TLB 15

Chapter 15

“You did well. You rescued your sister wonderfully. I’m so proud of you.”

It was the same for Saldir. The brothers’ eyes sparkled after receiving a kiss from their mother. It was a look filled with certain joy, as if they had just been reassured of their beloved place in the family. In that moment, the brothers—especially Albrecht—recalled what had happened earlier.

When she melted the iron bars with the power of the Sylkar and then hesitated with an uncertain look, her shoulders slumped in guilt. The quick remorse for what she had done, and her effort to take responsibility.

Truthfully, Albrecht hadn’t always seen Verdette as adorable like Saldir did. Of course, he loved her, but she’d always felt more like a nuisance. In fact, after reading reports that she threw tantrums often, he’d labeled her as a “troublesome, whiny little sister” and kept his distance.

But the Verdette he saw earlier—she had grown into a bold and intelligent child, more resolute than any noble, firmly asserting her opinion. The very image of what he considered an ideal Sylkar.

At that moment, Albrecht spoke up.

“The iron bars Verdette melted.”

“Hm?”

“How about we remove and preserve them separately?”

“Why?”

“I want to build a commemorative plaque about how Verdette melted those bars… but I’m not sure where to put it. The basement wouldn’t be the best spot.”

“….”

Albrecht ignored the faint “I knew it” expression that briefly crossed the knight’s face.

Verdette’s sharp instincts and quick wit were mostly accurate—but there was one thing she got wrong. She believed Albrecht was a strict eldest son who demanded hierarchy among the siblings, but in reality, he was more like a doting fool who dearly loved both of his siblings.

“Let’s make the plaque red with white letters. Oh, right. Let’s hold a family meeting with your father and grandfather.”

Everyone began the meeting in earnest.

“My baby, you need some sunshine. Look how pale you’ve gotten from being stuck indoors.”

With a cheerful voice, Horne readjusted her hold on me and carried me out to the duchy’s garden. The trees and grass stood proud and tall, full of life. Cradled in her arms, I quietly recalled everything that had happened.

When I opened my eyes, nearly three days had passed.

I was shocked when I found out. Apparently, I had completely drained all my energy. Even I hadn’t expected to sleep for that long.

At my bedside was Horne. She was overjoyed when I woke, and stayed with me while I ate, washed, and dressed. To be honest, it was all incredibly awkward. No one had ever tended to me so personally before—watching over every little thing I did.

Even when I lived with Anna and Mayra, we only occasionally checked in on each other or made meals together… no one ever bathed me, fed me, or smiled at every little move I made. She really… felt like a real mother.

Mother.

Now that I think about it, she really was my mother…

Still disbelieving, I looked up at Horne as she embraced me. And as soon as I looked at her, Horne lowered her head and met my gaze straight on.

“It’s time to face the rest of the family. You should let them know you’ve come back safe and sound with that pretty face.”

Face them? I blinked in confusion, and Horne, smiling, suddenly changed the subject.

“By the way, you said you don’t remember your grandfather’s name, right?”

“…Yes.”

I lied shamelessly. Yes, I had told her I “lost my memory due to the trauma of the kidnapping.”

In truth, it was just an excuse. Having spent over twenty years in Otern’s back alleys, I had suddenly returned to a past I didn’t even know I had. I needed a reason to buy some time to adjust.

Honestly, how would I know anything about living in a noble household? Sure, like when I recalled the family doctor, it seemed this body retained some memories. But they didn’t come up instantly, and only surfaced occasionally—when I saw a related person or item. Even then, they were incomplete.

So I had no choice but to use the excuse of “memory loss from trauma.” Honestly, it was a pretty good alibi, even from my perspective. I had been through a lot, so it wasn’t totally unreasonable.

“I don’t even remember the layout of the house properly.”

Though she used a light tone, I could tell that Horne Sylkar was seriously and carefully gauging my current state.

“…Yes.”

At my answer, Horne quietly looked at me. Her light brown eyes, the same color as her hair, softened as she reached up and gently brushed the corner of my eye.

“It’s alright. I believe it’s only temporary from overextending your powers… you must’ve pushed yourself to the limit.”

“…”

“Don’t be too discouraged. There’s no need to worry too much. Your memory will come back eventually.”

She spoke firmly, then hugged me tightly again. Strangely, the pressure of her embrace didn’t make me feel suffocated—it made me feel relieved. It was strange. She looked so small and delicate, like a wildflower… yet how could she feel so reliable and strong?

My tense shoulders slowly relaxed without me realizing it. Her hand gently patted my back. I buried my face into her neck and murmured,

“I was afraid… you’d say I was a fake…”

At that, Horne let out a soft chuckle.

“How cute. You melted iron bars with fire, and you think you’re a fake?”

“….”

But that fire wasn’t Sylkar’s… It was the power of Comet.

As I blinked, Horne spoke once more with firm assurance.

“You’ve no idea how many enemies have tried to imitate someone close to me. Don’t worry. These eyes of mine see clearly. You’re my daughter. …Besides, what kind of imposter would worry so openly like that?”

She laughed softly, and strangely, more than her words, it was her light laughter that eased my heart.

At some point, we had started walking slowly through the corridor.

“Grand Marshal.”

It happened then. Someone suddenly called out to her. A low, rough male voice—much deeper than Horne’s.

We both instinctively turned toward the sound. A massive man was standing there. With a bit of exaggeration, he looked as tall as the mansion’s stone pillars.

I stared at him, feeling overwhelmed. He had clearly just called her Grand Marshal.

“Ah, Father!”

Father?

Surprised by Horne’s words, I looked at the man before me. She had mentioned we’d be meeting family, so I expected that much—but this man? This was supposed to be my grandfather?

He doesn’t look like a grandfather at all…

My first impression of him was simple: an immense, majestic mountain of stone. If a mountain made of rock and stone became human, it would look like him. His hair was white, yes… but his face looked far too youthful. Was he really my grandfather?

I stared at him wide-eyed. Horne was the first to speak again.

“Father, you came all this way. We were heading to the garden.”

“It’s been too long since I’ve seen my daughter-in-law and granddaughter. I restrained myself after hearing she had no memory and had just been through a shock—but I can’t wait any longer. Grant this old man the honor of escorting his granddaughter.”

He spoke with cheerful warmth and then extended his hand to me, still nestled in Horne’s arms. His hand was enormous. Horne replied playfully.

“We humbly accept the grace of Lord Theodor Sylkar.”

(Note: “상공” [上公, sang-gong] is a traditional title referring to the highest-ranking officials or nobles—used here as a term of respect for an elder statesman.)