“What, didn’t you hear? To celebrate the princess’s birthday, there’s another party inviting peers and nobles. They said that Eily is also invited. Didn’t brother hear about it?”

“Oh, that party…”

Only now did Gideon seem to understand and asked.

“Do guardians have to attend no matter what?”

“Probably, since we can’t just send the kids. Maybe Eily will go because she likes such places.”

“Yeah, that makes sense.”

Gideon, as if exhausted just thinking about it, nodded and, as if remembering something, asked.

“So, are you planning to go to other places too?”
“Yeah. I heard they’re coming from the Ulphirim Duchy and the Elpisha Viscountcy… Wouldn’t most of them come? Since it’s held at the palace.”

“Yeah, anyway. I understand what you’re saying… So when are you going back home?”

“Brother said he’ll go back after playing with the kids.”

“You, make sure to keep that promise.”

Gideon let out a deep sigh.

While the kids were sticking faithfully to Gideon, Delina enjoyed some leisure time in the study.

After Gideon, who had been playing hard with the kids, became exhausted, Delina, along with the kids, got on the carriage.

“Say hello to Eily. Tell her if we can, we’ll see her at the palace next week.”

“Yeah. I got it… Now, go, go. Your husband must be waiting for you with a dry throat.”

“Anyway… Don’t play too much. I’ll tell everything to Eily.”

“I got it, go, go. Quickly.”

Seeing off Delina as if chasing her away, Gideon looked at the disappearing carriage of the Duke’s mansion in the distance and raised the corner of his mouth.

“At last, at last!”

Unexpectedly, even though Delina and the kids had come, he still had some time left. At that moment, when Gideon was about to enter the mansion.

“What’s this, why are you outside?”

“Dad!”

As if the carriage of Delina disappeared frighteningly fast, Gideon had to face another carriage coming through the main gate. As soon as the carriage came to a stop, Eily and the kids got off, and Gideon’s mouth widened.

“What? Why, why did you come so quickly?”

“I thought about sleeping over, but I was worried about you being alone, so I came quickly. Good, right?”

“Uh…?”

While Gideon was still stunned, the kids on both sides started clamoring for him to play with them. Unable to accept that reality, Gideon covered his face with his hands.

The palace was bustling with party preparations. Servants were busy moving around, and carriages were lining up to enter the palace.

“Zen. Do you want to wait in the palace garden and enjoy the flowers while the party is going on?”

“Is that okay?”

“Sure. I got permission, so it’s fine.”

“Okay then.”

Upon Delina’s words, Zen’s face brightened, and he immediately walked down the corridor. Delina looked at his figure with a contented smile.

When Delina ascended to the Duke’s mansion, Zen followed her and also came to the Duke’s mansion.

Now, Zen had a new job as a gardener for the Diamond Duchy.

Of course, the captain of the Duke’s knights had a very regrettable expression at Zen becoming a gardener. But as long as Delina was satisfied, it was fine.

“Delina!”

At that moment, a voice calling Delina echoed down the corridor. There were Mayerin and a girl with golden hair.

“Meet Her Majesty the Empress.”

“It’s not an official place yet, so feel free to talk comfortably.”

“Is that so?”

As Delina smiled, Mayerin, who also smiled, asked.

“By the way, where’s Eily?”

“She said she’d come, but it seems all the kids caught a cold. So, it was difficult for her to come today.”
“Oh, really? That’s a shame. We finally had the chance to gather as a trio.”

“Exactly.”

Delina, who also smiled with a sense of regret, looked at the child next to Mayerin and spoke.

“Nice to see you after a long time, Princess Elisa. Sincere congratulations on your birthday. The party venue seems fantastic, doesn’t it?”

“Of course. Whose birthday party is it? You can look forward to it.”

In response to Delina’s words, Elisa proudly replied. While doing so, she looked at Tilia and Theo, who were by Delina’s side, and asked.

“How about you? Are you looking forward to it too?”

“Well, um… It’s quite something to look forward to.”

Tilia replied with a voice devoid of any enthusiasm.

“What’s with that face! Look forward to it more! I said, ‘look forward to it’!”

Elisa raised her eyebrows, but Tilia just smirked. Seeing Tilia’s reaction, Elisa pretended to be spirited, and Theo laughed, clapping his hands.

“Yes. We’re really looking forward to it, Princess.”

“Yeah, right? You’re excited, aren’t you?”

Elisa became confident again with Theo’s words.

Delighted to see the children’s reactions, Delina noticed someone approaching from a distance.

It was none other than Calix and Vansent. Below them, children were walking along.