Unlike Marielle’s composed and dignified demeanor, Sylvia’s expression was pure and innocent, like a small fairy stepping into the world for the first time. Her large blue eyes looked up at us with worry.

  “Big brother, Marielle… I’m sorry about what happened,” she said softly, lowering her head in shame.

  “Silly girl,” Marielle said quickly, stepping forward to hug her. “It’s not your fault. You didn’t do anything wrong. You know how Rowan can be, and you shouldn’t worry about his nonsense.”

  Sylvia shook her head. “But I don’t like it when Mother is treated badly. And Rowan… he said so many terrible things. Why do they act this way toward you? We’re family, yet it feels like none of us are truly safe…”

  I let out a quiet sigh. As I had said before, in this household, only Marielle and Sylvia truly felt like family to me. Everyone else—Father, Rowan, and even Helena—could fight, scheme, or fail for all I cared. I would protect the two sisters who mattered.

  Still, I could not voice those thoughts aloud to Sylvia. Instead, I reached out and hugged her together with Marielle, drawing them close to reassure them.

  Sylvia was the one member of our family who wasn’t hated by anyone—partly because she was the youngest, partly because of her innocence and charm. Even Rowan’s occasional teasing couldn’t dim her light. She often held onto the hope that we could be a normal family, but after years in the palace, I knew that was impossible.

  After a few moments, Marielle finally released Sylvia. She tidied her dress and looked at her youngest sister with warmth. “Thank you, Sylvia. I feel much better now. I have lessons soon, so I have to go.” She turned to me, blushing slightly. “And happy birthday, Edric. I’ll give you my gift tonight at the ball—I almost forgot with all that nonsense earlier.”

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  I smiled and kissed her forehead. “Take care.”

  Sylvia giggled at the sight, then grabbed my arm eagerly. “Happy birthday, big brother! Will you spend time with me today? Everyone else seems busy…”

  I hesitated for a moment, thinking of my plans, but her puppy-dog eyes were impossible to resist.

  “Alright, alright. I’ll go with you,” I said.

  “Yay! You’re the best, big brother!” she cheered, grabbing my hand and pulling me toward the courtyard.

  Before leaving, she instructed a maidservant to bring some snacks and drinks for us. Daisy excused herself, saying she had preparations to make for tonight’s ball, so it would be just Sylvia, me, and a few servants.

  The courtyard had been arranged neatly by the palace staff. A blanket was spread beneath the shade of a tree, and Sylvia clapped her hands in delight. “Here! Let’s sit here.”

  A few minutes later, the maidservant returned with drinks and a selection of snacks. My stomach growled—I hadn’t finished breakfast—so I quickly reached for some, and Sylvia laughed, grabbing a few for herself.

  “Tell me a story, big brother,” she said, nibbling on a pastry. “One of your past-life stories!”

  I smiled, remembering the countless tales I had lived through. With patience honed over 708 lifetimes, I wove for her a story of a princess and a prince from rival nations, whose love endured years of conflict until they finally found happiness together.

  Even the nearby maidservants paused to listen, enchanted by the story. When I finished, Sylvia’s blue eyes sparkled with awe.

  “That was amazing, big brother! I’m so happy the prince and princess got to be together,” she said softly.

  I ruffled her hair gently. “It’s always good when love triumphs.”

  Sylvia’s smile softened. “I want to be happy with someone I love too… that’s my dream.”

  “Oh? Do you have someone you like?” I asked teasingly.

  Her cheeks turned bright pink. “Of course! He’s kind, smart, and very brave… but I won’t tell you his name,” she whispered, glancing at me nervously to ensure the maids couldn’t hear.

  I grinned, teasing her lightly. “Hmm… I have a feeling your description fits someone I know very well.”

  “No! Not you, big brother!” she exclaimed, her face turning pale. The maids looked startled, but I motioned that everything was fine.

  Sylvia’s sudden shyness made me chuckle. I could see clearly that her heart already held a crush, innocent and untouchable, and though she would never act on it with me, the warmth in her gaze was unmistakable.

  Before I could say anything more, she stood up abruptly. “I… I feel a little unwell. I think I’ll rest for a bit. Sorry, big brother.” And with that, she hurried off toward her room, leaving me shaking my head with a smile.

  Even after 708 lives, I knew how delicate children’s emotions could be. Sylvia’s feelings were simple and pure, untainted by the scheming palace politics. She had her dreams, and I would protect them.

  As I watched her go, I realized something. For once, I didn’t feel the burden of power, politics, or duty. Today, it was enough to simply walk beside my youngest sister, telling her stories, sharing snacks, and letting her laughter fill the courtyard.

  Maybe, for today, that was all that mattered.