Linia Took in a Child - Chapter 4: The Pursuer (4)

After that day, Ruin continued to visit Linia’s room daily. Each time, he brought an unknown flower, likely picked from the garden, and handed it to her. Linia simply thanked him without saying much else. She was too busy hiding her growing anxiety to think of anything more to say.

The boy, however, never seemed disappointed or suspicious of her quiet demeanor. He behaved as he always did—curling into her embrace and acting like an affectionate child. Linia, unable to bring herself to push him away, endured his behavior each time, reassuring herself that it was just for a few minutes.

“…Would you leave now?” she said softly, looking down at him as he lay with his head resting on her lap. “I have other things I need to do.”

Though he looked reluctant, Ruin obediently sat up.

“I’ll come again tomorrow,” he said, pulling her into a hug before leaving.

After he was gone, Linia glanced at the flowers in the vase. The blooms Ruin had brought over the days hadn’t wilted in the slightest; they remained fresh and vibrant, as though they had just been picked. It was as if Ruin deliberately selected the most perfect flowers each time.

The sight of the flowers only made Linia’s heart heavier. Was he doing this purely for his own amusement, or was there another reason? Why go through the trouble of picking flowers every day and coming just for five minutes? Linia couldn’t fathom his motives.

A sudden knock on the door broke her train of thought, and Linia rose from the bed. A servant informed her that Russell was waiting for her downstairs.

Throwing on a light cardigan, Linia headed to the front of the mansion. Outside, the familiar carriage was parked. With the coachman’s help, she stepped into the carriage, where Russell was already seated. It was the first time they had seen each other in person since their last meeting, though they had exchanged letters through the servants.

“It’s been almost a week since we last met. Have you been well?” Russell asked.

“Yes, I’ve been fine. And you, Russell? I hope nothing troublesome has occurred.”

“No, I’ve been fine as well. I’ll explain as we ride,” he said, tapping twice on the carriage door. The carriage began to move, and for a few moments, the two sat in silence before Russell spoke again.

“You mentioned in your letters that nothing unusual had happened. Has there truly been no change in the boy’s behavior?”

“…No. He’s been the same as always,” Linia replied hesitantly.

“I see.”

Russell nodded briefly and then informed her that the royal mage and knights were scheduled to arrive at the estate in two days. He also revealed that he had discreetly informed his father and brother about the situation.

“We plan to disguise the mage as a guest and invite him to the mansion,” Russell explained.

He outlined the plan to Linia. They intended to arrange a simple meal where the mage could observe Ruin up close without raising his suspicion. After much thought, Russell believed this was the best way to get the boy to interact with the mage without arousing suspicion.

The challenge, however, lay in Ruin’s tendency to avoid unfamiliar people. Russell emphasized that Linia’s cooperation would be crucial.

“That’s why I must ask for your help, Linia. Would you be able to bring him to the dining room?”

“Yes, I’ll talk to him and make sure he comes,” Linia replied without hesitation.

It wasn’t a difficult request, and her immediate agreement seemed to ease Russell, who gave her a small, grateful smile. Yet, concern still lingered on his face.

“The plan should be safe as long as the boy doesn’t sense anything. If it turns out his appearance is an illusion, and he really is the one we suspect, then… I’ll arrange for all the staff to be evacuated to our family’s main estate.”

“Then… please make sure Sophie and Bessie are taken there as well. I’m begging you,” Linia said earnestly.

Though she felt guilty asking for such a favor, ensuring Sophie and Bessie’s safety was more important to her than anything else.

“Of course,” Russell said, his tone both firm and kind. “Naturally, you’ll be going with them as well, Linia.”

His piercing blue-gray eyes were serious, his expression unyielding.

“I’ve already informed the staff at our family estate that guests will be arriving. Please begin packing your essentials. My family will ensure your safety.”

* * *

“Tomorrow is finally the day…”

Linia thought to herself as she gazed out the window. Tomorrow, the mage would arrive at the mansion. Depending on what the mage revealed, the peaceful scenery of the estate could drastically change. Linia felt an unrelenting tension grip her heart, constricting her breath.

She exhaled deeply in an attempt to calm herself when she heard the door open. Turning toward the sound, she saw Ruin enter at his usual time. His small hands were filled with white and yellow flowers, freshly picked.

Ruin approached her, lifting his head with a bright smile.

“These are for you. I picked even prettier flowers today,” he said, holding out the clumsily arranged bouquet.

Linia accepted it with a soft “Thank you.” Though her smile was forced and awkward, Ruin seemed delighted, his eyes crinkling with happiness.

“Linia, can I have a lap pillow today too?”

Grasping her hand, Ruin guided her toward the bed. Linia let herself be led, stopping just before sitting down.

“Ruin,” she said, her voice soft yet hesitant.

It felt strange to say his name again after so long. Meeting his innocent, expectant gaze, Linia spoke again.

“I have something to tell you.”

“What is it?”

“Tomorrow, we’ll be having dinner together with everyone. It’s been a while since we all ate together, and you’ll join us too.”

“Will Linia be there too?”

“Yes,” Linia said with a nod. “I’ll come to your room beforehand, and we’ll go together, alright?”

“Okay! If Linia’s going, I’ll go too!”

Ruin’s excitement was palpable as he tugged on her hand with enthusiasm. Startled, Linia instinctively loosened her grip, causing the flowers in her hand to slip and scatter onto the floor.

As the flowers fell, Ruin bent down to pick them up. Linia hurried to do the same, crouching beside him.

“I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to drop them,” she said, her voice tinged with guilt.

“It’s okay. I know Linia wouldn’t drop them on purpose,” Ruin replied in a calm, matter-of-fact tone.

Linia’s heart clenched at his response, her guilt compounded by the memory of the handkerchief she had discarded days earlier. Her hands froze for a moment as she stared at the boy. His small hands moved slower now, picking up the scattered flowers with quiet focus.

“And… I know too,” Ruin said, his voice breaking the silence. “I know that Linia doesn’t really like seeing me anymore.”

“That’s not true, Ruin. It’s just because I haven’t been feeling well,” Linia said quickly, attempting to reassure him.

“You’re lying…” he murmured. “Lately, you never smile when you see me. You don’t even pat my head anymore.”

His voice trembled slightly, and his shoulders slumped. The confident, mischievous boy from earlier was gone, replaced by a child who seemed deeply hurt. His voice grew quieter as he continued.

“But it’s okay. Even if Linia hates me… I could never hate Linia. You’re the only person who’s ever loved me.”

Linia couldn’t tell if his words were sincere or another act to manipulate her. Still, the sight of him, head bowed, speaking in such a fragile voice, stirred a deep sadness in her heart.

“If Linia hates me, I’ll really be all alone…”

His words sounded like a plea—begging her not to despise him. Linia forced herself to look away, focusing on gathering the last of the fallen flowers. When she stood, Ruin looked up at her, startled.

“Linia… do you hate me now?”

He clutched at her hem, his small hand trembling slightly. His young voice quivered as he spoke. Linia couldn’t help but think it might all be an act, yet her heart grew unbearably heavy.

When she didn’t respond, Ruin lowered his head again, lips pressed tightly together as if trying to hide his hurt.

Linia’s resolve faltered. She knelt down again, bringing herself level with him.

“Ruin, look at me,” she said gently.

Slowly, Ruin lifted his head. His silver hair glowed faintly in the fading light, framing an expression of sadness and vulnerability. Linia couldn’t help but think this angelic image had deceived her, pulling her into his grasp.

Even so, she couldn’t bring herself to push him away. To her, he still looked like a fragile, wounded child, desperately afraid of rejection.

Linia’s mind drifted back to the day she had named him. She had spent days and nights agonizing over what to call him, knowing that one day, when his memories returned, he might no longer use that name.

In the end, she chose the name Ruin, which means “one loved by God.” She had thought it suited him perfectly. To her, he had seemed like a child who was destined to be loved.

And despite everything, that belief hadn’t entirely disappeared.

“I don’t hate you,” Linia said softly, wrapping her arms around his small frame.

“…And I don’t want to hate you either,” she whispered.

In her heart, Linia prayed silently to the heavens. She begged for her suspicions to be proven wrong, for the boy before her to truly be Ruin—and nothing more.

* * *

Ruin glanced up at Linia, walking beside him. For the first time in a long while, she was dressed formally. Her hair was loosely pinned up, and her simple dress lacked much ornamentation, yet Ruin found himself unable to look away.

“Linia, hold my hand,” he said.

When she turned to him and took his hand, he smiled even brighter. He knew this wasn’t just an ordinary dinner gathering, yet he couldn’t help but feel an odd sense of amusement. No, it was more than that—he felt happy.

Over the past few days, Linia had been distant, avoiding his gaze and barely speaking to him. But yesterday, she had softened. She had embraced him, gently stroked his hair, and even smiled at him again.

Linia’s heart was weak when it came to children—he was certain of that. Even as she doubted and distanced herself, she couldn’t fully push him away.

Of course, if his true identity were revealed, she would undoubtedly turn her back on him for good. She might even look at him with hatred, her eyes hard with disgust. But for now, Ruin intended to enjoy this facade of innocence for as long as he could.

‘Should I ask her for a kiss?’

The lighthearted thought crossed his mind as they reached the dining room. Inside, two figures were already seated. One was the familiar dark-haired Russell, and beside him sat an older man who exuded a dignified presence.

“Ah, you’re both here,” Russell said, rising from his seat. He walked around the table to pull out a chair for Linia.

Ruin watched the gesture with a calm expression before quietly taking the seat beside Linia.

“Allow me to introduce you, Linia,” Russell said smoothly as he returned to his seat. “This is my grandfather. Originally, other family members were supposed to join, but their schedules didn’t align.”

As Ruin listened, a faint sneer curled the corner of his lips—though he kept it hidden. He had seen this man before, at a banquet two years ago. If his memory served him right, the older man was a mage named Hilton Slode. Judging by his calm demeanor, it seemed he didn’t recognize Ruin.

‘They wouldn’t send just this old man. The others must be waiting elsewhere.’

With these leisurely thoughts, Ruin observed the pair’s performance of pretending to be grandfather and grandson. Then, he shifted his gaze to Linia, sitting beside him. She seemed a little tense, her expression betraying her nervousness.

“Linia.”

He wondered what she was thinking but chose to speak about something else entirely.

“Why aren’t you eating?”

“…I was just lost in thought. Pass me your knife—I’ll cut your food for you,” she said, looking down at him.

“That’s okay. I can do it myself now,” Ruin replied confidently. He picked up his knife and expertly cut a piece of meat before holding it up to her with his small fork.

“Here, eat this,” he said with a smile.

Linia hesitated briefly before taking the piece of meat he offered. A small smile graced her lips as she chewed, and for a moment, Ruin was certain she wasn’t doubting or wary of him at all.

“Now feed me,” Ruin said suddenly, tilting his head expectantly and parting his lips slightly, like a baby bird waiting for food.

Linia froze, unsure of how to respond. But her hesitation didn’t last long. She cut a piece of her own food and gently placed it into his waiting mouth. Ruin chewed for a while, clearly enjoying the taste.

“Linia,” he said after swallowing.

She assumed he was going to ask for another bite, but his next words surprised her.

“I wish every day could be like this.”

The innocent, childlike wish brought a faint smile to Linia’s face. His joy over something as simple as a shared meal made him seem like a genuine child—a belief she found herself clinging to.

“I want to eat delicious food every day, read lots of fun storybooks, and stay happy like this with Linia forever,” he added.

“I’m sure that can happen,” Linia replied softly. But her smile faltered, her lips growing heavy. She couldn’t help but fear that this fleeting sense of normalcy might vanish after tonight.

“Yeah, I’ll always stay with Linia,” Ruin said, smiling brightly. Then, he turned his head toward the two figures sitting across the table.

“But if anyone tries to get in the way, I’ll hate them very much.”

His voice was still light and innocent, like a child’s. But the laughter that had filled his eyes just moments ago was gone, replaced by a cold emptiness that sent a chill through the room.

* * *