CHAPTER 71: CHAPTER 71: THE SIXTH

For a moment she just stared up at him, her cheeks glowing with delight. Then, without another word, she wrapped her arms around him, clinging like a little squirrel that found its tree.

"I’m so happy you came!" she beamed. "Come on! I’ll introduce you to my friends!"

Axelius blinked, caught off guard by how tightly she held on to him, but he didn’t push her away. Instead, with a resigned sigh and a sheepish smile, he let her guide him across the garden.

As they walked past groups of nobles—men and women standing with grace, holding tea or wine, wearing tailored suits and gowns with glittering accessories—they all turned and bowed politely. Axelius did the same, giving short, polite nods, keeping his eyes steady and shoulders straight.

"Did you know the Duke had another son?" someone whispered as he passed.

"No... but look at him. He must be from the Dravenhart line."

Axelius heard all of it. Every little murmur, every curious stare. He didn’t know whether to be proud or annoyed, but at least no one was treating him like a street kid today.

Finally, they reached a round table under a tall tree decorated with hanging crystal lanterns. Four little girls sat around it, their dresses elegant, their hair done perfectly, and their manners polished.

They laughed softly, like the sound of bells, their voices high and graceful. The moment they noticed Ellory approaching, they stood politely, setting down their teacups.

"Lady Ellory," one of them greeted, her voice light and formal. Her eyes then glanced toward the boy beside Ellory.

Ellory beamed, letting go of Axelius’s arm. "This is my other brother!" she said proudly, lifting her chin. "His name is Axelius Dravenhart. He doesn’t usually come to parties, so you’re lucky today."

The girls’ eyes widened knowing his a Dravenhart and at once they bowed like proper noble daughters, lowering their bodies slightly and holding the edges of their dresses with both hands.

Axelius stiffened.

Oh no. Here we go again, he thought, watching them like they were made of porcelain and might break if he breathed too hard.

"Allow me to introduce them," Ellory continued cheerfully, pointing to each girl in turn. "That’s Lady Marianne of House Velcourt, Lady Hannah of House Edulhardt, Lady Clarisse of House Lioren, and Lady Hestia of House Arundale!"

The four girls smiled sweetly, each of them saying, "It’s an honor to meet you, Lord Axelius," almost in perfect unison.

With all eyes watching, Axelius stepped forward and returned the greeting properly, one hand pressed lightly against his stomach, the other behind his back as he gave a practiced, graceful bow. His dark hair shifted with the movement, catching the light as though dusted with shadowed silk. The four noble girls, who had already bowed, blinked in surprise at the unexpected refinement of his manner.

But Ellory, still clinging slightly to his sleeve, leaned close and whispered with a small bump to his side, "Brother, you’re supposed to kiss their hands..."

Axelius shot her a sidelong glance, almost like seriously?, but then smirked faintly. Fine. If she wanted charm, he’d give her charm.

With deliberate grace, he reached out and took Lady Marianne’s hand gently, bowing just slightly again as he brushed the top with a light kiss. "Lady Marianne," he said smoothly, "Your hairstyle today suits you. Very elegant for someone so young."

The girl’s cheeks turned soft pink, and she glanced down shyly, mumbling a thank you.

Next was Lady Sylfia. "Lady Sylfia," Axelius murmured, lifting her hand in turn, "I admire your composure. I bet you’re the calmest among your friends."

Sylfia blinked, caught between surprise and an almost delighted giggle.

Then to Clarisse, who had been watching quietly. "Lady Clarisse," he smiled, "that flower on your ribbon—it fits you perfectly. Graceful and bright."

Lastly, Lady Hestia, who’d looked the most serious. "Lady Hestia," he said with a slight bow of his head, "you seem like the smartest one here. I hope Ellory learns from you."

All four girls were visibly blushing now, fidgeting with their dresses, unable to hide the smiles curling on their lips.

Ellory puffed up with pride, eyes sparkling like a proud little queen presenting her secret weapon. Hehee, you can’t resist my brother Axel’s charm!

She clung to his side again with even more affection, while Axelius, trying not to make a face, allowed it.

Owen’s voice snickered in his head, amused as always. "Look at you, Mr. Rizzmaster. You charmed all four of them—but failed completely with the taller black-haired girl earlier. Brutal."

Axelius almost rolled his eyes, but stopped himself before his face gave anything away.

Turning to Ellory, he lowered his voice. "I forgot something. I left your birthday gift in my room."

Ellory gasped, her eyes immediately twinkling. "You got a gift for me, brother?!"

He smiled faintly, almost shyly. "Yeah. I’ll be back soon."

She nodded excitedly, rocking on her heels while still hugging his arm. Axelius turned back to the girls and bowed politely. "Ladies," he said, "please excuse me for a moment."

As he walked away from the table, Ellory was practically glowing, too happy to contain herself. Behind him, the girls giggled and whispered things like, "He’s so charming," and "Did you see how smooth he was?" and "He’s really cute..."

Axelius only shook his head lightly, exhaling with disbelief. "Aren’t they just four to five years old?" he muttered under his breath. "What are they even giggling about? I can’t take this seriously..."

But then—he felt it. A shift. A chill in the air not from the wind, but from glances. He subtly looked to his side, catching the eyes of nearby nobles who’d been watching him earlier with vague curiosity. Their expressions were different now—tight, skeptical, full of judgment. Whispers began to rise like an unseen fog.

"That boy... he’s that Dravenhart child, isn’t he? The sixth?"

"Oh my. He almost fooled us with those manners..."

A noblewoman in pale green whispered behind a fan, tone sharp. "How could the Duke allow his bastard into such a formal party?"

"I heard the rumors. That’s the boy born without a mana core. A noble in name only..."

"Such a shame for House Dravenhart," another muttered, voice dripping with pity. "To have a son like that, useless in power and status both. The Duke must be struggling to manage the shame."

"It would’ve been better to hide him, honestly."

Axelius heard all of it. Every single word hit his ears, even though he didn’t look their way. His steps didn’t falter, his back didn’t slouch—but the glint in his eyes dimmed slightly, the faint smile he’d worn long gone now.

He kept walking until he passed under an ivy-covered arch, turned a corner, and slipped into the quiet part of the estate where no music reached, no laughter followed. Finally, alone, he leaned against the stone wall, then slid down with a quiet sigh until he sat on the cool ground, legs stretched out and eyes staring at nothing in particular.

"I don’t like this party-party," he mumbled.

His fingers brushed the edge of the ornate jacket they’d made him wear, and his lip curled faintly.

"It’s just fake smiles and pretending to be something I’m not..."