Karl turned and looked back at his brother’s study. He knew that once again, he was getting involved in something his Old Demon Brother would disapprove of —but he had no other choice.

With his savings depleting day by day, he needed to find a way.

Since his brothers clearly wanted him to become independent —he would find a way to do just that.

With that thought, he didn’t linger any longer. Turning around, he walked away, heading toward the stairs.

However, just as he was about to pass by Eira’s room, he paused. His head slowly turned, and he glanced inside—only to find the room empty.

His brows furrowed.

It had been a while since he came here —but even after so long, he hadn’t seen the little one anywhere.

Shouldn’t she be in her room?

"Little Eira," he called out softly as he stepped inside to check.

The bed was empty.

The play area too.

Just as he had thought —the girl wasn’t there.

But if she wasn’t in her room, then where was she?

He was about to turn and leave when he suddenly halted again.

His eyes caught the faint silhouette of the little girl standing in the corner of the room, near the window.

"Darling," he called again, walking toward her. "You’re here. I almost thought you weren’t in your room and was about to rush out to look for you."

"..."

Eira didn’t respond. She didn’t even turn to look at him.

She simply stood there by the window, quietly staring outside.

Karl frowned slightly, but with patience, he crouched down beside her and asked again, "What are you doing here?" His gaze followed her line of sight. "Are you waiting for someone?"

Eira finally turned to look at him. Her eyes were slightly tearful, but she shook her head.

"Then?" Karl asked, glancing outside again. "Why are you standing here like this?"

"..."

Eira didn’t answer. She remained silent, letting him guess on his own.

Karl couldn’t quite understand her silence. After thinking for a moment, he settled on what seemed most likely.

"Are you feeling bored?"

Eira neither nodded nor spoke.

"You must be feeling bored staying at home all this while," Karl said, the crease between his brows deepening with guilt. "Why didn’t you tell your uncle? I would’ve taken you out."

He had never lied when he said Eira was his favorite. He loved her too much to see her like this —quiet and withdrawn.

"Since you’re bored at home, how about Uncle takes you out? Will you come?" he asked, waiting for her response.

However, before Eira could answer, Karl’s phone rang again.

He pulled it out and checked—once again seeing his friend’s name flashing on the screen.

"One second, sweetheart. Let Uncle sort things out with his friend first," he said, excusing himself as he answered the call.

"Pier," he spoke into the phone, "I’m not coming today. If you want, you can go on your own."

"But Brother Karl, didn’t you say you’d come?" the voice on the other end asked.

Karl glanced at Eira and reached out to gently caress her face. "I did say that before, but now I think I’ll take my sweetheart out instead. She seems to be getting bored at home."

"Your sweetheart?" Pier echoed. "Your one-and-only favorite niece?"

Karl hummed in response.

"Then why don’t you bring her along?"

"She’s just a kid," Karl frowned. "It won’t be appropriate to take her there."

"It won’t be inappropriate," Pier insisted. "Brother Karl, we’ll book a private room. I have some money —it won’t be an issue."

Karl paused to think. Then, glancing at Eira, he asked again, "Are you sure?"

Pier reassured him from the other end—

Only then did Karl agree.

"Fine. Arrange the private room and send me the details. I’ll get there."

With that, he hung up and turned back to Eira.

"Baby, Uncle will take you out to play. Will you come?"

Eira paused for a moment. Her gaze flickered back to the window —only to be met with the same disappointment again.

It had already been two days, yet her Mama hadn’t shown up.

She had told her they would meet again, but —

She had waited in her Dada’s office yesterday ... and at home today ...

But she didn’t come.

Had she forgotten her again?

If she had... how would she make her remember her?

"Eira?" Karl’s voice pulled her back. "Will you come with Uncle?"

She blinked, then nodded softly. "Eira will go with Fourth Uncle."

Karl smiled when he heard her answer.

Standing back up on his feet, he extended his hand toward her. "Then let’s go."

The little girl slipped her small hand into his, holding it, and together, they walked out of the room.

As they descended the stairs, Karl spotted the housekeeper around the corner.

He stopped near her and said, "If my Brother asks for Eira later, let him know I’ve taken her out."

The old lady glanced at the little girl. Then, smiling, she nodded, watching them leave the house.

She didn’t think much of it. Seeing how upset the girl had been since yesterday, she felt it might actually do her good to go out and play.

Perhaps it would cheer her up.

—————

Meanwhile —

On the other side, Adelyn checked the time and realized it was already evening.

She had spent the entire afternoon playing —so engrossed that she had even forgotten about lunch.

Only now, when her stomach growled in protest, did she realize just how long she had gone without eating.

Walking toward the kitchen, she thought about cooking something. But halfway there, her mood faded.

Stopping mid-step, she muttered to herself, "Eating out once in a while shouldn’t cost much..."

With that decision made, she grabbed her phone and jacket before heading out without further hesitation.

On her way, she dialed Nigel’s number. 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

After a few rings, the call connected.

Hearing his voice from the other end, she said lightly,

"Cub, tell me a good place nearby that can satisfy my stomach without emptying my wallet."