"Your daughter?" Reynold echoed, his voice filled with a mixture of disbelief and joy. "Well, isn't this a surprise?"
Spark did his best to dodge Reynold's knowing gaze, but it was no use.
A sly grin spread across Reynold's face, his eyes gleaming with mischief as he declared, "I won the bet."
Discover exclusive tales on m,v l'e-novelhall.net
Spark's eyes narrowed slightly, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"No, I haven't lost," Spark countered. "The bet was about whoever marries first loses, but I haven't married yet."
Reynold chuckled, nodding in acknowledgment. "I see. But it is only a matter of time."
When they were younger, the two brothers had made a silly bet: whoever got a wife first would have to drive a cart pulled by a llama while wearing a bright red suit. It had been more than fifteen years since they made the bet, yet neither had forgotten it.
Reynold's curiosity deepened as he asked, "So, who's her mother? And how long have you been keeping this secret from us?"
Spark's expression turned contemplative, his usual smirk fading as he considered his response. "It's a bit complicated. I'll explain everything later."
Meanwhile, Alice's wide eyes were fixed on Reynold, her curiosity apparent as she took in the golden-haired man who looked so much like her father, though taller and with a face that showed more of the years.
Spark noticed her hesitation and gently encouraged her. "Alice, say hello to your uncle."
The words seemed to catch Alice by surprise, and she hesitated for a brief moment, her small fingers still clutching the hem of Spark's robe. But then, with a determined little nod, she released her grip and took a cautious step forward.
"Hello," Alice said softly, her voice barely above a whisper as she looked up at Reynold with a mixture of shyness and curiosity. "Father says Alice should greet you properly."
Reynold's eyes widened slightly in surprise, but his smile remained warm and genuine as he looked at the little girl.
"Can Alice eat this?" she asked, her voice filled with childlike innocence as she held up the shimmering pill.
Spark's gaze softened as he nodded. "Yes, Alice can eat it."
Without hesitation, Alice popped the pill into her mouth and began to chew. The pill crunched between her teeth with a surprisingly satisfying sound, and her eyes sparkled with delight as she savored the taste.
"Mmm, delicious!" Alice declared, her voice filled with genuine happiness as she swallowed the pill. She looked up at Reynold with a bright smile, her cheeks flushed with excitement. "Thank you, Uncle!"
Reynold nodded with a gentle smile. His gaze then shifted to the two figures standing quietly to the side, observing the interaction.
"Who are these two?" Reynold asked, directing his question toward Spark as his eyes narrowed with curiosity.
Spark didn't miss a beat, his tone casual as he introduced them. "This is Butler Zhao and Alice's nanny, Pooella."
Zhao Shi and Pooella both gave a slight bow toward Reynold, their movements respectful as they acknowledged his presence, aware of Reynold's identity.
Reynold studied them for a moment, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes.
"Oh, a new recruit," he said with a small smile, though there was an edge of curiosity in his voice.
"And where is your little follower?" Reynold asked, his tone light as he referred to Yuna.
Spark's expression flickered ever so slightly. "She had gone to settle some matters."
Reynold's eyebrows raised slightly at the vague response, but he chose not to press further. Before the conversation could continue, the garden was graced with the arrival of two more figures—Sophia and Duke Renard.
Both had felt the familiar influx of energy that heralded Reynold's return and had come to investigate.
Reynold's demeanor shifted instantly, the playful banter with Spark giving way to reverence as he stepped forward. He knelt on one knee before his parents, his golden hair catching the last rays of sunlight, giving him an almost ethereal appearance.