Becoming the Villain’s Family - Chapter 352
Chapter 352
If she said one more word, she might be treated as someone who didn’t even know her family history, let alone basic knowledge.
For some reason, she could sense the familiar scent of her uncle from the unfamiliar Ugo.
Both had blonde hair and striking features, creating a fleeting similarity in their aura.
‘Could he be a hidden child?’
It was unlikely, but Elaina recalled some rumors.
‘Amarente Ugo is said to be a genius of the century and is being considered for early admission to the Academy.’
She initially thought it was an unbelievable rumor, knowing that parents often boast about their genius children.
Especially nobles, who would go to great lengths to enhance their family’s reputation.
‘At least it’s not completely baseless.’
In times when she missed Vincent dearly, here was someone who could serve as a stand-in.
To be honest, she saw him as a burden.
He seemed to her like an unnecessarily expensive glass ornament that needed to be carefully handled.
But looking again, it felt like he was glowing from behind.
“Why are you looking at me like that…?”
Ugo rolled his eyes in confusion, mixed with subtle anxiety.
“No, it’s just that you look so beautiful all of a sudden.”
Elaina carefully folded away the unpleasant feelings that often arise when encountering a bothersome genius.
She smiled widely, a genuine smile that came from her heart.
“Let’s hold hands.”
“Pardon?”
“Quickly, hand.”
When she reached out her hand and made the request abruptly, Ugo fumbled and hid his hands behind his back.
His reaction was as if he had encountered a pervert, and Elaina puffed out her cheeks.
“You know that if I read your memories, you won’t need to explain the content of the book.”
After a moment of silence, he hesitantly replied.
“I must ask out of concern, but…?”
It was amusing that a child who had barely left his childhood would use the expression ‘out of concern.’
Even Elaina, who knew the term, was unusual for her age.
“What is it?”
“If we hold hands, will you only be able to read memories related to the demigod Noah?”
“That’s impossible.”
Of course, she might be able to do so when she is older and more accustomed to controlling her abilities.
“Can you read not just memories, but also thoughts and emotions?”
“Well, that’s kind of how it works…”
“Then I really don’t want to.”
This kid?
“Of course, it would be uncomfortable for you to have your innermost thoughts read, but is this really the time to worry about that?”
“I’m not uncomfortable.”
“Then what is it?”
“…I just don’t want to.”
Ugo stubbornly insisted, his face flushed red.
“I won’t care about your thoughts and will try my best not to read them.”
“Don’t say it like it’s something that can be achieved with effort.”
“Well then, I’ll pretend I didn’t read them.”
“That’s even worse!”
Elaina continued trying to persuade him, but it was having no effect.
In fact, it felt like he was puffing up his tail like a cat, threatening her to ‘Try touching me!’
Why does she have to act like she was desperate to hold hands with this little brat?
“Hey, fine. If you don’t want to, then don’t.”
Exhausted from trying to persuade him, Elaina let out a sigh and flopped onto the sofa.
Ugo, who seemed the most mature and communicative among his peers, still acted like a child in odd ways.
Did he value his pride and reputation more than his life? It was a very noble trait, after all.
‘Sigh. Was this how Luca felt?’
Taking care of a child?
They had a lot in common, especially since Elaina had inadvertently become an old soul by reading others’ memories.
When she met Luca again, she realized she had to avoid throwing childish tantrums and treat him well.
“If you really don’t want to, then just talk until your mouth gets tired.”
At that, Ugo’s expression brightened.
It was an irritatingly sincere look of relief.
Elaina, with a sulky face, shoved a piece of bread into his mouth.
“I’ve wanted to ask since earlier, is this bread? The texture feels like crumpled paper…”
“Just eat what I give you.”
Ugo frowned as if he was chewing on a rock, but surprisingly, he ate the bread without any complaints.
Then, he began his lecture on mythology.
They planned until morning, and before anyone realized, they both fell asleep.
Another week passed.
Fortunately, there were no shocking incidents beyond the village’s religious rituals.
The zealots were still out of their minds, fully believing she was the daughter of Noah.
With this artificial peace, everything was flowing according to plan.
The only concerning point was…
“You’re surprisingly high-maintenance.”
Elaina’s offhand comment struck Ugo right in the heart.
He pursed his lips tightly, shooting her a look as if she was oblivious to everything.
“It’s not my fault if the food tastes bad.”
Elaina had been working hard to fatten up Ugo, who had grown thin from the stress.
But instead of gaining weight, he seemed to be losing more as the days went on.
It wasn’t surprising, given his picky eating habits.
He had to gain some weight to make excuses for being offered as a sacrifice.
‘But then again, it’s strange if ancient food suits his taste.’
The spices were certainly different from modern ones.
But the main reason was that it wasn’t cooked by the family’s hired chef.
Perhaps Elaina, who took after Lloyd, would eat anything put in front of her.
“A heavenly young master is different, huh?”
“What does Lady Valentine mean by that?”
He shot back sharply, but Elaina shrugged and offered him a piece of meat on her fork.
“Here, Little Ugo, ah-.”
“Please don’t.”
He retorted sharply and snatched the fork away.
Elaina chuckled but then lowered her voice, putting aside her playful tone.
“We can’t postpone this any longer. There will only be more things to turn your stomach, so eat now.”