Fifteen minutes into the meal, Isabella once again broke the silence.
— By the way, Lucius, do you have any updates on the other children who went out for training?
By "other children," the matriarch was clearly referring to Theo, Selena, Erik, and Mia, who were currently training in the family's hunting grounds deep in the Velheimort Forest.
However, the way she referred to them made Alice flinch slightly. Raphael noticed this and gently placed his hand on her head, giving her a comforting pat.
Lucius and Aurora remained calm, though the blatant division of the family, orchestrated by Isabella, did concern them. Still, they had grown accustomed to this over time.
"Trying to sow discord among us to find the strongest one, huh?" Lucius smirked inwardly.
— The children are following their scheduled training at a steady pace, — he replied.
— I see. So, nothing noteworthy yet?
Isabella's voice sounded bored, as if she was disappointed that those four weren't showing any remarkable results.
Even in the previous life, Theo and the others had never truly stood out. If Lucius, while not a magic swordsman, possessed a sharp intellect, Adrian was both intelligent and immensely powerful, Liliana had great strength and potential, and Aurora was talented in almost everything, Theo and the rest had always been a blemish on the family.
While they each had their own talents, they weren't given the right environment to flourish. It was a typical mistake made by a family with outdated views. If placed in a suitable setting, who knows what they could have achieved?
If it hadn't been for Raphael, who frustrated the family's leadership even more, those four would have become scapegoats.
The Earhart family had been losing its leadership among the noble houses for over fifty years. Currently, only five out of eleven children were magic swordsmen, whereas in the past, at least two-thirds of their offspring possessed that gift.
Were it not for the immense strength of the current patriarch, Alonzo, and the cunning of Isabella, the family would have long been overtaken by the Sawyer family or the Alcion Empire.
It was clear why the matriarch was disappointed by Theo and the others' lack of progress.
"But still… you're a mother. How can you say such things in front of a four-year-old?"
Raphael gritted his teeth, staring at his food. He couldn't care less about Lucius, Theo, or the others' feelings, but he was furious that this so-called "mother" spoke like that in front of young Alice.
In some ways, it was one of the reasons why being the "Honorable Knight" in the past was easier. It allowed him to avoid such conversations and not have to listen to these demeaning words.
— Let's move on from that, — Isabella said dismissively. — Aurora, when are you planning to return for your graduation ceremony?
She broke the uncomfortable silence, and Alice, having calmed down a bit, resumed eating.
— I'm planning to stay for two weeks. During that time, I'll choose my outfit and prepare for my post-graduation mission.
— I see. If you need anything, you can ask Fahl for assistance.
— Thank you.
This remark made Raphael pause.
"So, Isabella really does hold Aurora in high regard if she's allowing her to use Fahl's services."
Fahl was one of the most important figures in Isabella's circle, practically her right hand. Only the patriarch's butler held more influence among the household staff.
In other words, Isabella was granting Aurora the privilege of using her trusted confidant, albeit within reasonable limits.
— By the way, Raphael, in a year, you'll be able to choose a bodyguard. Do you have someone in mind already?
It was obvious that Isabella was once again behind this question. This time, Raphael couldn't quite figure out her intent.
"Is she trying to push someone onto me?"
Deciding not to overthink it, Raphael chose to play along.
— There's someone I have in mind. I'll observe them over the next year and decide if they're suitable for the role.
Raphael deliberately refrained from revealing Erin's identity, unsure of the consequences if he shared his plans prematurely and how it might affect her.
— I see. Maybe you should ask Lucius to help you. I'm sure with his knowledge, choosing a candidate will be much easier.
"Heh, just earlier you told me I could call you 'mother,' and now you're throwing me to the wolves with my brother?"
Raphael chuckled inwardly at Isabella's tactics. Judging by Lucius's expression, he wasn't expecting this suggestion either.
— You know…
— I don't think that's a good idea, Matriarch.
Before Raphael could protest, Aurora spoke up, surprising not only Isabella and Raphael but also Lucius and Alice.
— What do you mean? — Isabella's face briefly betrayed a mixture of emotions she tried to hide, but Raphael caught a glimpse of both surprise and irritation.
— If I may, I think Raphael should make the decision himself, just as he chose his own fencing style.
The matriarch's interest was piqued by her daughter's reasoning.
— Go on.
— Raphael's choice of the rapier shows that he's on a path distinct from ours, and certainly from Lucius's.
Aurora paused, letting her words sink in.
— I believe only Raphael knows who will best support him on this unique path he's chosen.
For a few moments, silence once again filled the hall.
"Today's full of surprises, huh? Aurora, did you hit your head on the way back home?"
Raphael was the most stunned of all. He hadn't expected his sister to stand up for him. In his previous life, she had barely acknowledged his existence. What had changed this time? Yes, he hadn't yet earned a reputation as the weakest and most useless of the siblings, but still… As far as he recalled, only Alice had ever earned such protective treatment from their older sister, certainly not him. It didn't make sense.
After some thought, Isabella finally replied:
— Very well, Raphael. You may choose your bodyguard yourself.
— Thank you, — despite his inner surprise, Raphael bowed politely.
— Furthermore, if anyone tries to interfere with your decision, they will be punished. This applies to everyone.
Having seen Aurora defend the boy, Isabella decided to limit not only Lucius's interference but also Aurora's influence, turning this into another test for Raphael.
As she delivered her final statement, Isabella shot a discreet glance at Lucius, subtly hinting at him. He simply nodded in response, signaling his agreement to stay out of it.
Or so Isabella thought.
"Even if I can't interfere with his decision, I can just limit his options from the start."
Lucius clearly had plans to insert his own candidate into Raphael's selection—not for assassination, but to keep a closer watch on him.
The family members continued dining in silence for a while longer.
***
A few hours after dinner, in the matriarch's study.
Isabella sat in an opulent chair, sipping fine whiskey and gazing out at the night sky through her window. Her mind was filled with thoughts, primarily the impending conflict with the Holy State of Solaris and the unexpected development of Raphael, the boy she had initially written off.
The matriarch had already received a letter from Alonzo informing her of a temporary alliance between the Alcion Empire and the Earhart family to stand against the Holy State.
While this was the family's top priority, Isabella couldn't shake her thoughts of Raphael, who had, for the first time in years, piqued her interest.
— Hah… Let's hope you don't disappoint me.
Isabella held onto a glimmer of hope for Raphael, seeing his potential. She hoped he might be the one to help the family regain its footing.
«And if you can't... I'll just throw you away», she thought, relaxing in the chair and continuing to look out.
***
After returning to his room and changing clothes, Raphael headed straight for Alice's room. He was eager to see the gift Aurora had brought him—something he hadn't received in his previous life—and also curious about why her attitude toward him had shifted.
Five minutes later, he entered Alice's room.
— Big brother, you're here!
A delighted Alice rushed toward him, and Raphael immediately noticed the odd cat ears she was wearing.
— Alice, have you decided to quit being a knight and become a background actor instead?
— Huh? What's that?
— Never mind.
— Pfft, hahaha! — Aurora laughed from where she sat on Alice's bed, clearly entertained by the quick exchange between her siblings.
"She's laughing? I don't think I've ever seen her laugh like this. Did she really hit her head on the way home?" Raphael thought, a bit surprised.
Aurora was dressed casually in a loose shirt and pants, her makeup washed off. It seemed she, like Raphael, had opted for comfort after dinner rather than staying all dolled up.
Raphael relaxed a little, realizing his sister wasn't looking to pick a fight tonight.
— You're so mean, big brother, — Alice puffed up her cheeks, turning away with a pout.
She looked like a chipmunk hoarding water in its mouth, trying to escape. The sight amused Raphael, and he reached out to pat her head gently.
— Alright, alright, I'm sorry. It was just a joke.
— Then give me some candy! — Alice spun back around, holding out her hands with a grin stretching ear to ear.
— Ah, so you're a little schemer, huh? Trying to make me feel guilty just to get candy?
— I don't know what you mean! But if you hurt someone's feelings, you should make it up to them!
— Exactly! Alice is right! — Aurora chimed in with a light smile, clearly enjoying the banter.
Raphael raised his hands in defeat.
— Alright, fine. Here you go.
He pulled out some candy from his pocket, the same ones he had planned to give her anyway, and dropped them into her hands. He kept only two lollipops for himself.
— Yay! Thanks! — Alice immediately started unwrapping the candies, stuffing her mouth full in a way that was both impressive and hilarious.
"Now she really does look like a chipmunk," Raphael mused, watching his little sister devour the sweets with surprising speed.
While Alice was busy indulging in her sugar rush, Raphael walked over to Aurora and sat down beside her on the bed.
He pulled out the two remaining lollipops, handing one to her.
— Here, take this.
Aurora blinked in surprise at the gesture, then smiled softly and took the candy.
— Thanks. I didn't realize you were this thoughtful.
She unwrapped the lollipop and popped it into her mouth.
— Well, I'm not rude enough to show up empty-handed when someone brings me a gift and even stands up for me.
Raphael did the same, placing the other lollipop in his mouth.
— Don't think too much of it. I just didn't want Lucius getting his hands on you or Alice.
— And why's that?
— You really don't get it? — Aurora asked, her voice tinged with sarcasm, as if the answer was obvious.
Raphael paused, thinking it over.
"To be honest, I have no idea. Why did she help me, the brother she's always ignored?"
When he didn't answer, Aurora sighed heavily and glanced toward Alice.
— I don't want another child to become just a tool for this family.
Raphael's eyes widened at her words. In his memories, Aurora had never been like Lucius or Theo, but she had still served the family loyally. And yet here she was, sounding as if she harbored resentment—or at least, no undying love for the family.
— What do you mean?
— Our family has already lost four potential heirs because of Father's and Mother's ambitions.
It was clear she was referring to Theo, Mia, Selena, and Erik. Aurora must have come to that conclusion after witnessing how they were treated by their elder siblings and the matriarch and patriarch.
"Well, I can't exactly disagree with that. If things don't change, they'll end up useless for sure."
— When I caught a glimpse of your training today, I realized that you're different from them. At the very least, you don't look down on others and you know exactly what direction you need to grow in.
Raphael remained silent.
— And that girl with the strange markings on her hand… You're planning to make her your bodyguard, aren't you?
He still didn't respond.
— Hah, I knew it, — Aurora laughed, seeing his reaction.
Realizing she had already figured it out, Raphael decided there was no point in hiding it any longer.
— So, what are you planning to do with that information?
— Hmm, nothing.
— ...What? — Raphael gave her a puzzled look.
— Did you think I'd use it against you?
— Isn't that how things work in this family?
Aurora tilted her head slightly, looking a bit sad but understanding. She gave a small, bitter smile before answering:
— You're not wrong... But I don't want to use you or hurt you. In fact, I promise I'll help you if you need it. Don't see me as an opponent; see me as your sister...
"Today really is a crazy day. That's the second time I've heard something like this—first from Isabella, and now Aurora…"
Her sincerity caught Raphael off guard, making him rethink his perception of her.
Had he been wrong about Aurora all along? What if, instead of avoiding each other all these years, they had talked like this earlier? Could they have developed some trust? Perhaps all those sighs he had noticed from her weren't out of annoyance, but rather sympathy or concern?
A sharp headache suddenly pierced through his mind, bringing memories of the past and all his mistakes flooding back.
His hands trembled for a moment before he clenched them into fists, pressing down on the wound on his left hand to calm the pain.
Immediately, his mind cleared.
"There's no point in dwelling on this now. I doubt I can ever truly trust anyone in this family, but… maybe… if it's you…"
After a few minutes of contemplation, Raphael finally spoke:
— Alright, sister. I'll trust you.
Aurora's smile turned soft, and she gently squeezed his hand. For a brief moment, Raphael thought he saw a tear glisten in her eye.