CHAPTER 70: CHAPTER 70: BEHAVE

When Axelius returned to his room, he didn’t bother to change or take off his shoes. He just walked straight to the bed, jumped on it, and sank his face deep into the pillows, letting out a loud groan like the world had just ended.

He didn’t even get to fully enjoy the muffin he stole or laugh at Owen one more time when suddenly—click—the door creaked open, and the soft but clear voice of Millie filled the room.

"Young Master Axelius," she said while bowing slightly, standing at the doorway with two other maids behind her. "The Duke has called for you."

Axelius didn’t even lift his head from the pillow. He let out a muffled sound before saying, "Nah, don’t wanna."

There was a long pause before Millie, her voice a little more urgent now, spoke again, "I’m sorry, Young Master, but we can’t allow the Duke to be angry with you again. Please cooperate."

Axelius let out another loud sigh but didn’t resist when the other maids walked in, gently pulling him off the bed and dragging him toward the bathroom like a sack of potatoes. He was too tired to fight back and too annoyed to care.

He just stood there while they scrubbed him clean, combed his hair, splashed him with expensive soap that smelled like flowers, and poured warm water over his head. After that, they dressed him in one of the grandest outfits he had ever worn—layers of noble clothes in deep royal blue and silver, with buttons that probably cost more than a whole street.

One of the maids carefully tied his long hair into a low ponytail, letting it lay over his shoulder in front. Axelius sat there the entire time with a huge frown on his face, arms crossed tightly, and his body stiff like a statue being forced to wear a crown.

"What?" he muttered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I’m invited to Ellory’s birthday now? Didn’t he say I’m grounded?"

Millie looked a little surprised, her eyes blinking slowly as she asked softly, "You... know it’s Ellory’s birthday?"

Axelius rolled his eyes and let out a small huff. "I heard it while stealing food. Not like you people told me anything."

"Stealing food?" Millie asked,

"Nothing,"

Millie lowered her head slightly in respect and replied calmly, "Lady Ellory personally requested for you to attend, Young Master. That’s why the Duke gave the order... And also to make sure you behave Young Master."

Axelius shifted his eyes to the side, glancing at the other maid who stood quietly behind Millie with a basket of accessories in her hands.

He leaned slightly and muttered under his breath, "That’s why there’s more maids than usual. Tch."

He slouched deeper in the chair, scratching his cheek lazily. "Man... can’t a guy get some peace around here?"

Millie ignored his grumbling and gestured for the final touches to be done. The maids quickly placed a silk ribbon on his coat and dusted off invisible lint, making him look like some kind of tiny prince forced into a role he didn’t ask for.

As they finished, Millie gave him a polite nod. "We’ll escort you to the garden shortly. The celebration is already begun."

Axelius narrowed his eyes but said nothing. His fingers played with the edge of his coat as he stood up, his movements stiff and unwilling.

"Yeah, yeah. I’ll behave... probably," he muttered as he walked toward the door, still frowning. "Only because it’s her birthday. Not because he said so."

Owen bounce behind him, chuckling as he followed along.

As Axelius walked across the marble hallway with Millie and the other maids behind him, the long silver carpet beneath his feet softened the sound of his footsteps, but the presence he carried made more noise than anything else.

A group of nobles stood nearby, holding delicate wine glasses and chatting in low voices until they paused, their heads naturally turning toward the young boy passing through.

Out of respect—or perhaps uncertainty—they bowed slightly as he walked by, their gazes lingering on the unfamiliar child with striking black hair and fine clothing too well-tailored to be anything but custom-made.

"Which house is that child from?" one noble murmured, adjusting his collar as he watched the boy vanish around the corner.

Another frowned thoughtfully, swirling the red liquid in his glass. "I don’t recall any noble house having a black-haired boy... Wait, there is one with black hair, but it was a girl, not a boy."

A third leaned in, curiosity in her tone. "He must be from a high-ranking noble family. Look at how well he’s dressed, and the way the maids treat him..."

The others nodded in agreement, their eyes following where he had gone, their thoughts filled with questions and assumptions.

Axelius, of course, heard every word. A slow, mischievous grin curved on his lips, and he straightened his posture just a little as he walked, lifting his chin as if saying, Yeah, keep guessing.

The garden came into view ahead, lights twinkling in the air like floating stars, music soft and elegant playing somewhere in the background. As soon as he stepped through the decorated archway lined with roses and silk, the gentle murmur of nobles shifted again. All attention turned to the black-haired boy who entered like he belonged there, yet no one could place his face.

"Which house is he from?" a woman whispered behind her fan.

"I don’t recognize him at all," said another man in a pale cream coat. "Do you know who he is?"

Their gazes followed Axelius like he was a puzzle with missing pieces.

Then, among all the watching eyes, one face lit up like the morning sun. A small figure with golden hair and a dress of pale blue ran forward, her shoes tapping against the stone path. "Brother!" Ellory called out, her voice filled with joy and innocence. "I thought you were going to stay in your room!"

Owen’s voice spoke gently in Axelius’s mind, sounding more like a worried older sibling than a floating cat spirit. "Behave. Try talking to Ellory like a real brother, will you? It’s her birthday. Don’t make her cry, you heartless brat."

Axelius rolled his eyes internally, but he exhaled softly and gave Ellory a small smile—the kind of smile he rarely used. He bent down slightly, placing one hand on her soft blonde head.

"Missing your fifth birthday," he said slowly, trying to sound more formal than usual, "is the last thing I’d ever do. Happy birthday, Ellory. I wish you good health, happiness, and may your days be filled with sweets and sunshine."

His voice, though lacking the elegance of a trained noble, held a sincerity that caused Ellory’s eyes to widen in surprise.