Chapter 4

“Alice, are you alright?”

 

The moment Alice returned from being summoned, Evan asked with a worried expression.

 

“Yes, but Evan, don’t you think the number of times you check on me has increased lately?”

 

“A hundred times wouldn’t be enough.”

 

Despite her playful retort, Evan’s worry showed no sign of lifting.

 

‘I wonder who should be worrying about whom…’

 

Alice was more worried about him. Her gaze drifted toward Karina, who was bound in chains and boarding a ship. Just as the verdict was handed down, Karina was moved to the vessel. For a split second, it felt like their eyes met, but Karina’s figure was quickly obscured by the knights and was seen no more.

 

“I wish they had given you time to say goodbye…” Evan said pityingly, saddened that Alice had to be separated from her biological mother without a final word.

 

“It’s okay. I think talking to her would only have made me feel strange.”

 

“Alice…”

 

“It’s true that Mother did something wrong.”

 

Silence followed her words. However, there was one thing that felt off. It was true that Karina was at fault for the death of the former Duchess. But wasn’t the Duke also partially responsible for Edwin being locked away? Alice kept that thought to herself, though. As Karina’s daughter, saying such a thing would only look like an attempt to shift the blame.

 

“Why so gloomy? She’s not dead, so you can just go see her later,” Michael said bluntly, clearly displeased with her expression.

 

“El!” Evan gave Michael a light, playful tap on the head. Michael turned his head away with a huff.

 

“I’m sorry, Alice.”

 

“It’s alright. He’s just saying that because he’s worried, right, Michael?”

 

“Hmph! Why would I worry about you!”

 

Michael pouted and snorted. Alice let out a chuckle.

 

“I heard there’s a spring festival happening. Anyone who wants to play alone in the carriage out of boredom, raise your hand.”

 

Alice scanned those around her. Michael’s eyes were already sparkling. If he went, Evan would naturally follow. All that remained was Edwin.

 

“Are you going too, Edwin?”

 

“Yes.”

 

Edwin nodded. A full smile bloomed on Alice’s face. Right, children are supposed to get closer by playing together. Even if Edwin and Michael didn’t get along now, they would surely reconcile soon.

 

 

***

 

 

By the time the sky had turned pitch black, the moon was hidden behind clouds, making for an exceptionally dark night. Alice arrived at the Duke’s castle and stepped out of the carriage alone. Edwin had headed to the training grounds, saying he wanted to train before going in, so she entered the castle by herself.

 

“Hmm, it was fun, though.”

 

The festival had been enjoyable, but there hadn’t been much progress in the boys’ relationship. Michael was already as wary of Edwin as a cat with its fur standing on end, making it impossible to even bring the two together.

 

‘And what about Evan?’

 

Thankfully, nothing had happened to Evan, the person she was most worried about following that ominous command to come to the capital. The Duke was still at the Imperial Palace.

 

‘I wonder when he returns.’

 

The war over the Southern Front lasted quite a while. Since it was a conflict between two empires with massive military power, the casualties were high. Evan had been among them. For now, the Duke was quiet, but Alice felt a lingering sense of unease.

 

Upon entering the castle, Alice was startled to see members of the household she hadn’t seen in a while.

 

“Oh!”

 

A couple of servants she hadn’t seen lately appeared before her. Upon spotting her, they were equally startled, reacting as if they had seen a ghost. Their faces were filled with terror. Alice hesitantly looked behind her. Was someone there?

 

‘It’s just me.’

 

She tilted her head. They used to bully and despise her—why were they suddenly acting like this? When she took a step forward, they took a step back.

 

“What’s wrong?”

 

“…Please don’t talk to us. It’s better for you if we just live quietly.”

 

“I suppose, but…”

 

Alice didn’t deny it. It was certainly more comfortable to be avoided than to be bullied.

 

“I’d like to know the reason, though. Do I smell or something?”

 

Alice sniffed her sleeve. She was wearing the fabric perfume Ena had given her as a birthday gift.

 

“It smells fine… Did someone tell you to do this?”

 

Two or three servants flinched and looked at each other. Alice immediately knew she was right.

 

“Who was it?”

 

There was no answer. However, there weren’t many people who could command the servants of the main building. The candidates were the Duke or Edwin… If they were trembling this much, could it be the Duke?

 

If that were the case, the servants’ behavior made sense. But if it were true, another question arose: why would the Duke give such an order? He didn’t seem like the type of man to show such consideration. Feeling a bit uneasy, Alice stopped prying and went to her room.

 

 

***

 

 

“Ugh, I’m bored.”

 

A few quiet, peaceful days passed. Ena went to clean, Evan was out for clinical consultations, and Edwin was training at the martial arts hall. Michael was in the castle but not with her.

 

“It’s better for Michael that way.”

 

He was staying in another guest room under the care of a maid. Even if her mind was that of an adult, her body was that of a seven-year-old; it was more stable for an adult to look after a five-year-old than for her to do it.

 

“Edwin is quite thoughtful.”

 

This arrangement was all Edwin’s doing. If an accident like the previous one occurred, there was nothing she could do. While she missed seeing Michael’s cute face often, this was the right move. Her current standing in the castle was lower than that of the servants.

 

‘Still, please let me keep living here…’

 

It was much better than being exiled on a boat with nothing but her bare body alongside Karina. She was ready to bow and scrape before the Duke at any time.

 

Knock, knock.

 

Just as she was starting to feel restless from boredom, there was a knock at the door. Alice, who had been rolling around on her bed, sat up abruptly.

 

“Is it already mealtime?”

 

It was a bit early, but one must eat.

 

“Come in!”

 

The door opened slowly. Her eyes widened. Through the gap in the door, she saw a small, round, silver head. Emerald eyes peeked at her. Delighted, she got off the bed and approached him.

 

“Michael? What brings you here?”

 

“What, am I not allowed to come here?”

 

As expected, his response was blunt. He scowled deeply.

 

“Don’t smile like a witch. It’s ominous.”

 

Despite the anti-humanitarian scolding not to even smile, Alice’s grin showed no sign of fading. In fact, it only widened.

 

‘Is this a dream?’

 

Usually, she was the one who went to find Michael; this was the first time he had come to her.

 

‘Is he sick? Or is the maid mistreating him?’

 

The thought made her skin crawl. Seeing her smile vanish instantly, Michael flinched.

 

“Wh-what. Are you mad because I told you not to smile?”

 

“Michael, are you sick?”

 

“What?”

 

“Does the lady with you hurt you?”

 

“You mean Lisa?”

 

Lisa was the maid taking care of Michael at the castle.

 

‘Surely not, right?’

 

Alice thought about Lisa for a moment. In her memory, Lisa was a fairly kind person to children. But she couldn’t be entirely certain based only on outward appearances. It wasn’t uncommon for a person who appeared kind to turn into a demon behind closed doors—especially given the characters in this dark novel.

 

Alice waited tensely for Michael’s answer. Fortunately, he shook his head.

 

“No.”

 

“Really?”

 

“I said no!” Michael shouted. Alice didn’t entirely let go of her suspicion, but she decided to move on for now.

 

“I see. Then why are you here?”

 

Unable to guess the reason, Alice tilted her head. Michael’s eyebrows twitched upward.

 

“Do I need a reason to come here?”

 

“No, not necessarily.”

 

But with you, it usually feels like there is one, she wanted to say, but Michael already looked quite huffed. She felt it was a bit unfair—given Michael’s usual attitude, wasn’t it natural for her to think that way? However, fearing Michael might leave in a huff, she grabbed his arm and welcomed him warmly. He smelled like sunlight.

 

“I was bored, so this is perfect. Want to build blocks?”

 

“That’s boring and childish.”

 

Ah, right… For a kid who was obsessed with stories of the Demon King and the Hero to say such a thing—she let out a hollow laugh.

 

“Don’t laugh like an old person. It’s creepy.”

 

“O-okay.”

 

Don’t smile this way, don’t laugh that way. He had so many requests. Alice figured she would have to study exactly how to smile to satisfy him. But then—

 

“Huh?”

 

She finally noticed Michael’s other hand, which he was hiding behind his back. In that hand was a small flower crown. A crown of brightly blooming spring flowers that hadn’t withered yet.

 

“Is this… for me?”

 

“…I don’t know.”

 

Michael’s cheeks turned as red as peaches. He was clearly embarrassed.

 

“I think coming here was the best thing I’ve done so far…” Alice said, touched, as she accepted the crown. It was a beautiful harmony of white daisies and red pansies.

 

“Wait, did you make this yourself?”

 

It looked like it was made by a professional. Unable to contain her curiosity, she asked. Michael answered as if it were obvious.

 

“Yeah, I made it.”

 

“Wow, Michael, you’re incredibly skilled with your hands.”

 

‘Is this the craftsmanship of a protagonist?’

 

While Alice was marveling—

 

“It’s not that I’m great, it’s that you’re not, isn’t it?”

 

Michael retorted as if stating a plain fact.

 

‘Hey, could you stop with the ‘fact-attacks’ for a second?’

 

Alice felt worn out by his innocent honesty. As he said, she had no manual dexterity even in her past life; anything she touched usually ended up a mess.

 

“Is it that obvious? The crown I gave you last time was my life’s masterpiece…”

 

Of course, compared to the one Michael made, it was no exaggeration to call it trash.

 

“What does ‘life’s masterpiece’ mean?”

 

Michael asked, as if it were a word he was hearing for the first time. It seemed the vocabulary was too difficult for a five-year-old. Alice just glossed it over as “a work made with great effort,” fearing she’d be mocked if she explained it further.

 

“That was effort?”

 

This, too, resulted in her being mocked. However, Alice kept grinning. Michael made another flower crown for her! She was so happy that a smile kept escaping. She looked in the mirror while wearing the crown. The color harmony of the flowers went perfectly with her blonde hair.

 

Watching her, Michael said, “It’s not bad.”

 

“Thank you, Michael.”

 

“It’s nothing… and it’s a secret that I gave this to you. Promise.”

 

Michael held out his pinky, beckoning her to lock hers with it. She didn’t know why it had to be a secret, but seeing his eyebrows arch higher, Alice quickly locked fingers and promised.

 

“Especially to that crow-like guy, it’s a big secret.”

 

“Crow?”

 

When Alice asked, Michael answered as if she should know. “The young master of this house.”

 

“Ah… Edwin? Why?”

 

“It’s a secret.”

 

She tilted her head but assumed Michael was just being shy and didn’t pry further. Michael recalled what had happened earlier and clenched his small, round fists.

 

‘Hmph.’

 

It’s human nature to want to do something even more when told not to. Michael was no exception. After being threatened by Edwin not to give her a flower crown, he had spent more time and effort making this one than the first one. Feeling like he had won, the corners of Michael’s mouth curled up triumphantly.

 

 

***

 

 

However, that triumphant feeling was short-lived.

 

“What do I do?”

 

Michael was currently facing the crisis of a lifetime. The Esteban Duchy was second only to the Imperial Family in status and honor. Therefore, it wasn’t hard to guess that the Duke’s castle was second only to the Imperial Palace in size and complexity.

 

That’s right. Michael had gotten lost on his way back to his room. To make matters worse, it was the time when the servants and maids had returned to their quarters for their late-evening meal. That meant there was no one passing by to give him directions.

 

‘I should have just done what that dummy said…’

 

He deeply regretted refusing Alice’s offer to walk him back to his room. But seeing her grinning like an idiot while wearing the flower crown had made his face flush, and the rejection had slipped out before he knew it.

 

Panicking at the thought that he was completely lost, Michael began to walk aimlessly. He had long forgotten his brother’s advice: if you get lost, stay put and wait for someone to pass by.

 

“I-is anyone there?”

 

In his panic, he didn’t even realize his speech was slurring into a lisp. He cried out into the air. Unfortunately, there was no answer. He had wandered around and ended up like a ship adrift in the middle of the ocean. Tears quickly welled up in his large eyes from the sense of despair and helplessness.

 

Just as he was about to burst into tears—

 

Clang!

 

A strange, harsh sound rang out. The sound continued to repeat. It was the sound of blades clashing.

 

“A-a person.”

 

With tears still in his eyes, Michael ran toward the sound. He tripped once, and his knees got dirty, but he quickly brushed himself off and ran again. Despite the fall, his face was filled with hope. At least, for now.

 

“H-hey there!”

 

Michael shouted as he entered the martial arts hall. But the soldiers, focused on swinging their swords while clad in armor, didn’t notice him. Michael realized this was the swordsmanship training hall he had only read about in storybooks.

 

‘This is where they practice to catch the Demon King and dragons!’

 

His eyes, which had been dry of tears in an instant, sparkled with excitement and anticipation. Among the many trainees, there was surprisingly a boy who looked about his age. Michael wiped the tears from his cheeks with his sleeve and approached the boy.

 

“Hey! Do you know where this is?”

 

But as he got closer, the back of the black head looked very familiar. By the time he realized it, it was too late.

 

Recently, Edwin had felt a sense of unease in his body. It had started when he began receiving treatment from the Elga doctor. Whenever he was treated, his stomach felt queasy. At the same time, an uncontrollable power inside him felt like it was constantly leaking out, as if it were about to consume his reason. It was an unfamiliar and unpleasant sensation. Moving his body until he was exhausted felt better. Because of this, it had become Edwin’s routine to head straight to the martial arts hall after his treatment sessions.

 

“Please keep my treatment a secret.” Evan Elga had pleaded with Edwin with a desperate look. So, Edwin had kept quiet about it. If the doctor stopped the treatment, Edwin would be the one in trouble.

 

He swung his sword while thinking of Alice, who had been so happy to see his face clean. It was at that moment.

 

“Hey! Do you know where this is?”

 

An annoying voice broke Edwin’s train of thought. He slowly lowered his sword and turned around.

 

“Y-you? Why are you here?”

 

When their eyes met, the small body behind him trembled and stepped back. Then, as if his pride were wounded, Michael stiffened and glared at Edwin. Edwin watched him quietly. It felt a bit strange. After Alice, this was the first time he had experienced such a strong emotion from someone. Of course, the color of the emotion Edwin felt for her and Michael was completely different.

 

For Michael, his heart was racing.

 

‘Why is he here!’

 

This was maddening. Of all people, to run into this crow-like guy! Michael, who had instinctively felt the extraordinary aura inside Edwin before, wanted to get away from there. That aura was gradually leaking out and lightly enveloping Edwin’s entire body.

 

“…This is perfect. I wanted to try an experiment.”

 

Edwin, who had dropped his sword, scanned Michael’s body. He needed someone to test the strange mana inside him. Edwin took a step toward him. Michael felt as if he were being suffocated by that aura.

 

Experiment? Before Michael could ask, Edwin spoke in a low, quiet tone.

 

“Yes, stay still like that.”

 

For a fleeting moment, a murderous intent flickered in his red eyes. Edwin reached out toward Michael’s head. But suddenly, he stopped. Edwin muttered, his voice clearly filled with confusion.

 

“…Alice?”

 

“Ah, I’m caught!”

 

Alice, who had been peeping at them while hiding in the bushes, poked her head out. She smiled and stuck out her tongue.

 

“I was watching because you two seemed to be getting along… You guys are already close?”

 

Feeling bored after Michael left, she had immediately snuck into the martial arts hall. Not long after she started watching Edwin train, Michael had walked in. Alice felt a bit left out. Even if he was the protagonist of the novel, to get this close so quickly… She had completely misinterpreted Edwin’s action as him trying to pet Michael’s head.

 

‘They acted like they didn’t get along in front of me, so I tried everything… but they were like this behind my back. Look at these cute kids.’

 

Alice, smiling deviously, let her imagination run wild. But suddenly, she heard a thud next to her. Naturally, she turned her head. Alice froze in shock.

 

“Michael!”

 

Michael was lying unconscious where she had turned.

 

 

***

 

 

“Umm…”

 

Michael slowly opened his eyes. The first thing he saw was a mobile hanging from the ceiling. Small dolls were dangling and slowly rotating. As he watched the mobile moving blankly, a messy, curly blonde head suddenly popped into his view. The blue eyes looking at him were full of worry.

 

“Michael! You’re awake? Are you okay?”

 

Evan, who had been bowing his head in prayer, jumped up at Alice’s words.

 

“El!”

 

Evan was worried but also angry when he saw his brother, who had wandered around the castle without permission and returned unconscious. But seeing Michael awake, he couldn’t help but feel relieved.

 

‘El must have been the most surprised.’

 

Deciding to put aside the scolding for a moment, Evan stroked Michael’s head and spoke softly.

 

“El, how are you feeling?”

 

“…”

 

When Michael just stared blankly without opening his mouth, Evan grew anxious. But Michael’s gaze was captured not by his brother’s worried face, but by the red eyes staring intensely at him from behind.

 

‘Why is he here again!’

 

Michael was at his wit’s end.

 

Seeing Michael’s lack of response, Alice also grew anxious. Evan had said there was nothing wrong when he examined him earlier, but she worried he might have hit his head on a jagged stone when he fainted. But she soon realized where Michael’s gaze was fixed. Following his eyes, she saw Edwin staring this way expressionlessly from a distance.

 

Looking back and forth at the two children with a tender heart, a strange light flickered in Alice’s eyes.

 

‘Oho, look at these two.’

 

Letting out a soft, resigned sigh, Alice approached Edwin, grabbed his arm, and led him toward Michael. As Edwin got closer, Michael’s eyes grew as large as saucers.

 

‘Ha, so cute.’

 

He looked like a startled kitten. Alice suppressed the urge to squeeze Michael’s cheeks. She didn’t want to make Edwin jealous yet. She faithfully played her role as their bridge.

 

“Michael, you should say thank you to Edwin.”

 

“…What are you talking about?”

 

Michael’s mouth, which had remained shut, finally opened. Alice, thinking she knew the whole situation, smiled. It was a slightly devious smile for a child, but no one noticed.

 

“Edwin is the one who brought you all the way here after you suddenly fainted. Right?” Alice said, looking at Edwin. Edwin looked at Michael without answering. Michael felt as if his hair were standing on end under that gaze.

 

“Him?” Michael pointed at Edwin with a tiny finger, looking incredulous.

 

At those words, Alice recalled what had happened earlier. Seeing Alice panic when Michael suddenly collapsed, Edwin had picked Michael up and taken him to the infirmary near the martial arts hall. Even if he was larger than Michael, Alice was also a child. She wouldn’t have been able to carry Michael to the infirmary on her own.

 

‘I’m glad Edwin was there.’

 

Alice thought Edwin had never looked as reliable as he did today. He had lifted Michael with one hand as if he were a sheet of paper. Carrying him over one shoulder like a piece of luggage wasn’t the most graceful sight, but the fact remained that Edwin had helped Michael.

 

“It’s true. Edwin was so cool.”

 

Actually, rather than thinking he was cool, she was just surprised and fascinated by the physical strength of a child who could lift a peer with one hand. It felt like watching a trick at a circus. It was like getting a first glimpse of the extraordinary nature of the child who would later usurp the throne. Alice gave Edwin a thumbs-up and praised him repeatedly. There was no harm in giving him some lip service early, since he might become the Emperor in the future.

 

“What did you think was cool?” Edwin asked, looking at her with an innocent face.

 

“Uhh… well.” Alice narrowly avoided saying what she really thought.

 

“It was cool to see Edwin helping someone else.” It was the kind of thing you’d read in a moral textbook, but she figured it was good for a child’s education. Evan also seemed pleased with her answer and had a satisfied smile.

 

“Who says he helped me!” Michael shouted and pulled the blanket over his head. Seeing his red ears sticking out, he seemed to be embarrassed. What was he embarrassed about? Fainting at the training hall? Edwin carrying him? Alice tilted her head.

 

“El, you should say thank you,” Evan pointed out. Michael remained motionless under the blanket.

 

Only then did Alice notice something strange about his attitude. “Michael, did something happen?”

 

At her words, Michael lowered the blanket and peeked his face out to glare at Edwin. ‘

 

That demon-like guy.’

 

Michael opened his mouth to tell Alice everything.

 

“He…”

 

“Alice.”

 

At the sound of Edwin’s voice calling her name, Alice reflexively turned her head.

 

“Edwin?”

 

“Alice, are you scared of me?” Edwin asked, looking down. His long, black eyelashes trembled pitifully. He looked somewhat dejected and sad.

 

Those words immediately reminded her of what he had said in the carriage. Alice faced him with a face that said ‘of course not.’

 

“Of course not. Who could be scared of a kid like Edwin?” Alice comforted him with words full of exaggeration. Since they say a white lie is a good lie.

 

“Really?” At Alice’s quick denial, a small smile appeared on Edwin’s face. It was like a small forget-me-not blooming on a face that had been like a colorless glass doll.

 

Seeing that, Alice vowed to keep the truth hidden even more. She recalled how Michael had hidden behind her back when he first met Edwin. Alice looked at Michael for a moment. Michael was looking this way with a face that said he was speechless, as if he had a lot to say.

 

“Is the reason Michael fainted… because he was scared of Edwin?”

 

“…”

 

Seeing Edwin’s gloomy face at those words, Alice realized she was right. …Then, was it a situation where Edwin had approached Michael out of goodwill, but Michael had gotten scared and fainted?

 

‘What do I do?’

 

It wasn’t entirely incomprehensible that Michael would be scared of him. She wondered whether to take Edwin’s side or Michael’s. If she said she understood Michael’s position, Edwin would be hurt. But if she comforted Edwin, Michael would become the bad guy.

 

Edwin’s red eyes stared intensely at Alice’s lips, as if craving her answer. In this extremely awkward situation, Evan spoke up like a savior.

 

“It’s my fault. I should have been more firm in telling El not to wander around the castle… I’ve caused trouble for Alice and the young master. I’m sorry.” Evan stood up and bowed his head in apology. Alice waved her hands, saying it was fine.

 

“No! It’s not my brother’s fault!”

 

Then, Michael climbed completely out of bed and grabbed Evan’s leg. He spoke through tears, his emerald eyes full of water.

 

“It’s my fault! It’s because I didn’t listen to my brother!”

 

Wah!

 

When Michael finally burst into tears, Alice and Evan looked at each other with flustered expressions before bursting into small laughs. Unable to hold it in, the two of them eventually broke into loud laughter.

 

“Hahaha!”

 

“Why are you laughing!” Michael shouted, his face red at the two of them laughing at him, but his face smeared with tears and snot only made them laugh more.

 

Watching the situation, Edwin fell into his own thoughts.

 

‘The mana didn’t work.’

 

That was the reason Michael had fainted. Whenever he used the mana he felt in his body on animals in the forest, they would die instantly. So he assumed humans would be the same. Did that mean his judgment was wrong?

 

Edwin thought quietly. He would have to change his test subject.

 

 

***

 

 

After Karina’s trial ended, summer passed, followed by autumn and winter, until spring returned once more. Even then, the war had not ended. Two massive empires were locked in a struggle over sacred lands and oil fields at a strategic stronghold; it was the largest-scale conflict in history.

 

Duke Esteban remained tied to the Imperial Palace due to the prolonged war, returning to his estate only once every six months. Even then, his visits were fleeting, lasting only a day or two before he headed back to the capital. Whenever Alice happened to cross paths with him in the castle, he would look her over as if gauging whether she was physically intact. His gaze felt like a collector checking a prized object for scratches, leaving her with a strange, lingering unease. Still, he provided her with room, board, and a monthly allowance, so Alice had little to complain about.

 

‘Does he feel a shred of responsibility or affection for me?’

 

Alice shook her head at the thought. It didn’t seem likely that the arrogant, cold-hearted man was keeping her here out of mere sentiment. Nor did it seem like simple responsibility.

 

‘There must be a reason.’

 

She sensed it was somehow connected to the Emperor, but she still couldn’t quite grasp the full picture.

 

“I shall see you in ten years.”

 

The Emperor’s words echoed in her mind. Did that mean she would find out then? Ten years from now would be exactly when she reached adulthood.

 

“The weather is beautiful.”

 

Alice smiled brightly as she looked out the window. Today was the day for a picnic on the hill behind the estate with Edwin and the Elga brothers. This was a regular gathering she had first proposed. On the surface, the intent was to enjoy the scenery and nature, but in truth, it was a stage to foster a bond between Michael and Edwin.

 

Whether her year-long efforts were paying off or not, the relationship between the two had progressed to the point where they could exchange a few words. Considering there was a time when Michael would flee at the mere sight of Edwin while Edwin watched him gloomily, this was a tear-jerking improvement.

 

Just then, Ena knocked and entered, carrying a picnic basket.

 

“You’re here?”

 

Ironically, Alice’s relationship with Ena had developed far more than the bond between Michael and Edwin. Alice sniffed the aroma of bread coming from the basket.

 

“Mmm, this scent… Danny made this, didn’t he?”

 

“…That’s truly amazing. You aren’t a dog, yet you can tell just by the smell?”

 

Alice nodded as if it were obvious. How could one not know? The flavor itself was on a different level.

 

“But Danny made this for me?”

 

“I asked him because you seemed to like his bread, and he agreed quite readily.”

 

“Really? I thought everyone here hated me.”

 

When Alice spoke with surprise, Ena replied, “When he heard that the Young Lady said she couldn’t eat anyone’s bread but his, that idiot’s mouth was practically hanging open. He’s simple-minded; he loses all sense when you praise him.”

 

Danny and Ena had been friends for a long time, which was why Ena often spoke of him casually.

 

“Thank you. I didn’t know you thought of me this much, Ena. Sniff.”

 

“Your eyes are awfully dry for someone who’s crying.”

 

“Just pretend you didn’t notice.”

 

Alice brought up a recurring wish. “It would be so nice if you could come with us, Ena.”

 

Having lived and suffered together in the Duke’s castle, Alice had grown quite close to Ena and couldn’t hide her disappointment. Ena gave a faint, lukewarm smile and declined.

 

“I’m alright. If I play at a time like this, the work will just pile up, and I won’t get any real rest later.”

 

“Hmm, I see. That’s a shame.”

 

Seeing Alice nod in innocent understanding, Ena’s smile turned subtle. Her words were merely a convenient excuse to avoid the picnic. Specifically, she was avoiding a picnic where the Young Master of the house would be present.

 

She recalled the first time she met him—specifically, the time Alice had briefly left the estate. Thinking of his gaze when he asked where Alice had gone still sent shivers down Ena’s spine. It felt like walking into a monster’s maw. Since then, Ena had tried her best to avoid the Young Master whenever possible.

 

‘She is truly a remarkable person.’

 

This thought applied not just to Edwin, but to Alice as well. Although she didn’t say it aloud, Ena found Alice’s ability to get along with the Young Master even more miraculous than her ability to identify who baked the bread.

 

“Well then, I’m off!”

 

Alice stood up, hoisting a basket nearly half her size. Ena looked on with concern.

 

“Won’t it be too heavy for you to carry alone?”

 

“Resisting the urge to eat this is harder than carrying it. I want to get out and eat as soon as possible.”

 

“If it’s that difficult, perhaps you should have one now…”

 

“No, it’s okay. I can endure this much…”

 

Alice’s eyes wavered for a moment at Ena’s suggestion, but she shook her head with firm resolve. As soon as she opened the door, the basket suddenly felt light. Edwin had taken it from her.

 

“Edwin!”

 

The hand holding the basket was now nearly the same size as hers. It was a change that had occurred over the past year. Alice looked up at Edwin. He had grown slightly taller than her. He looked so clean and noble that it was hard to imagine what he looked like when they first met, though he was still only eight years old. His youthful face was more cute than handsome.

 

Outwardly, his condition appeared completely cured. However, the mana within him was still blocked by another wall inside his body, unable to be released. Only by tearing down that wall could he be truly free from the side effects and the curse. But Evan’s abilities had their limits. The only person who could do that was Michael.

 

“Alice, I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can go today.”

 

Only then did Alice realize he wasn’t in his usual clothes; he was dressed for an outing.

 

“Huh? Why?”

 

“I have to go to the Imperial Palace.”

 

“Did the Duke summon you?”

 

Edwin nodded. Alice wondered why the Duke would summon him all the way to the palace. When she asked for the reason, Edwin shook his head, saying he didn’t know either.

 

 

***

 

 

“Alice!”

 

Waiting on the hill, Evan spotted her and waved. Noticing the basket in her hand, he approached quickly. He took the basket from her, looking concerned.

 

“Was it heavy? If I’d known, I would have waited for you at the bottom…”

 

“Edwin carried it most of the way, so I’m fine. Have you been waiting long?”

 

“I’m alright. I just arrived as well.”

 

Evan’s eyes, the color of early summer greenery, curved gently.

 

“Why are you so late! We were waiting!” Michael shouted bluntly upon seeing her. Then, noticing one person was missing, a spark appeared in his eyes. His expression brightened instantly. “Where’s that guy?”

 

“If you mean Edwin, he had something to do today, so he couldn’t come. It’s just us today, unfortunately.”

 

“Unfortunate? Not at all. I hope he gets a mountain of work so he never comes back.”

 

Michael snarked as he sprawled out on the grass. Evan looked at his brother with deep concern and asked, “Does El use such rude language even when I’m not around?”

 

Alice laughed. He was actually on his best behavior when Evan was around. For a six-year-old, Michael already had quite a sharp tongue.

 

“It’s okay. Michael is cute, after all.”

 

“Being cute doesn’t excuse every behavior.” Evan’s worry for his brother shifted toward Alice. “Alice, you must never follow a stranger just because they have a handsome face. You have to be careful of everyone.”

 

“Yes, yes,” Alice replied absently. Evan’s worrying seemed especially intense today.

 

‘He’s not wrong, though.’

 

Except for Evan, Michael, and Ena, almost every character in this novel was unhinged.

 

“Evan, I have a gift for you.”

 

“A gift for me?”

 

Evan looked at her with a slightly bewildered face. Alice unfastened the necklace she was wearing. It was a necklace made of turquoise.

 

“They say turquoise is a symbol of good luck. If you wear this, you’ll live a long, long time. Happy adulthood.”

 

“…Alice, thank you so much.”

 

Moved, Evan accepted the gift with a face that looked ready to cry. Seeing a pure beauty like him moved to tears… Alice worked hard to recite scriptures in her head to calm her fluttering heart. She didn’t notice that Evan’s expression darkened for a split second.

 

 

***

 

 

Only a few days had passed. However, Alice’s room felt heavy and damp, like a cloudy day filled with storm clouds.

 

“Ugh, waaah!”

 

Before her was Michael, sobbing uncontrollably with tears and snot streaming down his face. She stared at him blankly, her face a mask of desolation as she whispered, “So… Evan went to the war?”

 

“Hic… waaah!” He nodded, wiping away the constant stream of tears with his small hands.

 

Alice collapsed onto the bed. She felt empty and hollow. To think he would leave without a word. As she wiped Michael’s face with a handkerchief, she asked, “But why?”

 

“Hic… the country… hic… called him… he said he had no choice…”

 

“So he didn’t volunteer.”

 

She recalled a newspaper article she had read recently. It said that with the prolonged Southern War, casualties were mounting, and there was a shortage of military doctors and nursing officers.

 

‘So they conscripted him.’

 

Alice was overwhelmed by a sense of powerlessness. In the original story, it was said that Evan died if he went to the battlefield. Because he was a mere supporting character, his death was described in only a single line. But to her, now that the novel was reality, Evan was no supporting character. He was the one who acted as her guardian, showing care and looking after her when she had no family.

 

As long as she remained in the Duke’s castle, Alice was safe. But for someone living alone without family, the difference between having someone who checks on you every day and having no one was vast. Alice had no intention of rejecting Evan’s kindness. While it would be a lie to say she had no ulterior motives, she had grown genuinely fond of him.

 

Alice’s eyes flashed.

 

‘Wait.’

 

Maybe things could change. Just as Edwin, who left the tower at eighteen in the original story, had come out ten years early because of her… perhaps Evan could survive the war as well.

 

But even if he survived through luck, what were the chances he wouldn’t use his holy power on a battlefield full of the wounded? Especially if he didn’t realize it would put Michael in danger. And even if he did know, the chances of Evan not using his power in front of a dying person were slim. From what she had seen, Evan prioritized the injured over his own safety. Whether it was an Elga family trait or not, Michael was the same.

 

She couldn’t maintain her composure because of the weight on her heart. To Ena, who had just entered for mealtime, she said, “I don’t have an appetite, so let’s eat out today.”

 

“Pardon? Oh, okay. But do you have money?”

 

“Weren’t you going to treat me again, Ena?”

 

“Where exactly do you keep the money you earned by selling your conscience?”

 

“I already spent it all.”

 

Ena sighed and nodded. Alice smiled brightly and led her out by the arm. Despite her smiling face, Alice’s gaze was heavy as they walked down the hallway.

 

‘I have to send a letter.’

 

She hadn’t thought she would ever have to send a letter to someone behind the Duke’s back again, but that time had come sooner than expected.

 

 

***

 

 

She was on her way back from successfully mailing the letter. Edwin, crossing paths with her in the castle, asked, “Is something wrong?”

 

She let out a long sigh and vented to him. “Evan was drafted as a military doctor.”

 

Edwin didn’t give a verbal response, but he looked as if he already knew. She asked, “Did you know?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“How?”

 

“I heard them talking in the Imperial Palace office.”

 

Alice replied with a gloomy face once more. “I hope he returns alive.”

 

Her sea-blue eyes quickly filled with clear water. Edwin didn’t fully understand why she was so worried about him, but he mirrored her expression and comforted her. “It will be alright.”

 

“I hope he doesn’t even get a scratch.”

 

The fact that he was called to the battlefield at the exact same time as in the original story weighed on her mind. She even had the negative thought that perhaps the fate of a supporting character couldn’t be changed, no matter what. She suddenly looked at Edwin. His gaze was full of worry for her.

 

But she was worried about Edwin, too.

 

‘What happens to Edwin’s treatment?’

 

Even if Evan’s holy power was weaker than Michael’s, it would have been better for him to receive consistent treatment. There were so many things weighing on her; she still couldn’t feel at ease.

 

 

***

 

 

Alice looked down at her own hands.

 

‘This dream again.’

 

As expected, her fingers were long and slender, like those of an adult woman. These dreams never had a good ending. She wanted to wake up, but it was beyond her will. In this dream, her body did not move as she wished.

 

The dream she first had a year ago hadn’t been a one-time thing. It had repeated several times since then. The same horrific nightmare where she knelt before Edwin, begging for her life, only to die. She hadn’t found the reason for these recurring dreams. Did reasons even exist for dreams? She could only guess that her anxiety about death was manifesting in these grim visions.

 

Only after several repetitions did Alice realize she could only wake up after the dream ended with her death. Ah, that familiar figure stood before her again. A man who was cruelly beautiful but cold. She asked him the same question she always did.

 

“Edwin, why are you trying to kill me?”

 

She asked, knowing the answer would be the same. That’s how much she wanted to hear his response. Surely now there was no reason for Edwin to kill her?

 

His long, sleek legs bent. He knelt down to sit with her. Alice’s blue eyes widened. This was the first time in the dream he had done such a thing. Previously, he had killed her without a word of explanation. She felt a spark of hope at that small change. Perhaps she wouldn’t have to die in the dream anymore.

 

Though their eye levels were now the same, his gaze did not meet hers. He looked down as if deep in thought. She wondered what thoughts, what warmth might be held within those ruby eyes hidden beneath his black lashes.

 

Slowly, his gaze rose, along with his long lashes. His red eyes slowly met hers. There was no thought, no warmth. Not even a trace of emotion could be found in those blood-red eyes. It was a cold, static gaze. The air around them felt suffocatingly still, as if time itself slowed only for him.

 

Realizing her fleeting hope was futile, she fell into despair. Edwin opened his lips languidly. His face was too clean of emotion for someone who had just killed.

 

“You should know that better than anyone.”

 

Having said that, he stood up again. The rest was the same ending. She died, and then she woke up. A bloody, metallic conclusion.

 

 

***

 

 

And the next day, Alice heard the news that Edwin was being sent to the battlefield.

 

 

***

 

 

“I have received word that Evan Elga has just left the estate.”

 

Kaden reported. The Duke, looking over documents, gave a small nod. Kaden, unable to contain his curiosity, spoke up.

 

“Your Grace, there is one thing I would like to ask.”

 

“What is it?”

 

“Why did you allow Evan Elga to go to the war?”

 

“It is the will of the Empire.”

 

The Duke answered as if he were powerless against the Empire’s will, but Kaden knew that was a lie. Esteban, who enjoyed the Imperial Family’s singular trust, had more than enough power to intervene in the Empire’s internal affairs. Thus, being unable to defy the order was just a surface-level excuse; there had to be another reason.

 

The Duke gave a faint smile and said, “When pushed to the brink of death, one inevitably brings out hidden power.”

 

He meant that Evan would use his holy power out of a desire to survive. He had decided it was better to use the conscription as a pretext to push the Elga doctor to his limits and uncover the existence of holy power.

 

“I see. I understand what you mean.”

 

Only then did Kaden understand the order the Duke had given him a week ago. They had already bribed a priest from the Vatican and sent him ahead to the battlefield as a military doctor. Now, that priest would be monitoring Evan Elga.

 

“You look like you have much to say,” the Duke said with a tilt of his chin. “Speak. Isn’t there something else you’re curious about?”

 

“…”

 

Kaden was flustered by the Duke’s words. It was true, but he hadn’t expected the Duke to pinpoint it so accurately. Hiding his agitation, Kaden carefully chose his question.

 

“The Young Master is not yet of the age to be officially conscripted. Will it be alright?”

 

Knowing the Duke disliked it when he meddled in private matters, Kaden’s face stiffened with tension. This morning, an order allowing Edwin’s departure for the front had come down from the Imperial Palace. Kaden had been quite taken aback when he first saw it.

 

While it wasn’t uncommon to see things beyond common sense while cleaning up after the family, volunteering an eight-year-old for war was preposterous. Even if there was a shortage of manpower, the trend was to conscript only those over fourteen. Furthermore, fourteen was a story limited to commoners; for a high-ranking family like a Dukedom, it was a distant matter. One could only guess that the Duke had intentionally issued the conscription order.

 

The Duke easily interpreted the veiled question of whether sending him to war at such a young age was too much. Looking at the documents, he replied, “I needed to test him.”

 

“Test what, Your Grace?”

 

“His qualities as a successor.”

 

“I… I see.”

 

What kind of father in the world sends an eight-year-old to a battlefield to see his qualities? And that person was his superior… Kaden was momentarily lost for words.

 

“Is that answer sufficient?”

 

“Yes, Your Grace. Thank you.”

 

Kaden set aside common sense and nodded. Such an answer was an immense act of kindness from the Duke.

 

“Then, if you have time to worry about useless things, focus on the embezzlement of military supplies.”

 

“I apologize.”

 

Kaden, knowing he had crossed a line, immediately sat down and buried himself in the mountain of paperwork.

 

As he looked at the documents, the Duke recalled when he had summoned Edwin to the palace a few days ago. On the condition that Alice be allowed to stay at the castle, Edwin was following the Duke’s orders—though it was merely a measure to briefly retract a tiger’s claws. Thus, Edwin had visited the palace.

 

“Why did you call me?”

 

An eight-year-old child. His tone had no innocence, only arrogance. The Duke didn’t point out the major contradiction in Kaden’s earlier words. He didn’t care much for a child’s casual tone anyway.

 

“It seems the Southern War will drag on. You are to participate.”

 

“The reason.”

 

Edwin’s face was expressionless as he asked. At his question, the Duke clasped his hands and rested his elbows on the desk.

 

“Don’t you know the reason yourself? You must know you can’t go on like this forever.”

 

At the Duke’s words, the light in Edwin’s eyes changed. “Tell me what you know.”

 

“The mana inside you. In the Esteban family, we call it ‘Diabolos.’ It’s a rare power that appears once in several generations.”

 

“Diabolos.” Edwin muttered the word to himself. “Devil.”

 

In Esteban family history, there was a hypothesis that one of the ancestors was a devil. The Duke was saying it was true. However, that power was dangerous, and if known externally, it would jeopardize the family’s existence, which was why they had intentionally confined him to the tower.

 

“The scars on your body. That power is not human to begin with, so your body, which is a human shell, could not handle it, resulting in those side effects.”

 

The Duke spoke as if it were truly fascinating. “That power can never be healed by normal means. Yet, you were cured.”

 

“That shouldn’t be the reason for me to go to war.”

 

“The reason is more than sufficient. You feel it yourself, don’t you?”

 

“…”

 

Reading the affirmation on Edwin’s face, the Duke continued. “That is not something that can be suppressed by will alone. To control any object, you must first learn how to use it.”

 

The Duke glanced at the clock on the desk and said, “I believe that’s enough time for you to consider.”

 

Edwin bit his lip. It was as the Duke said. As the treatment progressed, the murderous intent surging from within was eating away at his reason. He was on edge, fearing he might do something irreversible if he let go of his sanity. He had even suspected the Elga doctor was doing something to him. It had been a year since he’d been unable to sleep.

 

Edwin spoke coldly. “And you’re saying that will be resolved if I go to war?”

 

“At least you can suppress the constant urge to kill.”

 

“I can’t stay on the battlefield forever.”

 

Edwin thought of a certain person. He couldn’t fully trust the man before him.

 

“The choice is always yours, not mine.”

 

The Duke spoke with a thin smile. Everyone in that room knew the answer was already decided.

 

“If he dies there, his value was only that much.”

 

Finishing his recollection, the Duke’s face was cold.

 

 

***

 

 

Alice stared blankly into the void at the news Ena brought. It felt as if she had been struck in the head with a blunt object.

 

“Edwin… to the war? You’re not joking, right?”

 

“Would I joke about something like that…?”

 

Ena had a point. The idea of an eight-year-old child being sent to a battlefield wasn’t exactly a humorous topic, even as a dark joke. Alice found herself muttering involuntarily.

 

“The Duke has finally lost his mind.”

 

Upon hearing this, Ena immediately rushed to the door to ensure it was locked. Finding it secure, she returned with a relieved expression. Emboldened by the privacy, Alice began to curse him out scathingly.

 

“Does it make a lick of sense to send his eight-year-old son to war? He’s sending him there to die. That lunatic.”

 

Of course, Edwin wasn’t a typical child, so the circumstances were slightly different. Nevertheless, sending one’s young biological son to a war zone was incomprehensible.

 

‘Is he a literal psychopath?’

 

Alice wasn’t just cursing; she was asking the question with genuine curiosity. She was furious, but as a mere dependent in this Ducal house, there was nothing she could do. Recalling her precarious position, her face darkened.

 

“Do you know when he’s departing?”

 

“I’m not sure. I tried to eavesdrop further, but the maids inside opened the door and came out too quickly…”

 

“Then I’ll have to ask him myself.”

 

Alice checked the clock. By now, Edwin would be practicing his swordsmanship at the training grounds. She headed there immediately, her mind a whirlwind of complex thoughts.

 

‘Is the original plot twisting so much that Edwin is going to war?’

 

Originally, he was supposed to be trapped in the tower for another ten years, but he had come out because of her. Was the “god” of this world sending him to the battlefield because the protagonist lacked sufficient trials? In a “dark obsession” novel, the lead usually needs a tragic backstory—perhaps some cosmic entity decided his current trauma wasn’t enough and intervened. It wasn’t an impossible theory.

 

“Edwin!”

 

From a distance, she saw Edwin training with a composed face. Alice called out to him and ran.

 

“Edwin…”

 

“Alice, is something wrong?”

 

Edwin asked, noticing the unusual expression on her face. His eyes sank coldly. Was this a continuation of the previous trouble? Having noticed Alice looking tired every morning, he had felt something was off and had quietly watched over her for a day. He had spotted those who had been kicking her door and jeering at her every night. Even though it wasn’t his direct concern, it grated on him like a thorn in his eye. So, he had quietly broken their limbs and silenced the rest, promising to tear out the tongues of anyone who spoke a word.

 

And yet, had something happened to Alice again? Humans who could not learn had no value in living. Edwin made that judgment instantly.

 

“Yes. Something happened.”

 

“What is it?”

 

“But it didn’t happen to me.”

 

Alice looked into Edwin’s eyes. On the day he said he had to go to the Imperial Palace, he must have received the deployment order. Yet, even when he came to give her a morning greeting today, why hadn’t he said anything? Did he think they weren’t close enough to share such news? Alice felt a sudden pang of hurt. If she hadn’t heard this from Ena, she would have sent him off without even a proper goodbye. Having already sent Evan away like that, Alice felt even more let down by Edwin’s silence.

 

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

 

Edwin understood immediately what she was referring to. He spoke slowly, as if choosing his words.

 

“It isn’t exactly good news.”

 

“You don’t only have to tell your friends the good news,” Alice said. Sending him off while pretending not to know would have been even more upsetting. Edwin looked slightly confused.

 

“But Alice, you also…”

 

“Me?”

 

“Never mind.”

 

Edwin wanted to say that she, too, had hidden the fact that she was being bullied in the hallways and at night. He had actually wanted her to tell him about her hardships. But bringing that up would reveal that he had been the one to silence the servants. So, instead, he comforted her.

 

“Alice, I’ll be back soon.”

 

“Aren’t you scared, Edwin? Having to go to war at such a young age…”

 

He wasn’t particularly afraid, but Edwin liked that Alice was worried about him. What answer would make her worry even more? As he deliberated, Alice interpreted his silence in her own way and grabbed his arm with a face that said ‘I knew it.’

 

“It’s not too late. Tell the Duke you don’t want to go.”

 

“I cannot change what my father has decided.”

 

“This is unbelievable. Edwin…”

 

Alice couldn’t hide her pity. It was now clear that going to war wasn’t Edwin’s wish, but the Duke’s. Her fists clenched involuntarily. No matter how “dark” the genre was, what kind of father pushes his son into a death trap? She had thought he confined Edwin to the tower because he misunderstood him to be an illegitimate child, but she had to revoke that thought today. The Duke was simply that kind of man—a cold-blooded human who would push his own son into the abyss without a second thought. It fully explained why the Edwin in the original novel grew up without emotions. She ground her teeth, mentally tearing the Duke to shreds.

 

“Alice, while I’m gone…”

 

Edwin grabbed her hand. His hands, which had been practicing swordsmanship diligently, were covered in blisters and small wounds. Yet, they were still small and delicate hands for the task ahead.

 

‘Though he did snap those chains in one go with these hands.’

 

Edwin slowly opened his red lips to continue. “You mustn’t forget me.”

 

As he spoke, his black eyelashes trembled. Alice felt a lump in her throat. To think he was worried about that. She wanted to hold his small, pale face and tell him it was a completely useless worry. But on the other hand, she understood why he felt that way. He had been alone for a very long time. He was afraid of being alone again.

 

“Of course not. How could I ever forget you, Edwin?”

 

“Then promise me.”

 

Edwin held out his pinky. The sight reminded Alice of the promise she had made to him at the tower. Back then, when he asked her not to forget to return, she had locked pinkies with him. It seemed he remembered that, too. The lingering hurt vanished, replaced by a swelling emotion that made her eyes sting.

 

She locked her pinky with his and said, “I promise.”

 

 

***

 

 

Time flowed heartlessly, and the day of Edwin’s departure arrived faster than ever. Alice could only sigh in pity for Edwin, who would spend his childhood on a battlefield while the spring pollen drifted through the air.

 

“Why are you so listless?”

 

Michael scowled, clearly displeased with her lack of energy.

 

‘And why do I have to be the one to see him off?’

 

He hadn’t even given his brother a proper send-off; he was quite unhappy about having to see off that crow-like guy. But he couldn’t complain further looking at Alice’s gloomy face.

 

“Even if you say that, aren’t you secretly sad too, Michael?”

 

“Me?”

 

That’s just what you want to believe. Michael wanted to snap back, but he settled for keeping his mouth shut.

 

“I knew it, you’ve grown quite fond of Edwin too.”

 

Alice misinterpreted the silence. Michael tried to argue that he wasn’t sad, but he was interrupted by a knock.

 

“Young Lady, it is time.”

 

It was Ena. The time for Edwin’s departure had arrived. Alice nodded, fighting back tears, and put on her coat. She straightened Michael’s clothes, took his hand, and left the room. Descending to the first floor, she saw the servants lined up on both sides of the main entrance. They were all new faces.

 

In the center, Edwin, dressed in military uniform, was speaking with Alois, the family knight. Listening in, they seemed to be discussing unit placement.

 

‘Wait, is Alois going to the war too…?’

 

A fact she had almost overlooked: Alois was only thirteen this year. Furthermore, he wasn’t a commoner; he was the second son of Marquis Erdman. He was only here for training, placed in the order temporarily due to the friendship between the families. Did the Marquis Erdman family just overlook their thirteen-year-old son joining the war?

 

“I can’t understand the adults here with common sense…”

 

The Imperial Family for allowing children to participate, and the fathers for accepting it—none of them were normal. After mentally tearing into them once more, Alice reached the bottom of the stairs and watched from a distance. With so many eyes on them and him looking busy, she couldn’t easily approach. Michael gave her hand a light tug.

 

“Why aren’t you going over? Weren’t you going to say goodbye?”

 

“I have a disease where I get goosebumps when too many people look at me…”

 

The servants were already glancing her way. Michael looked at her as if she were insane.

 

“That’s a weird disease.”

 

“Everyone has their secrets.”

 

“That’s a pretty lame secret.”

 

Coming from someone who kept his life-saving power a secret, it sounded surprisingly persuasive, so she had no rebuttal.

 

“Alice?”

 

Edwin, who had been talking to Alois, noticed her and called her name first. At the sound, she approached him hesitantly.

 

‘Hey, let go of my hand!’

 

She heard Michael’s whisper beside her but pretended not to hear.

 

“Did you come to see me off?” Edwin asked. Alice nodded. She had prepared so many things to say last night. But seeing his incredibly young face, the words got stuck in her throat. Even in a military uniform, to her eyes, he was at an age where he should be swinging a toy sword. And yet, this boy was going to war. It was a situation that left her speechless every time she thought of it.

 

“Edwin… even if it’s hard, make sure you eat well and cover yourself with a blanket when you sleep.”

 

She held his hand tightly, pouring out her worries. Edwin nodded, saying he would. Watching this, Michael didn’t hide his bewilderment and whispered so only she could hear, “Is he your son or something?”

 

“It feels a bit like that right now.”

 

Alice nodded. Combining her past life, it wouldn’t be strange if she had a son that age by now. Michael, not expecting her to agree so readily, was left speechless.

 

‘What the heck, you guys are the same age.’

 

“And Alice… I have something to give you. I won’t be here for your birthday, so I wanted to give it to you early.”

 

As Edwin spoke, a small blush appeared on his cheeks. Michael was aghast.

 

‘Is this guy seriously blushing?’

 

Alice was equally surprised by Edwin’s shy demeanor. Surprisingly, it suited him.

 

“I bought this because it reminded me of the flower crown you gave me before.”

 

In his hand was a necklace with a jewel shaped like a flower. A sapphire was set in the center, and the petals were made of diamonds. She found it cute and touching that he remembered that moment and got her such a gift.

 

“It’s so beautiful.”

 

“I’m glad.”

 

“Isn’t this… expensive?”

 

“I don’t know how much it was.”

 

“I… see.”

 

Unfortunately, his sense of economics showed no sign of improvement after a year.

 

“I didn’t prepare anything…”

 

If he was away at war, she wouldn’t be able to celebrate his birthday either.

 

“It’s okay.”

 

“Still…”

 

“If it bothers you, I would like a letter.”

 

Edwin said. As he spoke, Michael’s expression was dyed with indescribable shock. Alice, marvelling at how a child could be so considerate, nodded.

 

“Yes, I’ll definitely write to you.”