Chapter 4: The Fastest Way to Become a Successful Fan (4)

“Ah!” An exclamation of wonder broke out from my lips.

Even as I was excited, I instinctively tried to keep up my social façade. I told myself multiple times to keep my calm, but when the 10-year-old Abel stood before me, my will melted away like ice cream in the summer.

This was my first time seeing him up so close.

Fine, jet-black hair and crimson eyes that shone like rubies; full, soft cheeks on a babyface and lips that you just want to smooch! He wasn’t related to Hades by blood, but they looked alike enough to be mistaken as such. It made sense why no one questioned Hades’ claim that Abel was his love child. I had no doubt in my mind that Abel would grow to bear a striking resemblance to his father.

“Ah, ah….” Small exclamations kept escaping my parted lips against my will.

‘No!’

I couldn’t be facing Abel grinning like an idiot. So, I quickly covered my mouth with both hands. My brow folded into a slight frown with disappointment at myself for my lack of composure.

‘This isn’t a dream… right?’

My first thoughts on seeing 10-year-old Abel, whom I’ve only imagined in my head while reading the novel?

‘Hallelujah!’

I had the hallucinations of rose petals falling on top of Abel as the Sanctus sung by Libera resounded in my ears.

‘Oh god, he’s so dazzling!’

There wasn't much sun here in the North, where the weather was gloomy 365 days a year, but it felt like a ray of light came out of the blue to prevent me from admiring Abel’s beauty.

I instinctively narrowed my eyes. Nonetheless, I continued to search for Abel’s face amidst the blinding glare.

Finally, when the lump of light came near enough for me to recognize it, I thanked God again.

‘Now I can die without regrets! Once again, hallelujah!’

“U-Umm….”

Abel’s face was still hidden by the light, but I heard his flustered voice.

My body wobbled from the overwhelming thrill of finally meeting my bias.

“Lady Aisha!”

Hades’s surprised voice rang out, and his hands quickly rushed to support me from behind.

“Are you okay? Were you that startled?”

“Oh….”

I couldn’t really make out what Hades was saying. His words all just sounded like the buzzing of bees to my ears.

Because Abel’s radiance was too dazzling, I covered my eyes with my hand in Hades’s arms.

“Abel Louvremont,” a voice full of anger rang out all of a sudden.

Hades’s voice shattered my brief dream and I was forcefully pulled back into reality.

“What are you dawdling around for? Did I not instruct you to apologize for your insolence?”

So what if his precious son opened the door without knocking? He didn’t have to scold him like that!

I lowered my hand and glanced at Hades disapprovingly.

He was watching Abel with a stern expression.

In truth, Hades only had himself to blame for Abel’s mistake.

As an avid reader of <Persona>, I knew better than anyone else that he raised Abel without strict discipline and regulation, showering his son only with endless love and encouragement.

So I wasn’t sure why he was suddenly pretending to be a strict father.

Abel seemed a little surprised by his father’s angry reaction. He looked up at me hesitantly, his lips nervously flinching with a panicked look on his face. He was so adorable!

How could he be so adorable? I was pretty sure that if I died right there, it would have been because of cuteness overdose. I could feel my heart beating faster and faster every passing moment.

“L-Lady Heathcliff, I wasn’t aware you were here and made a mistake. I am terribly sorry for behaving disrespectfully.”

W-What do you mean you’re sorry?! There’s nothing for you to be sorry about! In fact, I’m grateful to the gods for this opportunity — or so I wanted to tell Abel, but I knew I shouldn’t.

I mustered up my remaining patience to stop myself from saying what was really on my mind and barely answered.

“…Not at all.”

I was immediately worried that my answer might have come off as too cold.

Abel must have thought so too, as he couldn’t even look at me in the eye as he continued, “Umm…. I wanted to thank you very much for the gift you sent me previously. I-I should have thanked you much sooner. Please forgive me.”

Gasp-

I quickly swallowed my breath and covered my mouth with my hand again. Abel was talking about the very first gift I sent him: the sacred Sword of Sanctcria. It was a treasure from a ruined Imperial family, which the 18-year-old Abel acquired after much struggle in the book.

But how could I sit by knowing that Abel would end up gravely injured while trying to obtain it? I searched high and low for the sacred sword, and finally, I was able to trace it to an antique shop somewhere in the fallen Kingdom of Sanctria.

As is true for many stans, I did not necessarily want my bias to understand all the troubles and efforts required in loving my bias.

I was satisfied knowing that Abel would put my gift to good use.

But right now, at this very moment, Abel mentioned the gift I've sent him in person and even said thank you to me with a shy smile on his face.

Ahh…. Was I now what they call a successful fan?!

“Ah, Lady Aisha. I know that the sacred sword was intended to be sent to me. but I asked him to hold on to it for me since I thought it would fit my son better. I hope you don’t take it the wrong way,” Hades suddenly intervened with a troubled look on his face.

What are you saying? Didn’t you see who it was addressed to? I made sure to write Abel’s name in my best handwriting on the prettiest card I could find!

‘This narcissist….’

I looked back at Hades, a hint of disdain on my face.

“You may leave, Abel. Come find me later if you have something to talk about.”

Damnable Hades was trying to dismiss Abel right away.

‘No! Abel! Wait!’

Unfortunately, the words in my head never reached Abel.

Guilt was still clearly visible on his face as he bit his lips, bowed, and hurried towards the door.

“Pardon me for my intrusion, Lady Aisha.”

“Oh, err….”

I couldn’t stop Abel from leaving. His tiny back and short, chubby legs were giving me a heart attack all over again, and I could feel my breath getting heavy.

I took my hands off my mouth and slowly took a deep breath.

Perhaps this was for the best. I couldn’t afford to faint from a weak heart in front of Abel.

But just now… that was so much! To meet the perfect male lead Abel in person, and although it may not enough to be considered a conversation, we shared a few words.

The effect it had on me was truly massive.

10-year-old Abel was simply too adorable, even more so than I’d ever imagined.

I found myself thinking I’d gladly sell my soul to the devil just to watch him grow up by his side.

And he hadn't even done anything yet! How was I supposed to keep my heart from malfunctioning in the upcoming chapters when Abel really started to shine?

“You don’t look too well. Allow me to apologize again on Abel’s behalf. Despite what you’ve just witnessed, he’s usually a very good and mature child. I’m sure given some time, he’ll grow more fond of you….”

Hades began to ramble.

I could practically read his mind. Clearly, he was worried that I wouldn't like being Abel's stepmother.

But his concern was simply unnecessary. I’d devoted almost all of my previous life to stanning. I’d be the last person in the entire universe to turn against Abel. In fact, after seeing Abel up so close, a sudden compulsion was starting to take root in my mind.

“Let us continue the discussion from earlier. What was it you wanted to say? I believe you mentioned something about our marriage….”

At that moment, the image of Abel running towards me with an angelic smile and calling me mommy in his sweet little voice unfolded in my mind.

‘Oh, god.’

“Is there something you’re uncomfortable with? If it’s because of my son….”

“No, it was nothing,” I replied with a smile, “I promise I’ll be a good wife.”

Though truthfully, rather than being a good wife, I really just wanted to be Abel’s mother.

After all, what better way is there to fangirl Abel than to become his mom?

“That’s all I wanted to tell you.”