Chapter 53

Their conversation sounded, at first glance, like that of affectionate siblings.

But beneath the surface, the air between them was far from peaceful.

If a child were ever born between Dylan and Agnes, that child would have a claim to the imperial throne. The late Emperor’s beloved son’s offspring would surely gain many supporters.

Cali spoke playfully about wanting to see her future niece or nephew, but both of them understood the truth behind those words.

Just as she had done with Dylan, she would adore that child and also wish for its death.

Having grown up under his sister’s contradictory affection and scrutiny, Dylan had no intention of letting his own child suffer the same.

Still smiling, Cali continued to tease him.

“I was young too when you were little, so maybe I did find you a bit creepy back then. But things are different now. I could honestly find your child adorable.”

“No matter what you say, it won’t change anything. You should focus on Vincent instead.”

At the mention of her son, Cali rested her chin on her hand and clicked her tongue.

“My precious crown prince, you mean.”

She sounded unimpressed.

“That boy is far too proper. I don’t know who he takes after.”

“Obviously, he takes after the late Crown Prince. He certainly doesn’t take after you.”

Cali let out a sharp laugh through her nose. Dylan could already tell from that mischievous look that she was about to start another round of banter, so he stood up.

“I’ll take my leave. There’s still much to prepare for the banquet. And what I said earlier about caring for Vincent wasn’t a jest. That child is always trying his best not to disappoint you.”

“That’s exactly the problem. I like children who don’t always listen.”

“…”

Dylan parted his lips as if to reply but gave up, exhaling quietly instead. His silence only seemed to amuse her, and Cali burst out laughing.

He finally waved a hand, bowed with flawless courtesy, and left before she could stop him.

It was time to return to the chamber assigned to him, where Agnes and Noah would be waiting.

When he reached the door, he heard laughter coming from inside.

“Ahaha, the young master must have thought you looked so beautiful in your wedding dress.”

“Princess!”

“Really? Did Mommy look like a princess?”

“Mommy did this. Princess.”

“This? What’s this?”

“This… this…”

“It’s all right. Take your time. I’ll guess, okay?”

Not long ago, Noah had barely been able to speak at all. Now he could string words together, slowly but clearly. Agnes listened to every word with patience and warmth.

When she guessed his meaning, Noah would burst into clear laughter and chatter again.

Since escaping Rickman’s cruelty, the boy had recovered quickly, surrounded by real affection.

Agnes had won the right to raise him through the court, yet the world still condemned her.

They said she had robbed the child of a good environment, that she could never be a good mother, that someday the boy would resent her.

But would he, really?

To Dylan, it was clear that Agnes was far more of a parent than Cali could ever be.

He rested his hand on the door, feeling the faint vibration of their laughter.

Some children lived in fear beside their blood mothers, while others who shared no blood at all could smile this freely.

The two people inside were precious to him. They cared for each other with pure affection. Dylan wanted to protect that warmth with everything he had.

He knocked gently.

“My lady, it’s Dylan.”

The laughter inside stopped, and after a brief silence, Agnes’s familiar gentle voice answered.

“Noah, His Grace is here. Shall we go greet him?”

“Yes. Your. Grace.”

The pronunciation was clear and confident. When they first met, Noah hadn’t been able to say it properly, but now every syllable was neat and sure.

What mattered even more was that there was not a hint of fear in his voice.

A moment later, the door opened, and Agnes appeared with her usual soft smile.

“Your Grace, did Your Majesty receive you well?”

She smiled, but her golden eyes betrayed quiet worry.

Dylan thought he shouldn’t have mentioned the meeting earlier. It only added weight to her already burdened heart. Yet that concern of hers was strangely comforting.

He nodded calmly.

“Yes. It was the usual teasing. Nothing to worry about.”

Relieved, Agnes smiled brightly.

“I’m glad. Oh, and thank you for the festival food you sent. Noah loved it too. His little belly got all round after eating so much.”

She laughed softly as she rubbed Noah’s cheek.

But Noah was looking straight up at Dylan without saying a word.

He had been like that the first time they met too. Back then, Dylan had simply found it odd that such a young child showed no fear of him.

Now, he wondered if the boy had his own reason for staring.

Looking down, Dylan asked quietly.

“Is something on your mind?”

Noah immediately reached up toward him.

Was he trying to touch his face? The boy rose on his toes, but Dylan was far too tall and Noah far too small.

He gave up halfway, dropped his hand, and smiled sheepishly.

“You’re pretty.”

Dylan’s eyes widened in surprise. Even he, calm as he was, didn’t know how to react.

Agnes, flustered, quickly picked Noah up and took a step back.

“Ah, Your Grace, I’m sorry. Noah, sweetheart, you shouldn’t say things like that to His Grace.”

She tried to scold him gently while keeping her tone calm.

Dylan shook his head to stop her.

“It’s fine. He’s still just a child.”

“But still…”

“Truly, it’s all right. You should start changing into your dress for the banquet. And Noah should get ready too.”

Agnes hesitated, then smiled apologetically.

“Then, I’ll get ready now. See you later.”

Once she left, Dylan ran a hand down his face and let out a quiet, helpless laugh.

What a bold little boy.

* * *

Meanwhile, Agnes led Noah into the dressing room attached to their chamber.

She sat him on a chair and crouched down to meet his eyes.

“Noah.”

Her tone was gentle but serious.

Dylan was a man to whom they owed everything. He was noble, distant, and immeasurably above them.

He might have married her, but he wasn’t Noah’s father. He was someone they should respect for a lifetime, not someone to speak of so casually.

She wanted to tell Noah that it wasn’t proper to call such a man pretty.

But seeing his pure, puzzled face, her scolding turned into a smile.

Agnes rested her forehead on his knee and laughed quietly before looking up again.

“Noah, are you not scared of His Grace because he’s… handsome?”

Her lips curved with amusement as she asked.

Noah’s eyes lit up at her expression, and he grinned.

“Pretty.”

“Not handsome? Pretty?”

She asked again, trying not to laugh. Noah tilted his head, looking thoughtful.

“Your. Grace. Is… handsome.”

“Yes, that’s right. He’s very handsome.”

“Pretty.”

He shook his head stubbornly, correcting her. Agnes sighed, smiling as she rubbed her forehead.

Maybe he liked the word pretty more because she used it often to praise him.

Or maybe he just didn’t understand the difference yet.

Either way, Dylan was certainly one of the most handsome men she had ever met.

Still smiling, Agnes pinched Noah’s cheek lightly.

“Shall we change our clothes now?”

She decided to let his unusual choice of words go for now and focused on dressing him up like the most handsome little prince in the world.

Calling in Lizzie and the maids, Agnes gave a few quick instructions.

“Mommy will get ready too. I’ll see you soon, all right?”

She waved at him, and Noah waved back with a bright smile.

Warm satisfaction filled her chest.

She could say it without a doubt.

These ordinary moments with Noah, laughing, talking, and saying goodbye with a smile, were her greatest happiness.