[Rynthall Estate—Night]
"Come along, my little darling," Theoran said proudly, scooping Elysia into his arms. "Grandpa will tell you an amazing story—full of dragons, knights, and—"
Elysia blinked at him, deadpan. "Grandpa… your stories suuuck."
Theoran froze mid-step, clutching his chest as if stabbed. "S-SUCK?! What foul sorcery is this? Where did you even learn such a cursed word?"
Elysia tilted her head innocently, then grinned. "Aunt Seraphina."
Theoran's jaw dropped. "That wicked woman! Corrupting my precious little star—!"
Behind them, Silas pinched the bridge of his nose and muttered, "Seraphina is ruining my daughter's innocence one word at a time…" He exhaled deeply as Theoran carried Elysia down the hallway, the child already demanding, "Fine! But if your story is boring, I'll fall asleep on purpose!"
Silas shook his head, watching the pair disappear. "And Father still thinks I'm the problem."
