"I'm sorry?"
Sloane apologized so that Yulia would stop complaining.
"Big sister. A simple apology won't work." Yulia pouted.
"Then how about playing with me right now? I have some spare time on my hands."
She caressed the young child's head.
"Really? You won't back away from your word? You owe me." Her golden eyes sparkle.
Sloane nodded in agreement.
—"Since when did she learn to bargain with people?"
She squealed in delight.
"Young miss. Please mind your manners. There are eyes everywhere."Jane warned her.
" It's alright Jane. For her, it's a rare opportunity to be able to play with me like this."
Sloane smiled.
"Jane what are you doing? Hurry up and bring tea and snacks."
"A-alright." The poor maid panicked looked like a squirrel who lost its nut.
Sloane chuckled while Yulia pulled her to where the marchioness used to have tea in the garden.
———————
"This concludes our meeting."Azriel closed the file and passed it over to Sabastian.
" Then consider it a deal."Sebastian looked at the marquess who remained indifferent the entire time.
"How are your daughters doing?" He asked.
"Very well, as you can see, "Azriel replied instantly brightening up.
—" As I thought he secretly cares about them."
He smiled faintly so that the cold-hearted marquess wouldn't notice.
"Until next time." He bid farewell and exited the room.
"Give my regards to your mother and that person."
"...." Sebastian said nothing but nodded.
The butler lead him to the entrance. Upon passing through the enormous garden his eyes fixated on the nirvit sisters.
His eyes widened in astonishment as he saw Sloane.
—"You never showed that side of yours to the world." He smiled.
With that, he left the estate in his carriage.
———————
Later that evening the tutors wouldn't let Sloane off. She had been ditching her lessons under the pretext of sickness.
"Hahh!Finally." She jumped on her bed drained out.
"I can't move an inch." She groaned but suddenly jumped up.
—"Get a grip, Sloane. You weren't this weak."
She slapped her face which her cheeks turned red and the burning sensation activated her body that begged for some rest.
"I needed to talk with father." She gasped as she recalled the most important thing she needed to inform Azriel.
Knock*Knock*
"Who is it?" she called out across the room.
"....." No reply.
Sloane got up and opened the door. To her surprise, her father stood at the door.
"F-father what brings you here?"Sloane stammered.
" May I come in?"Azriel dodged Sloane's question.
She opened the door and offered him to sit on the sofa.
"Did you want something from me?" She glanced at him.
He looked around her room.
"Can't a father visit his daughter?"
-"That's not what I meant. Besides, if you appear out of the blue like that what else am I supposed to do?"
"You came to me this afternoon. Did you want something? Since I was busy, I didn't have time to hear you out."He looked at his daughter who sat speechless.