Under a Dimmed Sun [UNCENSORED]

SII: Chapter LI: Unexpected Arrival

As Albert carefully reviewed the financial records of the estate, his eyes scanning the numbers and figures, he couldn't help but occasionally glance at Alice, who was quietly sorting through a stack of documents and books. The sound of her rustling papers and the flipping of pages was a familiar and comforting backdrop to his work.

Suddenly, they both heard a sound that caught their attention. Isabel, who had been playing on the carpet nearby, began to make some sounds and babble, as if trying to form words.

The little girl was sitting on the carpet nearby, gurgling and cooing happily as she played with some wooden toys. Alice looked up from the documents she was tidying and couldn't help but smile at the sight of her child's innocence and wonder. "She's babbling already," she said, her voice filled with delight. "She's trying to talk to us, isn't she?"

Albert nodded, a proud smile appearing on his face. "She's growing up so fast," he said, his voice tinged with affection. "It won't be long before she's speaking her first words." He then leaned in a little closer to Isabel, his voice taking on a playful tone. "Come on, Isabel," he said, his voice gentle and encouraging. "Say a word for us. 'Mama,' or 'Papa,' or 'dada'—whichever comes first."

Alice's surprise was evident in her voice as she heard Isabel's attempts to say her first words. "Mama..?" Isabel repeated, the sound faltering but unmistakably present.

albert: "Yes, you can also call me Papa in private, little one," he replied with a tender smile. "But in public, remember to call me brother. We have to keep our secret safe, okay?"

As Isabel giggled and babbled, Albert leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her chubby cheek. Isabel, caught off guard by the kiss, let out a squeal of laughter, her tiny hands flailing as she tried to reach for Albert's face in playful retaliation.

Alice chuckled softly at the scene, her gaze filled with fondness. "Look at her," she said. "She's trying to grab you already."

Albert straightened up, a broad grin on his face. "She's such a cheeky little girl, just like her mother," he said playfully, his tone full of affection.

Cateline came in the doorway, her voice changing to a high-pitched, baby-like tone as she spoke to Isabel. "Bonjour, bébé~ Come play with Auntie in the jardin, ma chérie Isabel," she said cheerfully.

Albert, overhearing their exchange, couldn't help but roll his eyes and scoff. "Tsk. You again. Why are you teaching her your ugly language?" he teased.

Cateline, not one to back down, shot back with a playful retort. "Ugly? My language is beautiful and poetic, not barbaric and rough like yours," she insisted. "It's him who's ugly inside out, right Isabel?" Isabel giggles playfully at Cateline's playful expressions.

Cateline continued her comedic charade, babbling and cooing at Isabel like a silly little woman.

"Yes, don't listen to your grumpy brother, dear," she said in a sing-songy voice. "Auntie's language is the prettiest in the world, isn't it?"

Isabel's laughter grew louder, her tiny body shaking with excitement as she watched Cateline's performance. "See? Even Baby Isabel agrees," Cateline declared, glancing at Albert with a smirk.

Cateline reached down and lifted Isabel into her arms, the little girl giggling gleefully at the sudden movement. "Come on, little one," she said playfully. "Let's go play in the jardin. We'll leave these two boring adults alone to do boring work." With that, Cateline exited the library, carrying Isabel with her. The door closed behind them, leaving Alice and Albert alone in the room with each other.