He tripped on a carpet in the hallway and sprawled out on the floor in a very funny way. So much that it put his neatly dressed clothes to shame.
Thanks to that, I let out an embarrassing snort, like a pig oinking. Hiding the burst of laughter that was about to come out wasn’t an easy task.
Just as the heaviest thing in the world are eyelids, the thing you are the most unable to hold in is laughter.
[Serves him right.]
I didn’t seem to be the only one having fun.
[To think I just dared to grumble at you. I sincerely apologize. I’m in a very good mood right now.]
“Hey! You! Why are you laughing!”
Yuri pointed his finger at me, his face red.
“Laughing? No way. I was just startled for being suddenly dizzy. You know that too, Yuri. Your sister is a little weak…”
There, I put my finger on my temple, pretending to be feeble, and responded pitifully like that. Cough, cough; I covered my mouth and coughed forcedly.
Yuri opened his mouth wide. Elizabeth looked like she had seen a ghost. Next to her, Hendrik looked like he was going to kill one of us right now.
What can I do when you guys look at me like that?
“Ah, Brother. Help me a little. I feel dizzy all of a sudden.”
I said a bit more, as if I was being ostentatious, and leaned my head against Evan’s shoulder.
“Are you alright? Do you want to go to your room?”
Evan supported me with a smiling face. And then, I heard Mikael’s clear laugh. It was a clear sound that permeated deep into the heart of the listener and made you feel refreshed.
Everyone’s gaze was drawn to him at the same time.
“Ah, damn it. I apologize.”
He rubbed his index finger against his smiling mouth with a smile, and winked slightly at me. As if telling me I did a good job.
Elijah looked alternately between me, Mikael, and the panting Yuri, letting out a short sigh with a tired expression. It was the appearance of a troubled parent whose child had gotten into trouble.
“I want to go to my room now, Father.”
I said quickly, taking the chance. I didn’t even want to be with anyone in the first place, except Mikael.
Elijah nodded as if he couldn’t help it. He certainly would not want more disturbances because of Celina.
“Then, I’ll ask Ian for the rest of the work. Ian, you can go to the garden in my place.”
“I understand.”
Ian bowed his head, but his eye level suddenly rose. I unconsciously grabbed something that was within reach.
“Here. Let’s go now, then.”
“…”
That ‘something’ was Evan’s neck. I opened my eyes wide and looked at him. What is this cheesy princess posture?
“What is this?”
“Didn’t you say you were dizzy? Then I’ll take you to your room.”
Evan, who responded slyly, picked me up, said goodbye to Elijah, and immediately moved to the front of Celina’s room. Unfortunately, Celina, who could not use magic, could not comfortably walk around alone in the castle.
“You can put me down now.”
I looked up at the door, boasting its enormous size, and spoke.
“Okay. But why does it seem like you’re getting lighter? That’s a problem.”
However, Evan only answered and opened the door, entering the room as we were.
“What happened just now was really funny. You, you seem to have changed since Mikael came? I’m sure you were like that once when you were a child.”
“I told you to put me down?”
“I told you okay?”
He walked, not minding my struggle. As Evan passed by the fireplace, the craftwork adorning it began to move as if it had gained life.
If his intention was to stop my rebellion, he succeeded perfectly. I was naturally distracted. With my chin raised slightly, I observed the flying glass butterflies twinkling in Celina’s room.
He put me down softly on the bed and sat right next to me. A glass butterfly that was circling around us scattered a cluster of light over Evan’s reddish hair.
“Do you hate being together that much?”
He asked warmly.
“Yeah.”
I reached out and grabbed the cluster of light. On the palm of my hand, the light that remained like the glittery powder used in art class slowly disappeared after a few seconds.
“Well, you know what? Not everyone hates you that much.”
“I’m not an idiot, Evan.”
“…”
He let out a small sigh.
“You know. It’s because they’re jealous. You’re the only one Father really loves.”
“Are you also not taking me seriously?”
I faced Evan. I created all of you from scratch. From birth to every scar on your body. I know your personalities, your inner feelings, your secrets, and your weaknesses the best. What nonsense are you talking about?
“Of course, it isn’t all jealousy. That’s included, too.”
