Young master Kirton

Since her only acquaintance apart from her parents was currently away, Cialme had spent her day lounging in the bed, reading romance novels which piqued her interest. It was far impossible of her to converse with her stepbrother who had regarded her as an eyesore.

But with the lengthy time made her remember the events that had occured in the novel. Cialme wasn't sure what chapter is she in now. The beginning would be triggered during the ball that would take place on the royal palace.

Every important character in the novel attended the event. In celebration of the emperor's birthday, the royal family hosted a masquerade ball.

As the villainess is a character who likes to be put in limelight, she wore exaggeratedly in hopes of capturing the interest of the royal prince, who fell in love madly at first sight after he saw the beautiful heroine.

Unfortunate for Cialme, who had fallen deeply in love with the prince, began to make her moves to steal the prince's heart. In the end, she ended up dancing with the villain and the second male lead.

Did she missed the event or not? Cialme was troubled for lacking knowledge on the happenings that had occurred inside the novel universe. She decided to wind up a bit by taking a light stroll on the garden.

The clouds hovered in the blue sky, temporarily blocking the sunrays that felt too hot on her skin. Cialme paced leisurely with no certain destination in her mind. Just as she arrived on the vast garden, Cialme regretted for not paying attention which led to meeting her brother in the area.

My bad! Cialme spun around to leave quietly when the voice erupted from behind, halting her movement. She turned her head once more and paid respects to her brother through a curt nod.

"Greetings, young master. I apologize for wandering around the area. I would not further delay your business, so please excuse me."

Cialme bowed her head, her feet positioned to make a quick leave.

"It's fine." Kirton replied in a nonchalant tone. In fact, he was just passing by for a change of scenery but since her sister had arrived in the garden, he decided to stay in the area.

Cialme walked towards to where Kirton is. To not add further misunderstanding, she accepted the implied offer. She knew that refusing would only fuel his distaste towards her.

Her heels dug into the soft soil. Cialme didn't realize until now that heels won't get along with the ground. She tiptoed to reach the grassy ground, where Kirton was sitting in relaxation.

Sitting quietly with a reasonable distance between them, Cialme then lifted her head as cool breeze brushed over her skin. The refreshing wind made her shudder lightly.

How nice it is to live a quiet life like this. Cialme did mind deviating from her original path as it would never reward her any good. She felt it was fine living this way together with her new family.

Come to think of it, what might be happening to her family she left in her previous life? Cialme's eyes looked longingly at the sky, reminiscing the good time she have had in her past life.

'I missed you, Mom... Dad...'

Sadness crept up her lips which formed a mellow smile. With eyes staring absently at the sky, Cialme had temporarily forgotten every existence around her.

Due to the awkward atmosphere between them, Kirton felt speaking up to clear off the empty air. Just when he decided to open his mouth, his gaze landed on his sister's face. It was surprisingly sad.

What is she thinking of? Kirton gave out a look of inquiry which widened as he observed the person's face. His blue eyes, mesmerized.

With the upper portion of hair tied with a silk ribbon, leaving the lower portion to scatter freely. Her silver locks flew along as the gushy wind went past by. The wind made faint ripples along her silver hair.

Kirton saw how her beauty radiated under the natural elements' influence. He stared at her for quite long before the realization struck him very hard.

What is he doing? Is he insane? Kirton blinked in utter disbelief. He cleared his throat spontaneously after feeling the embarrassment reached his throat.

"Are you speaking something, young master?" Cialme said frantically. With her senses temporarily disabled, she wasn't able to pick up what had happened for the past minutes. His gesture had shaken her senses, thanks to that, Cialme had felt alarmed of his presence again.

"No, I wasn't."

Cialme nodded in understanding. "Oh, yes. Anyways," her tone came out enthusiastic, "I didn't know this spot exists. The garden and its view is magnificent."

"Yes it is." Kirton affirmed. He stretched his long arms in the air, bending it to form an opposite V. Plopping down the grass bed, Kirton released a breath out of contentment.

Cialme felt doing the same. As she contemplated to whether follow him or not, Kirton laid his eyes on the confuse stricken face of the lady on his side. He caught how her mind worked over something, that troubled her for quite some time.

"Lie down. It's fine." Kirton seconded her initial plan. Having invited, Cialme nodded as she positioned her body on the grass bed. The newly trimmed grass pricked her back upon its contact before she completely flattened the standing grasses.

Under the tree where its shade gave off a cool sensation, Cialme felt her eyes weakening. Her tired body desired to take a slumber. The temperature felt nice on her skin, lulling her to sleep.

Cialme knew it would be not good if she lie down here carelessly, even so her body went against her thinking and eventually rested.

When Kirton averted his gaze, his sight falling on the sleeping woman beside him, he momentarily froze. It was his first time seeing the tranquility reigned over her features. She's very tamed unlike when she's awake. But it was something in the past. Her sister did not act like an untamed beast anymore.

"Pretty...."

The compliment passed by on his lips. Pretty? He questioned himself as if he was a different person from before. Kirton shrugged the thoughts off his head, interrupting his eye contact before he could spout absurd things about this defenseless woman.

The golden sun was setting down and the cool breeze had turned arctic. Kirton had placed his coat over Cialme's body before he decided to sleep like the other person does. Waking up with darkening sky above, Kirton turned his head to check on the woman. Cialme was sleeping soundly as if she wasn't planning to wake up anytime soon.

They should head inside now, Kirton decided to himself. This kind of wind would only get them sick instead of refreshment. Reaching out his hand which shook Cialme lightly.

"Wake up now."

Cialme halved her eyes on the quaking of his hand to her body, squinting at him questioningly.

"It's getting dark. Get up now."

Kirton patted his body to remove the stray leaf attached on his clothes. Meanwhile, Cialme was still adjusting her sleepy senses. Opening her eyes alertly, it was really dark now. Had she slept for that long?

Patting her clothes to brush off the dirt, her hand touched the thick coat that fell on her lap. Cialme looked at the coat and recognized that it was his brother's. She smiled upon the kind gesture before returning it to her brother.

"Thank you, young master."

Cialme handed the coat which she had folded nicely. Kirton nodded as a response before taking the coat away.

Kirton led the way to return to the mansion. Cialme followed shortly after he paced forth. But again, her heels annoyed her. It kept sticking into soft soil that made her sigh irritatedly.

Picking up the irritated sigh from behind, Kirton looked back. He saw how Cialme tiptoed cautiously as if she was walking in a landmine. A soft chuckle escaped from his lips. What is that runt doing?

"Stop right there."

His low voice echoed into the air of nothingness. Cialme looked up with an alarmed expression.

Kirton went towards her, bending his both knees to allow his body reachable for her.

"I'll give you a ride."

Cialme was in awe. Is he pranking her or what? No, her brother could not possibly pull things like this. She accepted the offer, placing her front on his wide back and clutching his shoulders so that she would be firmly attached.

"Thank you, young master."

Kirton did not give any respond. Even so, Cialme felt very gladdened. Her brother was finally learning to accept her change. Even if it's only shown rarely, it's still an improvement for her.

Cialme smiled at the thought.