Chapter 7
HLMS CH 7
Chapter 7: That Was My Misunderstanding (3):
I couldn’t help but tilt my head in confusion.
‘Shoes? No, are these really shoes? Why this?’
They looked exactly like the sneakers you’d often see in my previous life…
A unique pair of shoes with cute little wings on either side.
Just then, Dad spoke.
“They’re too plain, no? Or… perhaps you don’t like them? I knew I should’ve bought the shinier ones…”
“No, they’re very—”
“Very?”
When I looked at him, he quickly averted his gaze. I turned my eyes away as well and calmly said,
“I like them very much. They look really comfortable.”
For a moment, the tension around my lips relaxed.
It was a gift that touched my heart. Especially thinking about how Dad must’ve spent time choosing and worrying over it.
Because it felt like, at that moment, he had thought of me.
I think I even heard a strange “urk” sound from somewhere.
‘What was that?’
I looked around, startled, but Dad was still turned away, avoiding my gaze.
Though that gesture still made my chest ache, it felt like he knew I often exercised at night and had chosen the gift thoughtfully.
That couldn’t be true… and yet, it felt like he had chosen something just right for me, after careful thought.
Yeah, it’s a good thing. My heart thumped with excitement.
“I really love it. Thank you, Dad.”
And… I’m sorry I couldn’t say it more kindly.
Thank you for not saying you’re sick of my cold expression, like the parents in my past life had.
“…I should be the one thanking you, Hil.”
Saying it once more, I hugged the shoes tightly to my chest.
It felt warm in my arms.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
Ding!
—“I’m the Observer” has entered the chat.
“News is here!”
“Waaaah!”
The maids, who had been bustling around, dashed to the table the moment the alert sounded.
On the wide-open notebook, as if by magic, letters began appearing on their own.
“What’s it say? Hurry up and tell us!”
“Wait, they’re still writing!”
The maids stared so intently at the notebook it looked almost unsettling.
Under their intense gazes, letters rapidly filled the page and scrolled upward.
— Major news! Major news! Lady Hildea’s smile pierced through the roof!
— Lady Hildea sparkles again today! I could die happily now.
— She smiled while hugging the shoes! Instant knockout. I saw her rare smile. I’m the winner. Super cute.
— Planning to turn Lady Hildea’s dazzling smile into artwork. Title: “The Birthday Smile.” Who wants a copy?
“Kyahhh!” the maids squealed with joy.
“She smiled!”
“Ahh, what a relief!”
“Lady Hil rarely shows any expression.”
“But then, when she smiles just a little, it’s like… really, it’s just… sniff…”
Hildea’s expressions was still blank, which made it all the more bizarre, but her sparkling eyes and flushed cheeks couldn’t hide her excitement.
“She liked it! It was worth all the blood, sweat, and tears!”
“Right, Sien. You worked the hardest this time. Such a precious item—it’s not something just anyone could make. Honestly, I didn’t think it was possible.”
“Even Lyra admitted it, right? That thing was born purely from imagination. The girl stayed up ten nights straight. Watching her was nerve-racking.”
All the maids praised the dazed-looking Sien standing in the center.
Who among them could’ve imagined this future?
Women whose daily lives involved bloodshed, now volunteering just to make one sheltered noble girl smile.
And yet, they were happy.
“Still, the Second Young Lady had it the hardest, didn’t she? We were all shocked at first. Just making something like that… And considering all the money and magic His Grace poured into it…”
Then Sien suddenly shook as if having a seizure and shouted furiously. Her eyes gleamed like a madwoman’s.
“Aaah, shut up! That doesn’t matter! Who cares who suffered?! Lady Hildea smiled! She smiled because of something I made! That’s all that matters. Yes!”
Hands trembling with excitement, she swiftly pulled out a peculiar pen from her pocket.
When she placed it on the notebook where letters were still being written, a chiming alert rang again.
—“Silver Hair Is the Best” has entered the chat.
Sien swallowed hard and began to write:
— How strong was Lady Hildea’s joy on a scale of 1–10? I’ll buy all the artwork.
— 10. Definitely a 10. Planning to make 10 prints. Limited edition. First-come, first-served.
Confidentiality required.
Ding-ding-ding! More alerts rang out. Sien spoke solemnly.
“I’ll buy them all. All ten.”
When she suddenly burst into maniacal laughter, the other maids edged away.
It was absurd… but by now, this was just their normal.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
The boy looked small in his ornate ceremonial uniform, almost swallowed by its decorations.
Yet his straightened shoulders and cynical expression were so imposing, they made everything look natural on him.
Who could dare mock him as merely a twelve-year-old child?
With a sword in that small frame, no one would dare look down on him.
The blessing he was born with grew stronger with every breath, every day he lived, every passing second.
An invincible force.
That’s why the nobles aligned with the Emperor looked reassured, while those with the Empress wore grim faces.
Because of this boy who had survived against all odds.
“I bless you to become the Empire’s unshakable sword, to pierce the enemies within and without with your blade. You shall become one worthy of your family’s name. Let your every step and action be history—live with caution and loyalty.”
“I am honored, Your Majesty. I will do my utmost.”
“Good. From this moment on, you are the one and only Duke Belkius of the Empire.”
Even under the sharp eyes of the nobles, he stood unshaken.
His dry tone, as if bored by the whole ceremony, came off as arrogant.
Emperor Detroit handed over the blessing scroll with a satisfied expression, while the Empress observed with a cold face.
Thus, amidst everyone’s congratulations, the young boy officially received his title as Duke Belkius .
He was only twelve.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
“Milord. Did everything go well?”
“As you can see. Nothing special.”
Even with his indifferent words, the aide caught the seal that was tossed toward him like trash from the carriage.
“Dear me, don’t treat it like that… We’re still at the palace.”
“So what?”
“You can’t throw away an imperial seal like garbage.”
“You caught it, didn’t you? So it’s fine.”
“Huh? But… You don’t seem pleased. Wasn’t this the moment you’ve been waiting for? Did the Empress cause trouble? I thought we took care of everything she could use.”
The aide noticed that the boy’s violet eyes were colder than usual.
He rarely got angry. Anger and irritation were his only emotions—and his heart had frozen over a long time ago.
Yet now, even after being formally appointed as Duke, anger lingered in his gaze.
The aide cautiously watched him, and finally, the young Duke Belkius spoke.
“It wasn’t the Empress. This time it was the Emperor who gave the order.”
His tone dripped with disgust.
“Ah, is it about that…?”
“Yes. The marriage talk. He still won’t give it up.”
“Sigh. What a headache.”
The aide hurried after Gabriel as he climbed into the carriage. Refusing all party invitations, the Duke’s carriage began leaving the palace as if he couldn’t wait to escape.
“So annoying. I’ll have to deal with it.”
The aide shook his head.
“But it’s something we can’t delay anymore. We used the excuse of you not having the title, but now there’s no more stalling. The late Emperor really caused trouble with that arranged marriage.”
Gabriel’s finely drawn brows twitched in annoyance.
“The current Emperor is pathetic, clinging to a dead man’s will. What about the investigation into the Hillingtons?”
“Yes, that Hillington. Not much. What you already know. And…”
“And?”
“It’s hard to say, but…”
The aide furrowed his brows and rubbed his chin.
“Since their return to the capital a few years ago, the estate’s night security has been unusually tight. We couldn’t find out why, but even the Emperor’s shadow knights couldn’t break in easily. Especially at night—it’s intense.”
Gabriel, staring out at the passing scenery through the carriage window, coldly muttered,
“Good. I’ll use that.”
“Use what, exactly?”
“If it’s about the marriage, I just need a reason to break it. The marriage token from my grandfather—do they still have it?”
The aide’s eyes widened.
“Gasp—surely, milord, you’re not…?”
The token shared between the families as proof of the engagement was extremely important.
If it suddenly disappeared and was considered lost, the side that lost it could no longer uphold the engagement.
If the other party then refused the marriage, it would be annulled.
“You’re going in yourself?”
“Who else is going to infiltrate Hillington?”
The aide hurriedly objected.
“But the target is the head of Hillington! If you get caught, things could get very messy. And directly stealing one of the family’s heirlooms could deeply offend them.”
Gabriel’s eyes sharpened.
It wasn’t childish recklessness, but it still felt that way to the aide.
But he was desperate. Even if Hillington was calmer now, their head was Sears.
Even the famously fearless Empress once tread carefully around him.
“If it’s me, I’ll get in and out without being caught.”
“He’s a beast. Drop your guard and you’ll regret it.”
“You’re the only one who dares speak to me like this. Let’s move.”
“But… I have a really bad feeling. Please reconsider.”
Gabriel twisted his lips, though no one could’ve called it a smile.
“Certainty is best. I’ll go myself.”
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
As I stirred and sat up in bed, I realized someone was clutching a pillow beside me.
Ah, her again.
Just as I thought. I lifted the blanket to reveal a familiar face.
“Rose.”
Even with Lyra’s nagging, Rose often sneaked into my bed and fell asleep.
Honestly… I didn’t hate it. Rose was warm and cozy.
“…zzzhmm… nyam…”
I burst into laughter.
“What dream are you having? What are you eating? What is it?”
“Mmm… cheese…”
I couldn’t help but laugh.
Her fluffy pink hair spilled over the blanket, cheeks puffing as if munching on something tasty in her dream.
A soft, sweet little girl clung to me, breathing gently in her sleep.
‘Rose. My sister.’
At first, I didn’t know how to approach her. I wasn’t sure how to act.
But Rosériel was the first to make a move between us.
With an aura that seemed like she smelled of roses, she approached me without fear, chatting brightly.
“Sis. Sis! Big sis.”
Though we were born on the same day, she felt like a much younger sibling—just endlessly adorable.
“I always laugh because of you.”
How could I hate the pink-haired girl who followed me everywhere?
I lightly pinched her soft cheek and let go. She wriggled her head, annoyed, even gnawed on the blanket.
Are you eating meat or something?
That’s when—
“Sis…? Mmm…”
I guess she woke up from all the fuss. One eye opened groggily.
“It’s okay. Sleep more.”
“Mmm… you too, Sis…”
Yeah. Honestly, one thing I envy about her is her honesty.
The confidence to approach anyone with a big smile and reach out first.
The friendliness to get along with all the mansion staff.
And the belief that no matter what she says, people will smile back at her.
That’s when—
‘Hmm? Who’s that?’
I heard voices outside.
