Chapter 48

Only then did Jactor seem to realize his own lapse in manners. His cheeks flushed as red as a sun-ripened tomato, and after a moment’s hesitation, he returned the greeting with careful politeness.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Jactor.”

“Likewise, Jactor. It’s lovely to meet you.”

Reassured by her reply, the boy rolled his golden eyes curiously before asking.

“But… how did you notice my concealment magic?”

Just as she’d expected, Jactor was deeply fascinated by her ability to sense his magic. With a gentle smile, she reached out and lightly tousled the boy’s unruly hair.

“I happen to know someone who used magic much like yours.”

“And who’s that?”

Grroowl—

Before she could reply, the boy’s stomach let out a loud, unmistakable rumble. A gentle smile appeared at the corners of her lips.

“Shall we go inside and have a snack first?”

︵‿୨ ₊‧꒰ა ཐི༏ཋྀ ໒꒱ ˚₊ ୧‿︵

It wasn’t even freshly baked bread, yet Jactor, clearly starving, devoured it as if he hadn’t eaten in days.

‘I did think he looked rather thin for his age…’

Evelyn watched the boy with quiet concern and handed him a cup of milk.

“Take your time, and be sure to chew properly.”

Seated on the sofa across from them, Khalid hesitated a moment, searching for the right words, then asked gently.

“Are the meals at the orphanage not enough for you?”

“Oh, no, it’s nothing like that.”

Jactor replied, shaking his head as he wiped the crumbs from his lips. Then, with calm honesty, he explained his circumstances.

“I’ve lived on my own for a while now, so I often skipped meals.”

He shared that he had lost his parents early on and had been raised by his paternal grandfather. But after his grandfather, too, passed away from illness, he had been left to fend for himself, wandering from place to place. Maybe because hunger had become a familiar companion, he found himself eating quickly whenever food was in front of him.

Khalid listened quietly to the boy’s story, then stroked his chin thoughtfully and spoke up.

“So you learned magic on your own?”

“Yes, I can read a little.”

Jactor explained that he had taught himself using a few magic books he’d found at home.

‘To have achieved such skill through self-study alone… his potential was truly remarkable.’

Evelyn felt her heart ache as the boy recounted his difficult childhood with such calm indifference. After gathering her thoughts, she parted her lips and spoke gently,

“Jactor, I’d like to make you an offer.”

“An offer?”

The boy looked at her with wide, innocent eyes, tilting his head in curiosity. She met his gaze, her expression earnest.

“I’d like to sponsor you. What do you think?”

“Me…?”

The child’s eyes grew even wider in astonishment. Evelyn simply nodded.

“Yes. I’m making this offer because I’ve seen your abilities.”

It wasn’t mere pity that had led her to this decision. She was certain that, one day, Jactor would be an invaluable asset to House Inevasel.

The next moment, she patiently explained to him each benefit he would receive as her beneficiary: full support for his magical studies and, should he wish, a place at the academy. She added that he would also be provided with room, board, and a stipend.

Jactor listened to her in silence, unable to fully hide the doubt in his eyes.

“Is there… something you want from me?”

“What makes you think that?”

“There’s no such thing as kindness without a price in this world.”

For someone his age, his words were far too knowing, and a faintly bitter smile appeared on Evelyn’s lips.

What sort of life had this child led, to speak so? She couldn’t claim to know everything about the circumstances Jactor had grown up in. Still, she wanted to show him that the world wasn’t always so harsh and unforgiving. Just as she herself had once found unconditional love in her adoptive parents.

Gazing at the boy, so much smaller than others his age, she spoke with gentle warmth.

“All I hope for is that you grow up healthy and strong, without pain.”

The boy seemed unsure what to make of her words, a doubtful look lingering on his face. Evelyn gave a soft, easy smile and leaned in as if sharing a secret.

“A moment ago, you asked me who else could use concealment magic, didn’t you?”

“Y-Yes…”

“If you’d like, I can arrange for you to meet them.”