The gardens of the palace and the square in front of it seemed to compete with each other, becoming more beautifully adorned day by day.

As the date of the ball approached, the palace gardens were filled with vibrant flowers such as splendid roses and amaryllis, reflecting Valier’s taste. Elaborate floral arrangements adorned delicately carved marble pedestals, each finding its place.

On the other hand, the square in front of the palace was being filled with seasonal wildflowers.

Even after the ball, Ermeldine, who wanted the people to continue enjoying the flowers, ordered large flowerpots to be placed around the square. The central area was left empty, with benches for people to sit around, surrounded by potted plants.

Compared to the lavishly decorated palace gardens with various luxurious fabrics, flowers, and sculptures, the square had a relatively simple appearance. However, it exuded a lovely atmosphere, as if it had brought the spring of the Trivian Empire’s fields to life.

“Have the musicians been secured?”

In response to Ermeldine’s question, Riena submitted a list, raising her head as if she had shouted.

“Most orchestras rejected playing such cheap music. Luckily, Alicia knows of an orchestra that plays folk music. Thank goodness.”

Alicia is Roberto’s wife, a friend of Felio, and seemingly they address each other casually despite being sisters-in-law.

“That doesn’t mean we can ask them to play music that the people don’t even know. I thought that with your combined efforts, it would be possible. Thank you.”

In response to Ermeldine’s praise, Riena, feeling embarrassed, shrugged her shoulders and rolled her eyes.

“Me too! I have something to report!”

‘Ah, can’t you give some space to your friend’s sister…’

Felix looked at Felio with a jealous expression as he opened his eyes wide and immediately presented his report.

“Ah… there… Confucius.”

“Yes!”

“I know that Confucius is smart. Truly a brilliant person…”

Confused by what Felix was saying, Ermeldine waited for his reaction, while Riena, who anticipated what he was about to say, looked at Ermeldine with an expression full of vindication.

“But I think he may not have received a good education during his early years. Probably couldn’t find a suitable home tutor…”

Originally, he intended to say, ‘Did you even graduate from kindergarten?’, but he changed his words to something more appropriate.

“Y-young… what does that mean…”

Not catching on to Ermeldine’s intention and stammering, Felix was ridiculed by Riena, who blatantly laughed, feeling triumphant.

“You’re childish! Just now, Her Majesty said you look like a child! Haha! Ahahaha! Hahaha!”

In response to Riena’s comment, Felix finally understood Ermeldine’s meaning. He bit his teeth hard, showing a look of wanting to say something, but soon lowered his head.

Ermeldine burst into laughter, seeing Felix looking so bright and happy. The days when he was so conceited with a well-founded pride seemed ephemeral.

The old self no longer existed.

If standing in front of Ermeldine would make him a fool anyway, why not be a bit childish?

These days, whenever there was a chance, sunlight would cast a shadow on Ermeldine’s face, which had been overshadowed for so long.
Ermeldine’s stomach was hurting from laughing so much.

How long had it been since she laughed like this?

However, as the laughter subsided, her mind became complicated once again.

As things calmed down a bit at the Francœur Castle, Ermeldine found herself caught up in thoughts about Leopold.

Fortunately, that man didn’t spare her a glance, whether in the alchemy workshop or causing a ruckus in the garden. Nevertheless, it seemed inevitable that she couldn’t help but be concerned.

After Leopold had visited the garden, Ermeldine secretly went to find Ferdand.

Although she usually sought permission from Henri to check on him from a distance, that day she had a different purpose in mind.

The reason she borrowed binoculars to seek Ferdand was to compare Leopold’s face, seen in the alchemy workshop and the garden, with his face.

The child, who she thought vaguely resembled herself due to his jet-black hair and mysterious aura, turned out to be surprisingly similar to Leopold upon closer examination.

Despite Ermeldine and the deceased Duke of Francœur sharing not only the atmosphere but also facial features, Ferdand’s facial features did not carry the cold and calm demeanor of the Francœur Duke.

Thin double eyelids with elongated eyes, slightly uplifted at the ends, and a nose thin and high like Ermeldine’s, but with a sharply angled tip like a sculpture.

And decisively, even when expressionless, his mouth corners pointed upwards.

Upon detailed examination of their faces, it became clear. The two individuals were undeniably connected by a relationship that couldn’t be easily dismissed.
Ermeldine, who knew nothing about the history between the previous Ermeldine and Leopold, was anxious for several days.