Rodrigo seemed a bit embarrassed, but in the end, he decisively concluded that I was prettier. I playfully ruffled his hair and gave a kiss on his fair forehead.

“Thank you, Rodrigo.”

Rodrigo giggled, making a sound of laughter.

“But, by any chance, do you know where Lord Tesmilion is?”

“He said he’d be at the royal palace.”

I hugged Rodrigo tightly once again.

“Well, then, play safely and come back later. See you.”

“Yes!”

This time, I headed to the royal palace to find Tesmilion. I needed to convey the news that all the books from the White Tiger’s mansion library had arrived and were temporarily placed in the palace library. Tesmilion would undoubtedly be pleased to hear that the library, which he considered his own, had returned.

Upon riding the carriage, I quickly arrived at the royal palace garden.

Due to the lack of significant manpower for the restoration of the Artigrado territory, Tesmilion had been dedicated to the reconstruction work of the palace since coming here.

As we removed the ivy covering the building, a dazzling white structure was revealed.

The interior was thoroughly cleaned. The remains of the deceased were either returned to their families or respectfully placed in the cemetery behind the palace.

The water passage that had been blocked in the middle of the massive lake in the garden was restored.

After several days, as the water slowly rose, the once stagnant lake regained its original grandeur after two weeks. With the revival of the lake, new shoots sprouted in the dried-up garden.

Passing through the busy garden where people were coming and going, I headed towards the forest beyond the courtyard.

“He should be here.”

And indeed, I saw Tesmilion standing alone over there. In front of him was the memorial where the remains of the king and queen I discovered last time had been properly placed. So, for Tesmilion, it was the place where his daughter-in-law and son-in-law were resting.

“Tessmilion!”

In response to my call, Tesmilion turned around, smiling broadly.

“Have you come, child?”

“The former king says he loves you, Your Majesty.”

“Well, my daughter might find it a bit late to listen to my words, but I tell her dozens of times every day.”

It was a somewhat teasing question, but Tesmilion nodded vigorously in agreement.

Had his heart that was somewhat frozen now thawed a lot?

“You’re doing well. And how is Rodrigo?”

“Yeah, fine. Last night, we sat together and read a book.”

“Rodrigo probably found it boring. He doesn’t like books.”

“Is that so? Haha. Still, he said it was nice to be together. Cecilia, all of this is thanks to you.”

“What did I do?”

“If you hadn’t appeared before us like a miracle, we wouldn’t have come back here, and the day to sincerely apologize to my daughter would never have come.”

“Oh, did you notice? About me.”

I gestured for Tesmilion to come closer. When he lowered his upper body, I whispered in Tesmilion’s ear.

“I’m an angel sent from heaven! The former king sent a message, asking you to make Artigrado happy. So, if you stay with me, you’ll be happy for a long, long time.”

Tesmilion warmly smiled. Following his laughter, his wrinkled face no longer looked sad.

Tesmilion gently stroked my head.

When I was with Rodrigo a while ago, I felt like I had become an adult, but now, being with Tesmilion, I felt like a child again. It wasn’t a bad feeling at all. No, in fact, it was good. I wanted to act like a child forever.
“Yeah, Cecilia. I’m grateful for you becoming my family. By the way, has Idriche still not done ‘that’?”

“Yes, but does ‘that’ really have to be done? Idriche seems busy.”

“Well then! Before absolutely doing ‘that,’ don’t even mention marriage.”

“But…”

“Right now, Idriche should be near the military headquarters. Go and give him some hints while you’re at it.”

“No, it’s about the library! That’s why I came here…”

“Library, whatever, just go quickly!”

Tesmilion pushed me away abruptly.

No, he said the books for the library had arrived.

I felt like I was being used as Tesmilion’s entertainment, but since it was necessary to receive them, I headed to where Idriche was.

The path to the military headquarters was also filled with busy people engaged in their respective tasks.

Despite sweating in the heat, people seemed to be in good spirits.

“Hello, Lady Cecilia Erelzo!”

“Have a nice day!”

“It’s hot today, you must be tired. Shall I bring you something to drink?”

“Thank you, but I already have something to drink. Are you looking for Lord Idriche Artigrado? He’s over there.”

“Thank you for letting me know.”

I quickened my steps in the direction where Idriche was said to be.

Oh, there he is. My handsome man from behind!

I quickly signaled the people who were trying to greet me to keep quiet and stealthily approached Idriche from behind.

“Rawr!”

Like a tiger pouncing on its prey, I grabbed him from behind, making a loud noise.