Chapter 292

Sidestory: Bel’s Small Slice of Happiness Part 3

The lamp flickered, and its weak light didn’t do much to stop the darkness from coming closer. Even though it was small and weak, Bel loved to watch the tiny flame dance as she lay in bed, the weight of the covers on her like sleep on her eyelids.

Some of her favourite times were when she had nothing to do, because that meant it was time for a story.

“...Mother Elise, could you tell me a story?” Bel asked, looking up at a face that even in the dim light seemed to glow with kindness.Fịndd new updates on n(o)v/e/lbin(.)com

She knew that Elise had one more thing to do, and that was to finish writing down what the Great Wisdom of the Empire, Mia Luna Tearmoon, had done so that people in the future could learn about her great deeds. Elise and Anne both thought it was the most important thing they had ever done. Bel was aware of this. When Elise was working, she knew she couldn’t bother her.

But this time right before bed was not the same. It was different. This was her favourite time, the time when she could be a little bit selfish.

“Hmm, let me think... What kind of story should I tell tonight...?”

As proof, Elise’s face showed no sign of displeasure. She smiled at Bel’s tired eyes and voice, then got up from her desk and walked over to lie down next to her. Right away, Bel got close to Elise and wrapped herself around her arm.

“Didn’t we just talk about Mia? Oh yeah, I told you what she was good at. She was a good swimmer and a good horse rider, so I have to tell you this story as well.”

She smiled at Bel like a child getting ready to tell a secret.

“Did you know that she could also dance like a pro?”

Bel’s small head moved back and forth.

“...Dancing? Really?”

Elise gave a firm nod and said, “Dancing.”

“Mother Elise, I love hearing your stories,” she said next.

“I love all of them, the ones about Grandma Mia and the ones you wrote yourself. I’m a little sad that Grandmother Mia didn’t teach me how to dance, and not being able to see my mother makes me feel lonely, but I’m still very happy, so please don’t be sad.”

Elise’s heart tightened when she heard what she said, out of both regret and pity.

She’s so young still... At her age, she should be asking for love and attention, but instead, she’s looking out for our feelings while going through all this trouble...

Elise closed her eyes tightly. After a few seconds, her smile came back.

“Let’s get back to the story. Where was I? Oh, yes, Mia’s dancing.”

She spoke clearly as she told the story. Bel didn’t have to worry because it was bright enough.

Soon, she could hear the slow, soft breathing of sleep. She stopped talking for a while and just looked at the peaceful face of the sleeping child.

Then, she put her hand on Bel’s cheek and whispered, “Good night, Bel. Sweet dreams.”

It was a quiet and simple part of her daily routine, but it was also a sincere and passionate prayer from the bottom of her heart.

“May you be truly happy at least in your dreams...”

Bel did dream that night, and in her dreams, her grandmother taught her how to dance. She gently told Bel what to do step by step as they turned and twirled together.

It was an amazing dream.

Bel had told the truth, but Elise would never know. The girl’s dreams and she herself were both happy. Bel was enjoying a small but undeniably true piece of happiness as he slept peacefully in Elise’s arms.