I Did a Good Job For the Villain's Early Education - Chapter 49.1
Chapter 49.1
Avel considered teasing him but settled for a light laugh. “Come around lunch time on the day.”
“Alright.”
“Don’t forget to bring gifts.”
“Sure.”
“Just kidding. You don’t have to feel pressured.”
“Okay.”
“Why are you so agreeable today? Finally fallen for my charms? Do I finally seem cute to you?”
“Cut the nonsense.”
‘Being cute is a universally acknowledged truth.’ Avel mourned Cheza’s consistently bleak sense of aesthetics as she rose from her seat. The ends of her wavy hair danced in the breeze. “Want to go for a walk?”
“Sure.”
‘He really is more docile today.’ Watching Cheza subtly match her pace, Avel’s conviction grew. ‘I was worried he’d grown up wrong while I wasn’t looking, but thankfully, it seems not.’ But she couldn’t let her guard down just yet. ‘A person’s heart can change with the slightest ray of sunshine.’
“Why are you staring at me like that?”
“Your Highness, Your Highness.”
“What?”
“Life is precious.”
“Suddenly?”
“Friends are precious, too.”
“….”
“And you should cherish your friend’s family.”
“You heard our conversation, didn’t you?”
“What conversation?”
“The one between me and your brother.”
“Did you actually have a conversation? Just so you know, exchanging names isn’t socially considered a ‘conversation.’”
Cheza’s dark eyes narrowed, as if gauging her sincerity. Avel was no longer fazed by such reactions. “So, what did you and Sana talk about?”
“Your faults.”
“Sana? No way. That sounds more like you.”
“He said you fell from a tree this tall.” A pale index finger pointed towards a large peach tree. The unopened blossoms resembled tiny pearls.
“And I didn’t break a single bone. Impressive, right?”
“You did it before, too. Why do you keep climbing trees if you’re just going to fall?”
“It’s fun. When else can I feel as tall as a tree?” Avel walked over and effortlessly perched herself on the lowest branch. Cheza stood opposite her, gazing up.
“Mother loved this tree.”
“I see.”
“So Father still cherishes it. Probably second only to our family.”
“.…”
“And I tried to chop it down with an axe six years ago.”
“What?”
“Oh, I wasn’t actually going to chop it down. Just… a simple bargaining tool.”
“How did you even reach that conclusion?”
“The situation was a bit urgent. I had my reasons.”
“Which were?”
“To save a prince trapped in a castle?”
“You don’t want to tell me. Fine.”
‘It’s the truth.’ What could she do if he didn’t believe her? As they chatted, the coral hues of the setting sun slowly painted Cheza’s left eye, cheek, and neck.
“I should get going.”
“Oh…”
“What? Are you sad? Do you want to stay longer? Can’t bear to be apart from me for even a moment?”
“I’m leaving.” With that, Cheza Ragrachio brushed off any offer of a farewell and strode out.
“He’s still a child.”
The way he lengthened his stride was proof enough.
***
Early one spring morning…
“Vel! Sana!” Dane Delaphion had returned. He set down his heavy suitcases and waited with open arms.
“Dad!”
“Vel, wait! Slowly…!” Before he could finish, Avel launched herself into the air, leaping high and landing in a hug around his neck.
“You came early!”
“Of course, it’s my daughter’s birthday. Sana, come here.”
“Father.” Still smaller and thinner than other boys his age, Sana shyly embraced his father.
“I’m sorry I missed your entrance ceremony.”
“It’s alright.”
“I heard you gave the freshman representative speech?”
“The headmaster asked me to.”
“That’s wonderful. You’re smart, just like your mother.” A large hand ruffled his son’s hair.
As the three of them basked in the warm reunion, an unwelcome guest—at least, according to the siblings—interrupted.
“Oh my, you’re here early!”
“Ah, Noltie.”
