“And you must have heard the name of the other teacher.”

A playwright, composer, conductor, and music educator, currently enjoying the highest popularity in high society as the artist behind a famous opera.

I once went to see his opera with the children. And I remember quite liking it.

Just to add, in case you’re wondering, I absolutely did not hire him out of personal interest.

“I don’t particularly like that person’s work. The characters are too emotional and seem to act without any reason at all.”

“Is that so?”

“I’m not fond of love stories.”

While Kardiel and Euphemina expressed their dislike one after another, only Chersion offered a somewhat different impression.

“I love it! The main characters are such good people! Especially the duchess…!”

In any case, the music education was planned to focus more on Chersion. It was fortunate that the child liked the teacher.

“By the way, new mother.”

Kardiel asked.

“Would it be possible for me to learn swordsmanship?”

“Swordsmanship, you say?”

Oh, this was rather unexpected.

‘I didn’t think he’d want to learn it again.’

Kardiel had been learning swordsmanship since he was young.

He was so diligent that for years, he would run to the training ground every morning without missing a single day. He might skip meals, but never training.

It was admirable for a child of just five years old.

At the time, I thought the child might be seriously dreaming of becoming a knight.

But a few years later, I learned the cruel truth that I had been greatly mistaken.

The swordsmanship instructor was a scoundrel who, with my husband’s approval, used training as an excuse to inflict violence on Kardiel.

It was a moment when I hated myself for casually dismissing the bruises spreading like boils on Kardiel’s skin every day, thinking that’s just how training was.

Of course, I fired that bastard and made sure he could never hold a sword again for the rest of his life.

It’s still a secret from the children because it’s too shocking a story.

“Why suddenly swordsmanship?”

Anyway, Kardiel had been subjected to violence under the guise of training.

Worried that bad memories might resurface, I asked cautiously.

“For the sake of cultivation.”

Kardiel answered plainly, without expression, as if my worry was unfounded. I was even more taken aback.

“Cultivation, you say?”

“Shouldn’t a noble man who will inherit a title at least have a knighthood?”

“Hmm.”

That’s not necessarily true.

Of course, all noble men are supposed to be appointed as knights, and they are appointed.

But that doesn’t mean everyone must have the martial prowess befitting a knight.

The loyalty to the king and country that one must swear upon becoming a knight.

The king appoints all noble men who come of age as knights solely to receive that oath.

Well, not just the king, but also the lords who can perform knight dubbing.

Anyway, the conclusion is, if you only want the title of knight, there’s no need to arduously learn swordsmanship.

After all, whether you like it or not, when you come of age, you’ll be summoned before the king to swear allegiance and receive the title of knight.

Kardiel must know that.

“Be honest with me. It seems there’s clearly another reason.”

I asked with a gentle smile. Only then did Kardiel sigh briefly, as if he had no choice, and reveal his true feelings.

“…I feel a bit regretful that I didn’t learn properly when I was young.”

“I’ve asked before, but you’re not seriously thinking of becoming a knight, are you?”

“I will become the Duke of Daiern.”

“You could be both a knight and a duke.”

“I’ve never thought about that.”

“I see.”

Anything is fine. I support Kardiel. After all, he’s a child who has never asserted himself under that tyrannical husband until now.

‘Then I’ll have to find a swordsmanship teacher too…’

Where could I find a decent person?

“Ah.”

Suddenly I realized there was no need for that. I remembered the incredibly impressive resume I had seen earlier in the day.

I shuffled through the resumes of the tutors I had brought to introduce to the children. I could quickly find Lord Joseph’s.

Indeed.

“Come to think of it, I heard Lord Joseph can also teach swordsmanship.”

“Lord Joseph, you say?”

It seemed quite unexpected, as the children’s gazes all turned to the resume in my hand.

Now that I think about it, I’m a bit surprised too. It’s one thing to have academic qualifications, but to have mastered swordsmanship to the level of being able to teach others as well.

And to think he was even invited to be a professor by the headmaster of the Academy.

‘Really, what on earth did he do for a month?’

No matter how I think about it, regression is cheating.

The ability to know the future, I’d like to have that too.

“Yes. Of course, if you’re not keen on it, we can look for another swordsmanship teacher. It might take some time, but it’s not too difficult to find a teacher who has received formal knighthood.”

After pondering for a moment, Kardiel answered.

“If it’s alright, could I decide after seeing Lord Joseph’s sword skills? Or perhaps after receiving one or two trial training sessions?”

“You want to choose carefully, I see.”

“Yes.”

Perhaps the emotional wounds haven’t healed yet, given what he experienced from the swordsmanship instructor.

“Let’s do as you wish. I’ll talk to Lord Joseph, so you don’t need to worry about it, Kardiel.”

“Thank you, new mother.”

“By the way, you know that learning swordsmanship doesn’t mean you can attack people, right? The sword is for defense.”

“I know.”

Kardiel answered with an expressionless face. Even though he’s my son whom I’ve lived with for 10 years, sometimes I really can’t tell what he’s thinking.

But he’s a good child, so I suppose that’s why he’s grown up so well without going astray until now.

Looking at the admirable and proud Kardiel, I smiled with satisfaction. Though the stoic Kardiel avoided my eyes, seemingly embarrassed.

Hmm, then I should tidy up the training ground behind the mansion and buy a few items in preparation for swordsmanship training.

I’ll need to stock up on clothes for training, protective gear, practice swords, and plenty of medicines.

“Euphi, Chelsi. Is there anything in particular you want to do?”

At that, both children’s hands went up simultaneously.

“I do.”

“Me! Me… Ah, Sister Euphi, you go first.”

At Chersion’s yielding, Euphemina spoke up without hesitation.

“I need flower pots. The one I cherished broke last time. And many flowers in the greenhouse have died. I also want to plant trees in the garden. Really big ones.”

That doesn’t seem like something she wants to learn.

Anyway, I’ve long known that Euphemina shows great interest in growing plants and managing the garden.

While learning something is good, allowing her to fully indulge in what she likes will also be beneficial for her emotional well-being.

Especially since from now on, she’ll have to focus on tedious and difficult etiquette lessons with the Viscountess of Baden.

I should invest heavily in hobbies she can enjoy during her leisure time.

“If you have any specific seeds or seedlings in mind, tell the gardener. If not, we can go shopping together. We can look at flower pots while we’re out.”

“Great! Let’s do that! When are we going out?”

Euphemina’s face bloomed like a flower as she bounced up and down.

Before I knew it, the child had come into my arms, nuzzling and acting spoiled.

Oh my, when she was younger, she was small and nice to hold.

‘She’s grown quite big now. She might be ready for marriage.’

No, what am I saying?

Absolutely not. She’s only fourteen. Besides, I intend for our children to marry for love.

“Chelsi, what about you?”

“Me! Me!”

Chersion’s chubby cheeks were flushed with anticipation as he waited for his turn.

He looked so cute that I wanted to poke his cheeks, but unfortunately, I was held captive by Euphemina.

Finally, Chersion spoke in an excited voice.

“I want to raise cute animals!”

“That’s not something you want to learn either.”

“Learning music from Teacher Ernestine is enough!”

Yes, yes. Taking care of pets is indeed good for emotional well-being.

My beloved children. Now, let’s do everything you want to do.

A quiet time when the midnight moonlight lingers in Kardiel’s bedroom.

Normally, he would be asleep by now, but for some reason, Kardiel was fumbling through a long sleepless night.

The reason was Lieselotte’s disciplining voice that kept echoing in his ears.