Chapter 113 – Because You Like Them

In the faintly chilled air, Elodie took a sip of the hot chocolate placed before her. Though she seemed intent on hiding it, the corners of her lips curved upward ever so slightly.

‘Good, it seems to suit her taste.’

Evelyn, who was relieved inside, happened to meet the girl’s eyes. Elodie drew back slightly, a guarded wariness flickering in her gaze. 

Seeking to shift the awkward mood, she deliberately brought up her fiancé.

“Did you know? Axion also really likes sweets.”

Yet, for some reason, her words seemed to prick the girl’s temper instead. The child’s delicate brows knit, and she pushed out her lips in a petulant pout.

‘Ack, I must have said the wrong thing.’

Just as Evelyn thought with a rueful smile that it was just like dealing with Axion as a child again, the girl spoke.

“My brother doesn’t like sweets.”

“…Pardon?”

For a moment, she wondered if she had misheard. It was only natural she would think so. After all, at their weekly tea times, Axion always ordered an afternoon tea set. And only a few days ago, he had accepted the box of confections she offered without a single complaint.

‘He even finished every bite right in front of me…’

However, Elodie seemed to have no intention of explaining further. She only gave a small shrug, then rested her chin in both hands and studied Evelyn intently, as though trying to take her measure.

“There is something I very much wish to ask you, my lady.”

“Please, go ahead.”

When she inclined her head, the girl’s clear eyes brightened sharply.

“What do you like about my brother?”

The question, sharp as an interrogation, made Evelyn slowly close her eyes before opening them again.

‘What do I like about Axion…?’

She decided not to answer hastily and instead first understand the intent behind the question.

“May I ask why you’re curious about that?”

Elodie lifted her chin with prim defiance, her voice carrying a haughty note.

“Because you’re going to be my sister-in-law.”

“My lady, what do you—”

Before she could finish, the little girl continued with unruffled composure.

“I already know everything. I heard it from my brother.”

“Pardon? What did you hear from Axion?”

“That the two of you have recently grown quite close.”

The formidable statement, spoken from such a cherubic mouth, nearly made Evelyn start in shock.

‘What on earth did he say to her?’

But Elodie didn’t stop there and went a step further.

“And that Uncle and Aunt already call you their future daughter-in-law?”

The moment the image of the Duke and Duchess of Valentino rose in her mind, Evelyn felt her cheeks burn. She had never imagined they would refer to her in such a way. While she tried to cool the heat from her face, Elodie studied her intently, curiosity brimming in the girl’s gaze.

“Weren’t you getting married right after graduation?”

It seemed that, in the House of Valentino, talk of her and Axion’s future had already begun.

Unsure how best to explain, Evelyn slowly shook her head.

“I think there’s been a little misunderstanding.”

She could hardly bring herself to lie just to satisfy the child’s expectations. Elodie, however, looked openly disappointed, as though she couldn’t believe it.

“That can’t be right. I’m certain—”

“Ellie, what are you doing here?”

The deep voice cut in, and Evelyn turned to see a tall man watching them.

Judging by his attire, he must have stopped by the garden in the midst of training with Jactor. Then, before she had realized it, Axion had stepped up to the table and reached out to pinch the child’s nose, lightly so as not to hurt her.

“Hhut! Brother! That’s terribly rude to a lady!”

Elodie shot her cousin a look of pure outrage, rubbing at her nose with both hands.

“Hm. Does a lady make a habit of paying unannounced visits to another’s estate?”

At his words, the little girl’s cheeks began to puff out in indignation. Watching the exchange, Evelyn let out a quiet sigh and moved to rein in her fiancé.

“Stop it, Axion.”

As though willing to heed her, he adopted a gentler tone when addressing the child.