Chapter 76

The next morning, in the Henberg family garden.

The cool air was occasionally mixed with the songs of birds.

The silence and vitality intertwining gave a sense of the start of a new day.

Amidst this, Amelia was walking outside the mansion with Laila.

It was time for a morning walk, also serving to wake her up.

"Hmm-hmm-hmm♪"

The melody Amelia hummed was light and cheerful, resonating with the morning sun.

The flowers wet with morning dew and the little birds hopping between the trees seemed to create a special scene.

"Milady Amelia, you seem to be in a very good mood today."

"Oh, you noticed?"

Amelia's lips curved into a smile.

– If my knowledge and abilities can be of use to many people... I would like to do my best.

The words she said to Logan last night.

The fact that she had made a decision on her own still filled her with joy.

"Th-this is...!!"

On the other hand, Laila's eyes sparkled, and she said with a face like a young girl in the midst of a love story.

"Milady Amelia, have you finally taken the adult step...!?"

"An adult step!?"

Amelia's face instantly turned red.

"N-no, that's not it! I just feel like I've grown a bit personally, and it makes me happy!"

When Amelia explained, Laila responded with a slightly disappointed look.

"But, growth, huh..."

Laila pondered for a moment before speaking.

"Indeed, from my perspective, Milady Amelia seems to have changed compared to when you first came to this mansion."

"Is that... in a good way?"

"Yes, of course."

In response to Amelia's hesitant question, Laila nodded with a gentle smile.

"You seem much brighter than before."

Laila's words made Amelia feel a fresh breath of air in her chest.

"Maybe you're right."

Compared to her past self, she felt more positive now.

When she lived at home, she had given up on everything and lived a life without self, like a puppet controlled by others.

But coming to the Henberg family, Logan helped bring out Amelia's true feelings.

And as she spent time with kind people like Sylph, Oscar, and Laila, she gradually began to show her true self.

Moreover, the recent attack by Melissa had a significant impact.

Amelia, who had never been able to resist Melissa, clearly expressed her own will and resisted.

A clear light shone in the eyes of the puppet that had been dark and depressed.

Since then, Amelia gradually regained her original personality.

"Thank you, Laila."

"What? What are you thanking me for suddenly?"

"Um, various things?"

"I don't really understand... but you're welcome?"

Laila tilted her head in confusion, and Amelia chuckled.

After walking in the garden for a while,

"Milady Amelia! Look! It's a 'Yukiageha'!"

Laila pointed to a beautiful flower with a delicate mix of white and purple.

"Wow, really!"

The two rushed to the Yukiageha.

Amelia's eyes sparkled at the sight of the flower, which had a vibrant and dignified atmosphere.

"It's beautiful..."

"Indeed, it's called the 'Winter Fairy' for a reason."

"Winter Fairy?"

"Yes. The Yukiageha not only is beautiful but also blooms with the arrival of winter. That's why it's called the 'Winter Fairy.'"

"Wow, Milady Amelia! You're as knowledgeable as ever..."

Laila said, impressed.

"It's knowledge that doesn't really serve any purpose, though."

"That's not true."

Laila looked at Amelia with a serious gaze.

"Didn't it just serve a purpose? I learned something new about flowers and became a bit wiser. See, it was very useful!"

Laila's carefree smile left Amelia speechless.

(I tend to negate myself... it's a bad habit.)

Amelia thought she needed to gradually correct this habit.

At that moment, a cold wind blew, enveloping the two.

"It's almost winter..."

Laila shivered and said in a relaxed tone.

"Winter... yes, winter..."

Amelia's expression stiffened.

A dim memory resurfaced in her mind.

(When I lived in the annex of my family home, winter was always tough... I hardly got any food or firewood, my hands often got chapped, and I was freezing all the time...)

She glanced at her own hands.

They were smooth and unblemished.

Amelia realized anew how happy she was to live in a warm room with delicious meals.

"Milady Amelia? Why do you have such a distant look in your eyes?"

Startled by Laila's question, Amelia snapped back to reality.

"No, it's nothing."

She didn't want to burden Laila with her past, so she changed the subject.

"I remember, Laila's family runs a flower shop, right?"

"Yes, yes! So, when I see beautiful flowers, I can't help but be drawn to them."

"Hehe, I totally understand."

Amelia continued the conversation casually.

"My mother was also a plant lover and taught me a lot when I was a child. Is your mother also a plant lover?"

"Mother..."

Laila's voice, which had been bright until now, had a slight cloudiness.

"Laila?"

"Ah, sorry, I was spacing out... Yes, my mother was very... fond of plants, and that led her to start a flower shop, yes."

Laila's words were hesitant, and Amelia tilted her head in confusion.

"That's nice. I'm sure it's a wonderful flower shop."

Despite her response, Laila only said, "Yes, well..."

(I must be imagining things...)

Amelia thought she saw a shadow of darkness fall over Laila's eyes.