"I’m heading out with Aaron to inspect so areas," Arthur said, not wanting to further irritate his friend. "You Ahren siblings can go ahead and trouble Lucian now."
"Don’t worry about us," Rowan replied with a grin. "We’re planning to visit the market. Besides, after embarrassing herself, I’m sure my dear sister won’t want to face that black head anyti soon."
Erin frowned at his comnt. "Don’t forget, you’re all the reason I embarrassed myself in the first place." She shot a pointed look at Arthur and Aaron. "And I know my brothers aren’t the only culprits."
Arthur imdiately turned to Aaron. "Don’t you think we’re getting late?"
Aaron simply humd in agreent, and the two quickly left the room.
Before Erin could protest further, Rowan slipped an arm around her shoulders and steered her toward the door. "Co on, let’s go shop for sothing nice. I know my sister loves shopping."
Erin sighed but relented, letting her brother dodge her scolding. Rafal silently followed them as they left.
The siblings arrived at the market, which reminded Erin of the capital’s bustling streets, though the goods here reflected the distinct culture of the northeast, with unique wares and crafts displayed for sale.
"What do you want to buy?" Rowan asked as they wandered through the lively streets.
"Let’s start by getting sothing for our parents," Erin said thoughtfully. "Then for Brother Euron, my sister-in-law, and... their baby as well."
After a few hours, they finished shopping, had sothing to eat, and returned to the Wynters’ estate. As Erin was staying at the Rainiers’, she left her brothers at the Wynters’ and headed back. It was nearly evening by the ti she arrived.
When she stepped out of the carriage, the servants around her bowed deeply, as they always had. But today, sothing felt different. Their gestures seed more respectful, almost reverent, and she couldn’t help but feel a shift in the air. Unsettled by the change, she ignored it and walked ahead, her heart uneasy at the thought of facing Lucian.
Maya appeared to greet her. "My Lady, I hope you enjoyed your shopping."
Erin nodded and asked, "Is Rina awake?"
"Yes, my Lady," Maya replied and followed Erin as she made her way to Rina’s room.
As they reached the door, they overheard Rina’s indignant voice. "I won’t drink the dicine unless you show where you’re hurt and tell who dared to hurt you! I heard the servants saying you were injured."
"It’s nothing, Rina," Lucian replied patiently. "It’s cold, and it’s not proper for to take off my shirt now."
"No! I want to see where you’re hurt. You’re hiding it from , and I know you don’t feel cold much," she retorted stubbornly.
"Rina..."
"And you need to tell who hurt you! I’ll go and punish them myself," the little girl declared, her voice rough from the effort.
She coughed, and Lucian frowned. "Rina, stop talking so much and just drink this already."
But the stubborn child shook her head defiantly.
Erin entered the room, her steps calm but deliberate, while Maya remained outside as Lucian was present.
"I’m the one who hurt your brother, Rina," Erin said as she walked toward the bed.
Both siblings turned their gazes to her.
"You can punish for that, but first, drink your dicine," Erin said gently.
"Lady Erin, did you really hurt him?" Rina asked, her eyes wide with surprise.
"Yes, I did," Erin admitted.
Rina turned to Lucian. "Brother, I’m sure you must have done sothing to upset Lady Erin for her to hurt you."
Both Lucian and Erin were stunned at the unexpected shift in her deanor. Just monts ago, she was furious and ready to punish whoever had hurt her brother. And now...
Lucian humd softly. "It was my fault."
"I knew it," Rina said confidently before turning to Erin. "I know Lady Erin wouldn’t hurt anyone without a reason. She’s the kindest person I know."
Erin’s heart sank at Rina’s words. This little girl thought so highly of her—kind-hearted? That wasn’t always the case.
Lucian humd again in agreent with Rina’s statent and offered her the dicine. "Drink this now."
Rina obediently opened her mouth, letting Lucian feed her the dicine. She twisted her mouth in distaste. "It’s bitter," she complained.
"I bought candies for you," Erin said with a small smile. "A lot of them. You can have so once you finish your dicine."
At that, Rina quietly drank the rest of the dicine, and her face lit up when Erin handed her the candies. "So many? Thank you, Lady Erin!"
Erin smiled warmly, but her expression softened as Rina spoke again. "Lady Erin, my brother isn’t good at talking, but he cares deeply for everyone. Even if you’re upset with him, please don’t hurt him, okay? Even if he’s hurt, he won’t even tell anyone," Rina said, her words like a polite plea. Her small face looked a little sad. "If he’s hurt, I’ll cry. I feel hurt, too."
Previously, Rina had ensured that Erin wouldn’t feel bad, and now she made sure to convey her ssage politely, all while showing just how important her brother was to her.
Erin felt her eyes grow moist at Rina’s earnest plea for her brother. She imdiately hugged the little girl and said, "I’m so sorry for hurting you and your brother. I promise I won’t ever do it again."
Rina hugged her back tightly. "If he is wrong, you can just talk to him and he will do anything you want him to. He never refuses any requests."
Erin humd softly. "I’ll keep that in mind."
"Your temperature seems to have gone down," Erin noted as she released Rina from her embrace.
Rina nodded. "I feel much better now."
"Good. And look, I got you another gift," Erin said with a gentle smile.
"Where? What is it?" Rina asked excitedly.
"I’ll show you once you’re fully better. It’s in my room."
"Did you buy sothing for my brother, too?"
"I did," Erin replied.
Lucian silently watched the two of them, his heart filling with warmth at the exchange. His gaze softened as he noticed his mother standing quietly at the door, listening to the conversation with a smile on her face.
Mother and son exchanged a silent look, sharing an unspoken understanding, before turning back to watch the two girls continuing their talk.
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