As they began to walk slowly along the stone path lined with blooming white roses, the warm afternoon light spilling through the tall garden trees, Lady Marianne—or Elena, as her parents had softly called her earlier—turned her head gracefully to look at Axelius, her green eyes calm and her voice carrying that elegant tone only noble-born girls seemed to master, "May I ask where we are going, Lord Axelius?" 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

Axelius didn’t look at her and simply answered in a short tone, trying not to sound too bored, "To my sister."

Elena didn’t say anything in return, but she walked beside him without pause, her small steps matching his with perfect rhythm, the hem of her cream dress barely brushing the stones beneath them, until her eyes noticed something he was holding in his hand—partially hidden in the folds of his coat—and her expression lit up in an instant, a soft sparkle forming in her eyes as she tilted her head slightly and said in a sweet, curious voice, "That’s very pretty. Is that for me?"

Axelius almost tripped on his own foot, caught completely off-guard by the question, and his expression shifted awkwardly as his face twitched, clearly not expecting her to notice the item, let alone ask that, and without answering directly, he quickly moved his arm behind his back to hide it, clearing his throat lightly and muttering, "Uhh... no, it’s for my sister. It’s my gift for her."

Elena blinked, her expression not changing much but her voice still soft and proper as she nodded slowly, "Oh, I see... Though, are you not going to wrap it? Gifts should be presented with proper care—especially for young ladies, don’t you think?"

Axelius sighed inwardly, wondering why she was even talking about wrapping now, and glanced at the small crystal hairpiece he was holding—a delicate piece shaped like a white blossom, with silver edges that glowed faintly from the enchantment Owen had applied earlier, something he had picked thinking Ellory would love it.

"I was just gonna hand it over," he mumbled, not really caring for the formality.

From his shoulder, Owen whispered with a teasing tone, "See? Even she thinks your gift-giving skills are tragic."

Axelius narrowed his eyes at the slime and muttered back, "Shut it. You didn’t suggest wrapping either."

Owen shrugged—or bounced, rather—on his shoulder and said, "Hey, I’m not the one being judged by Little Miss Polite here."

Elena turned her head just slightly toward Axelius again, her voice still sweet as she added gently, "I think your sister will love it, though... It’s beautiful. Simple but charming."

Axelius gave a small nod, trying not to get flustered at her calm praise, and looked ahead toward the tables again, already spotting Ellory laughing with her friends near the garden’s center.

He just wanted to drop off the gift and maybe disappear back to his room, away from all the staring eyes, the formal smiles, and the pressure to act like someone he wasn’t—but right now, he had to act like a noble boy walking politely with a noble girl, even if part of him still couldn’t believe she was the same kid who once screamed and stomped her feet in the hallway.

Axelius gave a side glance at Elena beside him as they continued walking, his eyes scanning her tall figure—taller than him by a bit, which annoyed him slightly—and he thought to himself with a sigh, She really didn’t recognize me, huh? Well, at least I know what her attitude really is beneath that polite voice.

His expression didn’t change, but deep inside he felt a bit strange seeing her acting so elegant and well-mannered.

As they reached Ellory, who was surrounded by her friends and holding a teacup, her face brightened the moment she saw Axelius, and she stood up quickly, calling out with joy, "Brother!"

Axelius smiled a little and waved her over, , "Close your eyes for a second."

Ellory, excited and curious, immediately obeyed, bouncing on her feet as she closed her eyes tightly, trying her best not to peek. Axelius pulled the small, enchanted silver blossom hairpin from behind his back and gently placed it in her red hair, tucking it in just right near her left ear.

One of the maids beside Ellory, who had been watching quietly, stepped forward and handed her a mirror with a small, proud smile.

"You can open your eyes now," Axelius said.

Ellory gasped as she saw the reflection, her eyes sparkling with wonder. She turned her head slightly to the side, admiring the glimmering hairpin.

"It’s so pretty! I love it! Thank you, brother!" she said and quickly jumped forward to wrap her arms around Axelius in a warm hug, almost knocking him back with the strength of it.

Axelius blinked, a little surprised by how strong her hugs had gotten, and smiled as he gently hugged her back. "I’m glad you like it," he said quietly.

Still holding onto him, Ellory peeked behind his shoulder and asked with innocent curiosity, "Brother, who’s that girl with you?"

Elena took a step forward and bowed gracefully, her voice clear and delicate as she said, "I am Elena Virelen, daughter of Albercht Virelen. It is an honor to meet you, Lady Ellory."

Ellory smiled back and curtsied, her own manners shining through as she replied cheerfully, "I’m Ellory Dravenhart. I’m happy to meet you too, Lady Elena!"

Axelius stood there for another moment, but then quietly slipped away while Ellory was still distracted talking to Elena and showing off her gift to the other girls. Ellory noticed him moving away but said nothing—she understood her brother wasn’t used to these kinds of social gatherings, and today was his first time joining such a formal event, She let him go with a knowing smile.

Meanwhile, Axelius walked across the garden, weaving between chatting nobles and waiters carrying trays, until he reached a tree near the edge of the party space. He sat down on the cool grass underneath it, letting the shade cover him from the late afternoon sun, and leaned back with a long sigh.

"I’ll just stay here until someone calls me," he murmured to himself, closing his eyes for a bit and listening to the sound of clinking glasses, soft music, and cheerful laughter echoing from the main garden.