"........,"
Lowering myself to Alissa's level, I flashed a playful grin.
"Hey there, little one! I'm Callisto."
Alissa giggled shyly, peeking out from behind (Y/N)'s leg before offering a hesitant wave.
"Hi!" she chirped, her voice surprisingly loud, eliciting a surprised chuckle from me. "Nice to meet you!"
"Pleased indeed..."
My words trailed off as I glanced at the duo before me: one a Grand Duke carrying secrets; another an innocent child caught between them.
Surprisingly, she didn't shy away from my presence but rather stared curiously into my eyes with those two emerald pools that reflected her thoughts.
"Are you papa's friend?"
She inquired, her innocent question a stark contrast to the complexities swirling around them.
It was odd, how children seemed to have an uncanny knack for seeing straight through facades.
"Friends?"
I repeated gently, shaking my head slightly.
"We've known each other since childhood… more like family, you could say."
'Family my ass,' I thought, picturing (Y/N)'s potential reaction. 'The nerve of him, trying to paint this picture…'
He's probably thinking that, isn't he?
The bitch thinks I can't read him.
'I swear, if he says something...'
Just as I imagined (Y/N) bristling at the word 'family,' Alissa's eyes lit up.
With a burst of surprising energy, she launched herself towards me, planting a wet kiss on my cheek before giggling uncontrollably.
"That means you're my family, too!"
My breath hitched in surprise, a strange sensation blooming in my chest.
It was a feeling I couldn't quite define, a warmth that left me speechless for a moment.
Her innocent declaration echoed in my mind even after she scooted back to (Y/N)'s side.
The unexpected gesture had left me stunned, but it wasn't entirely unwelcome.
"Uncle Cally!"
She squealed pointing at me, her delight infectious.
Despite myself, a chuckle rumbled in my chest.
"Looks like I've been promoted,"
I muttered, reaching out to ruffle her hair playfully as if she were truly a niece.
"Fascinating…"
I finally managed, shaking off the strange sentimentality that had momentarily overtaken me.
Shifting my gaze, I spotted Cedrick diligently collecting the fallen fruit.
"Cedrick," I called out, "fetch me a blank cheque."
Cedrick raised an eyebrow in silent question, but wordlessly obeyed.
With a flourish, I took the paper and began to write, the numbers reminiscent of a fantastical novel overflowing with unimaginable wealth.
Even Alissa's wide eyes couldn't quite grasp the vast sum I inscribed as the zeros stretched farther than her limited understanding allowed.
"Here,"
I declared, presenting the cheque to her.
Her eyes widened further as she glanced towards (Y/N) expectantly.
"This should cover any expenses you've incurred for her… and some other things."
(Y/N)'s face remained an impassive mask, his gaze flitting across the exorbitant numbers before he gently pushed the cheque back into my outstretched hand.
"Refused?"
I questioned, surprised.
"........,"
╔. ■ .═══════╗
╚═══════. ■ .╝
"........,"
Pride or stubbornness, I knew, were more likely culprits than genuine lack of need.
(Y/N)'s response was swift and defensive.
He scooped Alissa into his arms, holding her close against his chest like a protective shield.
An accusatory glint shot from his eyes as he raised an eyebrow at my offer.
"Watch yourself, Your Highness. Don't think I haven't noticed your advances on my little one. Just because she's adorable doesn't mean you can win her affection with extravagant displays of wealth. Stealing won't do, either."
Surprised by his reaction, I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in response.
"Stealing? Hardly!"
I countered playfully, pointing at him with a mock frown.
"Just trying to provide for your precious daughter here."
A hint of amusement flickered across his otherwise impassive face.
Perhaps he understood the playful jab hidden within my words.
Of course, he wouldn't want anyone, especially not me, to snatch away the child he'd taken responsibility for.
"You'd reject such riches just because…?"
I pressed, a smirk spreading across my lips.
"My valiant attempt at generosity seems to have fallen flat. You don't want it? Fine by me."
Turning my attention elsewhere, I spotted Hans standing nearby, a picture of theatrical despair as he surveyed the perfect fruit now coverd in dirt.
"Hans!"
My voice boomed, effectively drawing his attention.
He materialized before me with a wave of my hand, his demeanor instantly transforming from overdramatic queen to attentive servant.
"Yes, Your Highness?"
He inquired cheerfully, a blinding smile stretching across his face.
It wouldn't be the first time his overly enthusiastic greetings momentarily blinded me.
"........,"
╔. ■ .═══════╗
╚═══════. ■ .╝
"........,"
I
shoved the crumpled cheque into Hans's hand, watching as his eyes bulged in disbelief.
His gaze darted between me and (Y/N), a silent debate raging behind them.
"Your Highnesses… this…" he stammered, finally finding his voice. "It's… quite generous."
Before he could get another word out, a playful battle of wills erupted.
"Hans, return it!"
(Y/N) boomed, his voice laced with mock sternness.
His violet eyes, however, held a mischievous glint.
"No refunds!"
I countered, mirroring his intensity.
Hans, caught in the crossfire of our little game, resembled a pawn caught between two domineering players.
"P-Please decide quickly!"
He pleaded, his voice cracking under the pressure of our escalating disagreement.
"You heard me, Hans!"
I barked, my voice a playful echo of (Y/N)'s command.
"Hans…"
(Y/N) trailed off, his lips twitching at the corners.
Caught between two royal commands, Hans hesitated for a beat before his eyes settled on Cedrick, who stood nearby witnessing the exchange.
With a resigned sigh, he carefully placed the crumpled cheque in Cedrick's outstretched hand before scurrying after Ron, who had just entered the courtyard with his usual oblivious fake smile.
"Sorry me, Your Highness! I have some work left to do…!"
Hans chirped as he disappeared into the manor, leaving Cedrick holding the reason of the argument.
"Why me…?"
Cedrick groaned, a bead of sweat forming on his forehead as both our gazes turned towards him, unwavering in our determination to win this ridiculous argument.
"Eeek!"
Cedrick yelped, his hands shaking like he held a live bomb instead of a piece of paper.
He teetered back and forth, clearly struggling with his impossible situation.
Under the weight of our combined stares, Cedrick visibly trembled.
Yet, he managed to mumble weakly, "You two are… funnier than I thought…"
A slow smirk spread across (Y/N)'s face, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Well," he drawled sarcastically, "it seems we've provided poor Cedrick with some entertainment."
I couldn't help but let out a snicker.
Despite the mock-seriousness of the situation, there was an undeniable humor in this absurd standoff.
"Indeed,"
I conceded, a reluctant smile mirroring his own.
Though I wouldn't back down completely.
The disagreement seemed to have amused (Y/N) more than anything else.
A genuine chuckle escaped his lips, dispelling the tension that had built between us.
"Enough nonsense for today," he finally declared, his voice cutting through our playful bickering. "There are… children present."
My gaze flickered to Alissa, who peeked at me with wide, curious eyes.
Her innocent face softened the edges of my resolve.
"Fine,"
I muttered with a sigh, conceding defeat for the moment.
The playful banter died down, replaced by a more peaceful silence.
However, I couldn't resist a final jab.
Leaning in close, I whispered softly in (Y/N)'s ear,
"Don't think this is the last you'll see of Callisto's generosity."
My eyes twinkled with mischief.
The playful threat hung in the air for a moment, followed by a ripple of laughter that spread among the group.
Even Alissa joined in, her infectious giggle a delightful melody.
The tension broken, (Y/N)'s playful demeanor vanished.
He met my gaze head-on, a newfound seriousness settling upon his features.
"Shall we take this discussion to my study?"
.
.
.
╰┈➤ ❝ [Ɒσи'τ fσяɢєτ τσ vστє αиɒ cσммєиτ!]
₊❏❜ ⋮ ⌒(A/N): Well, folks, looks like Callisto just can't resist making a grand entrance!
And what an entrance it was – interrupting a heartwarming scene (or was it suspicious?) and showering Alissa with a rather extravagant (and slightly ridiculous) offer.
Did he genuinely want to help, or was there something more to his generosity?
Meanwhile, (Y/N)'s protective instincts kicked in, leading to a delightful (and slightly absurd) debate over the cheque.
Who knew a simple act of giving could turn into such a power struggle?
One thing's for sure, things are getting interesting at the Duke's manor with the arrival of this mysterious child.
Happy reading! >ᴗ<
ִֶָ๋𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ🐇་༘࿐