A Stepmother's Marchen

Chapter 45

Gently, the young man’s blue eyes, which hadn’t dried yet, blinked and glanced through my face again.

Clear eyes with boyish innocence, the shadow of the dark and dangerous man who he would be oneday were yet to be found.

I was a little embarrassed because I thought I sounded too old, but then he said, “But somehow, every time I see you, I think noona looks sad.”

“…Huh?”

“It’s not something I should say, but God knows why noona has such sad eyes, but I think your nose is always up a little bit. I know I’m younger than noona, but you can also cry in front of me!”

Was he trying to praise me or was he sarcastic? When do I have the time to cry like a child? More importantly, why are children these days so absurd?

“I thought I looked shameless, but I guess not.”

“That’s a lot to be shameless about.”

He, who looked proud, now stood up cheerfully as if he hadn’t sobbed so sadly before. I hesitated for a moment and stood up holding his hand.

“Thank you for meeting me today. Please wish me luck.”

“Luck?”

“From now on, I have to go home and play a game with my father. If I come back alive, I’ll give noona the honor.”

“What are you going to…”

“It’s not a big deal. It’s always the same, but anyway, that’s my problem, not yours.”

Despite his confident tone, I couldn’t help but feel worried. I know it’s not appropriate to meddle in other people’s family affairs, but…

“Hey, Nora. Do you remember what I said last time? If you want to talk to someone, visit me anytime.”

That was all I could do. And the young boy merely responded with a smirk.

A few days after the first snow began to fall, the Christmas banquet was just around the corner.

On Christmas Day, when we celebrate the first time Jesus came to the world, the children came out early in the morning rubbing their sleepy eyes and filling the hall.

It was a great pleasure to see the twins with emerald eyes wide open at the mountain of gift boxes.

Was this how Santa Claus felt like every night before Christmas when he brought presents to good children?

Of course, it had been a long time since I believed in his existence. The same was true for Jeremy and Elias.

They were determined to ruin his younger siblings’ mood in the morning.

It didn’t seem like a Christmas spirit at all.

“Wow, brother, look at this! I guess Santa Claus knew I was a good boy!”

“Who says what is good? Do you still believe in such an absurd story?”

“What? You’re jealous that you didn’t get a present because you didn’t behave!”

“Who’s jealous? And I have presents, too. The fake Santa Claus over there gave them to me.”

“Mom, my brothers keep saying that Santa Claus isn’t real!”

I put my hand on my waist and glared at my two sons, “Jeremy, Elias, why are you saying that Santa Claus doesn’t exist? If you want to get Christmas presents, both of you should behave.”

“I’m just trying to inform my stupid siblings of the harsh reality as soon as possible, right? Is it okay for children to be fools for the rest of their lives?”

“Alright! It would be great if I could become an idiot just like you!”

At last, Jeremy, who was smiling at the twins, exchanged looks with Elias, scratched his head awkwardly and began to help his younger siblings unwrap the gifts.

“Big brother, isn’t this yours?”

“What…? ……Uh, what is this?!”

It was a sword especially made for the eldest son who would become a legend in the future.

It was a Langennes’s dwarven long-sword.. The white sword’s handle was made of gold and ruby.

For how much budget it took to get it, Robert’s mouth was wide open when he saw the receipt..

Jeremy, who immediately pulled out the sword with a skillful gesture and looked carefully at the dazzling white sword, followed by a half-enthusiastic face, looked at me. It was so uncharacteristic that I couldn’t help but laugh.