So... in a situation like this, what should I call Aderyn?
"Miss"? Well, that's the standard term. Neutral, polite, and safe. But now, in front of the people who witnessed our "family relationship," it sounded… wrong. Maybe "older sister" would have sounded more natural. At least, to keep up appearances.
However, before I could greet him, another voice interrupted the moment.
"Uh, Eryn… hello," Iliana said in a tone that sounded more nervous than warm.
Hm? Erin?
I turned and looked at the two of them. Iliana greeted Aderyn, but Aderyn's expression looked... not entirely comfortable. Her eyes were blank, her lips held a small smile, but the atmosphere was strange.
Is their relationship awkward? But if they call each other by their nicknames, isn't that a sign of closeness?
Interesting. So Aderyn's nickname is "Eryn"? That's funny. It doesn't suit her always-serious face. But maybe... that's precisely why it's cute.
"Hm, Liana, are you close to Gray?" Aderyn asked, his eyes now flicking to me for a moment, before returning to Iliana.
I could feel the corners of his eyes trying to gauge my reaction and expression.
But I just kept quiet. I observed. I learned more from silence than from speaking.
Iliana looked a little nervous, but she still answered, "It's not what you think, Eryn… I'm just curious about your sister," she said sincerely, although her voice sounded a little shaky.
Aderyn stared at me for a long moment. It was a look I couldn't easily interpret.
"Is that so?" he muttered shortly, then calmly took Iliana's hand.
"Come on, Liana. Let's go there. Our friends are waiting."
Iliana turned to me and said softly, "Thank you in advance, Gray."
I just replied with a small nod.
Thank you? For what? I didn't even do anything.
But never mind. Maybe it's just a formality. In this world, words are often used more for appearance than meaning.
As they walked away, the atmosphere around me felt silent. Empty. Aderyn didn't even pretend to be nice to me. Shouldn't she be playing the "supportive big sister" role in front of her friends?
I'm his little sister, right?
But his eyes… his eyes stared at me as if I was a puzzle he didn't like.
"Hey."
A man's voice. I turned my head.
The boy who was with Aderyn earlier. I thought he had already left with them.
"Ah, hello," I replied, a little nervously. My hand reflexively rubbed the back of my neck.
"My name is Caleb Laviect," he said with a friendly smile. His hand was outstretched.
Caleb Laviect…
So, he is Count Gerrad's son.
Her dark brown hair was neatly styled but still had a natural wave. Her green eyes radiated a fake warmth she had cultivated over the years. Her smile was friendly—too friendly. Even her clothes, with their gold embroidery and eye-catching emeralds, seemed designed to make people forget how dangerous she could be.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Caleb. I'm Gray Redvers," I said politely, returning his handshake.
Caleb laughed softly. "Don't be so stiff, Gray. Just call me Caleb. I also want to get along with… Aderyn's little sister."
He sat down beside me, casually like an old friend. I couldn't help but smile awkwardly.
Then he said, "But, isn't Aderyn being a bit cold to you? You're siblings, after all. But… this is the first time I've seen her interested in someone. And it's you, her own sister."
I froze for a moment.
Interested? I think the better word is'suspect'. But, well... in this world, both of them might look similar.
Caleb continued, "Aderyn isn't close to her siblings either, you know? She's the one who… keeps things to herself."
I nodded slowly.
Then he turned to me. "What about you? Are you close to Aderyn?"
There was something in his gaze that made the question seem more serious than it seemed.
"Not really," I answered honestly. "I haven't even spoken to him for a long time. We just see each other sometimes in the park."
Caleb stared at me for a long moment—as if scanning my face. Perhaps looking for a sign that I was lying. But I wasn't. Not this time.
Finally, he smiled again. But behind that smile… somehow, I could smell a hint of obsession.
Caleb.. you seem too interested in Aderyn.
But that's none of my business. At least, for now.
However, my real concern was Baron Llyr. Unfortunately, he had already left with Aderyn. My information was still too limited. And time wasn't on my side.
"By the way," I turned to Caleb, "you must know Iliana, right?"
"Hmm? You mean Eryn and Iliana? Yeah, they're close," he replied casually. "Did you find out from Aderyn?"
"N-No. I was just guessing," I replied quickly.
Why does this guy keep talking about Aderyn?
Caleb nodded. "Yes, they're close. At the academy, they were almost always together. I think they're Aderyn's only close friends."
Academy, yes…
"As for you," Caleb glanced at me, "why don't you go to the academy too?"
The question left me speechless for a moment. The academy was indeed in my plans. But not yet.
"I don't feel… ready yet," I replied with a faint smile. "There's still a lot I have to learn on my own."
"Heh, you look capable. After all, you're Aderyn's younger sister. You can definitely do it."
It's Aderyn again. Why does everyone judge her as the standard?
I just nodded. But in my mind, one thing became clearer:
If I want to move freely, learn more, and delve deeper into this world… then attending an academy isn't an option. It's a necessity.
Shortly after, several servants entered the hall.
"Master Caleb, you are called by Count Gerrad," said one of them respectfully.
Caleb got up. "Looks like the party's over. See you, Gray."
"See you later."
He walked away, leaving an empty spot in his seat.
I sighed.
So… I should have a personal butler too?
It seems like all noble children have them. But I… don't. Maybe it's because I'm not a true noble child.
Not by blood. Just by name.
I walked out with the crowd of noble children, their footsteps clattering on the marble floor, the sounds of laughter and greetings still echoing even though the party had officially ended.
But my steps stopped at the doorway.
There stood a tall, dark-robed man, imbued with an aura of indescribable stillness. Beside him stood a girl, tightly grasping his hand.
Baron Rigan Llyr.
And... Iliana.
He looked at me. His eyes met mine. Then he raised his hand and waved gently.
"Gray!" he called, his voice clear even from a distance.
I smiled slightly, a little nervously. "A-Ah, hello... Miss Iliana," I replied.
My eyes then shifted to Baron Llyr. His gaze… wasn't just sharp. It was the gaze of a hunter. For a moment, I felt like my entire being was being read.
I bowed politely. "Greetings, Lord Baron Llyr. I am Gray Redvers."
He didn't answer right away. He just stared at me with an expression I couldn't quite decipher. Only when I heard heavy footsteps behind me did he turn around.
It's Derick.
"Wow, what a coincidence," she said lightly, but there was a faint tension in her voice. "I was just about to pick up my son. I guess you were doing the same, huh, Rigan?"
I don't know where this conversation is going. But I'd better keep quiet... and observe.
Baron Llyr bowed lightly, then replied with a faint smile, "Yes, Derick. But I didn't know you were also going to pick up your… missing son."
The words felt like a honey-coated spear. I could feel the air around us harden.
Derick chuckled, but his hands clenched into fists beneath his robes. "Well, I lost it once. And I don't want to make the same mistake again."
"So, huh?" Rigan answered while walking slowly. "You love your children very much, apparently."
He paused beside Derick. "I thought they were just tools to expand your influence," he continued, patting Derick on the shoulder as if they were old friends. But they clearly weren't.
Then he walked away.
"D-Dad? Ah… see you later, Gray," Iliana said quickly before running after her father. Her face looked a little embarrassed—or perhaps… scared?
I turned to Derick. His shoulders were slightly tense, and his fingers clenched tightly as if holding something.
He was angry. But he didn't show it.
"How?" he asked flatly, without looking at me. "Are you friends with Rigan's son yet?"
The tone was still piercing, but not as harsh as before.
"Yes, sir," I replied with a light bow. "And it looks like we'll be getting along very well soon."
Derick turned to me. His face was calm again, calculating. "Good. Keep going. It would be even better if one day… you were invited to their house."
I bowed politely. "Yes, sir."
He turned and left, leaving me alone in the doorway.
The twilight sky hung over the roof of Redvers Manor. But in my chest, it felt like night was beginning.
The guests began to leave one by one. I caught a glimpse of Baron Llyr and Count Laviect leaving with their entourage.
Derick's mission… seems to have been a success.
The journey home was silent. I wasn't on the same train as Derick, but sat opposite Aderyn in a small cabin just the two of us. The small crystal chandelier swayed gently, reflecting light onto Aderyn's face as she stared out the window.
There are no words.
Until finally he spoke, his tone sharp and cold.
"Hey. Let's talk."
I glanced at him. Ah, I think I know what he's talking about. But I wonder how he'll open the conversation.
"I saw you talking to Iliana earlier," he said, still staring outside. "Did you two know each other before?"
"Isn't it rude, Miss, to ask about private conversations?" I replied in a light tone, a smile floating on my face.
It's nothing important, really. But I was curious to see how far he'd dig. And yes, his reaction was… annoyed.
"I don't care," he replied quickly.
As I expected.
"Nothing important, Miss. As he said himself—he was just curious about me," I finally said, half-truthfully.
"Hmm. But his expression was very happy. And you seemed quite comfortable with him, too."
I smiled wider. "Is that so? I'm glad to hear that. I thought he didn't like me."
"Did you know," I continued, looking at her, "that Miss and Iliana seem like close friends?"
Aderyn was silent for a moment, then answered, "Yes. He's my best friend."
The tone was… flat. As if he was pushing something off his mind.
A few silent moments passed.
"Hey," he said suddenly.
I turned my head. His gaze was piercing.
"You didn't say anything to Dad, did you? About… me being able to use ice magic?"
I nodded slowly. "No, Miss."
He stared at me for a moment, then looked away. "Good."
So this is a secret. He wants me to keep it. Okay. For now, I'll play by the rules.
But the atmosphere returned to silence. Only the sound of the carriage wheels on the cobblestones could be heard.
Until the next question comes.
"What are you planning, Dad?" he asked directly. Without further ado.
"I know you moved on his orders, right?"
This… is the real question.
I was speechless. I could have answered vaguely. But he wasn't stupid. He would know.
"I'm sorry, Miss. I can't answer that. That was… a direct order from Mr. Derick."
This voice, for some reason, sounded shaky. Or maybe it was just in my head.
Aderyn's gaze hardened.
"This has something to do with Iliana, doesn't it?"
Damn… that's so sharp.
I had a thought: why didn't Derick just ask Aderyn herself to approach Iliana? Wouldn't that have been easier?
"So it's true?" he said quietly. "I saw it earlier, at the hall door. The way Dad looked at Rigan. The way you stood there."
My silence was enough confirmation.
Aderyn leaned back, stared at the cabin ceiling for a moment, then lowered her head. Her voice was deeper now.
"Father is using you to get close to Iliana, for connections with the eastern kingdoms. And… it's very likely a political marriage."
I froze.
Marriage? With Iliana?
"B-but I'm still a kid…" my voice choked, my eyes dropping to my lap.
"That doesn't matter," he interrupted. "As long as the church or the king approves, age doesn't matter."
I was speechless. The thought of a political marriage had never crossed my mind before.
Is that really… the plan?
Iliana is beautiful and graceful, but this is... too soon.
"Hey," Aderyn said threateningly. "Don't think anything weird about my friend."
I gasped. Did my expression show?
"N-no, Miss."
She let out a long sigh, turning her face out the window. "I have to stop Dad…"
That sentence… carries more weight than an average person can grasp.
I kept quiet. I didn't interrupt. But inside, I wondered: since when did he even think about defying his father?
Then he turned his head, staring at me sharply.
"Who are you really, Gray?"
The question was piercing.
"I can't imagine you were a slave. Your movements… are too deliberate. Too clean."
"I was only following Mr. Derick's orders, Miss."
He didn't answer. He just observed. Then he muttered, "Hm. Maybe I'm thinking too much."
Huh… finally.
I feel like I can breathe a little easier.
I wouldn't mind if she knew who I really was. But for now, I can't judge: will Aderyn be an enemy… or an ally?
"Now you have to listen to me," he said.
I looked at him.
"From now on, report to me every order Father gives you."
Ah, so this is your game?
Fine. If you want to take advantage of me, then I'll take advantage of you too.
Interesting.
"Don't worry. I won't tell anyone. Not even those closest to me."
"Okay, Miss."
We arrived at the mansion. The night sky greeted us with a biting chill.
When I got to my room, I flopped down on the bed and stared at the ceiling. It was quiet. But my mind was buzzing with thoughts.
Things started moving fast.
Derick… if what Aderyn said is true, he wants to match me with Iliana for the sake of the eastern kingdom. But is that all? No way. Derick isn't someone who acts solely for profit.
There must be someone else. Maybe… he knows something about Rigan's secret?
Or is this all a test. A test of loyalty. A test of control.
Aderyn… a very difficult girl to read. But too brilliant to let her be.
Howard? Just a parasite. I won't touch him yet. But one day… I'll make him regret being such a jerk to me.
And there's still Rico Redvers, Bram Redvers. My adopted brothers whom I haven't met yet.
I have to be ready.
And now, it's time to ask one important question:
What is my goal?
I want to be free from this place. But is the academy the answer?
This body… isn't ready. I haven't trained yet. I haven't built a foundation of strength. Everything is moving too fast.
But from today, I will not just follow the flow.
This time, I will be the one to determine the flow.