[IHTTMBW] Chapter 31

The table was littered with remnants of the desserts I had eagerly sampled. Suddenly, a small burp escaped my lips, and I quickly clamped my mouth shut in embarrassment.  

Gelbart, however, burst into loud, hearty laughter, gripping the table as he leaned back. “Hahaha! What a masterpiece! Truly a masterpiece!” 

Euphil, on the other hand, looked at me with a pained expression, clearly not as amused. I didn’t quite understand why they were reacting so differently, so I just covered my mouth with my small hands and tilted my head in confusion. 

“I knew Ekild’s insolent child was born, but I never expected such a little gem. Little one, do you want more?”  

I nodded vigorously, but before I could say anything, Euphil walked over, took hold of my head, and shook it in a firm “no.” 

“Hee… Heeeing…” 

“Your teeth will rot, and you might get sick,” he warned. 

“B-but… Heeeing…” 

Gelbart intervened with a reassuring tone. “It’s okay, little one. I’ll send some of the desserts to your palace so you can share them with your family.” 

“Family?” Euphil’s expression hardened at the mention of family, and Gelbart noticed, turning his sharp gaze on him. He looked deeply into Euphil’s eyes before nodding. “Yes, I hear your family includes a maid and a guard.” 

Euphil remained silent momentarily before reaching out with one arm to pull me close. My face ended up buried against his shoulder.  

‘What’s going on?’ I wondered, but the warmth of Euphil’s embrace made me giggle, so I didn’t dwell on it. 

“They said you’ve been teaching her how to read,” Gelbart noted. 

“Yes,” Euphil replied simply, brushing a stray lock of hair from my forehead. His touch was gentle, and I closed my eyes like a contented cat, making him squint slightly. His expression softened into something akin to a smile. 

Gelbart watched this exchange with a look of surprise as if he were seeing something extraordinary. His face softened as he repeated, “So you’ve been teaching her to read.” 

Gelbart’s face was filled with a gentle, almost nostalgic smile, as if he were recalling fond memories. The lilac scent around us seemed to intensify, carrying with it a hint of something warm and familiar. 

“I’ve had a good experience today, thanks to you,” Gelbart said. “If there’s anything you wish for, I’ll grant it.” 

“There’s nothing,” Euphil responded coldly. 

Gelbart shook his head as if he had expected that answer and looked back at Euphil. Even as he ran a hand through his golden hair, his red eyes remained focused on me, holding me close as if to shield me from Gelbart. 

But even if Euphil missed the opportunity, I couldn’t let it slip away. This was my chance to bridge the gap between him and Gelbart, at least a little. ‘I’m just a child,’ I thought, understanding why Euphil might resent Gelbart. Gelbart had been indifferent to everything except his late wife, and after her death, he had devoted himself solely to protecting the northwest, leaving little room for anything—or anyone—else. 

Euphil had likely felt abandoned, not receiving the care or attention he needed. But why should the child reach out first? Shouldn’t the adults be the ones to protect the child? 

I raised my hand to ensure that my plan to prevent Euphil’s rebellion succeeded. 

“Me! Me! Myrthi has a wish!” 

Gelbart’s face melted into a tender expression. Even before he spoke, I could almost hear him say, “Little one, what is it?” His voice was gentle, almost reverent. 

I giggled as Euphil wiped my mouth with a napkin, and then I dashed over to Gelbart. 

“Myrthi has a wish!” 

“Tell me, little one. What is it?” Gelbart asked, lifting me into his arms. I could see Euphil’s face twisted with annoyance. He mouthed, ‘Come down’, but I mouthed back, ‘Just a moment.’

Euphil’s face showed confusion, but I turned my attention back to Gelbart, cupping his cheeks with my small hands as I whispered earnestly, 

“Euvil wants to learn swordsmanship!” 

“You mean Euphil? That’s your wish, little one?” 

“Yes! But Euvil always practices alone. Grandpa, teach Euvil!” 

“Myrthi!” Euphil’s voice was sharp as if trying to stop me, but I kept my gaze locked on Gelbart’s, serious and unwavering, much like an adult’s. 

Gelbart seemed momentarily taken aback by the intensity of my gaze. He stared at me for a long moment, then slowly raised his hand to stroke my hair. I nuzzled my cheek into his palm, making a soft, contented sound. 

Gelbart’s expression was amusing and serious as he looked between Euphil and me. 

“Swordsmanship, huh…” Gelbart mused. 

“You don’t have to listen. It’s just the ramblings of a child,” Euphil interjected. 

“You’re still a child too, Euphil, no matter how hard you try not to appear that way.” Gelbart’s words made Euphil’s face tighten with frustration. Gelbart, however, continued to ponder the idea of teaching swordsmanship, his eyes lingering on Euphil.