wasn’t as dark as before.

“Above all, Elliot likes to draw, doesn’t he?”

At her question, he nodded his head.

Anriche, who was staring at the child’s reddened earlobes, gently opened her mouth. “So, by the way, don’t you have any plans to put up a picture in a contest?”

“What, what contest…”

“It’s said that the subject is also free. You can draw any picture, isn’t it?”

“Well, I don’t even know what to draw.”

Elliot shrugged his shoulders sullenly.

‘Hmm, he doesn’t know what to draw…’

After pondering for a moment, and with a bright face, Anriche suggested to the child.

“Then, how about drawing the one you like the most?”

“Like the most…”

Elliot pondered those words, and then smiled faintly.

It felt as if, for the first time, a fresh wind had blown into his tight chest.

***

A week passed like that.

Elliot may have taken Anriche’s advice, and recently he’s been busy painting. However, Liliana became a bit sullen, and the reason was…

“Mother, I don’t think I can see Elliot often these days.”

Anriche barely suppressed her laughter that was about to burst out. Because when Liliana was once locked in the study room in full swing, it was the same thing with Elliot grumbling.

“Well, why don’t you visit it in person?”

When she suggested that, Liliana welcomed it.

“Is that okay? Elliot looks too busy…”

“Well, Elliot will love it if you just visit him, right?”

Hearing the words, she clenched her fists and asked, “Would it be better if I brought some snacks?”

“Good idea. Go to the kitchen, I told them to bake a cream cheese muffin.”

“A cream cheese muffin?”

“Yes, it’s a snack you both like, isn’t it?”

Saying so, Anriche smiled brightly. At that, Liliana’s expression brightened as if a light was turned on.

“Thank you, mother!”

Liliana, who left her thanks, ran to the kitchen.

She stared at Lilian’s distant view with a delighted gaze.

***

Knock, knock.

A careful knock sounded.

Elliot, who was staring at the drawing paper, answered with a sullen voice.

“Come in.”

In response, Liliana opened the door. She held a tray of muffins and drinks in her hands.

Elliot widened his eyes.

“Liliana…?”

“I’m sorry for coming to you so suddenly.”

She replied with a shy face. Seeing so, Elliot made a straight face and answered.

“What are you talking about? Liliana is free to come to my room as much as she wants.”

“However, Elliot seems very busy lately…”

Liliana, who had been hesitating, added her words in a hoarse voice. “…Isn’t it like that? I can’t even see your face properly.”

“Now, do you understand my heart?”

“Huh?”

At the unexpected answer, her eyes widened. Elliot smiled to show that he didn’t hate it.

“You used to be confined to the study room every day, too.”

“Oh, was it…?”

Liliana smiled shyly. It seemed that Elliot was probably talking about when she was studying with the Viscountess Ivan.

Compared to then, this was now like heaven.

“So, what’s going on here?”

“That’s because I came to see Elliot’s face.”

Liliana, who answered that way, approached Elliot with quick steps. Then, she puts the tray down on the table as if it were her own.

“I want to eat snacks together.”

“…Did you bring this to eat with me?”

“Of course. Elliot, do you like muffins?”

Liliana, who gave a wide smile, tilted her head slightly towards the easel.

Soft blonde hair is dripping down. The refreshing scent hit him. Somehow, his heart was pounding, and Elliot had to do his best to keep a calm expression.

“By the way, how is the drawing going?”

“It’s nothing to worry about, it doesn’t matter.”

“What do you mean it’s not a big deal, you’re so good at drawing.

Liliana then glanced at Elliot’s painting with eyes full of admiration. On the white drawing paper, only lines were still drawn with a pencil. However, the sketch alone gave a glimpse of Elliot’s outstanding talent.

It’s probably a portrait…

“Even if I learn to draw for the rest of my life, I don’t think I’ll be able to draw like this.”

Liliana, who had been muttering in an envious voice, suddenly turned to Elliot.

“That’s right, I heard you’re going to a contest this time.”

“Well, it’s going to fail, anyway…”

“Why do you say that?”

At his words, Liliana said with a serious face.

“Actually, I don’t care if Elliot wins or not.”

“…Liliana.”

“I just want Elliot to do his best. Only then can you be satisfied with the result, right?”

At those words, his expression became a little complicated.

She added her words with sincerity. “Although I’m not familiar with painting, Elliot’s paintings look great.”

“You really think so?”

“Of course!”

Liliana, who gave strength and nodded her head, showed the characteristic bright smile.

“So, cheer up, huh?”

“…Thanks.”

Elliot nodded his head, pretending to be calm. Though the nape of his neck, which Liliana could not see, was already stained with a new red shade.

Liliana pulled his sleeve lightly and sat him in the seat.

“Let’s have a quick snack. I, I miss seeing Elliot eating delicious food.”

“…You want to see me eat?”

Is it a bit strange to say something like that?

Unexpectedly, as he accepts the muffin from Liliana’s hand, Elliot tilts his head. Either way, Liliana held her chin while Elliot ate the muffin.

She was just watching him.

“Hmm, mother sometimes says, ‘I’m full just by looking at you eating’.”

Liliana muttered in a happy voice.

“Maybe that’s what it feels like?”

“….”

He doesn’t think that’s how you’re supposed to treat your fiance, but it seems like she cares for the little child, isn’t it?

Elliot took a bite of the muffin with a sullen face.

The muffins crumbled softly in his mouth.

***

Time passed like that, and about a month had passed.

Elliot had been sitting lurking in the corner of the sofa with a nervous expression since morning.

It will be…

‘Today is the day the results of the contest are announced.’

Even though he pretended he was indifferent on the outside, Elliot was in fact very concerned about the outcome of the contest.

Anriche, who couldn’t bear to see it, gave a word.

“Elliot, even if you shake your legs like that, the announcement time won’t be pushed back.”

“Yes, I mean, it still bothers me!”

Furious, Elliot raised his voice.

Seeing him like that, she smiled slyly and opened her mouth.

“What, you pretended you’re not interested.”

“Oh, that’s…!”

At that, Elliot was speechless at her, shut his lips and turned his head away.

Liliana, who was sitting next to him, patted the back of Elliot’s hand.

“Don’t be too nervous, it’ll be fine.”

“Liliana…”

Elliot looked at Liliana with eyes full of emotion.

As expected, there’s only Liliana…!

“And, mother must have been playing a prank to relieve your tension.”

“….”

…There is only Liliana, yes. However, if only she’s not a mother-fool, everything ends with mother.

Elliot’s expression turned grumpy.

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