Chapter 152

“The young lady of House Sinclair is scheduled to visit the mansion today, remember?”

Evelyn’s eyes widened at once in realization.

Ah, now that you mention it…!

A sudden thought struck her, and she pulled open her desk drawer to retrieve a bright yellow envelope.

It was a letter that had arrived a few days earlier from Elodie Sinclair. When she unfolded the stationery from its bright envelope, she was met with crooked handwriting and little, whimsical drawings.

As she confirmed the date of the visit, a soft sigh escaped her lips.

“So, it was today.”

Indeed, today was the day she had promised Elodie they would share tea together. She had agreed without hesitation, but the promise had slipped completely from her mind. Feeling a pang of guilt toward the child, Evelyn checked the clock on her desk.

With still a couple of hours before the appointed time, she resolved to prepare quickly.

︵‿୨ ₊‧꒰ა ཐི༏ཋྀ ໒꒱ ˚₊ ୧‿︵

Well in time, she made her way to the garden terrace, where refreshments had been arranged. Upon the table lay a spread of tempting sweets and a steaming cup of hot chocolate, perfect for her young guest. Surrounded by delicate spring blossoms arranged with care, Evelyn couldn’t help but smile in quiet satisfaction.

Soon, the light patter of footsteps approached, and Elodie appeared.

“It has been some time, Lady Sinclair.”

As Evelyn greeted warmly, the girl curtsied sweetly, her small hands brushing the hem of her skirt as she replied.

“May the Baltian Empire shine in eternal glory.. It’s an honor to meet you, Lady Inevasel.”

Evelyn marveled once again at the child’s flawless manners. Perhaps finding her gaze overwhelming, Elodie fidgeted, casting a sidelong glance.

Oh dear, maybe I’ve been staring too much.

Wishing to lighten the air, Evelyn brightened her tone and gestured toward a seat.

“Please sit here, my lady.”

Elodie gave a small nod and climbed into the chair with her short legs, an endearing sight that made Evelyn’s lips twitch with the urge to smile.

At her discreet signal, a maid filled the girl’s empty cup with steaming hot chocolate.

“This is a new cocoa I purchased recently. Would you like to try it?”

At Evelyn’s gentle offer, Elodie lifted her cup with a prim little expression and took a sip of the hot chocolate. Though she tried not to show it, her blue-gray eyes sparkled like stardust.

Thank goodness, she seems to like it.

Relieved to see the girl’s wariness ease, she watched as the child dabbed her dainty lips with a handkerchief before asking in her clear, ringing voice.

“So, have you thought about it?”

“Pardon? Thought about what?”

Evelyn tilted her head in confusion, and Elodie puffed out her cheeks in exasperation.

“You promised! You said that the next time we met, you’d tell me what you like about my brother!”

Only then did she recall the sharp little threat she had once been cornered with. She had barely managed to send Elodie home that day by promising she would give her answer at their next meeting.

Evelyn, at a loss, looked at the child who waited so earnestly for her answer.

I suppose I owe her the truth, at least.

She couldn’t bring herself to lie to a girl who had come all the way from the marquis’s estate just for this. Steeling her heart, she met Elodie’s gaze with steady eyes and spoke plainly.

“I believe Axion is a good man.”

“….”

“But I’ve never thought of him as more than a friend.”

Elodie’s mouth fell open, as though the words had struck her like a blow. Unable to mask her disappointment, she pressed further, as if to confirm.

“So you’re saying you don’t like my brother?”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t give you the answer you hoped for.”

Evelyn’s voice carried a note of regret, but the girl shook her head quickly.

“No, it isn’t your fault, my lady.”

Then, with a sigh far too heavy for her years, she asked softly.

“What does it mean to like someone?”