Morning sunlight spilled through the tall windows of the Valtoria mansion, casting a golden glow over the grand dining hall. The clinking of silverware echoed through the room as the family gathered for breakfast. The scent of freshly baked bread and steaming tea filled the air, yet there was an unspoken tension lingering beneath the surface.
Evelynn, barely able to contain her excitement, turned to Elizabeth, her eyes bright. "Did you hear, Big Brother got into Sage Academy!" she chirped, practically bouncing in her seat.
Elizabeth smiled gently, nodding. "Yes, I did. Arthur has been working really hard."
Across the table, Lady Verona, their mother, set down her teacup with a graceful nod. "That's my boy," she said warmly, pride shining in her eyes.
But just as the warm atmosphere was beginning to settle, a sharp scoff cut through the air. Aldric, the head of the Valtoria family, set his cup down with a dull clink. His sharp, cold gaze swept over them, and the mood in the room shifted instantly.
"What are you all celebrating?" His voice was calm, but there was an unmistakable edge to it. "He was just lucky to get in."
Evelynn blinked in confusion. "But Dad, he won, didn't he? Isn't that what matters?"
Aldric shot her a sharp look, causing her to flinch slightly. "You're too young to understand," he said coolly. Then, with a dismissive wave of his hand, he continued, "The trial was a simple one-on-one match. I heard the details. They must have paired him against some weak opponent. His so-called victory is meaningless."
Silence filled the room.
Lady Verona's expression darkened as she set her fork down. "Aldric," she said firmly, her voice carrying the weight of a mother's patience wearing thin. "We just got him back after his illness, and he's shown remarkable improvement. Why do you still refuse to acknowledge him?"
Aldric exhaled sharply, pushing back his chair as he stood. "I have no interest in discussing this." He turned his back to them. "This conversation is over."
Without another word, he strode out of the room, his footsteps echoing through the vast halls.
Evelynn's small hands trembled as she clenched the edge of the table. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, and she bit her lip, trying to keep them from falling.
Elizabeth, noticing her distress, reached over and gently took her hand. "Come on, let's go," she said softly. Evelynn didn't resist as Elizabeth led her out of the dining hall, away from the lingering silence Aldric had left behind.
---
In Evelynn's bedroom, the air was much quieter. The soft lavender scent of her bedsheets filled the room as she sat on her bed, knees pulled up to her chest. Elizabeth pulled the blanket over her, tucking her in, and turned to leave.
But just as she reached the door, Evelynn's small voice stopped her.
"Elizabeth… can you stay with me for a little while?"
Elizabeth turned, surprised. "Of course." She walked back over and sat on the bed, letting Evelynn rest her head on her lap. Slowly, she ran her fingers through Evelynn's soft hair, offering the comfort only a big sister could.
For a while, neither of them spoke.
Then, in a quiet, almost fragile voice, Evelynn asked, "Why does Dad act like that towards Arthur?"
Elizabeth sighed, thinking carefully before answering. "Dad may act cold and strict, but I think… deep down, he's hurting too."
Evelynn frowned. "Hurting?"
Elizabeth nodded. "Arthur was once the heir to the Valtoria family, but when he became weak, Father was forced to disown him. That was a difficult decision—one that he had to make to protect the family's name. And now, after everything, Arthur is proving himself again. It must be hard for Dad to accept."
Evelynn sat up slightly, her eyes filled with frustration. "But if Dad feels pain, too, then why can't he just bring Arthur back? Why can't he give him his title again?"
Elizabeth gave her a small, sad smile. "I don't think it's that simple, Evie. The world of nobles is cruel. Power means everything. If Arthur wants his place back, he'll have to earn it."
Evelynn was quiet for a moment, deep in thought. Then, her lips curled into a determined smile. "He will," she said confidently. "After all, he's my big brother. He won't fail."
Elizabeth chuckled, ruffling her hair. "That's true."
Evelynn yawned, her body growing heavy with sleep. Within minutes, her breathing evened out, and she drifted into slumber.
Elizabeth gazed at her for a moment before carefully laying her down, pulling the blanket over her small frame. She stood at the door for a moment, looking back.
Then, in a voice barely above a whisper, she said—
"Arthur… we're all wishing for your success."
And with that, she quietly left the room, leaving Evelynn to dream peacefully.