18

"Kalypso was far more talented than everyone thought. Her skill with magic and cajoling hearts were undeniable." — Lovable Villainess, Chapter Eight.

....

"She's brilliant," Mina said over dinner.

Aramus had finally convinced her to sit down and all eyes were directed toward me as I ate the chicken. I had finally been able to stomach food that required some seasoning. At first, it didn't sit right in my stomach, but slowly, I had gotten used to it. Still, sweets other than candy were hard to stomach. Although cakes did look delectable, I was unable to eat them without feeling my stomach twist and turn.

Cain smiled, "I knew she would be good."

Mina had been teaching me how to use magic, and wield it to my bidding. It was easier than I had expected. I knew that I had this prowess, this was the reason that I was given to the Valentine family in the past. It was easy to conjure magic and it was even easier to harness it. Though, still, sometimes my body seemed to rebel.

"You're doing well," Aramus complimented, "In your studies and in learning how to harness your magic."

I felt somewhat embarrassed by the compliments. "Thank you," I mumbled. This was standard. I knew that this was the reason that I was given a home in the first place. This magic was the reason I was able to leave my home.

"The two of you have gotten closer," Mina observed smiling at Cain who had started to braid my hair instead of eating. My hair had gotten longer, the deep rosette-colored tresses forming a small braid.

"I've been learning how to braid hair," Cain answered calmly. It wasn't well done, but he had been trying to figure it out after reading it in a book. "Usually, it's up to the maternal figure, but I thought I would try my best."

Aramus stared at his son with enough fondness that I could understand what paternal love was. He seemed to love his son, but, the absence of Cain's mother was what surprised me. There was no talk about the Duchess. Even the staff didn't know anything about her. There was a noticeable gap where she was. I had tried to pry around in the books, but I could only find remarks of Duchess Valentine and nothing more.

As if she had been blotted out of the history books purposefully.

"Is it that bad?" Cain mumbled.

I blinked, "I like it." I did. Despite the fact that it was somewhat unkempt. I couldn't bring myself to despise it. He had put his time and effort into it.

Aramus chuckled, closing his eyes and lighting a cigarette to which Mina frowned. "We will be heading to the Capital tomorrow. I hope that the two of you are ready."

I nodded. The amount of education that had been crammed into my brain made it feel as though it would explode. I had been taught how to properly hold a spoon, and how to set down my teacup without making a single sound, how to curtsy in front of the Emperor.

"Are we going so I can really have playmates? I don't really need them," I answered honestly.

"It would be good to socialize with people your age, maybe you could also attend the Academy if that's what you want."

What did I want? Everyone had been avoiding talking about my adoption. It was easier to just pretend as though it didn't exist. Though it was quite difficult to ignore, after all, most of the maids started addressing me as Lady Ceasaria.

"Also, I think a good change of scenery would be good for you," Aramus concluded, waving his hand and letting the smoke dissipate. "I'm sure you've grown sick of seeing the Duchy and the mansion."

As if I did. The small world of my attic had been so minuscule in comparison to the mansion. I could walk in the gardens for eternity as my eyes soaked up every single floret in sight. It was nice to sit outside in the sunlight.

I gave a nod, "It would be nice to see."

Cain smiled, "Right!" He chirped, "It would be fun. We can visit the streets and I can show you the Academy."

I gave a nod. A slight smile on my face.

Aramus watched me. Aramus believed that he wouldn't ever see the young girl smile. She had been devoid of emotion, a hollow-empty doll. But, now she was expressing her wants and needs; desires and curiosities. It made him relax. He felt as though he was less worried whenever he saw her interact with Cain. She was inquisitive, somewhat childish, and had a certain charm about her.

It was good to see Ceasaria smile.

"Do you want to show me what Mina's been teaching you?" He questioned.

Cain nodded, "I want to see. Can I see?" He questioned.

I extended my hand, letting my fingers brush near the candles on the table. In a second, flames erupted around my entire hand, circling as if it was a snake, kissing my skin as it slid around in the air. Erupting into small fractals and vanishing. Cain clapped, "You have tremendous control!" He exclaimed.

Aramus also clapped, eyes glimmering proudly. "You've made a lot of progress."

Indeed, it didn't feel as though I was blindly grasping at straws anymore. Rather, it felt as though I was actually using magic.

"You two should sleep early tonight," Mina answered standing up once dinner was over. Her gaze went to Cain who quickly averted his gaze. It seemed that Mina knew about our secret reading. It was nice to be able to ask questions without the purview of adults. Cain was honest, and I was as well.

Aramus chuckled, "Let them be kids, Mina."

Mina sighed, "You spoil them too much."

"Do I?" He questioned.

"No," Cain corrected. "I remember when you made me learn swordsmanship."

"You can wield a sword?" I asked. I had seen Cain holding a sword, but I hadn't seen him practicing. Perhaps, it was in the early morning when I was asleep. I usually didn't rise until later in the morning. Sometimes, I would sleep through breakfast.

"Did you think it was for decoration?"

I pouted slightly, "Well..." I didn't think that much about it.

Cain chuckled, "I'll show you in the Capital."