After comforting Momo, the children soon brightened—and then, as if united by a common cause, they scampered over to the courtyard.
There, they gathered around Idir… to cheer on the ghost-crying vine.
"Hit harder!"
"Serves you right!"
Idir felt a dull ache in his chest. So this was what it felt like… to be collectively disliked by a group of children.
He let out a quiet breath. Well, he had been in the wrong.
His gaze drifted toward Momo, who was still nestled beside Nina.
I'll find a chance to make it up to him… later.
Around the courtyard, other males had begun to take notice.
Pado had just returned from outside. Seeing Idir being punished again, he blinked in surprise.
"…Why is he getting beaten again?" he muttered. "And this time it's Lady Nina's ghost-crying vine."
That meant the punishment came directly from her. Hadn't he just been beaten a couple of days ago?
"What did he do this time?"
"He abducted our Momo," Ridan said angrily.
