Chapter 23

I quickly approached the two of them.

Eugene, startled to see me, tried to run away, but I swiftly grabbed his hand.

I then walked over to the officer with silver hair.

He was a tall, handsome man with fine features, and judging by his hair color, he was definitely an Esaht.

‘The Esahts were people who had lost their country and were massacred.’

The few who barely survived had all taken refuge elsewhere.

I bowed my head solemnly toward the officer.

“Major, I apologize on his behalf. I’m truly sorry.”

I recognized his rank as major from his insignia.

He must have earned that rank by risking his life to reclaim the rights of his lost nation and people.

Even though he now belonged to another country.

At my apology, the young major smiled good-naturedly.

“It’s all right. He’s still a child who doesn’t know any better.”

“Thank you for being so understanding, but I don’t think we should just let it slide because he’s a child.”

The major’s blue eyes widened slightly, then softened kindly.

“I don’t wish for him to be scolded or punished. I’m truly fine.”

“No. Nothing will change if we do that. People with white hair will remain monsters in Eugene’s memory and he’ll remain a spoiled child in yours. I’ll talk with him first to see why he thinks that way, so could you wait a moment?”

He stared at me for a moment, then nodded with a faint smile.

“Understood. I have no plans after this, so I’ll wait.”

I took Eugene and moved to a spot a little ways away.

Taking the child’s hands, I looked into his eyes.

Eugene avoided my gaze and struggled to escape.

“Let go! That hurts!”

I tried to make eye contact with Eugene and spoke in a firm tone.

“You’re the one hurting yourself. I’ll let go when you’re ready to talk to me instead of running away.”

Seeing people’s eyes on him, Eugene’s face turned bright red and he soon broke down in tears.

I released his hand and asked in a gentle voice.

“What is this white-haired monster you were talking about? Can you tell me where you saw it?”

Eugene was also a victim of the war and must have suffered trauma because of it.

Perhaps he had a bad memory involving someone with a similar appearance.

Eugene, pouting as he tried to hold back his tears, sniffled and lowered his head.

“There’s a white monster in a book that eats kids. The bad monster ate the main character’s friends.”

“Can you tell me the title of the book?”

Eugene wiped the tears from his eyes with his sleeve.

“The Frost Queen.”

“Was it really such a cruel story…?”

With a slightly confused look, I gently wiped Eugene’s tears.

“So that’s why you were scared. But that’s just a story in a fairy tale. The Major and I don’t eat children. We’re people just like you, and our white hair is a natural trait. Don’t you think it would hurt to be called a monster?”

I explained in a calm voice.

Eugene said nothing, his face sullen.

“Adults also get hurt and feel sad.”

As I continued, Eugene’s lips parted as if he wanted to say something.

He seemed hesitant, so I waited patiently, but he said nothing in the end.

“The Major saved many children during the war. Isn’t that amazing? Why don’t we go hear what brave stories he has?”

“...”

This time, he followed me without resistance.

I approached the Major and explained why Eugene had said what he did.

The Major, who had been listening attentively, put his officer’s hat back on and spoke.

“I see. My hair color must have seemed strange since it’s so rare, and it looks like I approached too hastily. Eugene, I’m sorry.”

The Major turned his head and smiled at Eugene.

Eugene, wearing a conflicted expression, kept his gaze on his feet. But he didn’t apologize.

“I want to go. I need to use the bathroom.”

Eugene looked so distressed by the situation that I simply let him go.

Watching Eugene’s back as he fled, I gave the Major an awkward smile.

“It’s hard to make a child understand an adult’s thoughts. Forcing an apology won’t change anything either, so please wait a little longer. He’s a good kid, so he’ll realize his mistake and apologize soon.”

What needed to change wasn’t outward words or actions, but the thoughts on the inside.

If you leave prejudice alone, it hardens and becomes a lifelong belief. Once that happens, it will be difficult to change.

So I decided to be patient and try, even if it took time for him to realize it on his own.

“It takes time to understand other people in the first place.”

He stuck his hand out for a handshake.

“I’m Major Isaac Rodriguez of the Federal Army Headquarters. Are you perhaps an Esaht? I’m not familiar with the people in this residence, you see.”

I grabbed the hand he extended and shook it.

“I’m Cynthia Queensguard. I’m not an Esaht, but just someone who was born with a lack of color.”

I didn’t bother to mention my genetic condition.

Instead, I handed him the macarons I’d bought earlier and continued—

“It’s not much, but here’s a gift. There’s also a dinner banquet tonight, so do join us if you can.”

He looked quietly at the box of macarons, then gave me his characteristic gentle smile.

“I’ll enjoy them well. I won’t be able to attend as I have a prior engagement tonight, but if you invite me next time, I’ll be sure to come.”

After that, I handed out macarons to the other officers and non-commissioned officers and invited them to dinner as well.

Unlike the snarky soldiers under Massera, the officers above the rank of major accepted gladly and thanked me. Of course, I could see through the charade.

‘Well, their promotions are on the line, after all…’

That’s just how social life is—you have to look good even to those you don’t like.

***

Major Isaac Rodriguez watched Cynthia as she walked away, holding her parasol.

He belonged to the Federal Army, and this was his third visit to the Luthemia Republic.

It was why he didn’t know that Cynthia was Massera’s fiancée. He simply assumed she was one of the noble daughters who had ties with the residence.

However, it was clear that she was a thoughtful and warm person.

After all, if she had harbored prejudice against the Esahts, she would have demanded what he’d done to the child.

He had experienced countless instances of prejudice and discrimination in his life, so he intended to dismiss this incident as one of those many situations.

“Nothing will change if we do that.”

Rather than correct the child’s behavior, she first tried to talk with Eugene and understand what had prompted him to say such things.

‘I was the one who was prejudiced. I assumed everyone thought poorly of Esahts… when the child couldn’t possibly know.’

“You see, the scary villain in the fairy tale Eugene had read has white hair. Eugene doesn’t really like me either, and because of that book, it seems he’s afraid of people like us with white hair.”

In her bright expression, he could feel her consideration and desire not to hurt anyone.

Even under the shade of her parasol, her sparkling red eyes, lively face, and flawless smile held a power that put others at ease.

Originally, he had planned to leave at once for the Esaht autonomous territory, but changed his mind and decided to stay in the Republic for the time being.

It was because he found himself curious about Cynthia.

“...I want to know more about her.”

He took out a lemon-colored macaron and took a bite.

Normally he wouldn’t touch sweets, but the soft sweetness that crumbled in his mouth felt pleasant in a way it hadn’t before.