"My uncle."

My face scrunched up upon this little child's response. I didn't want to judge this uncle of his, but it was hard not to at this point.

"He he. Is that so?" I awkwardly responded, finding it hard to articulate my pure thoughts.

Who wouldn't? This child believed people went to hell instead of heaven. And his wording too. His mother died while his father was tortured to death.

A sigh slipped past my lips. Wasn't that too cruel? But that's reality for us.

Being tortured, stoned, or burnt to death were just a few methods of execution. I wonder what grave sin his parents committed to receive such judgment.

"Auntie, you look pale."

"Am I?" I smiled subtly before my entire face suddenly stiffened.

Auntie?? Did I look that old to him? Not that I mind, but the way he said it somehow made it sound like an insult.

"Is it because of your age? You shouldn't walk around in a crowded place, Auntie. You might faint." The little boy advised in a rather cold, yet innocent tone.

I could tell he was concerned. However, shouldn't he worry he got separated from his uncle?

"Hah…" I sported a forced smile on my face. "This big sister is alright. I am more worried that a little boy got separated from his uncle."

"Big sister?" He tilted his head to the side. "Auntie doesn't look like a big sister."

A vein immediately popped out from my temple. For reasons unknown, I felt this child was purposely pressing my nerves.

Normally, I wouldn't mind whatever people call me. Living as a peasant was akin to being a sibling with the dirt.

However, I was strangely annoyed at this title. Did I get somehow sensitive after being treated like a noble lady?

Humble yourself, Lilou! Don't forget your origins and parentage!

I reminded myself internally, slapping my soul to wake up. This shouldn't bother me.

"Auntie, are you alright?" I snapped back to the current lapse upon hearing the child.

"Ah. Yes!" I offered an awkward smile. "We will look for your uncle, alright?"

"Uncle said he'll be back." With his same adorably indifferent tone, he frowned and looked down.

"Huh?" My brows furrowed. "You mean…"

"My uncle said I should wait for him here."

Momentarily, my mind buzzed with puzzlement. Did that mean he didn't get lost? Did his uncle purposely leave him here? How cruel!

How could a man leave a child all alone?

"That uncle of yours…" I trailed off as I ground my teeth. 'I'll teach him a lesson.'

The rest of my words drifted through my mind. How could a person be so irresponsible? This child could be in harm if left alone for too long.

"Did he say where he is going?" I gritted my teeth as I calmed my nerves down.

"No. He left yesterday."

"Ye — yesterday?!" I gasped upon hearing this information. "Have you been waiting for him since yesterday?"

My gaze fell down on his clothes. Although I could tell that his clothes were made out of the finest silk, dirt had clung on to him.

I then shifted my eyes towards the concrete ground. Did he sleep in here last night?

My heart ached for this unfortunate child to have such an irresponsible uncle. Did he abandon his nephew?

"You…" I pursed my lips as my voice cracked. "… do you want to come with Auntie?"

"No. My uncle will worry if he comes back and I'm not here." He shook his head, sounding utterly sincere.

I sighed. This child… he would just wait for his uncle without knowing he abandoned him.

Such precious innocence and trust. Even when his words were cold and sometimes cruel, he was still a child, after all.

"Why don't we wait in another place? I will have people waiting here if ever your uncle comes. Waiting here alone with so many people around can be dangerous for a child." Still, I didn't want to tell him he got abandoned.

If I let him alone in here, he'd just wait for nothing. It would be better to take him in and ask Cameron to look after him.

It was a little shameless request of me. But I couldn't just abandon this child. He's too young. I may be a lowborn species, but if this little power of being Sam's future wife could make me do this much, I'd gladly use it in this type of situation.

The child pursed his lips, hesitant. I understood him since I was a stranger.

"If you don't want, then…"

"Alright." Before I could finish what I wanted to say, he agreed.

That was quite easy. I thought he would try to reason out with me. Even so, I'm pleased he trusted me.

"I only agreed because it is Auntie. I don't think Auntie will hurt me." He explained, his cheek tinting with a light shade of red.

He's too adorable. My heart softened as a subtle smile plastered on my lips.

"Auntie will look after you for now, alright?" I smiled, ignoring how he addressed me.

I offered my hand for his little hand to clasp. "Have you eaten anything? It's about time for lunch."

The little boy darted his adorable cerulean eyes from me to my hand.

"Aren't you hungry? I will buy you food since I'm also a little hungry."

Honestly, I'm not that hungry. Sam made me a heavy breakfast this morning. But I didn't want this child to feel uncomfortable. And so I beamed at him with a harmless smile.

"Alright…" Slowly, he reached out to me and held my hands with his little hand.

I flinched a little as soon as grasp his hand. My heart ached for how cold they were to the touch.

He had spent all night waiting here in the open. That uncle of his… I won't forgive him.

"Your hands are cold." I said, rubbing his hands with my hands and blowing it gently.

Suddenly, his hand stiffened as I felt an icy chill ran down my spine. Just by his aura alone, I immediately figured who it was.

Sam.

"I remember this day is supposed to be Lilove and Sam's day. Did I remember it wrong?"