RHFTY chapter 36

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As Chaeyi recognized his face, Hallard anxiously looked around with a shocked expression, clearly acting like someone who got caught sneaking in.

‘We said we shouldn’t invade each other’s territory recklessly…’

Whatever his reason for being here, it was obvious from his reaction that he hadn’t entered with permission.

If caught, this kid was in for a serious scolding.

“Chaeyi, what should we do?”

Enoch whispered with a troubled expression.

He was asking whether they should go and report the presence of this “intruder” right away.

Currently, the decision-making power in this mansion rested solely with Leonard and the only other person he had given authority to—Chaeyi.

“Hmm…”

Chaeyi pondered as he quietly observed Hallard.

At that moment, Hallard, after confirming there was no one else nearby, pressed his back tightly against the wall and glared at Chaeyi.

His eyes were filled with wariness.

“Such an impudent kid… Who gave you permission to talk to me so freely?”

“Oh. My apologies, young master.”

Chaeyi stifled a laugh, barely managing to suppress it by raising the corners of his mouth slightly.

The sight of this little boy, acting all high and mighty as if he were a noble, was both amusing and endearing.

‘He really resembles Leo. Seeing him like this… it feels like I’m looking at a young Leo.’

Maybe that’s why Chaeyi’s heart softened a little. Instead of immediately kicking this arrogant kid out, he decided to at least listen to his reason for sneaking in.

“So, what brings you to the Onyx estate, young master Hallard?”

But Hallard didn’t answer. He simply turned his sulky face to the side, making it clear he didn’t want to talk.

Of course, in this situation, it was Hallard who stood to lose. Chaeyi had nothing to lose here.

“Well, I guess I’ll have to call for Lawrence then.”

“What…!”

“Lawrence will make sure to escort you safely outside the mansion, young master Hallard.”

Chaeyi shrugged theatrically and turned away.

Panicking, Hallard hurriedly grabbed the hem of Chaeyi’s clothes and shouted.

“I came to see you!”

Chaeyi was taken aback by the unexpected statement.

“Me?”

“Y-Yes!”

The little boy, barely reaching Chaeyi’s chest, huffed angrily from below. He didn’t seem to be lying.

But… Chaeyi tilted his head, puzzled.

There was no reason he could think of for Hallard to suddenly seek him out.

So, he asked directly.

“Why did you want to see me?”

Hallard flinched and hesitated at the straightforward question, but soon, as if making up his mind, he pointed a finger at Chaeyi with a determined expression and shouted.

“You Beta devil! I want to know how you tricked my brother!”

It seemed like he had rehearsed this line beforehand. Chaeyi, half-listening, asked again.

“Brother? Are you talking about Leo?”

The calm response made Hallard hesitate, then he nervously nodded.

“Leonard cares about you. He talks to you casually… How do I get to talk with him like you do?”

At Hallard’s words, Chaeyi was at a loss for words.

Now it made sense.

This kid had come all the way here just because he wanted Leo’s attention and was trying to figure out how to get it.

From the back, Enoch, who had been quietly observing, whispered softly to Chaeyi.

“Lord Leonard doesn’t usually get close to his family. You know the reason best…”

As Enoch trailed off, casting a glance at Hallard, who was clearly listening, the boy glared sharply.

“What’s the reason?! Why don’t I know the reason that even this guy knows? No one tells me anything.”

Hallard’s frustration and disappointment were evident in his voice, but Enoch didn’t offer any explanation.

It seemed there was an unspoken rule within the family not to tell Hallard about the things Leonard had endured in the past.

“How old are you, young master?”

“…Nine years old. Why?”

“I see. It’s nothing.”

Chaeyi smiled quietly.

‘This happened before Hallard was even born… It’s not strange that he doesn’t know about Leo’s past.’

And there was no need to burden a child with the dark history that wasn’t related to him.

The family must have all thought the same.

After a moment of reflection, Chaeyi bent down to make eye contact with Hallard and asked.

“Do you like Leo?”

Feeling embarrassed, Hallard hesitated and took a step back before nodding shyly.

The initial wariness had almost completely faded, and he began to open up about his true feelings.

“I also want to talk to Leonard more. But he’s the heir of the family, so he’s always busy… I know that. But…”

“……”

“Even when he’s not busy, he quickly leaves to see you. I haven’t seen him much lately. I want to get closer to him too.”

“……”

“The last time I saw him at the banquet was the first time in a long time. But he only likes you… He doesn’t care about me. You stole him from me!”

Hallard’s voice began to tremble with emotion, and he looked like he was about to cry.

But blaming someone else wasn’t the right thing to do, especially when that someone was Chaeyi.

As Enoch was about to say, “You shouldn’t blame someone like that,” Chaeyi stopped him with a gesture and smiled gently at Hallard.

“I see. Young master, I’m sorry for taking Leo away. As an apology, would you like something delicious? Do you like desserts?”

“Hmph. Do you think I’m a child who can be appeased with dessert? I’m not that young.”

Hallard grumbled, rubbing his teary eyes with his hand. Chaeyi exaggeratedly slumped his shoulders and sighed.

“What a shame. I was going to share some stories about Leo with you while we ate something delicious.”

“…What kind of stories?”

Hallard asked, pretending not to be interested, though his eyes betrayed his curiosity.

“Hmm. Like stories from Leo’s childhood. What he likes, what he dislikes. I know a lot of things that you don’t, young master.”

“Hmph, fine. I’ll join you then.”

Despite his reluctant tone, Hallard’s eyes sparkled with interest.

Chaeyi patted the adorable little boy’s back and naturally led him toward the dining room.

“What kind of dessert do you like?”

“All kinds of cake.”

“Then I’ll ask the chef to prepare all the different types of cake.”

“…!”

Enoch, who had been quietly observing them to avoid interrupting, smiled and followed them slowly.

He couldn’t help but feel grateful for Chaeyi, who had brought warmth into the cold Lancaster family.

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Fortunately, it seemed there were plenty of cakes left from the morning preparations.

It didn’t take long before a variety of cakes were laid out on the table, and Chaeyi and Hallard sat facing each other, chatting.

The main topic of conversation was, of course, Leonard.

Naturally, they skillfully avoided discussing anything related to the fact that the family once tried to get rid of Leonard.

Meanwhile, Chaeyi’s meal was also served and placed on the table.

“When Leo was your age, young master, he was very short. He was probably even shorter than you are now.”

“Really? That’s impossible! He’s so tall now.”

“It’s true. He grew so much because he ate well and slept well. If you want to be as tall as Leo, you have to eat everything and go to bed early. Are you doing that?”

“Ugh. I don’t like being nagged at…”

Hallard was about to shove a piece of cake into his mouth but stopped, making a face like he’d bitten into something unpleasant.

Seeing this, Chaeyi couldn’t help but let out a small laugh. Hallard quickly changed the subject and urged Chaeyi to continue.

“Do you know what he likes?”

“Roughly? Despite how he looks, he has a soft spot for cute things and small animals. He’s not picky about food and eats well, but he always seemed to enjoy seasoned chicken whenever it was offered.”

“Huh… that’s pretty similar to me.”

Hallard, realizing this commonality with Leonard, shyly crushed his cake and stared at his plate.

Suddenly, something seemed to come to his mind, and he looked up.

“But how do you know what he was like when he was younger? Did you know him before you came to the mansion?”

That was a difficult question to answer.

“Uh… let’s just say that’s a secret.”

“Tsk… So many secrets.”

Pouting, Hallard grumbled as he picked up his fork again.

With whipped cream all over his mouth, he looked just like a little kid, making his grumbling even more endearing.

“You’re really enjoying that. Is it good?”

With his cheeks stuffed full of cake, Hallard nodded vigorously.

…But still. Even though they were just slices, this was his fifth one.

He was eating so much that even watching him made Chaeyi feel full. He didn’t think he’d be able to eat cake for a while after this.

Smiling softly, Chaeyi finally picked up his fork as well, ready to start his delayed meal.

But before he could take a bite, a loud voice cut across the dining hall, startling him and forcing him to turn around.

“Hallard!”

Hallard, whose name had been called, flinched and quickly covered his mouth, looking up in shock.

At the entrance of the dining hall.

Standing there, hands on her hips, glaring at Hallard, was a young lady who still looked quite youthful.

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