From the day she was born, Riersha’s magic had flowed unstably. Was the cause because of someone who deliberately interfered with the normal flow of her magic?

Then, it seemed that this recent outburst might have cleared the obstruction, allowing her to freely use her powers. Although it was previously thought to be a side effect of not inheriting her lineage properly…

What if someone’s schemes had created a problem that didn’t originally exist, affecting the entire family?

Fernore’s eyes narrowed coldly.

“I didn’t know who would commit such reckless acts.”

He let out a cynical chuckle.

A rat had been lurking in the family even before the child was born… It had hidden so well up until now. He wondered how bloodthirsty the news of Riersha’s awakening might make them.

“Could it be the work of the imperial family? They might want to see the Arachrene family divided?”

“Likely. Who else would dare such a thing?”

Thinking about how neatly they had been played angered him. However, remembering Riersha was still in the room, Fernore composed himself.

“Send word for those wandering outside the family to return soon.”

It seemed time to fill the Arachrene castle with his people.

* * *

The next morning, Riersha awoke feeling refreshed. She sat at her desk in her pajamas, looking disheveled.

“Refwection.”

She set her pen down after staring at the paper for a while.

“Ung, I don’t know.”

She had no idea how to write it. However, since Fernore had said it was a punishment, she couldn’t just pretend to ignore it.

‘I’ve never written one, I don’t know how.’

She tried to write something, but even after several minutes, the paper remained blank, and sweat formed on her palms.

‘…I also need to go see Brother Ricador’s face soon.’

She was worried the entire day might pass with her just sitting at her desk. While sipping a cold drink through a straw, she took in too much and coughed slightly.

“Cough!”

“Are you alright? You shouldn’t strain yourself, miss. It would be best for you to lie down in bed. I’ll close the window immediately.”

“No! Just drank too quick and cough! No need lie down…”

“You shouldn’t drink such cold drinks for a while either.”

“No, no!”

Riersha watched helplessly as the drinking glass moved away from her hand. It seemed that the aftermath of her magic outburst was more serious than she had initially thought. Her upcoming classes were canceled, and Sona’s overprotectiveness began.

“I’m weally fine…”

The child murmured as she fiddled with the blanket that came up to her chest. Seeing Riersha glance sadly at her drink, Sona firmly shook her head.

“No, you can’t. The magic outburst was just yesterday. It’s a time when even minor things should be handled with care. Safety first and foremost.”

“…Okay. But I haven’t start wetter yet.”

Riersha murmured as she looked up at the ceiling.

“I never write.”

In the past, she never had the chance to reflect on her mistakes. No one had ever reprimanded her. She recalled the only head maid who had been kind to her when she lived in the outer castle. She had thought she was the most reliable person back then.

‘In reality, she was the most indifferent towards me.’

She had briefly wondered why she hadn’t come to fetch her when the Duchy was on fire. It was because she had never cared at all. Perhaps that was why. Having lived in utter indifference, Riersha found this current situation of being reprimanded somewhat pleasant.

‘…Being scolded like this must mean there is affection.’

She recalled that there was indeed one person in the family who used to scold her.

Archmond Arachrene.

Back then, she was too busy running away from her intimidating grandfather. But now, looking back, she started to see new truths.

Riersha felt strange.

‘…Grandfather telling me to stay in my room that day was ultimately for my protection.’

It was to keep her safe because the imperial army was heading toward Duchy Arachrene. Now, she understood that he had to make that choice because he couldn’t protect her fully himself.

‘I must protect everyone now.’

She wanted to prevent the destruction of her family and live happily with them.

…But first, she needed to deal with the apology letter.

“What shouw I write?”

Suddenly, Riersha had an idea and sat up briskly.

“Yes, tat’s it!”

She then looked around, grabbed some colored pencils, and sat back down at the desk. Once she had the idea, everything else followed swiftly.

On the other hand, at the sight of Riersha suddenly starting drawing intensely, Sona’s expression changed subtly. Seeing that she was too focused to suggest her return to bed, she approached the little girl.

“Is that… an apology letter?”

“Uh-huh. I have to write one when I do something wrong.”

“…And?”

“Dad and Bwother Ricardor will be really surprised, so I write for each of them.”

Sona still looked puzzled. It was because what Riersha was doing seemed quite different from any apology letter she knew of.

“Is there anything I can help with, Miss Riersha?”

“Draw here. Make pwetty. I color!”

“Alright.”

When she pointed to a blank space, Sona started to draw a delicate picture under the warm sunlight streaming through the window. Moments later, Riersha looked at the two completed apology letters and smiled brightly.

* * *

As soon as Riersha entered the castle of the Young Duke, the news reached Fernore. He had ordered to be notified whenever the child arrived. However, something unexpected had happened…

“I’m back, Young Duke.”

“Yes, it has been a long journey. Go back to your room and rest, Rysideon.”

There was another person who had heard the news of Riersha’s arrival.

Rysideon, who had returned at dawn and announced his arrival as soon as day broke, lightly glanced at Rosinante’s report with a nod. His neatly arranged silver hair and the high buttoned collar gave him a somewhat frosty demeanor.

“…Ah. Would you like to see Miss Riersha, Lord Rysideon?”

As Rosinante asked with a friendly smile, Rysideon’s lips parted.

“I don’t think that’s necessary.”

“…I see.”

Rosinante blinked in confusion.

Rysideon turned away with an expressionless face and headed out of the office. It was when he was about to open the door of the office that his hand paused on the doorknob and his red gaze slowly dropped downwards.

Just as he was startled by the sight of Riersha right in front of him as the child was about to open the door, she also looked up with surprise.

“Oh no!”

“….”

“Huh?”

Riersha and Rysideon looked at each other with widened eyes. They recognized each other in silence for a few seconds.

“I’ll be going then.”

As Rysideon spoke to Fernore without breaking his gaze and brushed past her, Riersha’s round eyes followed him as he walked away.

“It’s young Master Rysideon. This is your first time seeing him, isn’t it, Miss?”

“…Yes.”

Riersha replied while peeking down the corridor. She tilted her head in confusion.

“Riersha, did you bring the apology letter as you were supposed to?”

“Ah!”

Riersha turned towards Fernore and beamed brightly.

“I got it!”

Saying so, she scurried over to Fernore’s desk and lifted her heels while waving the paper in her hand.

__