MTO C56

Chapter 56

“Put me down right now!”

“Heart, let’s go have cake together. The Duke brought a really delicious one!”

“I said put me down!”

“You’ll eat the cake, right?”

“Fine! I’ll eat it!”

“And you’re not going to run away anymore, right?”

“I said I get it, now let me go!”

“Can’t I just hold you a little longer?”

“No!”

Even as Heart yelled, the “Master” refused to set him down, clutching him with obvious regret. Realization struck Heart like ice:

Since when did he get this strong?

The two were making a scene loud enough that children gathered by the hall windows.

“Headmaster! What are you and Heart doing? Let’s cut the cake already!”

“Coming right now!”

The man answered with delight. Heart wanted to die of embarrassment. He couldn’t raise his head — fainting on the spot would be preferable. Fortunately, “Master” didn’t insist on carrying him all the way. He finally lowered Heart back to the floor.

Heart stomped away, cheeks flushed, furious. “Master” only laughed as if nothing had happened, stretching out a hand.

“Come on, let’s go!”

Instead, Heart bolted straight into the orphanage interior — only to be caught again soon after.

“Don’t carry me!”

“So mean. And we’re secret‑keeping partners now, aren’t we?”

“…What secret?”

“Huh? Who’s talking about secrets? Did someone mention secrets?”

“That’s unfair — you only tell him!”

The other kids swarmed, bombarding the man with questions, distracting him long enough for Heart to wrest himself free.

Panting, he collapsed onto the floorboards, limbs too heavy to twitch. He had wasted strength fighting his embrace.

Then, a small dish was placed before him. On it sat a slice of cake, speckled with colored fruit.

“Happy birthday, Heart.”

The Sister smiled warmly. Heart could only nod dumbly. Then another tug at his shirt —

“Congratulations!”

Leon. It had been so long since Leon spoke to him. Heart froze, unable to answer, until Leon clambered up onto him. Awkwardly, Heart wrapped him in an embrace.

By then the rest had gathered around the table. Each child had their equal share of cake before them. Even the Duke and his knight stood off to the side.

“Then, time to eat!”

“Taekwon! Let’s eat well!”

Their cry made Heart jump. Everyone munched happily, chatting loud, except for him — the only one still stiff, mind racing. Leon attacked his piece with glee beside him.

Watching, Heart slowly raised his fork. The tines cut through effortlessly; the soft sponge parted like snow. Hesitant, he nudged a piece into his mouth.

What is this…?

It melted instantly, leaving no time to savor. Panicked, he carved larger, swirling the bite around his mouth.

Sweet. Sour. Salty. Rich. Impossible to describe. He had never tasted anything like it. His idea of “cake” was a heavy barley loaf eaten long ago, nothing compared.

Heart swallowed, dazed, and reached for another bite — only to meet the Master’s gaze.

The man flinched awkwardly, looked away — but kept sneaking glances.

What’s he doing now?

Heart stared coldly until the man cracked into a foolish grin.

“Well? How is it?” He pointed at the cake.

“…It’s edible,” Heart muttered blandly.

“Really? Want more?”

Heart scowled, but with no reply, the man stood to cut a second slice — double the size — and set it before him. Heart shoved it into his mouth in silence.

Truth be told, it was the most delicious thing he had ever eaten.

Chapter 5 – House of Eglence

“Kids, look! Over there — that’s Eglence Castle!”

Michel’s cry sent the children clambering to the carriage windows like barnacles. Beyond white‑snow forests, the grey spires loomed tall. Excited awe burst from their little faces.

“Wow, it’s so pretty!”

“It’s huge—!”

“Does a prince live there?”

Even split between two carriages, the decibel level hadn’t dropped. As the wheels tilted precariously from their bouncing, Michel hastened to sit them back down.

“No princes — the Duke lives there.”

Out the window, Kaidan rode close alongside, checking for trouble. Catching Michel’s eye, he nodded forward briskly before urging his horse ahead.

“My castle,” Leon piped matter‑of‑factly from Michel’s lap. When the cart jolted over stones, he only clapped and laughed, fearless, as if on a fairground ride. Michel hugged him tighter, so he wouldn’t fall.

“That’s right. And it’s where we’ll all live for a while,” Michel added.

It was moving day for Valois Orphanage.

The entourage arrived to find Eglence retainers waiting at the gates. Butler Lawrence stepped forward to greet the Duke.

“Welcome back, my lord. We’ve been expecting you.”

“Show our guests their quarters,” Kaidan ordered.

“Yes, my lord.”

Michel swept a bright bow.

“House(Steward) Lawrence, good to see you again! Thank you for hosting us — we’ll humbly mind ourselves.”

The butler only dipped his head, uttering nothing of warmth, and carried out orders.

The Sister and the girls followed a maid away first. Michel gathered the remaining boys into a herd to follow Lawrence.

“Sorry to arrive with such a crowd. Must’ve startled you.”

“The Saint is our master’s esteemed guest. We are pleased by your return.”

“Thank you. We’ll be quiet as mice.” Michel hesitated. “And life here — peaceful as ever?”

“As always.”

The butler’s clipped replies sealed further conversation. Michel swallowed. Though polite, Lawrence’s neutrality always pressed like ice. After all, housing seven children was no small burden for the estate.

Michel remembered their first meeting — his awe at such a “perfect butler.” That changed when he had seen him scolding servants viciously.

That day’s memory still burned:

“Where are your wits! Get moving!”

Servants cowered while Lawrence raged, technically scolding them for failing Michel. The “punishment” was because Michel had humiliated the Duke by selling candied treats in front of the castle.

Michel had wished instead to bear the brunt himself. Lawrence’s fury had been terrifying.

So now — no mistakes. He resolved that firmly.

But at once—

“Ah!” A yelp snapped Michel from thought.

He whipped around. Oliver sat on the floor, clutching his forehead.

“What happened?! Are you hurt?”

“I… I bumped into that cabinet—”

Thank goodness — only red, no blood. Heart snickered nearby.

“Serves you right, walking like an idiot.”

“Heart!” Michel barked.

Their relationship had thawed after sharing secrets, but the boy’s crooked tongue hadn’t changed. Heart sulked, turning away. At least he wasn’t running now.

“You can’t speak like that to your friend. Oliver, watch where you’re going too.”

“Y‑yes, sorry.”

Before he could finish soothing them—

“All items in the hall will be cleared. Forgive the oversight.”

The words cut like frost. Michel stiffened, lifting his head. Lawrence had appeared, regarding them with cool eyes.