Elijah on Her Birthday (4)
“Hey… you’re in big trouble.”
Richard said.
And he was right. Every single one of the hundreds of nobles here was staring at me. Especially the men. They glared with axe-like eyes, looking ready to pounce at any moment.
“Who’s that guy?”
“I’ve never seen him among the nobles… no, from his clothes, he’s no noble.”
“You know, that one. The kid Lady Elijah took into the annex…”
I was already half-famous, it seemed. I hadn’t realized. And now, I’d become irreversibly notorious. Haha. How fun.
Blissfully unaware of my inner turmoil, Elijah walked calmly forward. At the end of the red carpet was a raised dais, one step up. Atop it sat a chair so ornate and towering it resembled a throne—too high for Elijah alone to climb, complete with its own set of steps. Once she sat, Lia approached cautiously and removed the steps.
Seated high above, Elijah looked down. Behind her, glimpses of moon deer antlers peeked out.
“Esteemed guests, thank you for gracing us with time more precious than gold.”
Elijah opened her mouth to speak. The little girl’s voice was calm and gentle. Though not loud, it filled the vast hall.
“I sincerely thank you for filling this vast, dark mansion with starlight.”
What’s she saying…? someone muttered beside me. From the voice, it was Lindel. Indeed, metaphors and rhetoric like that were beyond us common folk. The invited nobles smiled warmly and nodded in approval.
“I am deeply grateful and delighted that so many have come to celebrate my humble thirteenth birthday. Though I am the protagonist today, that does not mean you cannot be protagonists as well. For each individual is the protagonist of their own life.”
I stuck out my tongue inwardly and shook my head. Elijah had never seemed like a child even in everyday moments. But this was especially so—her speech, her vocabulary.
“Please enjoy yourselves freely and make this occasion shine with joy.”
The guests applauded. We from the 13th room clapped along in a daze.
“And now, my father—”
My eyes widened instinctively. The moment had finally come to see Elijah’s father in person.
“—the Grand Duke of Bebel, wishes to greet our guests. Please welcome him with applause.”
Elijah smiled brightly and turned her head to the side. I followed her gaze. The spot closest to where she sat—the cluster of golden-haired, red-eyed family around Narcissus. From there emerged a middle-aged man.
A massive build. His belly protruded, but his body was solidly built overall, exuding the thickness unique to the well-trained. His large head and thick beard gave a masculine, rugged impression.
As expected, that’s her real father.
I knew his name. Valak di Bebel. The woman waving toward Valak was Narcissus. Beside her, golden-haired, red-eyed youths of various ages—their children, no doubt. And among them, not a single black-haired person. Not even anyone who resembled Elijah.
Valak stood beside Elijah. Gold and black hair contrasted sharply. Their only similarity: red eyes.
“…Ah.”
Only then did it hit me.
Illegitimate child…
Not a child born to a legal concubine, but one conceived in some reckless indiscretion. A bloodline deemed a mistake and misfortune in itself. In this world, a birth alone that marked one as guilty.
An illegitimate child.
Valak smiled warmly at Elijah. She smiled back. Outwardly, they were a loving father and daughter. Valak gave a brief greeting.
“Please enjoy yourselves to your heart’s content.”
The main banquet began in earnest. Nobles freely formed groups and conversed. The center, naturally, was Elijah. So many people crowded around her that she was barely visible. Her voice carried faintly.
“Milady, a gift from our territory…”
“Gifts are handled separately.”
Elijah’s tone was dry. Rude as it was to cut him off, no one pointed it out. I couldn’t see her expression. Another center formed around Valak di Bebel and his Bebel family. Their group was larger than Elijah’s. Valak, the Bebel family—and Elijah. A blatant distance between them, like fingers spread apart.
“Judas? What’re you doing? Let’s go eat.”
Richard grabbed my arm and pulled.
“Ah, yeah. Let’s go.”
We headed to the dining hall, leaving Elijah behind. For some reason, I kept wanting to look back.
*
The dining hall was buffet-style. Guests could enter freely anytime, eat as much as they wanted, even take food out. We each piled our plates high with meat. The sheer amount was enough to fill us just looking at it.
“Whoa…”
“Haaah…”
Someone sighed in ecstasy as they ate. The savory oil filled their mouth, mingled with spices. A taste they’d surely never had before. Nobles passing by scowled and glanced at us devouring like gluttons—as if we were beggar brats scrounging scraps. The portions on their plates were meager, barely a mouthful.
A few flinched under the nobles’ stares, slowing their eating.
“Hey, don’t sweat the small stuff. Eat up hearty. We didn’t steal it, did we?”
Richard crammed meat into his mouth and jabbed his fork accusingly.
“And you, Judas.” He pointed at me now. “Why’re you so down?”
Even with the protein I’d craved so badly right there, I had no appetite. Because of Elijah. Illegitimate child. Distance. The bruise on her wrist. The isolated mansion. It all clicked together like a completed puzzle. It gnawed at me so much, I couldn’t eat.
What can I do about it anyway…
The opponent was different. The Bebel family. The world’s powerhouses second only to the imperial house. Not comparable to trash like Kael or Garum.
Who do I think I am, some big shot?
I had to stop overthinking.
Just because she’s illegitimate doesn’t guarantee bad relations… tch. What nonsense optimism.
No matter that I knew the future, Elijah’s talents objectively outstripped mine. Her mage gift. That Mad Fire could shake the world. She’d handle it herself. Besides, I was leaving this place anyway. No need to care.
“Isn’t it because you’re realizing the gap between you and the lady?”
“Yeah, that’s it! Seeing her among real nobles, you get it—love that can never be.”
“A status barrier blocking your bond… Judas quietly accepts it, burying her in his heart…”
What bullshit.
The words rose to my throat. But their exaggerated antics eased my foul mood a bit. Seemed I was the only one bothered by Elijah being illegitimate. Did they already know? Or was Elijah, great noble that she was, beyond our place to discuss, illegitimate or not?
“It’s not that.”
I grumbled curtly, stabbing some meat with my fork.
“Sure it’s not.”
Argon chuckled.
“Everyone’s like that at your age. It’s fine, yeah?”
Being treated like a kid by someone way younger than me—was this okay? No comeback, and technically younger in this body, so I stayed quiet.
The meat was damn good. The best I’d tasted since coming to this world.
Doesn’t need to be this luxurious, but if I could eat this much every day…
I shoved Elijah from my mind, thinking of other wishes.
*
After eating, time remained. Invited guests or not, we had nothing to do here. We couldn’t mingle with nobles or build society connections. There were noble-born among us, but none prominent enough to name-drop their houses. If they were, they wouldn’t be guard candidates.
We wandered aimlessly, sightseeing the mansion. My first time in Elijah’s main residence too. I’d always stayed in the annex. Never wanted to come here.
Lush carpets lined every corridor, sunlight streaming through tall, narrow windows. Walls held paintings or potted plants without exception. No neglected corner anywhere. Admiring the noble mansion was fleeting. Not ready to return to our rooms, nowhere else to go, we ended up back in the main hall.
The hall hosted Elijah’s birthday gift ceremony. She inspected select gifts from the pile. Seated high, she clutched the box I’d given her.
“The next gift is from Marquis Vuitton.”
The butler emceeing announced loudly yet formally. The same one who’d rejected my gift earlier.
“House Vuitton, famed for exotic hunts. What treasure has arrived? We’re all eager.”
Head butler Miguel carefully unwrapped the box. A small leather pouch, fitting for a girl. Marquis Vuitton himself stepped forward to explain.
“Crafted from the hide of a great-jawed monster crocodile, hand-stitched by our family artisans. Using our traditional methods, in a color and design perfect for the lady…”
Elijah listened expressionlessly. The marquis trailed off, sensing her boredom, and cut short. She replied indifferently.
“I’ll use it gratefully.”
The marquis withdrew; a maid took the pouch away. As the next gift was about to be introduced—
Our eyes met again. Now it was getting scary. How did she pinpoint me amid this crowd? I averted my gaze, trying to shrink back, but she beckoned. To me.
Everyone in the hall turned.
“What? What’s going on?”
“Isn’t that the kid from earlier?”
“Ah, the one in the annex…”
The crowd around me backed away. Even my 13th room comrades distanced themselves like they weren’t with me. Just to confirm, I pointed at my face. Elijah nodded.
No choice. I approached her. The stares stung. She sat so high, I didn’t need to kneel to look up.
“This.”
Elijah held out the gift box.
“Can I open it here?”
Yes. Of course. It’s yours now—do whatever. Don’t ask me. Why here, of all places, with everyone watching? Was she tormenting me on purpose?
…Hiding those thoughts, I nodded.
“Yes, milady.”
Elijah tore open the wrapping immediately. No dismissal, so I stood awkwardly waiting. Finally revealed: a sleeping black cat doll.
She stared down at it intently. Laughter erupted somewhere.
“Pfft… The taste of the lowly.”
“To think he knew the lady would like such a childish gift?”
“Truly deplorable.”
Voices feigning politeness while mocking. Honestly, whatever. I just wanted to get down from here. Probably true—they had a point. Not a gift Elijah would like. But contrary to my expectations—
Elijah hugged the doll gently. Not tightly, but softly. Somewhere, a squeal of “Kyaa!” like they couldn’t handle her cuteness.
To my confusion, she smiled faintly and asked,
“But why were you holding it? Gifts were collected separately. Didn’t Anna guide you?”
“No, no. She did inform me dutifully.”
“Really? Then…”
Elijah’s head turned slowly. She stared piercingly at the emcee butler—the one who’d rejected my gift.
Their eyes met; his face hardened.
Elijah nodded slowly, smiling.
“…I see. You may go now. Thanks for the gift.”
“It’s an honor…”
I returned to my spot. Was I even walking straight? A few nobles flushed red—not embarrassment, but rage about to burst. One youth glared murderously.
Ah. One of the trash-talkers from before.
I met his eyes and gave a smug, leisurely victor’s smile. Chaos was chaos; payback was payback. What’d I do to deserve the beef? Not that I really thought I’d won. Just returning the foul mood. I even nodded benevolently.
The youth’s face turned beet red but he didn’t act. Probably couldn’t, here.
That evening, back in the room, the 13th room idiots had a heated debate: Did Elijah like me or not? Now she had to overcome the status wall, not me. Madmen. Insulting the mansion’s owner in her own house. Lucky Anna wasn’t around, or it’d be collective execution.
The pointless debate dragged into the night. I sat blankly on my bed, muttering inwardly.
I wish they’d all fuck off.
“Are you insane?”
Narcissus asked. Her eyes seemed ready to shred the cat doll in Elijah’s arms.
“Deliberately shaming the family? That stunt in front of everyone…!”
“But milady.”
Elijah replied calmly.
“I didn’t expect the duchess to try assassinating me. A child’s rebellious heart surged; I couldn’t help it.”
“……”
“I knew you wanted me dead, but not that you’d resort to such measures…”
Narcissus flapped her mouth like a fish. A first for Elijah.
Elijah smirked curiously.
“You already heard, didn’t you? Surprisingly poor at feigning ignorance when hit dead-on.”
“You little…!”
As Narcissus raised her hand—
Elijah just lifted her eyes. Cold red eyes pierced her.
“So predictable. They say the first time’s hard, but it gets easier. Now you don’t even hesitate to touch my face.”
“……”
“But shouldn’t you be careful? Even if not all the mansion’s eyes are on my side.”
Her smiling gaze swept the room. Lia, Miguel. High servants present.
“Attempting assassination, then responding with mere emotional violence? Too easy to misunderstand. Actions speak truer than words—they reveal true intent.”
“I didn’t do it!”
“Of course. I believed you, Duchess. But without evidence, we must both investigate who’s behind it, yes?”
Narcissus choked watching Elijah beam. Chilling child. Too cunning for thirteen.
“We’ll uncover the truth, one way or another. So mind your behavior.”
“I’ll remember.”
Narcissus stormed off thuddingly. Elijah’s smile vanished clean. Exhausting. The banquet dragged into deep night; she’d just endured nobles till now. Her hand stroking the doll stiffened.
“Hmm.”
The doll. Never received one, never wanted one. Fitting for peers her age. But not her. Too childish, and… no, long ago, maybe a bit…
Elijah shook her head, banishing childish thoughts. She must mature faster than others. But she didn’t let go of the doll.
“The butler in charge of gifts today—what’s his name?”
“Hatz, milady.”
“I don’t recall ordering selective acceptance.”
“No, milady.”
“Overstepping fool. Tell Miguel to punish and dismiss him harshly.”
“Yes.”
Elijah stroked the doll unconsciously, sighing faintly. As an illegitimate, true loyalty was scarce. Friction even in trifles. With future deeds in mind, allies were never enough.
“Milady, it’s time for bed.”
“Mm.”
Elijah rose, doll still hugged. Never liked, didn’t now—but not bad. No need to let go.
Lia washed her, dressed her in fluffy pajamas, dried and brushed her hair—Elijah kept the doll close throughout. Lia extinguished the lights as Elijah lay down.
“Peaceful dreams, Eli… Lady Elijah.”
Elijah simply closed her eyes, doll in arms.
Soon, she slowly sat up.
Can’t sleep.
It happened sometimes. She took the insomnia pills prescribed by Doctor May. Still sleepless, she left her room.
“Milady?”
The guard at her door turned.
“Can’t sleep. Fetch Lia.”
“Yes.”
Lia emerged from the opposite room.
“Lady Elijah?”
“Going to study.”
“…Understood. Where to?”
“Magic lab.”
The magic lab in a remote corner of the mansion. Her solo practice spot. Dangerous, built far from the main house. Entry restricted; experiments could injure.
“Pull the bell cord if you need anything.”
“Mm.”
Lia went to the adjacent waiting building. Elijah entered the lab.
Spacious enough as a home. Low shelves crammed with books. The central desk bore traces of last study: open books, flasks, vials. Experiments with alcohol, oil, sulfur liquids to wield stronger fire.
She hung a lantern by the door, lit candles with finger-flame, and began studying. Magic history, manifestation systems. She’d devoured and grasped theories. Practiced manifestations too, but difficult. Still too weak to kill or defend.
Today: history of fire magic inheritance. Origins in Bebel and Helios houses…
Suddenly—
“Lady Elijah.”
Someone entered without knocking. One of her tutors: Marquis Sardis. The man she’d asked Narcissus to replace last time. His gaze crawling over her skin repulsed like bugs.
The tall, gaunt man slithered closer with a snake’s smile.
“What are you doing alone so late at night?”
* * *
“Judas… where you going…”
I woke. Overate earlier—stomach churned.
“Bathroom…”
“Cold out there…”
Grabbing a red blanket nearby over Dillon’s mumble from the next bed.
Why’s the annex bathroom outside…
February nights bit cold. Heading to the outhouse, I spotted Elijah far off. Fluffy pajamas, hugging my doll.
What at this hour?
She entered the building ahead. Lia to the side one. Informal attire—no official business. Studying alone, maybe.
Her birthday, yet busy till late…
Seeing her recalled daytime scenes. Elijah apart from family. Illegitimate fact.
“Hoo…”
My sigh turned to mist. Stuffiness welled vaguely.
After the bathroom, someone entered Elijah’s building. Tall, gaunt build. Pale face snakelike.
…Who?
Unfamiliar face. Past timeline—many unknowns. Late night. Remote lit building. Elijah inside. Man seeking her.
Since learning she was illegitimate, the whole mansion felt off, uncomfortable.
Who worries over whom… Anyway, I’m…
This young Elijah: like the one I knew, yet subtly different. Abuse marks meshed with illegitimate birth. Facts I didn’t know. Unknown past. And one overlapping—another past.
Senior in the same sport. Coach. Director. Summoned peers, girls, boys. Or younger kids. Not limited to my sport.
Back then, I tried my best. But changed nothing in the end…
“…Fuck it, seriously!”
I scratched my head furiously. Hated thinking, now dredging foul old memories too.
No good. If I go back now, I’ll stew and can’t sleep.
Just check. Nothing serious. Who the man was, his tie to Elijah—that’s all.
I didn’t turn back. Instead, activating
Silent Footsteps
I approached the building.
* * *
“Heh!”
Marquis Sardis barked like meting punishment. The small hand reaching for the bell cord was caught.
“Let go!”
Elijah struggled, conjuring fire with her other hand. But it flickered out at Sardis’s glance. She couldn’t beat him magically. Sardis was her magic tutor.
“No fussing.”
He bound both her hands.
“Just a moment, just…”
Elijah’s trembling eyes met his. Those eyes always leering disgustingly. Now black with sticky lust. Terrifying. Being swallowed would erase her.
Sardis had entered praising her late-night diligence, but soon bared his hidden nature. Fleeing his groping repressed desire led to this.
Ah.
Elijah sighed inwardly. Near resignation.
Time slowed. Consciousness detached from reality. She looked back. Her past: a thorny path. Stepping on thorns sown by others. Walked silently, but bled. It hurt. Soles shredded, yet endured.
Straight thorny path. In the blood-lake reflection, she huddled. Knees hugged, crying. Trembling voice cries: Scared. Scared. What’re you doing? Don’t do this to me. Please, just leave me be…
The emotions voicing her heart were her present self. Powerless, terrified, sniveling. Weak self repulsive. Thus hidden beneath blood. But not erased. Erasing even that weakness might forget the sole colored memory.
Sardis’s hand neared.
So weak, I am. So very.
No one to help. Her life always so. No—one. Now dead. Killed by Bebel. By the world. Since, always alone.
Realizing that, heart ached. Breath quickened.
Mom…
If to erase—even the last seed of emotion must be crushed and burned. If killing herself granted power to kill others.
I’ll kill.
Though scared, willingly—me.
In consciousness. Rational Elijah drew her blade. To the throat of emotional, weeping Elijah. Red eyes symbolizing Bebel. Trapped within, orange waves surged. Central pupil glowed bright gold. Sun-like, yellowish. Tears flowed from the sun. Pushed by piled evil, longing, resentment, sorrow.
Eyes wept; mouth smiled purely. Seeing the slow change, Sardis gasped unwittingly.
“No way…!”
As Elijah slit weak Elijah’s throat—
BAM! The door exploded open.
Sardis and Elijah turned. A boy kicked it in. Judas glared at Sardis with gritted teeth, golden eyes bulging.