Towards the Winter Cabin of Serenity and Madness, Cinderella Runs - Chapter 146
His rough brothers particularly made things difficult for Roel. Whenever the siblings gathered, the atmosphere would inevitably become tense, their words turning harsh as they began to insult and slander each other.
Although they hadn’t fought since growing up, Roel, who was sensitive and timid, felt like a rabbit caught among predators, trembling and on the verge of tears. After his family left, she was completely drained and even caught a cold the next day.
Whenever the family gathered, there was no escaping that atmosphere. No matter how well Kyden treated them, he couldn’t stop his raucous brothers from fighting.
“Should we just invite my parents?”
“I already sent a letter to Kysen.”
“…What?”
“He apologized last time and said he would catch a white fox as a gift. I thought it might be a birthday present for you, so I invited them to come on your birthday.”
Kyden let out a long sigh.
There was no way that was true; it was probably a gift for Roel. They had never celebrated each other’s birthdays. He was certain that Kysen didn’t even know when Kyden’s birthday was.
Kyden felt no disappointment since he didn’t know his brother’s birthday either.
Seeing his dark expression, Roel gently stroked his cheek, looking worried.
“Do you hate it that much? They’re your family.”
“It’s because I don’t want you to suffer.”
“I think it’s great! It’s lively and bustling, and everyone is so spirited!”
His brothers were more than spirited; they were rowdy.
“You collapsed after they visited last time.”
“That was because of the winter! It was cold.”
That was a lie. The truth was that she was exhausted and had caught a cold.
The atmosphere between his parents was so cold they didn’t even exchange a word, and his brothers would glare at each other, growling, indifferent to even where each other lived.
It was probably why Kyden, who had a warm and kind nature, became stern and distant due to his family environment.
But Roel wanted to get along with them. She appreciated that they accepted her as family without hesitation.
She had worked tirelessly to ensure that the intimidating family began to meet at least a few times a year.
By organizing gatherings during the year-end holidays and leading conversations to maintain a pleasant atmosphere, the once frigid family relationships softened considerably.
It seemed that Kyden didn’t fully grasp how fulfilling that was for her.
“…Do what you’re comfortable with.”
Unable to resist his wife’s stubbornness, Kyden left the garden with a sullen face. Roel chased after him, playfully patting his backside as if to cheer him up.
Despite being covered in muscles, Kyden’s backside was pleasantly firm, making it enjoyable to touch.
“Is there anything you want to do on your birthday? I can grant any wish you have.”
Kyden glanced at Roel, then looked down at her hand patting his backside.
“I’ll think about it.”
He opened his eyes slightly, as if he had something up his sleeve. His yellow eyes shimmered between his narrow gaze.
Noticing his ambiguous demeanor, Roel hurriedly added conditions.
“No building a cabin in the garden, raising wolves, practicing riding together, or going hunting together.”
She listed off the impossible things he had previously suggested to her. Kyden clicked his tongue.
“Nothing is allowed.”
“It’s okay to have a child, though. Kyden’s birthday is a good day to have a child.”
Roel looked at him subtly, testing the waters. Kyden’s throat bobbed as he averted his gaze. After a small cough, he muttered,
“…That’s a bit sudden.”
Despite his grumbling, the corners of his mouth curled up slightly.
* * *
Kyden headed to his study while Roel went directly to the kitchen.
She needed to finalize the menu and check the supplies in the pantry for the birthday feast.
Everyone she passed bowed to her. While this treatment felt strange at first, Roel had grown accustomed to it and simply nodded her head in greeting.
All the staff working in the mansion were diligent and lively. They swept and cleaned the floors without letting dust accumulate, tended the garden to prevent weeds from overgrowing, prepared hearty meals for every meal, raked up the piles of leaves in autumn, and took turns standing guard.
Without their help, she would never have been able to maintain the beauty of such a large mansion.
In the cool underground pantry, there were plenty of wines and cheeses, while the entrance was piled high with beef, fruits, and vegetables. As Roel surveyed the pantry, she spoke to the head chef.
“I think we need to order more meat. Kyden’s brothers eat a lot of it.”
“Yes, Madam. I’ll make sure there’s plenty of meat.”
“And since Mother loves fruits, please prepare plenty of those too.”
“Of course, I’ll select the freshest fruits available.”
“Thank you.”
As Roel was leaving the kitchen and pantry, she accidentally bumped into a young maid who was walking with her head down.
“Ah! I’m so sorry!”
The maid gasped and bent at the waist, and at that moment, several apples rolled out from her skirt.
