IMMCFC 19

Chapter 19

“Mi?”

Jaden, moving his lips, suddenly turned his head and muttered.

“Mi… I didn’t push you on purpose. I’m sorry if it hurt a lot.”

Oh, how could I not adore this young master.

His eyes were full of guilt, yet instead of apologizing properly, he puffed up his pride—a completely childish reaction.

I deliberately softened my stern expression and looked at him gently.

“My Young Master.”

“…W-what is it? Why?”

“At times like this, you don’t need to make long-winded excuses. You just look into someone’s eyes and say you’re sorry.”

“….”

“That’s the way to become a truly admirable adult.”

I thought I was comforting him at his level, but Jaden pouted his lips and muttered in protest.

“Hmph. I don’t need to be a so-called admirable adult.”

“Excuse me?”

“Anyway… I don’t even know how long I’ll live.”

My heart sank at the boy’s words. There was a touch of self-deprecation in his voice, a quiet resignation that suggested he already sensed his illness and the possibility of death approaching.

Yet I remained composed. I looked at him even more clearly, directly.

“No, My Young Master. You can become an admirable adult.”

At my confident words, Jaden lifted his head. His brows furrowed as if he couldn’t understand.

“…How do you know that?”

“Because I’ll be right by your side to help. So of course, you can.”

I smiled, narrowing my eyes kindly.

“…W-what are you saying!”

Jaden seemed flustered and looked away, but I ignored it and whispered gently.

“There’s only one thing left. You just need to decide.”

“….”

“To give up… or to become an admirable adult together with me.”

Jaden’s eyes trembled slightly. He chewed his lips silently for a long while, lost in thought.

Then, after a moment, he finally mustered a small voice.

“…I’m sorry.”

Immediately after, trying to hide his embarrassment, Jaden added brusquely,

“B-but don’t misunderstand. I’m not apologizing because I want to become that so-called admirable adult you mentioned.”

“Really? Is that so?”

Jaden hesitated, then hung his head low.

“I just… thought you might have been in a lot of pain because of me…”

His voice was tiny, but the sincerity in it was crystal clear.

I gently patted the boy’s slumped back. Then I said,

“That’s right! You did well.”

“…Huh?”

“You were honest in apologizing—how admirable is that?”

“You… you…!”

The boy’s face turned bright red, clearly unaccustomed to praise.

“It’s okay. Everyone makes mistakes. What matters is having the courage to apologize like you did. So I forgive you.”

“…Really?”

“Yes. But promise me you won’t do it again, okay?”

In his ruby-like eyes, I saw hesitation. After a moment, he shut his eyes tightly and reached out his hand to me.

Tap. The warmth of his small hand touched my fingertips.

Naturally, our pinkies intertwined. A promise to be kept between Jaden and me from now on.

Jaden awkwardly cleared his throat and withdrew his hand, but his gaze remained fixed on my arm. His red eyes still held concern.

Having seen him apologize properly, it was time to reward the obedient little boy.

“But, it seems like you’re such a good child—”

I carefully unbuttoned my sleeve and swiftly rolled it up.

“All healed in just one night, wouldn’t you say?”

Ta-da! I revealed my forearm, and Jaden’s eyes widened in shock. He stared at my arm as if he couldn’t believe it.

The skin, which had been covered in blood just yesterday, was now smooth and healed—all thanks to Melody.

The tension on Jaden’s face immediately melted away.

“Thank goodness!!!”

Huh?

Jaden gasped and quickly covered his mouth with both hands, as if the words had escaped unintentionally.

He then peeked at me nervously, pretending nothing had happened, though it was too late—he had already seen everything.

“You were really worried, weren’t you?”

“I-I wasn’t worried!”

His small head shook frantically from side to side.

I feigned being hurt and clutched my arm.

“Really? Oh, so you weren’t worried. Ouch… my arm feels like it hurts again—”

“I-I was worried! Does it not hurt now?”

Jaden anxiously examined my forearm, his bright, round eyes darting around.

“Wow… amazing. It doesn’t hurt at all now.”

“Really? Really?”

“Yes, of course.”

Phew. Jaden continuously exhaled, relieved.

‘Ah, I shouldn’t… but I can’t help teasing him a little.’

I held back my giggles and looked at the boy.

In the original story, Jaden was popular for being the strict but caring older brother to Melody.

But in person, he was far cuter than in the text—like a mischievous little kitten.

‘He looks so stern, but…’

His face reminded me entirely of his uncle. One day, he would grow into an incredibly handsome young man.

I reached out to brush his forehead.

Perhaps because he hadn’t been able to cut his hair while sick, silver strands brushed his eyes.

“…Huh?”

“Wait a moment.”

Jaden looked flustered but didn’t move away. I gently pushed his bangs aside, revealing his round forehead.

“Hair over your eyes isn’t good for your vision.”

“But I’m Dragon-Blooded.”

“You’re still a growing child, though.”

I wanted to cut his bangs completely, but unfortunately, I didn’t have scissors.

‘Is there anything useful here?’

I rummaged through my pocket and found a small pin—something I often used to keep hair in place while working. It had a tiny pink ribbon, but it was better than nothing.

I secured his hair with the pin, revealing his adorable face.

“There, much better. How cute.”

“C-cute? Not horrible?”

“Eh? What do you mean? That’s nonsense.”

From the mouth of this dreamy child came an unexpected comment. Surprised, I looked at him, and he murmured softly,

“But… everyone’s still afraid of me.”

“But… everyone’s still afraid of me.”

Though it slipped out impulsively, it was the truth Jaden had buried deep in his heart.

Since he first started getting sick, he had met countless healers—thanks to his uncle, who had saved famous people across the empire.

But whenever they failed and left the mansion, Jaden’s sadness didn’t come from his illness.

It came from the frightened, almost horrified looks adults gave him.

He knew he was born Dragon-Blooded, and it couldn’t be helped.

Yet he couldn’t help feeling upset.

He hadn’t done anything wrong, yet everyone feared him.

Even Celia was like that. She was his caretaker after his parents died in an accident.

She pretended to be kind in front of adults but couldn’t hide her disgust in her eyes.

She often delegated her responsibilities to the lowest-ranking maids, avoiding him whenever adults weren’t watching. She never even properly prepared his meals.

If things were always going to be like this, Jaden decided not to expect anything from anyone from the start.

And so, he gradually closed his heart.

But.

Why…?

Though he expected the same as always, Viola was different.

She didn’t fear him; she even protected him in front of his terrifying uncle.

‘Does Viola really… not find me scary?’

If that were true, it would make him incredibly happy.

Yet he also feared that she might secretly find him repulsive.

So Jaden deliberately suppressed his expectations—or at least he thought he had.

Judging from the impulsive questions and occasional outbursts,

he cautiously lifted his head to check Viola’s expression.

Her smile from just moments ago was now twisted in shock.

Maybe she really does find me horrible.

‘Why did I even ask? The answer is probably already decided.’

“It’s nothing.”

Just as Jaden, utterly dejected, tried to look away, Viola said firmly:

“I’m not scared. Not at all.”

“…L-lie.”

Did she think I would believe her just because she said so?