An Unexpected Proposal

October 8, 2020@@novelbin@@

Cabelenus moved his thumb, pushing against the pendant. With a small amount of force, it clicked open with a faint sound.

"…She’s still drawing, I see."

Her skill had improved significantly compared to before, but even so, he recognized Alicia’s work at a glance. There were still drawings she had made left in Schwarhan.

"Of course, my mother is a painter."

"A painter?"

"When she paints, my uncle sells them for her."

So that’s how they were making a living in that small village. Cabelenus let out a bitter smirk as he looked at the woman smiling inside the pendant.

"Not to brag, but my mom’s paintings are pretty popular these days. She even got an offer from the artists' guild in a big city."

"…Then why is she still here?"

"Mom says she’s not that good yet. I think she’s amazing, but she said she wants to practice more."

"…"

"But my uncle told her otherwise. He said she’s meant for greater things, that she should be working somewhere bigger than here."

Cabelenus pressed his lips together as he watched the child chatter on, completely unaware. He didn’t know the exact reason Alicia hadn’t left, but he could guess well enough. Her priority had always been Mikael.

"When you see my mom’s paintings someday, make sure to praise her, okay?"

"Alright."

Cabelenus nodded but then paused. There seemed to be a hollow space behind the picture inside the pendant. Instinctively, his fingers moved to pull the drawing out, but he stopped. If he forced it, the paper would crumple beyond repair.

"…It probably doesn’t mean anything."

It wasn’t some artisan's piece—just a mass-produced trinket that could be found anywhere. It wasn’t unusual for cheaply made items to have empty spaces inside to save on materials. Nothing particularly suspicious about it.

"I'm only lending it to you. You can't take it, understand?"