Episode 8
Jonah’s face turned pale and he quickly shook his head.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Really…?” Mamela asked.
“Yes. Have you forgotten what happened at Marquis Rolben’s banquet four years ago?”
“Huh? I only heard some rumors… I don’t really know what happened.”
Mamela looked slightly upset. I (Aril) watched them, confused.
Jonah nodded.
“Let me explain. The second son of Marquis Rolben brought two Dobermans to the banquet your brother attended.”
“What? He brought dogs?”
“Yes. And of all people, they went straight to greet your brother. At that time, no one knew he hated animals, so everyone was focused on the big dogs. But since the dogs were friendly, they clung to him.”
Mamela gasped.
“Did my brother put up with that?”
“No. He glared at the dogs and walked away. Then, after a few steps, he smashed the glass he was holding, cursed, and left the banquet hall.”
Mamela frowned in disbelief.
“What? That can’t be right. My brother wouldn’t be so rude.”
“I don’t know if he broke the cup on purpose or dropped it by accident. But I’m sure of one thing—he left with a very grim expression.”
The mood turned serious again. I shifted uncomfortably.
“But one day she’ll find out anyway,” Jonah said. “What’s the harm in telling her a little earlier?”
“Aril is already causing too much trouble,” Mamela replied.
Both of them looked at me. I scratched the sofa nervously, trying to avoid their gaze.
Mamela sighed.
“That’s true.”
She threw a ball far across the room.
I stopped scratching and instinctively ran after it. I caught it quickly, and Mamela patted my head before throwing it again.
This time the ball rolled under the bed. While I was crawling to get it, I heard them talking again.
“Don’t you think Aril has become calmer? Think back to when the bandages first came off.”
“Yes, definitely…”
I grabbed the ball with my teeth, but on the way back I bumped into the toy basket, spilling everything.
‘Why are you blocking my way?’ I glared at the basket.
Then suddenly, the stand next to it lost balance and collapsed with a loud crash.
“……!”
Startled, I dropped the ball.
In the heavy silence, the ball rolled into the corner with a clicking sound.
I couldn’t even look up when Mamela muttered in a tired voice:
“…I want to take back everything I just said.”
* * *
Mamela hurried downstairs. Because of Aril’s little accident earlier, she was late for her appointment.
When she arrived, someone was already waiting.
“Mamela, you’re late.”
The voice was calm and gentle, yet strangely intimidating.
‘Why am I late for dinner with my brother…?’
This dinner was special—it only happened a few times a month. She quickly sat across from him, ready to apologize, but only a small gasp escaped her lips.
Her brother, Idilos, looked at her quietly.
“Did you run here?”
“Yes… I’m sorry I’m late. I fell asleep for a moment…”
Mamela glanced nervously at him, since he valued time like gold. But luckily, he didn’t look angry.
With a calm expression, Idilos poured water into her glass.
“You should have come slowly. Drink some water.”
“You hate lateness, Brother. I’m sorry.”
“I don’t like being late,” he said calmly. “But you’re the exception. You can be as late as you want.”
“…Even if I were an hour late?”
“I can wait up to two weeks.”
“What?” Mamela’s eyes widened. Idilos chuckled softly and patted her head.
“How have you been?”
His gentle tone made her heart relax.
She thought back to the lonely week when he had been away. Normally she would have been sad, but this time, thanks to Aril the kitten, she had felt much less lonely.
Without realizing, she smiled.
“Yes, I’ve been fine.”
Idilos seemed surprised, but then nodded.
“That’s good.”
Dinner was served. As always, he cut the steak into small pieces for her, a habit he had kept since she was a child.
Mamela folded her hands.
“Thank you for the meal.”
“Eat a lot, then you’ll grow taller.”
She ate happily. Even though it was the same food as always, it tasted better when shared with him.
While eating, she suddenly thought of someone—Aril.
‘I hope Aril is eating well. Eating alone is lonely… I should hurry back after this.’
She began eating quickly.
Idilos suddenly stopped eating and stared at her.
“Mamela.”
With her mouth full, she quickly chewed and swallowed.
“Yes?”
“You’re eating unusually fast. You’ll get sick.”
“Ah… I just remembered I still have homework.”
Mamela laughed awkwardly, but Idilos said firmly:
“Chew properly.”
“I am chewing.”
“Chew at least forty times.”
“F-Forty? That much?”
“Yes. You’re eating too fast. That’s the right way.”
Seeing his serious face, Mamela gave up and started chewing slowly.
He then pointed at the untouched vegetables on her plate.
“Don’t be picky.”
“…Yes.”
She pouted but obediently ate them, grimacing especially at the bell peppers. Honestly, Aril’s cat food smelled better than this.
After finishing with effort, she sipped tea absentmindedly. She glanced up and saw Idilos stirring his own tea.
She swallowed nervously. Should she ask?
“Brother.”
“Yes.”
“What do you… think about cats?”
His hand froze for a moment, then he slowly sipped his tea.
Mamela waited, heart pounding. Finally, he put the cup down and gave a short answer.
“Not sure.”
“…Huh?”
What did that mean? Not bad? Neutral?
She wanted to ask more, but before she could, he added,
“I don’t really like them.”
Her heart sank like cold water had been poured on her.
“W-Why not?”
“I hate all four-legged animals.”
He frowned as if even thinking about them made him uncomfortable. Mamela lost her courage. She also remembered Jonah’s story earlier, and fear stopped her from mentioning Aril.
‘Next time. I’ll say it next time…’
Quickly, she changed the subject.
“Thank you for the gift you sent me.”
Smiling brightly, she explained how happy she was to receive the Garnet Diamond of Ludavito. Idilos’ expression softened.
“Do you like it?”
“Yes! I’ve wanted something like that for a long time.”
As she happily chatted while eating dessert, she suddenly remembered—Aril was waiting at home.
She dropped the cookie she was holding. Frozen in place, she didn’t even pick it up until Idilos gently handed it back and wiped the crumbs from her lips with his handkerchief.
But then Mamela jumped up so suddenly that the table shook and Idilos spilled some tea.
“I-I’m so sorry!”
“It’s fine,” he said calmly, dabbing at the stain on his white clothes. Even though the tea was hot, his face showed no pain.
Mamela fidgeted nervously.
“Brother, I’m really sorry, but I need to go now. I have lots of homework.”
“Okay. Don’t put off your work.”
Her face brightened.
“Yes! Then I’ll see you next time!”
She waved cheerfully and left in a hurry.
Idilos waved back, then called for his aide.
“Ansel.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Bring me some ice.”
“Ice? …Wait—why is your hand so swollen, Your Highness?!”
“I burned it.”
“What? Are you alright?”
“It’s nothing.”
“But it doesn’t look like nothing at all—oh! Where are you going?”
“Office. Bring the ice there.”
“You’re going to work with that hand?!”
“Talk too much and you’ll lose your job,” Idilos said, frowning.
Ansel immediately fell silent.
Idilos walked away, his thoughts heavy.
“Cats…”
‘Does Mamela want to raise a cat?’
He sighed deeply. If Mamela really asked for one, what should he do?
His steps slowed.
Because the truth was—he was afraid of animals. Terribly afraid.
It was a secret no one could know.
He pinched his cheek to calm himself.
‘She hasn’t even asked yet. No need to panic. I’ll just talk with her properly next time.’
He steadied himself, but his steps to the office were weaker than usual.
