IBTMITL

227

(Florentia's POV)

The sun was about to set.

I arrived at the Lombardi mansion.

The carriage door was already open, but I didn't get off right away.

AS I sat down for a while, two familiar faces popped into the carriage.

"Tia, aren't you getting off?"

"Let's go quickly and have dinner."

As promised before I left the mansion earlier, a dinner was scheduled for the whole family to gather.

"Yes, I will go."

I answered, but my body didn't move easily.

Then Mairon asked me, tilting his head.

"By any chance, even Uncle didn't know?"

"Is Tia really the owner of the Pellet?"

When I didn't answer and looked away, the twins exclaimed "Wow." with their eyes wide open.

"Even Grandpa didn't know?"

"Everyone would be very surprised."

"What if grandfather falls down again because of how surprised he is!?"

"Ah, really! Stop making fun of me, you two!"

I'm so nervous right now, I feel like dying!

When I shouted, the twins burst into laughter wearing the same faces.

Then they shrugged and said.

"Is there anything to be nervous about?"

"Right, it's Tia anyway."

"What do you mean, It's me anyway?"

Gillieu answered my question first.

"Grandfather or Uncle, everyone will be surprised at first, but in the end they will be happy."

"Because it's Tia! Who would think that you can do this?"

Mairon said tapping on my shoulder.

His warm hand wrapped around my shoulders.

"Because we did."

"Although it was a bit sad that you didn't tell us directly."

"But we understand. There must be a reason Tia hasn't told anyone in the meantime."

"You guys..."

When did you grow up like this?

It seems like yesterday that I ran away and make excuses to say I didn't want to play hide-and-seek because I want to read books.

But the playful comfort made me feel at ease.

"Thanks, Gillieu, Mairon."

When I spoke in a slightly weak voice, the twins grinned.

"If you're having a hard time, tell us anytime."

"We will be right next to you and we will protect you."

I grabbed both of their hands tightly and got off the carriage.

My legs feel numb as if I had been dragging my feet.

So one step at a time, I headed to my father's room.

Knock! Knock!

"Dad, I'm coming in."

As I carefully opened the door, I saw my father putting books in the bookshelf.

"Tia!"

Those are my favorite books.