IFAHWIPUTML Chapter 13

"Stars are right here!"

Raphel pointed at Veras's eyes and shouted as if he'd made some grand discovery.

'Ah, my heart...'

Raphel pointing at her eyes and cheerfully calling them stars was so adorable it was genuinely hazardous to her cardiac health.

When men typically used cheesy lines like that to seduce women, it sounded ridiculous. But coming from cute little Raphel's mouth, it felt like the highest praise imaginable.

'How does he only pick the prettiest things to say? So cute I could die.'

"Thank you, Raphel."

The two smiled bashfully at each other.

Their smiles were so warm and affectionate that anyone watching would've felt content just seeing it.

Raphel giggled for a moment, then immediately burrowed into Veras's arms and yawned.

"Haaaahhm..."

They'd been traveling in the carriage for quite a while—it made sense he'd be tired.

Veras was about to turn away from the window toward the bed when something caught her eye.

A dark silhouette beyond the window. Obscured by darkness, but black hair unmistakable in the moonlight. Duke Chayston.

He was crossing the courtyard in the middle of the night, going somewhere.

What do I care? He can do whatever he wants.

"Hmph. Raphel. Time for bed."

Veras snorted and quickly turned away. She didn't want to see him, not even his back.

"Mmm..."

Raphel had already fallen fast asleep in Veras's arms. She turned carefully to avoid waking him.

The next day.

From early morning, Verasielle headed to the Baron's estate and explained to her parents what had happened at the Duke's residence.

"So please don't worry too much."

Verasielle smiled without a trace of concern, trying to reassure her parents. But Baron and Baroness Prozier couldn't easily set aside their worries.

"Even so... Won't it be somewhat uncomfortable staying at the Duke's estate?"

"For Raphel's safety, mine, and yours—Mother, Father—I think this is the best option."

Verasielle grasped her mother's hand tightly.

They'd never been separated from their daughter in twenty years, and now she was suddenly saying she'd stay at the Duke's estate for a month. Of course her parents would worry.

"Then what if we leave Raphel at the Duke's estate and at least you come home..."

"What if he doesn't pay the reward then?"

"Surely His Grace wouldn't do such a thing."

"That man absolutely would."

Veras spoke with a firm expression. Based on yesterday's experience, the Duke was exactly the type who would.

So she had to stick close to make sure he didn't pull any tricks.

"Really, are you sure it's okay? What if you make some mistake at the Duke's estate..."

Rosalie was terribly worried about her daughter.

Staying at someone else's home was concerning enough, but what worried her most was whether her daughter might do something foolish at the Duke's household to fund her extravagant habits.

Thinking about how mature Veras seemed lately made that unlikely, but remembering the old Veras... she would've been more than capable.

"It's not that at all. I need to be there to help Raphel adjust to the Duke's estate, and I need to make sure we get the reward money to pay off our family's debts."

At the mention of paying off debts, Rosalie felt somewhat relieved. At least it wasn't what she'd feared.

While Veras and Rosalie continued their conversation, the Baron sat silently with his head bowed low.

Guilt settled on the Baron's face as he fidgeted with his innocent fingers.

"I'm sorry. Because of this useless father..."

That was the first thing the Baron said after maintaining his silence.

Verasielle released her mother's hand and placed her other hand over her father's.

"Father. I'm really fine. This is something I caused, so please give me the chance to make up for it myself."

"Veras... My daughter has really changed so much."

Seeing how thoughtful Veras had become, the Baron touched his stinging eyes.

"Ah, yes. I guess I've finally matured! Ahaha..."

Veras spoke loudly in embarrassment at the Baron's words.

Come to think of it, her transformation from someone who indulged in luxury and vanity to suddenly worrying about debts and caring for a child must seem quite strange and jarring to her parents.

She made a mental note to be more careful.

"Alright, I understand. If you're forcing yourself to stay because of the debt, you can always come back. I'm sure there's a better way."

"Yes. Don't worry about me."

"If it gets difficult, come home anytime..."

Watching her father's jaw tremble beneath his tightly pressed lips as he held back tears, Veras smiled brightly.

"I'll be back soon."

Leaving behind her mother and father clinging to her skirts, Verasielle climbed into the carriage.

They'd also loaded luggage for her month-long stay at the Duke's estate.

Looking back, she saw her father had finally burst into tears, dabbing at his eyes with a handkerchief.

It's not like I'm getting married—it's only a month...

Veras suppressed her uncomfortable feelings as she left the Baron's estate.

Dawn was breaking, the sun rising.

'I really am loved.'

That was the only thought that came when she looked at her parents.

She knew well how difficult it was to pour out affection without expecting anything in return.

Even when it was the love between parent and child.

She realized once again that Verasielle's parents were truly wonderful people.

And somehow, she missed her real parents. The faces she couldn't even remember now, with not even a photo remaining.

'Is Raphel awake?'

She tucked away her somber expression and thought of Raphel.

Thinking of her parents naturally made her think of Raphel. Raphaleon, who now had to grow up under his uncle's care instead of his parents.

Raphaleon, whose situation was perhaps similar to her own—without parents to offer warm embraces.

Everyone has a room in their heart that only parents can fill.

So no matter how well Uncle Chayston treated Raphel, that fundamental parental space would never be filled. Just like it hadn't been for her.

She felt sorry for Raphel, who'd been left alone at such a young age, just like herself.

Maybe that's why Raphel had caught her attention and concern from the very beginning.

That small frame that seemed ready to crumble at any moment, that voice desperately crying for Mom and Dad—it felt like facing her past self...

"I'll give him lots of hugs when I get back."

If she could substitute for parental affection even briefly... Veras resolved to treat Raphel even better during their time together and headed straight to the Duke's estate.

She'd considered bringing Raphel along to see his grandparents, but remembering Chayston's face yesterday—stubbornly insisting the child had to stay—she'd given up early on.

If she'd said she wanted to bring Raphel home for a visit, he would've definitely objected, saying he couldn't let the child go when he might not come back.

"Predictable."

Verasielle's expression crumpled terribly. As if she couldn't stand even thinking about that petty man.

Besides, it was too early in the morning and she'd felt bad waking Raphel from his peaceful sleep, so she'd come alone.

Through the small window, dawn's blue hue was gradually fading. Raphel would probably wake around the time she arrived at the Duke's estate, so she needed to hurry.

"Haaahm..."

Verasielle yawned and leaned back against the seat. Moving since dawn had brought a faint fatigue.

Her eyes felt heavy as they slowly closed.

Since this was a carriage provided by the Duke's household, it offered steady comfort without jolts.

Complete quiet without a single disturbance, plush seats, and the sense of security—perfect conditions for sleep.

Just as her drowsy eyelids were about to close completely—

"Wait a moment!"

Verasielle's eyes flew open as she straightened her back and called out.

The carriage smoothly came to a stop without any jolting. She quickly opened the door and stepped outside.

"I'm going to look around a bit."

"Yes, understood."

Verasielle hurried out of the carriage.

Because just before falling asleep, she'd spotted a lively marketplace through the small window.

Seeing the market reminded her of the stars Raphel had been looking for last night. This was a real chance to actually give Raphel stars.

She entered the marketplace.

Somewhere among all these general goods shops, there had to be at least one star-shaped item.

The timing must've been right for opening hours—the marketplace was bustling.

Some shops were just opening their doors, while others were taking out items they'd stored inside and arranging displays.

Verasielle slowly browsed the shops and street vendors.

There were so many pretty, charming items. All things Raphel would like.

'Mm, but it'd be better if it's actually star-shaped.'

Veras looked at the items with careful eyes. There were more star-shaped items than she'd expected.

Everything from small clocks to hairpins, bracelets, and necklaces.

'Even the plates are star-shaped.'

Would he eat his carrots if I served them on this plate?

Imagining Raphel happily eating carrots naturally brought a smile to her face.

Verasielle smiled as she purchased the plate, then moved on with the shop owner's farewell.

Her eyes were carefully examining items to see if there was anything else to buy when they suddenly fixed on one spot.

A large yellow star inside a snow globe sitting on the display stand.

This is it. The perfect item.

Just as Verasielle reached out to grab the snow globe, a hand suddenly shot out from beside her. Both hands grabbed the snow globe simultaneously.

Verasielle looked up at the owner of the large hand covering hers.

Ugh.

"What's with that expression?"

Chayston stood there with narrowed brows and dissatisfied eyes—when had he even arrived?