"I missed you a lot, Grandpa," I murmured as I gave the old man an unexpected embrace. Maybe it's because I have merged with the memories of Celestine entirely at this moment, and I don't have that much of an identity crisis, or maybe it's because this old man reminded me of that endearing old geezer back when I was Bai Feng Jiu. But it felt heartwarming seeing him.
It felt as if I was no longer alone. That there was finally someone who would shelter me from the cruelty of this mansion.
My senses have been dulled by the idyllic ambiance of this world. My reactions were a beat slower than they used to be. It took a moment for me to realize the abnormal stiffness of the old man. His burning gaze that was directed at me belied a furious undertone.
Right. This man is an expert in soul magic. Why did my dumbass forget about that? Ugh.
"Err... Pardon me. I got too caught up in my emotions. I know you have questions. Shall we head to my room so that I can give you an entire account of the circumstances, Your Grace?"
I backtracked a few steps from him politely and spoke in a neither servile nor overbearing tone. It was as formal as it could be. Almost estranged. To others, my switch from the informal Grandfather to the standard Your Grace was totally normal. After all, it is customary to call nobles by their proper titles, even if they are relatives. Even married couples aren't spared from this norm. But it needs to be noted as well that Toni never ever called Count Halcyon anything aside from Grandfather. Be it in their home or outside of it.
I straightened up my form and stood in attention, precisely like the soldier that I have been in the past. It made the old man's brows crease in the middle.
'My bad, alright? Who asked you to look like the old geezer when he gets serious? Even now, you look exactly like him when he's in glowering commander-in-chief mode that's out for my blood. Spare your granddaughter's feelings, will ya?' I grumbled to myself.
Despite my inner turmoil, I headed to my chambers in my silent, measured walks. I could feel the bland stare that this dear Grandfather was giving. I knew he was observing every single move I made and noting every single disparity I had with the granddaughter he brought up himself. But I didn't care. After all, I am Toni now.
We arrived in my room, and I gestured for him to sit down on the settee while I leisurely took my own seat. Wilhelm was aware that the Count of Liszt was on a visit today, so he conscientiously prepared refreshments and served them himself.
Silence pervaded the room even after Wilhelm left. None of us wanted to start the conversation.
'Hah. You think I'd go down that easily. You got it wrong, old man. Dealing with the old geezer has given me tons of experience with psychological warfare.' I sneered internally while being secretly relieved deep down. Man, these old men. So difficult to deal with. I ain't acting cute for them. No way.
Yes. It is as you have guessed, dear readers. Being treated as one of the guys since childhood has rendered me incapable of producing aegyo. So don't even think about it. Unless it's a life-or-death situation.
"Who are you?" Old Man Halcyon asked in a dangerous tone as he gazed at me. His eyes glinted a strange icy blue gleam.
He's using soul magic, alright. Should've expected that from a clever, old fox like him. Don't get me wrong, I'm complimenting him. Seriously, I needed to get myself together. I need to catch up. I gotta thank this Grandfather for giving me a wake-up call.
"Your granddaughter, of course," I answered innocently, with a pure, faultless smile.
"You are not my granddaughter." He answered in firm belief. I sighed in admiration.
See? This is what a blood-related family member should be like. In just a glance and short observation time, he figured out the difference between me and that smöl bundle of sunshine. I'm beginning to think that my other family members are a bunch of farts.
I can't help but laugh in derision at this thought. The old man furrowed his brows at this. The soft wind from the open windows blew lightly. My silky, sakura-pink hair followed the breeze, creating a lovely yet lonely silhouette that only other people's eyes could feast on. I was unaware of it.
I lifted my jeweled peridot eyes to the old man. Playful mirth flashing in them.
"Ah, man. Toni should have warned me of your astuteness, Your Grace." I said in silent acquiesce to his doubts. The old man froze at my words. His mouth opened and closed as if wanting to say something but was at a loss as to what he should say.
I decided to spare him the misery. He obviously thought of the worst. I need to mitigate whatever he had in mind. After all, I didn't do anything to that chibi bishoujo. This man is a genuine Magi. I don't plan to die without a complete corpse.
"First of all, Celestine is well and good. I dare say she's having the time of her life right now."
'Maybe.' I added that inaudibly. After all, I'm not that sure. But my life in Country Z is definitely better than the shitty, cooped-up life she has in this world. There are also a lot more exciting things there than here. Yep. She's definitely having fun with the internet right about now. Ahhh!
Comparisons really make one jealous!
"How do you know that? And if that is so, what are you doing here in her body?" As expected of a man who already saw much of the world, he was only fazed briefly.
I pouted in thought. Yep. I better fess up everything. Lying won't convince this Grandfather to help me wholeheartedly. Besides, I like the old man. I want him to like me back genuinely. It would be a pleasant experience to have an actual grandfather.