“You two really make a good match.”

“I’m happy to see his wish come true, even if only with my own eyes.”

“My grandfather’s wish?”

“Yes. Your benefactor hoped that you would have someone good at your side. Someone who would love and cherish you more than anyone else.”

Floina’s eyes shifted to Calix, her gaze steady.

‘The Duke of Icarus is notorious for his cold-bloodedness.’

It was hard to imagine how someone known for his icy demeanour and his habit of treating women with distant courtesy would treat a lover. Until now, it had been difficult to reconcile him with the image of an ideal grandson-in-law that the late Marquis Arcel had envisioned.

But it didn’t take Floina long to realise that her worries had been unnecessary. From the moment she first saw him until now, Calix’s gaze had been focused solely on Ciela. While his demeanour was cold as a blade, the moment his eyes fell on her, they softened, dripping with warmth and affection.

Moreover, the moment Floina remarked that they “suited each other”, his expression changed as he looked at her. The chill in his gaze was replaced by satisfaction, forcing her to re-evaluate her preconceived notions of the Duke of Icarus.

“It’s clear how much you love her, it’s enough to make me envious.”

“Then I’m relieved.”

Ciela replied, leaning her head gently against Calix’s shoulder as she smiled softly.

After this brief exchange, they stood up and made their way outside. As they stepped outside, Ciela’s eyes widened in surprise at a familiar face.

“Ailee?”

“Angel-no, Ciel-unnie, I have something to tell you.”

Clutching the hem of her clothes tightly, Ailee looked as if she had been waiting for them all this time. Her swollen, tear-filled eyes and the red, broken capillaries in her whites made Ciela crouch down to meet her.

“What do you want to tell me?”

Ailee glanced nervously at Calix and Floina before taking Ciela’s hand.

“Can’t Hugo stay here? Please?”

“Ailee.”

Floina called her name sternly from behind Ciela.

Ailee flinched but continued, her voice trembling with determination.

“Hugo promised that he would always be with me. Unlike my mother, who said she’d pick me up on my birthday but never did, Hugo said he’d always be with me. Why does he have to go? Hugo said he didn’t want to go either!”

Tears gathered under her eyes, spilling over as they rolled down her cheeks in a steady stream. Thick drops of tears fell as she lowered her head, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Please don’t take Hugo. I don’t want to be alone again. Please…”

Ciela looked down at Ailee’s tiny hands clutching her like a lifeline. The trembling she felt through Ailee’s grip was vivid and heartbreaking. Lifting her head, Ciela met Floina’s eyes and silently demanded an explanation.

“Why don’t we take Ailee back to my office and talk about it?”

Once they were back in the deputy director’s office, the full story unfolded.

“As you know, our orphanage in Rudevle is supported by the Stein Marquisate. The Stein family regularly helps to find guardians or adoptive families for the children here.”

Hugo had been chosen by one of the potential guardians.

“As Ailee mentioned, Hugo doesn’t want to go. I spoke to Director Dylan about it, but he dismissed Hugo’s reluctance, saying the children don’t understand what’s best for them. He’s pushing ahead with the arrangements.”

Floina let out a deep sigh and gently covered Ailee’s ears. She clearly didn’t want to burden the young girl with the harsh realities of the situation.

“He says it’s for the children’s sake, but the truth is he’s trying to stay in the Stein family’s good graces. He’s afraid of losing their favour if he refuses their involvement.”

“Does Hugo really not want to go?”

“Yes. When we found Hugo, he said he’d run away until the guardian came to get him, so they gave up trying to take him.”

Hugo had been inseparable from Ailee since the day she arrived. When he couldn’t be physically by her side, his gaze followed her like a baby bird following its mother. It was no surprise that they clung to each other now, not wanting to be separated.

“I don’t want to be separated from Hugo. Please don’t send him away. Please, I’m begging you.”

Ailee begged, her words halting and nasal as she sniffled between sobs.

“Ailee, that’s enough.”

But Ailee didn’t seem to hear her. Her tearful, unfocused eyes remained on Ciela, her small frame shaking as she repeated the same words over and over.

“Please. I don’t want to be alone again.”

Looking down at Ailee’s tear streaked, desperate face, Ciela slowly closed her eyes.

‘I wondered why I hadn’t noticed this child before.’

‘She’s like me.’

Ciela saw herself in the child – someone who had been abandoned by her family, clinging to a vain hope just to avoid being alone. She recognised Ailee as the version of herself before she had become so tired and worn out that she had stopped wanting anything.

Even calling her an angel probably wasn’t because Ailee really believed she was divine, but rather…

“This child probably doesn’t really see you as an angel. It’s just that she’s desperate enough to cling to anyone who might help her”.

The timing was so precise, it was as if he had read her mind. When Ciela looked up at him, her gaze met his and the intensity in his eyes was like a deep well of understanding, as if he had uncovered her hidden feelings.

“There was a time when I was more foolish than this child.”

Calix continued, his voice dropping to a low murmur.

“Even when I knew there was a blade at my throat, I couldn’t let go.”

Ciela understood immediately which moment he was referring to. When the former Duke and Duchess of Icarus died suddenly, leaving him alone, the only family member left by his side was someone who appeared kind and caring on the surface, but secretly plotted to kill him.

Hearing a fragment of Calix’s past, which she had only known in bits and pieces, directly from his lips, Ciela clutched the hem of her clothes. She could already guess what he was thinking. Straightening her posture, she decided to speak first, before their thoughts crossed again.

‘Will we come to the same conclusion this time?’

Looking into his eyes, Ciela held out her hand.

“It’s not even that difficult. Do you want to go and overturn everything together?”

Calix’s eyes widened in surprise.

“This must be fate.”

“What?”

“I just realised we were thinking the exact same thing.”

Without hesitation, he took her outstretched hand. The warmth of his palm enveloped hers, and as Ciela felt it spread through her, she closed her eyes slightly.

“As always, you’re so consistent.”

“It’s one of my strengths.”

Calix said, tilting his chin up with a lopsided smile that radiated confidence, as if he wouldn’t bend no matter how much the world pointed fingers at him. Ciela shook her head and reached out to gently place her hand on Ailee’s head, her tear-filled eyes glistening.

“Angel?”

“I’ve told you many times – I am not an angel.”

“Okay.”

Ailee murmured, lowering her eyes.

Ciela held out the box she was carrying to the child.

“But if you do me a favour, maybe I can help you a little.”

“What is it? I’ll do anything!”

“There is a mysterious doll in this box. While I’m away, if you can play with it and not cry, that’s all I need. Can you do that?”

Ailee nodded vigorously, determination shining through her tears.

—

In the director’s office, which was twice the size of the deputy director’s, stood a large desk made from the famously expensive wood of the Petit region. There were only five sheets of paper on it. The glass inkwell showed little sign of use.

“So you’re saying you want to sponsor Ailee and Hugo?”

Dylan, a balding middle-aged man, rolled his eyes up and down as he examined the clothes Ciela and Calix were wearing. The material wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t of the quality worn by nobles. At best, it might pass for middle-class clothing among commoners. He furrowed his brow and shook his head as if he’d seen enough.

“Sponsoring a child isn’t something just anyone can do.”

Dylan had been worried about turning away yet another person who wanted to sponsor Hugo after Floina had brought it up, but it seemed his concern had been unnecessary. Deciding that further interaction would be a waste of time, he rose from his seat.

At that moment–

‘A shower of gold coins spilled onto the desk.’

“Would this be enough to prove that I have enough money to sponsor the children?”

“If it’s not enough, I can certainly provide more proof.”

Dylan, who had awkwardly half risen from his chair, sank back into it, his eyes narrowing at the pile of gold coins spread across the desk.

“I’m sorry, but Hugo already has a potential guardian, so this is a bit complicated.”

“If Hugo hasn’t left the orphanage yet, the choice of guardian can still be changed based on the child’s wishes. Surely, as director, you’re aware of this?”

Calix’s voice was calm, but the sharpness of his words struck directly at Dylan’s weak spot.

Caught off guard, Dylan scratched his shiny bald head and avoided their gaze. He had assumed they were impulsive and unaware of the relevant laws, given their sudden decision to sponsor the children. But it seemed he had underestimated them. Forcing a good-natured smile, Dylan feigned discomfort.

“Of course I’m aware of that. However, the person who intends to sponsor Hugo is a highly respected noble. In addition to money, they can offer many other benefits to support the child’s future.”

Although Dylan’s words made it sound as if he was concerned for Hugo’s welfare, the child was nowhere in his thoughts. His real concern was to avoid trouble with the Stein Marquisate. If he didn’t send Hugo to the people they had recommended, his own position could be jeopardised. His priority now was to get Ciela and Calix to abandon the idea of sponsoring Hugo.

Narrowing his eyes, Dylan studied them as if trying to penetrate their intentions.

“On the other hand, you two have only proved your financial means so far. Sponsoring a child isn’t just about money. Unfortunately, I don’t think this is going to work.”

From the way they were dressed, Dylan guessed they weren’t of respectable status. If they were, they would have claimed their status when he had treated them rudely earlier.

“Status can be proven now, if that’s your concern.”

Ciela said nonchalantly, pulling a horong out of her cloak.

The horong – an imperial badge used to prove status – was flat, oval and distinctive in design.

‘I had prepared this under the guise of buying the title of a fallen nobleman to deviate from the original story. Who would have thought it would come in so handy?’

After inspecting the horong, Dylan clicked his tongue in frustration. He hadn’t heard of the family name, but the identification confirmed Ciela’s noble status, so he couldn’t treat her as dismissively as before.

“Then may I ask what you are doing?”

Ciela nodded and crossed her legs gracefully.

“Last month you were quite successful with illegal gambling in the capital, weren’t you?”

“H-how did you…?”

“Because I’m someone who trades in such information.”

She replied, her lips curving into a mischievous smile. Then, tilting her head slightly, she added.

“But here’s the thing.”

Her tone grew sharper as she drew out her words, watching Dylan’s growing discomfort.

“If I were to report this, I don’t think you’d be able to continue as director. Do you agree with that?”

“You two really make a good match.”

“I’m happy to see his wish come true, even if only with my own eyes.”

“My grandfather’s wish?”

“Yes. Your benefactor hoped that you would have someone good at your side. Someone who would love and cherish you more than anyone else.”

Floina’s eyes shifted to Calix, her gaze steady.

‘The Duke of Icarus is notorious for his cold-bloodedness.’

It was hard to imagine how someone known for his icy demeanour and his habit of treating women with distant courtesy would treat a lover. Until now, it had been difficult to reconcile him with the image of an ideal grandson-in-law that the late Marquis Arcel had envisioned.

But it didn’t take Floina long to realise that her worries had been unnecessary. From the moment she first saw him until now, Calix’s gaze had been focused solely on Ciela. While his demeanour was cold as a blade, the moment his eyes fell on her, they softened, dripping with warmth and affection.

Moreover, the moment Floina remarked that they “suited each other”, his expression changed as he looked at her. The chill in his gaze was replaced by satisfaction, forcing her to re-evaluate her preconceived notions of the Duke of Icarus.

“It’s clear how much you love her, it’s enough to make me envious.”

“Then I’m relieved.”

Ciela replied, leaning her head gently against Calix’s shoulder as she smiled softly.

After this brief exchange, they stood up and made their way outside. As they stepped outside, Ciela’s eyes widened in surprise at a familiar face.

“Ailee?”

“Angel-no, Ciel-unnie, I have something to tell you.”

Clutching the hem of her clothes tightly, Ailee looked as if she had been waiting for them all this time. Her swollen, tear-filled eyes and the red, broken capillaries in her whites made Ciela crouch down to meet her.

“What do you want to tell me?”

Ailee glanced nervously at Calix and Floina before taking Ciela’s hand.

“Can’t Hugo stay here? Please?”

“Ailee.”

Floina called her name sternly from behind Ciela.

Ailee flinched but continued, her voice trembling with determination.

“Hugo promised that he would always be with me. Unlike my mother, who said she’d pick me up on my birthday but never did, Hugo said he’d always be with me. Why does he have to go? Hugo said he didn’t want to go either!”

Tears gathered under her eyes, spilling over as they rolled down her cheeks in a steady stream. Thick drops of tears fell as she lowered her head, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Please don’t take Hugo. I don’t want to be alone again. Please…”

Ciela looked down at Ailee’s tiny hands clutching her like a lifeline. The trembling she felt through Ailee’s grip was vivid and heartbreaking. Lifting her head, Ciela met Floina’s eyes and silently demanded an explanation.

“Why don’t we take Ailee back to my office and talk about it?”

Once they were back in the deputy director’s office, the full story unfolded.

“As you know, our orphanage in Rudevle is supported by the Stein Marquisate. The Stein family regularly helps to find guardians or adoptive families for the children here.”

Hugo had been chosen by one of the potential guardians.

“As Ailee mentioned, Hugo doesn’t want to go. I spoke to Director Dylan about it, but he dismissed Hugo’s reluctance, saying the children don’t understand what’s best for them. He’s pushing ahead with the arrangements.”

Floina let out a deep sigh and gently covered Ailee’s ears. She clearly didn’t want to burden the young girl with the harsh realities of the situation.

“He says it’s for the children’s sake, but the truth is he’s trying to stay in the Stein family’s good graces. He’s afraid of losing their favour if he refuses their involvement.”

“Does Hugo really not want to go?”

“Yes. When we found Hugo, he said he’d run away until the guardian came to get him, so they gave up trying to take him.”

Hugo had been inseparable from Ailee since the day she arrived. When he couldn’t be physically by her side, his gaze followed her like a baby bird following its mother. It was no surprise that they clung to each other now, not wanting to be separated.

“I don’t want to be separated from Hugo. Please don’t send him away. Please, I’m begging you.”

Ailee begged, her words halting and nasal as she sniffled between sobs.

“Ailee, that’s enough.”

But Ailee didn’t seem to hear her. Her tearful, unfocused eyes remained on Ciela, her small frame shaking as she repeated the same words over and over.

“Please. I don’t want to be alone again.”

Looking down at Ailee’s tear streaked, desperate face, Ciela slowly closed her eyes.

‘I wondered why I hadn’t noticed this child before.’

‘She’s like me.’

Ciela saw herself in the child – someone who had been abandoned by her family, clinging to a vain hope just to avoid being alone. She recognised Ailee as the version of herself before she had become so tired and worn out that she had stopped wanting anything.

Even calling her an angel probably wasn’t because Ailee really believed she was divine, but rather…

“This child probably doesn’t really see you as an angel. It’s just that she’s desperate enough to cling to anyone who might help her”.

The timing was so precise, it was as if he had read her mind. When Ciela looked up at him, her gaze met his and the intensity in his eyes was like a deep well of understanding, as if he had uncovered her hidden feelings.

“There was a time when I was more foolish than this child.”

Calix continued, his voice dropping to a low murmur.

“Even when I knew there was a blade at my throat, I couldn’t let go.”

Ciela understood immediately which moment he was referring to. When the former Duke and Duchess of Icarus died suddenly, leaving him alone, the only family member left by his side was someone who appeared kind and caring on the surface, but secretly plotted to kill him.

Hearing a fragment of Calix’s past, which she had only known in bits and pieces, directly from his lips, Ciela clutched the hem of her clothes. She could already guess what he was thinking. Straightening her posture, she decided to speak first, before their thoughts crossed again.

‘Will we come to the same conclusion this time?’

Looking into his eyes, Ciela held out her hand.

“It’s not even that difficult. Do you want to go and overturn everything together?”

Calix’s eyes widened in surprise.

“This must be fate.”

“What?”

“I just realised we were thinking the exact same thing.”

Without hesitation, he took her outstretched hand. The warmth of his palm enveloped hers, and as Ciela felt it spread through her, she closed her eyes slightly.

“As always, you’re so consistent.”

“It’s one of my strengths.”

Calix said, tilting his chin up with a lopsided smile that radiated confidence, as if he wouldn’t bend no matter how much the world pointed fingers at him. Ciela shook her head and reached out to gently place her hand on Ailee’s head, her tear-filled eyes glistening.

“Angel?”

“I’ve told you many times – I am not an angel.”

“Okay.”

Ailee murmured, lowering her eyes.

Ciela held out the box she was carrying to the child.

“But if you do me a favour, maybe I can help you a little.”

“What is it? I’ll do anything!”

“There is a mysterious doll in this box. While I’m away, if you can play with it and not cry, that’s all I need. Can you do that?”

Ailee nodded vigorously, determination shining through her tears.

—

In the director’s office, which was twice the size of the deputy director’s, stood a large desk made from the famously expensive wood of the Petit region. There were only five sheets of paper on it. The glass inkwell showed little sign of use.

“So you’re saying you want to sponsor Ailee and Hugo?”

Dylan, a balding middle-aged man, rolled his eyes up and down as he examined the clothes Ciela and Calix were wearing. The material wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t of the quality worn by nobles. At best, it might pass for middle-class clothing among commoners. He furrowed his brow and shook his head as if he’d seen enough.

“Sponsoring a child isn’t something just anyone can do.”

Dylan had been worried about turning away yet another person who wanted to sponsor Hugo after Floina had brought it up, but it seemed his concern had been unnecessary. Deciding that further interaction would be a waste of time, he rose from his seat.

At that moment–

‘A shower of gold coins spilled onto the desk.’

“Would this be enough to prove that I have enough money to sponsor the children?”

“If it’s not enough, I can certainly provide more proof.”

Dylan, who had awkwardly half risen from his chair, sank back into it, his eyes narrowing at the pile of gold coins spread across the desk.

“I’m sorry, but Hugo already has a potential guardian, so this is a bit complicated.”

“If Hugo hasn’t left the orphanage yet, the choice of guardian can still be changed based on the child’s wishes. Surely, as director, you’re aware of this?”

Calix’s voice was calm, but the sharpness of his words struck directly at Dylan’s weak spot.

Caught off guard, Dylan scratched his shiny bald head and avoided their gaze. He had assumed they were impulsive and unaware of the relevant laws, given their sudden decision to sponsor the children. But it seemed he had underestimated them. Forcing a good-natured smile, Dylan feigned discomfort.

“Of course I’m aware of that. However, the person who intends to sponsor Hugo is a highly respected noble. In addition to money, they can offer many other benefits to support the child’s future.”

Although Dylan’s words made it sound as if he was concerned for Hugo’s welfare, the child was nowhere in his thoughts. His real concern was to avoid trouble with the Stein Marquisate. If he didn’t send Hugo to the people they had recommended, his own position could be jeopardised. His priority now was to get Ciela and Calix to abandon the idea of sponsoring Hugo.

Narrowing his eyes, Dylan studied them as if trying to penetrate their intentions.

“On the other hand, you two have only proved your financial means so far. Sponsoring a child isn’t just about money. Unfortunately, I don’t think this is going to work.”

From the way they were dressed, Dylan guessed they weren’t of respectable status. If they were, they would have claimed their status when he had treated them rudely earlier.

“Status can be proven now, if that’s your concern.”

Ciela said nonchalantly, pulling a horong out of her cloak.

The horong – an imperial badge used to prove status – was flat, oval and distinctive in design.

‘I had prepared this under the guise of buying the title of a fallen nobleman to deviate from the original story. Who would have thought it would come in so handy?’

After inspecting the horong, Dylan clicked his tongue in frustration. He hadn’t heard of the family name, but the identification confirmed Ciela’s noble status, so he couldn’t treat her as dismissively as before.

“Then may I ask what you are doing?”

Ciela nodded and crossed her legs gracefully.

“Last month you were quite successful with illegal gambling in the capital, weren’t you?”

“H-how did you…?”

“Because I’m someone who trades in such information.”

She replied, her lips curving into a mischievous smile. Then, tilting her head slightly, she added.

“But here’s the thing.”

Her tone grew sharper as she drew out her words, watching Dylan’s growing discomfort.

“If I were to report this, I don’t think you’d be able to continue as director. Do you agree with that?”