Chapter 184
Feeling overwhelmed, Vasilia’s mouth opened and closed without a sound. Her daughter, however, smiled shyly.
“My cousins all ignored me, called me a crow, and made fun of me, calling me stupid too…”
“Why didn’t you tell me about this?”
“I didn’t want to worry you, Mother…”
It felt as if Vasilia’s heart was being torn apart.
She had done everything she could to raise her only daughter well in the Astra estate.
Yet, unbeknownst to her, she had been suffering inside all this time.
“My dear, Deianira…”
“I really, really hated crows. But a few years ago, Erylotte said something to me.”
“…”
“She told me that crows are the symbol of Astra. That they’re very, very strong and amazing.”
“…”
“She said my cousins, who didn’t understand that, were actually the stupid ones.”
“…”
“The most incredible thing about Erylotte is that she gives courage to those around her. When I’m with her, I feel braver too!”
Vasilia can still clearly remember the last thing Deianira said with a bright smile.
“And now, I really like crows. I like myself too…”
The timid daughter who used to hide behind her hair had started changing after meeting Erylotte.
Though mothers are always biased towards their children, Vasilia had always felt that Deianira didn’t fully realize her own talents and strengths.
But now, her daughter had changed, and she was even saying such courageous things.
It was the first time.
That’s why Vasilia came to like Erylotte.
Not just because she helped Deianira transform, but because people with such positive energy are rare.
But the issue was…
‘What does the Duke think?’
The conflict between Daymond and Duke Astra was well-known.
Though it was said the Duke was fond of Erylotte, there had been no sign that the discord between him and Daymond had resolved.
‘Will he disapprove?’
But what Vasilia witnessed was entirely different from what she expected.
A twitching mouth.
Cheeks trembling with a barely contained smile.
His eyes softened, even though he tried to maintain a neutral expression.
‘Ah…’
Vasilia turned my head away, suppressing a smile.
‘Should I start aligning myself with Erylotte instead of Daymond?’
Hehe.
Pretending to cough, Vasilia chuckled as she started thinking about what gift to give Erylotte.
* * *
A few days later.
Today was the day the people of Aligiosa were leaving.
Just like when they arrived, all the direct members of the Astra family had gathered to see them off.
At the front of the Aligiosa group were Crown Prince Beleyn and Prince Abeno.
Abeno looked at me with teary eyes, as if he might burst into tears at any moment.
On the day of the kidnapping incident, Beleyn had been so shaken that he couldn’t leave Abeno in anyone else’s care and had slept in the same bed instead.
Though it was common for even noble couples to sleep in separate beds, it showed just how much Beleyn cherished his son.
The next morning, Abeno had woken up in his father’s arms and received personal care from Beleyn.
Right after that, Abeno came running to me, full of gratitude.
“Erylotte! You’re my lifesaver!”
Since then, Beleyn hadn’t left Abeno’s side, and Abeno hadn’t left mine.
Wherever we went, it was always the three of us—me, Abeno, and Beleyn—walking around like a line of ducks.
The people of Aligiosa would approach me, pleading with me.
“Prince, your schedule for today…!”
“There are things you need to review…”
Since Beleyn wouldn’t listen, they turned to me for help.
It was just like the officials in our territory.
Seriously, why are there so many people everywhere asking me for favors?
“Prince Abeno, shall we go play by ourselves?”
“Yes! Father, you can go to work now.”
“Abeno, but…”
“Hurry!”
“…Alright.”
Several times, I found myself in the amusing position of talking to Abeno, who would then convince Beleyn, leaving the subordinates happy.
After several amusing days, it was finally time for them to leave.
Suddenly, Abeno grabbed my hand.
‘Doesn’t he find my dad’s death stare intimidating?’
My dad was already glaring as if he wanted to tear him apart, but Abeno didn’t seem fazed.
Maybe it’s because he’s royalty.
Other boys would tremble just from seeing my father’s eyes, but Abeno was surprisingly brave.
With teary eyes, Abeno blinked up at me.
‘Ah, he looks like a little poodle again.’
“Will I be able to see you again?”
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