Chapter Text
"Are you really going to play with that toy by yourself?" Jeremy asked, walking beside Roxana. Jeremy was still surprised by Roxana's intense interest in Cassis, enough that she even sought their father's approval.
The young boy was deep in thought, his usually expressive face now tense with a hint of fear. It seems like he is afraid that Roxana would pay less attention to him if she started to spend more time with Cassis.
"I do want to play with the toy." Roxana said in response.
Suddenly, they felt someone's presence behind us, and they turned to see their younger sister, Charlotte, standing there.
"What are you saying? Are you going to teach the toy in the dungeons now?" Charlotte's voice was sharp and malicious.
Roxana grinned. "Yes, Charlotte. I requested to have the toy for myself during dinner."
Lant wasn't too strict about most toys. After using them for a day or two for work-related purposes, he usually gave them to his children. However, the restraining order for Cassis had already lasted four days, making Charlotte anxious.
"That doesn't make any sense! It was mine from the very beginning!" Charlotte exclaimed in frustration. Her anger was evident on her face, as if it were written in bold letters. In her mind, she had already taken possession of the new toy.
Cassis's charm had started to get on Roxana's nerves, but she refrained from revealing that their father had not yet made a decision regarding the ownership of the new toy. Roxana couldn't help but notice the enamored look on Charlotte's face upon laying eyes on Cassis for the first time, making it clear that Charlotte both idolized and envied him.
Jeremy sneered, "You think you're important enough to claim the toy first?"
Charlotte retorted, "Roxana has never been interested in toys! It's not fair! And you!" She glared Roxana. "Why do you think you can just swoop in and take what's mine?"
"Charlotte." Roxana spoke slowly. "Father has absolute authority over every toy. Whoever earns his respect will take priority. While you were given some of the toys before because your older siblings had no interest in them, today is different. Do you really think you have more authority than me?"
Roxana's gaze softened as she looked at Charlotte, but her words dripped with condescension as she added, "Do you, a mere brat, genuinely believe you hold greater authority than I do?"
Charlotte sensed a warning in my calm voice but was too headstrong to back down. "It's my toy. I won't give it to you or anyone else who wants it." she retorted, grabbing a whip from her waist.
Roxana sighed, addressing her as if she were a child. "Do you even understand what you're saying, Charlotte?" Roxana asked sympathetically.
She didn't seem to comprehend, and Roxana decided to make her point clear. "Okay, let me explain it to you, even though it seems you're a slow learner."
As Roxana reached for her hairpin, she noticed Charlotte, who seemed prepared to confront her. "I despise children who can't seem to learn quickly." Roxana retorted, her tone sharp and unforgiving.
However, before Roxana could take any action, she felt a hand pull her away from Charlotte.
She turned around to see who it was, and was met with the sight of a pretty, gentle face.
"Cale!" Charlotte exclaimed, her face visibly changing as she saw her older brother.
It was Cale Agriche - Charlotte's older brother.
His sudden appearance left Roxana not just surprised, but shocked. He had never been one to interfere in family affairs before, so why is he getting involved now?
Before Roxana could have the time to process Cale's unexpected presence, Charlotte's voice interrupted her thoughts. Whining with envy, she complained, "Cale, why did Roxana get the toy when I didn't?!"
Cale fixed his sister with a cool, even gaze. "Now, now, Charlotte." he said in a soothing voice, "Father has already decided to give the toy to Roxana. You must be a good girl and behave." His smile was gentle, but there was something about the way he spoke that made Roxana's skin crawl.
Charlotte nervously laughed and stuttered, "O-f of course, Cale." glancing back and forth between her brother and Roxana.
Cale's smile remained fixed. "That's a good girl." he said, his voice smooth and calming. Roxana felt a shiver run down her spine. Cale's control over Charlotte was inexplicable and eerie.
Suddenly, Jeremy, who had been silent until now, interjected unceremoniously. "Well, well if it isn't Cale." he sneered in his usual cocky tone.
Cale remained unfazed by Jeremy's sarcasm. "Yes, it's me. Did you happen to miss me?" he responded in a calm and collected manner.
"Nah, I wouldn't miss you. You make my stomach turn with your ugly face." Jeremy spat, making an exaggerated retching noise to emphasize his hatred towards Cale.
Cale simply smiled in response. It seemed ironic to call someone with such good looks "ugly." Even though he had inherited Lant good looks, he couldn't hide the fact that he also had his mother's striking red hair.
"If that's settled, I think I'll take my sister now." Cale said politely, taking Charlotte's hand. He turned and effortlessly glided away, leaving Roxana and Jeremy in his wake.
Roxana watched as Cale and Charlotte depart, but Jeremy's grumbling caught her attention. "Ugh, that guy really got on my nerves." he muttered under his breath.
Intrigued by the depth of Jeremy's dislike for Cale, Roxana asked, "Why's that?"
Jeremy let out an exasperated sigh. "Well, he just exudes this cocky attitude like he's something special, when really he's not all that great. It's like he thinks he's better than everyone else, and that's what really bugs me."
"I see." Roxana responded, with a hint of amusement in her tone.