Chapter 21

While Roseanne decorated the room for Enria and the child, Enria spent her days with her in the library reading ancient texts about holy power, magic, spirit arts, and mana, Caldeon was usually the one watching over Hayden.

In fact, there were two more attendants besides Chavel—professionals hired specifically to care for children—who helped Caldeon look after him.

However, ever since Caldeon happened to pass by and picked Hayden up once, the child refused to be separated from him.

From that day on, Hayden spent most of his time in Caldeon’s office, nestled in his arms.

“Hey, don’t touch that. It’s sharp and dangerous.”

Sitting at his desk, Caldeon reviewed documents while keeping a watchful eye on Hayden, who sat in front of him, trying to grab a sharp pen. Each time the boy reached for it, Caldeon gently stopped him.

Whenever that happened, Hayden would give up on the pen—but instead of sitting still, he’d reach for a piece of paper or try to lift one of the books nearby, driven by boundless curiosity.

Caldeon could easily have grown irritated, but instead, he calmly explained everything the boy touched or picked up.

“This is Serven paper. It’s made by the master papermakers of the Servenia family. The quality is four times better than regular paper. You don’t know what ‘four times’ means yet, do you?”

When Hayden babbled something in response and reached for a book, Caldeon gently held his tiny hand to stop him.

“No, you can’t. That book weighs more than half your body weight. A small boy like you can’t lift something like that.”

Arsen, Caldeon’s aide, found himself staring in astonishment at the scene between them, his mouth slightly open.

The first time he saw Hayden, he had been shocked by how much the boy resembled Caldeon.

Anyone would think he was Caldeon’s own son—the resemblance was uncanny. For a moment, Arsen had even suspected that the child might truly be born of Caldeon and Enria.
But since no child could ever be born between the Saintess and Caldeon, he’d dismissed the thought. Even when she was brought from the Grand Sanctuary to calm Caldeon’s rampage, there had been no concerns about any heir.

And considering how often Caldeon snarled about finding the boy’s father and “tearing him apart,” Arsen was quite sure Hayden wasn’t Caldeon’s child.

‘Still, with that kind of resemblance, maybe he’s the child of His Grace’s hidden brother…’

“That’s it. Turn the page like that.”

When Hayden gave up trying to lift the heavy book and began turning the pages instead, Caldeon smiled approvingly.

“Smart boy. Just like your mother.”

“Appa!”

“Remember, Hayden. You take after your mother only. Your father will die by my ha—… no, you’ll start understanding speech soon. I shouldn’t say such things around you.”

Muttering to himself, Caldeon looked up at Arsen.

“Arsen.”

“Yes, Your Grace?”

“Watch your language in front of Hayden. He’s starting to learn how to talk.”

“Ah, yes, sir.”

Arsen nodded, then tilted his head slightly.

“But I do always watch my language, Your Grace.”

At that, Caldeon’s brow shot up.

“That’s because you keep doing stupid things that make me curse.”

“He’s listening, you know.”

Arsen glanced down at Hayden meaningfully. Caldeon blinked, realizing his slip.

“I’ll go see Enria for a moment. Watch Hayden while I’m gone.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

Caldeon rose from his chair, holding Hayden, and walked toward the sofa.

After gently setting the boy down, Arsen came closer.

“Make sure he doesn’t fall.”

Turning toward the door, Caldeon added over his shoulder, “Keep an eye on him.”

“Uh—uh! He’s—he’s walking!”

At Arsen’s startled shout, Caldeon spun around instantly.

“What?”

“He’s walking!”

The moment Caldeon set him down, Hayden had tried to get off the sofa.

With Arsen’s help, he safely made it to the floor and began toddling unsteadily toward Caldeon on his own two feet.

Arsen reached out, ready to grab him if he fell, but didn’t interfere—just crouched close behind, hands extended to catch him if needed.

“Hayden!”

Caldeon’s eyes widened as the boy wobbled toward him. Dropping to one knee, he spread his arms wide.

“He’s walking! Arsen, are you seeing this? Hayden’s walking!”

“Yes, sir, I’m right here following him. Of course I see him.”

“Hayden’s walking! I can’t believe it!”

“You’re watching it happen, Your Grace. And isn’t he over a year old now? You told me he’s almost two—most kids start walking before that.”

“Fool. Hayden’s still a baby. And he grew up in a spirit village, remember? He hardly even knows how to talk properly yet.”

‘We’re talking about walking, not conversation… And a two-year-old who can talk fluently would be a prodigy—or possessed,’ Arsen thought but wisely kept his mouth shut.

Just then, Hayden stumbled forward and began to fall.

“Oh no!”

Arsen lunged to catch him—but Caldeon was faster.

Hayden fell softly against Caldeon’s chest, his face brushing the man’s uniform.

“Appa, appa.”

“Yes, yes, Hayden.”

Caldeon lifted him up and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek.

“Were you scared? It’s all right. You’ll never get hurt as long as I’m here.”

“Appa!”

“Yes, yes. I’m glad you’re fine.”

Even though the boy’s words were just babble, Caldeon nodded as if they were carrying on a real conversation.

“You’ve taken your first steps. That deserves a reward. But first, we should tell your mother. Arsen, I’ll go see Enria with Hayden.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

As Caldeon left with Hayden, smiling broadly, Arsen watched them go, feeling oddly uplifted himself.

Since Hayden had been spending so much time in the office, Arsen had grown quite fond of him. Seeing the boy take his first steps made him feel the same joy one might feel for a nephew.

He wasn’t married, hadn’t even been in love before—so “nephew” seemed more fitting than “son.”

Still, he understood perfectly why Caldeon looked so happy.

Seeing how the man adored a child that wasn’t even his own made Arsen certain—Caldeon truly loved Enria, deeply and perhaps to a dangerous degree.

He recalled how terrifyingly sharp and furious Caldeon had been when Enria disappeared and silently hoped such a day would never come again.

‘He needs to capture the Tower Lord soon and restore Her Grace to her rightful place.’

As one of the few who knew about his superior’s sham marriage, Arsen sincerely wished Caldeon would end the false union with the count’s daughter as quickly as possible.

Since Caldeon probably wouldn’t return to the office for hours after Hayden’s first steps, Arsen sat down at his desk and got back to work, clearing the remaining documents.

***

“What are you doing here again?”

Holding Hayden in his arms, Caldeon entered the reception room only to see Rahar sitting with Enria and Roseanne. His brows furrowed immediately.

“What brings you here?”

Surprised to see him during work hours, Enria asked curiously. Caldeon’s expression brightened at once as he replied, “Hayden walked.”

“…What?”

“Hayden walked?”

“He started walking?!”

At his words, Enria, Roseanne, and Rahar all looked astonished. Rahar even shot to his feet in excitement.

“You’re not seeing it. Get out.”

“And who are you to decide that?”

“I’m the lord of this castle. Get out of my fortress, Rahar.”

As always, the two of them began bickering the moment they met.

Enria sighed at the sight and turned her attention to Hayden, taking him gently into her arms.

“You started walking? Really?”

“Wyaah.”

As if answering yes, Hayden babbled cheerfully. When she asked if he’d show her too, he began wriggling, eager to get down.

Smiling, Enria carefully set him on the floor. Roseanne clapped her hands, calling out,

“Come to Auntie, Hayden.”
“Wuhya, wuhyaa.”

With some unintelligible sounds, Hayden began toddling toward her.

“Oh!”

“Oh!”

“My goodness!”

“Haha, see?”

Everyone except Caldeon gasped and cheered in delight. Roseanne knelt, holding out her arms happily—but just as she did, Hayden swerved, turning in a little circle.

Then, arms stretched wide, he started walking toward Enria instead.

“Oh my!”

“Haha, looks like he’s teasing you, Rose.”

Roseanne and Rahar both laughed, watching Hayden wobble back into Enria’s arms. The boy giggled as he buried himself in her embrace, and she held him close, smiling radiantly.

Standing beside them, Caldeon gently tapped Hayden’s nose with his finger.

“You little rascal.”

“Since it’s his first step, we should have a celebration.”

“A celebration?” Enria asked, puzzled.

“Of course we should,” Roseanne agreed immediately.

“I’m coming too,” Rahar added, raising a hand.

At that, Caldeon scowled at him.

“And what right do you have to attend?”