Nolan snapped out of his reverie, shaking his head softly with a faint smile.
"It’s all right, Marquis Orlan. Actually, I feel quite comfortable. The interior suits my taste," he replied casually, taking a step closer.
Orlan sighed in relief and smiled. "I’m glad to hear that."
Guided by Alex, they continued walking deeper into the mansion. Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed from the hallway on the right.
"Father!"
The sweet, milky voice startled them.
They instinctively turned toward the sound and saw a little girl running toward them.
She wore an adorable blue dress, adorned with a white ribbon tied at the back. Her flowing skirt revealed her small, delicate feet.
Her face was pretty, but her skin was unusually pale, as if drained of blood.
Yet her bright green eyes and sweet smile radiated pure innocence.
Her long, bluish-white hair was gathered into a small bun, highlighting her delicate beauty.
She was Alicia Caltheron, Orlan’s only daughter—the precious gem he cherished deeply.
As Orlan gazed at his beloved daughter, his expression immediately grew anxious.
Orlan immediately crouched down on one knee, opening his arms wide.
"Father!" Alicia leapt into his embrace, burying her face against his chest.
"Why are you running around, Alicia? Didn’t the doctor tell you to rest? You’re not fully recovered yet, and I’m worried something might happen to you," Orlan said, his voice filled with concern.
"Hehehe..." Alicia giggled softly, then slowly loosened her grip.
She lifted her face, looking up at her father with innocent eyes that could melt anyone’s heart. "I missed you so much, Father. You haven’t been home for days... I’m not used to you being away."
Her words carried a slight ache, and Orlan’s heart clenched.
He smiled softly as he tenderly caressed his daughter’s face, soft and delicate like freshly kneaded bread dough.
"Alright, I understand. I’m sorry for making you feel lonely," he said warmly.
"Um! Don’t worry, Father. As long as you’re by my side, that’s all I need!" Alicia beamed, wiggling her little body from side to side.
Nearby, Nolan watched the tender scene and couldn’t help but smile.
The moment was so heartfelt, it held him spellbound.
But soon, his expression shifted. His eyes focused on Alicia’s small frame, and a frown slowly formed on his forehead. He had just noticed something unusual.
How strange... he murmured softly. Orlan said Alicia is six years old, but why does her body look more like that of a three- or four-year-old?
His eyes widened slightly as a thought crossed his mind.
Could it be... the curse? He squinted, glancing back at the objects that had caught his attention earlier.
"By the way, Alicia," Orlan said with a smile, turning to Nolan. "This handsome gentleman is your father’s best friend and the Sixth Prince of the Great Velmora Empire, Prince Nolan Lorian. Alicia, come say hello."
Alicia instinctively turned to Nolan, her eyes widening in surprise at his handsome appearance.
"What a... handsome brother!" She blurted out.
Realizing what she’d said, she quickly covered her mouth with both hands, her face flushing bright red.
She then hid behind Orlan, peeking out at Nolan with a shy, sheepish look.
Orlan chuckled softly and glanced at Nolan with an apologetic smile.
"Please forgive Alicia, Prince. She’s a shy little girl and finds it hard to get along with others. Besides, she rarely interacts with anyone outside this mansion. I hope you don’t take offense."
"Offended?" Nolan laughed, waving his right hand dismissively. "How could I?"
He glanced at Alicia, who still looked shy, then stepped closer.
The little girl panicked and quickly buried her face in her father’s back, peeking out at Nolan from time to time.
Nolan crouched down beside her, flashing a warm, captivating smile.
Reaching out gently, he said, "Hello, Alicia. My name is Nolan. You can call me Brother Nolan. I’m a friend of your father’s, so there’s no need to be afraid."
Slowly, Alicia lifted her face and met Nolan’s purple eyes, which shone with honesty and kindness.
Her shyness began to fade. Tentatively, she reached out her small hand.
But then her hand froze midair, uncertain if it was okay to touch his.
Seeing this, Nolan’s smile grew wider as he took her hand in his. "Nice to meet you, Alicia."
Her cheeks flushed again, but this time she didn’t hide.
"It’s nice to meet you too, Brother Nolan," she whispered softly, like a gentle breeze.
Alex and Orlan exchanged pleased glances.
What they didn’t notice was a faint speck of light glowing in Nolan’s palm, quickly spreading to Alicia’s body.
"Hm?" Alicia gasped softly, feeling a strange tickle on her neck, like a mosquito bite.
Nolan slowly released her small hand and gently pinched Alicia’s round cheek.
"You’re adorable, Alicia. Your face reminds me so much of my sister."
"Sister?" Alicia blinked, her bright eyes sparkling with curiosity. "You have a sister, Brother Nolan?"
"Um! She was just as adorable as you were when she was a child," Nolan replied, his eyes glazing over briefly as memories flickered within them.
A weary smile tugged at his lips as he continued, "But as she grew up, she became rebellious and started drifting away from me. It broke my heart. So you don’t have to be like that, okay? Always be a good, caring daughter to your father, even when you grow older. Don’t argue with his kind orders—be obedient. Understand?"
Alicia listened intently, clenched her tiny fists, and nodded firmly like a determined little duck.
"Don’t worry, Brother Nolan! I’ll be a good girl and always take care of Father!" she promised solemnly.
"Good!" Nolan said with a satisfied smile, gently ruffling her hair.
Orlan, watching the exchange, felt his heart warm.
When the doctor said Alicia might not live long, he often wondered what would happen if she did grow up—if she became a teenager and started to rebel like any other child.
Now, that hope no longer seemed impossible—and Nolan’s kind words gave him even more gratitude.
Yet, when Nolan mentioned his sister as a bad example, Orlan’s thoughts grew confused.
But... hasn’t Princess Elina always been kind and close to Prince Nolan? he wondered silently.
He wanted to ask but held back, swallowing the question.
***
"Achoo!"
Elina, lounging lazily on Nolan’s bed, suddenly sneezed and lifted her head in surprise.
"Who’s secretly talking bad about me?"