woke up chapter 10

However, every time Ariel attempted a kind gesture, Etheldred would figuratively slap her in the face. “What are you staring at?”

This little… Ariel’s cheeks puffed out. While her rational mind told her, Be patient, he’s just a kid, an uncontrollable surge of anger welled up inside her. Why do I have to be patient just because he’s a kid? Am I, a twenty-year-old, supposed to fight with a child? But I want to hit him! I’m so mad! I want to yell at him! Finally, words burst out without a filter.

“What else would I be looking at besides you?”

“…Don’t look at me.”

“What am I supposed to do? I can’t help it if my eyes are drawn to something pretty! Why don’t you try being ugly!”

Is that an insult or a compliment? Perhaps it was her young body, but she couldn’t seem to control her impulses. However, Ariel was also quick to rationalize her behavior. Well, my body is eight years old, so it can’t be helped! Logic can go fly a kite! Ariel stared at Etheldred as if asking what his problem was.

Taken aback by her unexpected words, Etheldred furrowed his brow again. The beautiful face was marred by a frown, but Ariel felt no sympathy. He’s still pretty even when he frowns. Lucky him. As Ariel grumbled, Etheldred’s ears turned red. They turned so crimson that Ariel briefly worried he might be ill. He abruptly turned his head away, and after a long pause, spoke. “…Why are you speaking informally? I’m a year older than you.”

Ariel was dumbfounded. Etheldred was born on the last day of the tenth and final month), and she was born on the first day of the first month. And he claimed to be a year older?

“Hmph, there’s only a day’s difference. Liar.” Such a geezer! In truth, Etheldred’s comment about her informal speech had made Ariel’s heart pound. If they were to consider social status, she had no ground to stand on. Etheldred was a high-ranking nobleman of the Empire, while Ariel was merely the granddaughter of a retainer. The Fay family had served as stewards and retainers to the Steffen family for generations. Her grandfather had, and her cousin, Rodbrill, was following in his footsteps. Can the granddaughter of a retainer family speak informally to the head of the house? Well, the adult Etheldred, my childhood friend, wouldn’t care, but this little Etheldred… we’re not close yet. Fortunately, Etheldred didn’t bring up social status. He simply countered with a somewhat logical argument.

“Still, I was born in the year 679, and you were born in 680.”

“Whatever. Uncle Steffen told me to speak informally.” It was a lie. No matter how hard she searched her memories, nothing came up about calling Viscount Steffen “uncle,” let alone what he looked like. Well, how would he know it’s a lie! Determined not to use formal speech with the young Etheldred, Ariel declared boldly. Etheldred, seemingly at a loss for words, stared at her with a strange look. Ariel, sensing his thoughts, quickly changed the subject.

“So, why are you here?”

“…Lady Iris asked me to come.” Etheldred turned his head away, his face returning to its usual impassiveness.

“My mother?”

“She wants you to stay at Obern Castle for a while.”

“Just me? What about Rod?”

“Rod too. Baron Fay will be here tomorrow.”

Ariel nodded. She had stayed at Obern Castle until he left for the war, so it wasn’t unfamiliar. Watching her nod, Etheldred clicked his tongue. “…Such a little thing, wandering around without a care in the world.”

Piqued, Ariel muttered, “He’s such an old man.”

“…Old man?” Etheldred echoed the words with a puzzled expression, then his ears flushed red again. What’s wrong with him all of a sudden? He hesitated, his eyes darting around, then spoke in a slightly softer tone. “By the way, Rod asked me to tell you… the dinner menu…”

Ariel’s eyes lit up. “Dinner menu?! What are we having?” Having completely forgotten her annoyance with Etheldred, Ariel skipped towards him. “Meat, right? We’re having meat, right?”

Her cheeks flushed with anticipation. He hesitated for a moment, then replied, “Beefsteak, I believe.”

“Oh my gosh, beef! Yay!” Ariel spun around Etheldred, cheering. “Etheldred, Etheldred, what’s your favorite food? Do you like meat?”

“…Anything is fine. And don’t shorten my name.”

“Why, why not? You can call me El! My mom calls me that. Grandpa too. Oh, and that dummy Rod calls me that too. But I like meat best! I like beef and pork. Cake is good too, but meat is the best! I’ve been so sad because I haven’t had any meat lately, and now we’re having it!”

“……”