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Allen's expression shifted from stunned to bewildered—but only briefly.
Soon, it settled into calm composure.
He met Hilda's gaze.
"Then I'll trouble you, my lady."
Hilda regarded him with serene grace.
"No trouble at all."
Yet the mirth in her eyes was unmistakable.
To Sylphie, watching from the side, this was the first time in half a year she had seen Hilda smile with this particular feeling.
The only other times she had glimpsed something similar were when Hilda gazed distantly at the trees outside—but back then, her face had always been devoid of joy.
So why is she smiling now?
Because Hilda was looking at a shadow.
He stood before her—brown, slightly wavy hair, deep gray eyes, bearing the name Allen.
Too vivid. Too real.
An intangible dream now seemed to take shape.
Even if it was just an illusion...
A dream that would shatter at the slightest touch...
A handful of sand slipping through her fingers...
She was still happy.
Sylphie was happy too.
Happy for Hilda.
She knew this wasn't an illusion.
She knew—with absolute certainty—that the emotions surging in Hilda's heart weren't directed at some false shadow, some accidental doppelganger passing through Boreas Manor.
They were meant for her child.
This was real.
Even if Hilda didn't realize it, it was real.
A soft smile touched Sylphie's lips.
For Hilda. For Allen.
The tension from moments ago had already melted away.
Meanwhile, Eris—having recovered from her shock—shoved her chair back and practically flung herself into Hilda's arms.
"Mother! You're really going to teach us etiquette?!"
"Yes. Unless my daughter objects?"
"Of course not!!"
In Sylphie's russet eyes, the scene unfolded: Hilda stroking Eris' hair, her gaze lingering on Allen.
For the first time, she truly felt it—
The kind, sorrowful woman who spent too much time staring at trees was now in the same room as her son and daughter.
And she was happy.
It was good.
Her plan had worked.
But what about Allen? Did he also—
Instinctively, she turned to gauge his reaction.
What she saw—
Allen, head bowed, flipping through a book, his fingers gliding over the pages. He wasn't looking at Hilda anymore.
His eyes...
Were side-eyeing her.
!!
Sylphie's smile froze.
E-Exposed!! Allen's too sharp—he definitely noticed I was the one who brought Hilda here!
Her body, which had just relaxed, instantly stiffened like a board.
She mechanically turned her head away, about to pick up her own book and pretend nothing had happened—
When suddenly...
At the edge of her vision...
A hand reached across the table.
Allen's hand.
Huh?
She blinked, about to look at him—
Then, his fingers moved.
His wrist twisted, thumb pressing against his middle finger—
Then released, flicking into empty air.
Snap!
"Eek—!"
The entire class turned at the sudden yelp. Sylphie had jerked back as if struck by an invisible force to her forehead.
Her white bangs fluttered up from the motion, then settled back down.
As if it had just been the wind.
"Sylphie? Are you okay?"
"Y-Yeah... I'm fine..."
One hand clutching her head, the other waving frantically.
"Just... my neck felt stiff..."
Her eyes darted sideways.
Toward Allen.
He simply shook his head slightly and kept flipping pages.
Too obvious.
Between yesterday's tea party and Rudeus chasing after Edna last night, Allen had pieced it together—this was their doing.
But their intentions were good.
They just lacked context, leading to a slight misunderstanding.
So he was more amused than annoyed.
Then Greyrat's voice drifted over.
"Rudeus? What are you doing?"
"Huh? N-Nothing!"
Across from Allen, Rudeus had his book held up like a shield, completely obscuring his face.
Successfully avoiding Allen's love tap.
Cheater.
Sylphie watched him and puffed her cheeks slightly—
But behind her sleeve, she smiled.
It had been so long since Allen last teased her like this...
The burst of battle aura from his flick had felt like a solid gust of wind—
Pressing against her forehead like a gentle push.
It didn't hurt at all.
——
"Oh? So that's how Edna explained it last night?"
Hilda listened to their recounting of Edna's lecture on the family crest's meaning and chuckled, shaking her head.
"Edna isn't wrong, but the reason our crest doesn't appear on clothing is also tied to history."
"History?" Rudeus echoed.
Hilda smiled.
"The Boreas family has always been a military lineage, not bureaucrats. During the Human-Demon War, our crest was engraved on armor—not embroidered on fabric."
"When peace came, the previous lords removed their bloodstained, honor-laden armor—and never bothered to adapt the crest for civilian wear. To them, even without a visible emblem, Boreas' glory would endure through time."
"Compared to superficial symbols, they cared more about their lands and people."
"Even now, while other noble houses have shifted to political maneuvering in the capital, the Boreas family remains rooted in tradition—prioritizing our territory above all else."
She glanced at Allen, who was resting his chin on his hand, staring thoughtfully at the Iron Heart illustration in the book.
"Though... there is a crest in the manor. It's just easy to miss."
Allen looked up. Beside him, Eris practically vibrated.
"Where?! I've never seen it!"
Hilda closed the etiquette manual and rose, surveying their curious faces.
"Follow me."
They trailed after her, leaving the classroom, crossing the halls, and stepping out into the estate's sprawling courtyard.
Eastward, past the manicured gardens, stood a domed stone structure—tall, imposing.
As they approached, cat-eared maids (who had somehow materialized around them) pushed open the heavy doors.
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 240 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 50 power stones I will publish the next chapter.