As their conversation deepened and Theo began to open up, he shared a story that Horace Silverblade had once told him, a tale that Theo found hard to believe. “Grandpa told me I fell onto a rocky boulder while playing with Brother Ryan and hit my head. After that incident, I barely remember anything, but it feels strange considering I don’t have any mark on my head. When I woke up, I didn’t even have a headache…”

Liliana listened intently, her heart tightening. This secret of Theo’s was something she knew more about than even Horace Silverblade himself. The memory of that day was etched in her mind, but she couldn’t reveal the truth to Theo just yet, given the sensitivity of the matter.

She took a deep breath to calm herself, then probed gently, “So, you think they are hiding something from you?”

Theo nodded, a shadow of confusion clouding his eyes. “It’s suspicious considering how Mother and Father treat me... Even if I’m adopted, shouldn’t they show some warmth? But all I see in their eyes is mockery, as if I’m just a burden. I don’t understand how someone can disdain their child so. If they disliked me so much, why did they adopt me in the first place? I know I should trust Grandpa, but this is all too puzzling…”

Liliana’s expression softened, and she leaned in, her eyes sparkling with a mysterious glint. “If you really care so much about your past, then I can help you uncover the truth…”

Theo looked at her, puzzled. “How will you do that?”

She glanced upward, lost in thought for a moment, then met his gaze with slight hesitation. “Umm, I’m not sure yet, but now that we are friends, I’ll try to gather some clues about your past…”

A flicker of hope brightened Theo’s face. “I appreciate it...”

Time slipped by unnoticed as they were engrossed in their own world, oblivious to the ongoing festivities. However, their conversation eventually concluded when Evander Whitemoon signaled it was time to leave. Before departing, Liliana placed a silver bracelet in Theo’s wrist, the silver catching the light with a soft gleam.

"Keep this," she instructed gently. "I don’t want you tumbling down another stony boulder and forgetting all about our friendship, so this will protect you against any harm," she quipped with a light-hearted smile. "Also, it’s a token of our friendship. Whenever you look at it, remember you’re not alone." Even though Theo harbored doubts about the story of his fall, Liliana's intent was genuine—she truly wished for his safety.

He looked at the bracelet, then at Liliana, a soft smile spreading across his face. “Thank you, I’ll treasure it.”

As Liliana walked away, she glanced back over her shoulder at Theo, her face lit with a hopeful smile. Theo watched her departure, feeling a deep, inexplicable connection to the girl who had quickly become his friend.

Around them, the curious and envious eyes of the Silverblade Manor's guests followed her every step. Brian, in particular, watched with a sour expression, his envy thinly veiled as he observed the casual warmth Liliana Whitemoon showed towards Theo—a warmth he had hoped to receive himself.

"Must be nice to catch the eye of royalty without even trying," Brian muttered to his peers, his voice tinged with annoyance, yet he held back from saying more, wary of his grandfather's likely disapproval.

The grand hall resumed its vibrant festivities, but for Theo, the world had shifted. He had made a friend, and that friendship gave him a glimmer of hope for the future.

Three weeks later, Liliana returned to visit Theo, this time with a surprising invitation. As Theo approached, she grabbed his hand and pulled him towards her carriage.

Grandpa Horace raised no objections; after all, it was under a royal decree from the Emperor himself that Theo was to accompany his daughter.

Inside the carriage, it was just Liliana, Theo, and the coachman—no guards, no attendants. When they arrived at their designated location, the coachman helped them unload the supplies at a secluded garden, then, Liliana sent him off to take a stroll, ensuring they wouldn't be disturbed.

Theo sat on a soft blanket spread under a majestic tree, surrounded by a flurry of butterflies and the sweet scent of blooming flowers. Meanwhile, Liliana busied herself setting up firewood and cooking area.

After she finished, Liliana turned to Theo with a playful challenge. "I’ve prepared the firewood, now it’s your turn to cook."

"Don't people usually bring prepared food to such occasions? Why do I need to cook?" Theo raised an eyebrow, somewhat amused by her unconventional approach.

"I want to eat something freshly cooked, and I'm curious to see if you can actually cook," she countered with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Sighing in resignation, Theo replied, “I'm not a chef, but sometimes when Grandpa is away and the family servants forget about me, I have to fend for myself… Let’s see what I can whip up.” He got up and moved towards the makeshift cooking area, ready to tackle the challenge Liliana had set before him.

Liliana assisted by fetching utensils and cooking pots, while Theo skillfully handled the knife, chopping potatoes and setting the rice to cook. Once everything was on the stove, the quiet sizzle and pops filled the air, mixing with the soft rustle of the garden.

After about fifteen minutes, Theo had managed to whip up a simple yet hearty meal. On the makeshift table lay a plate of golden potato fries, a pot of gravy with potatoes and beans, a side of rice, and a comforting bowl of split pea soup.

The inviting aroma wafted through the air, stirring a hunger neither had noticed until now.

Liliana eagerly scooped up a spoonful of the gravy and tasted it. “It’s good,” she hummed appreciatively.

Theo raised an eyebrow, “I didn’t know you could lie so convincingly.”

“Why would I lie when it's genuinely good?” she retorted with a sharp gaze.

“I haven't even added salt to it yet, so...” Theo pointed out with a half-smile.

“Oh…” Liliana’s voice trailed off, caught in her little white lie.

“Here, try the potato fries while I finish seasoning the dishes,” Theo offered, passing her a bowl filled with crispy fries. Liliana accepted it, her cheeks tinged with a light blush from the gentle ribbing.

As they continued their meal, Liliana seemed to enjoy the array of dishes, while Theo contentedly settled for what remained—mostly rice and a bit of the vegetable gravy. He didn’t mind; his focus was not on the food but on the company.

Just then, the coachman approached, carrying a tray with what appeared to be a cream-covered rectangular confection—a cake, it seemed, elegantly presented.

Theo looked puzzled as the coachman placed the dessert on the table and retreated. Noticing his curious gaze, Liliana explained, “It’s called Regalcakevallo. It’s a tradition in the royal family to share this cake with family and friends on birthdays or special occasions.”

Theo’s curiosity deepened. “Is it your birthday then?”

Liliana shook her head, “No, Sir. It’s your birthday.”

Theo was both touched and puzzled by the unexpected gesture. "Grandpa didn’t mention anything about my birthday..." he murmured, his voice filled with confusion and a hint of surprise.

"Let's cut the Regalcakevallo first," Liliana urged, gently placing the knife in his hand. Theo hesitated, his fingers tracing the delicate rose petals engraved on the handle, a symbol of beauty amidst the blades' sharpness.

As Theo awkwardly attempted to slice the cake, Liliana couldn't help but smile at his innocence with such an ordinary task. She reached over, guiding his hands with hers, helping him to make a perfect slice. Then, in a playful manner, she took a piece and fed it to Theo, who was clearly taken aback by the intimate gesture.

"Happy Birthday, Theo," she whispered softly next to his ear.

Overwhelmed by the sweetness of the cake and the warmth of her gesture, Theo struggled to articulate his gratitude. "How did you know it was my birthday?" he finally managed to ask, curiosity overriding his initial shock.

Liliana paused, her eyes twinkling with mischief and pride. "I've been gathering clues about your past," she confessed, a smile playing on her lips.

Theo's eyes widened, astounded by the reality of her efforts to unravel the mysteries of his past.

Seeing his reaction, Liliana's expression turned serious, "I also discovered you're not adopted. You are actually the direct grandson of Horace Silverblade's sister, who was married into another family. It’s a secret known only to a few.”

The revelation hit Theo like a wave, leaving him momentarily breathless. "So, I'm really part of the Silverblade family?" he asked, processing the information with wonder and disbelief.

"Yes, you are very much a part of the Silverblade lineage," Liliana confirmed with a nod. "It's a secret known only to a few, including the Emperor and your grandfather. And now, you and I as well."