Grenaviere picked up a flower basket placed in one corner of the laboratory. Without even opening it, it was evident that her hand was habitually opening the card.

“I love you.”

Holding the card with just one word written on it, Grenaviere crumpled it in her hand and threw the flower basket out the window.

“What’s with this nonsense?”

Syode was persistently making love confessions as if protesting, and both William and Larisa, who were watching, had faces showing utter disgust.

Even during lunch.

“I love you, Vera.”

Although an abrupt love confession continued, Grenaviere silently continued her meal. William made a face as if he was about to choke.

“You’re saying you love her?”

Syode spoke, prompting an answer.

“I love heeer~”

Unable to bear it any longer, William said instead.

“Professor, can’t you eat your meal more comfortably?”

Syode laughed without concern.

“You should call me dad, William.”

William sighed. Seeing them argue and fight with each other might have been more comforting.

“I love you.”

Grenaviere silently finished her meal and stood up first. Patting Larisa’s head as she glanced at her, Grenaviere spoke as kindly as possible.

“Eat slowly.”

Then she teleported away.

“Why is that crazy guy acting like that?”

Grenaviere couldn’t understand why Syode was behaving like this. It was nuts that he pulled this stunt when leaving earlier, and now he’s making a scene.
Grenaviere gathered herself and resumed her research. However, someone loudly shouted in the garden.

“I love you!!!”

There was no one crazier. Grenaviere couldn’t endure it any longer and teleported, grabbing Syode by the collar.

“Why on earth are you doing this to me?”

But Syode shamelessly retorted.

“Why are you doing this?”

“What am I doing?”

“Why are you denying my love?”

Syode questioned, as if accusing Grenaviere. Grenaviere was dumbfounded. Who was there to accuse her?

“Listen well, you dragon brat. I don’t have the leisure to indulge in your childish love play. Just dealing with my kids’ mischief is overwhelming enough. Got it?”

Syode looked unfairly indignant.

“Childish? Did you just call it childish now? Show me what’s really childish?”

Because that seemed a bit intimidating, Grenaviere quickly changed the topic.

“Why did you deny my love, then? Let me ask you. Why on earth do you love me?”

“What?”

“Why do you love me?”

Syode was left speechless, his expression awkward. Why does he love her?

“Because you’re beautiful…?”

“Ha.”

Grenaviere sighed. She didn’t expect a profound answer, but…

“I fell for you at first sight. What can I do?”

Syode, feeling unjust, said.

“I find your rude expression, unfortunate actions, and arrogant tone, thinking you own the world, all beautiful. What am I supposed to do?”

Grenaviere looked bewildered and slapped Syode’s mouth.
“Is that a joke? Seriously?” Syode swiftly grabbed Grenaviere’s hand and vented his anger.

“Am I pretty or not! It’s your fault for being pretty!”

“No, is this madness, seriously…?”

“Why did you have to be pretty and make me fall in love! Do you know anyone who wants to fall in love? Even one minute, one second right now is too precious to waste, and you…”

Syode stopped talking and closed his mouth. His complexion suddenly darkened, and he weakly dropped his arm.

“No, just don’t love me anymore.”

“What?”

“Don’t love me. Just try loving someone else.”

“Are you finally insane?”

Grenaviere looked at him with a suspicious expression.

“If you fall in love, won’t it make turning back time worthless? So, don’t love me.”

“What? What does that mean? Speak properly!”

“I know you’re researching how to reverse time for Larisa. I’ll do it for you too. I don’t love you anyway, but I’ll keep turning back time over and over!”

Grenaviere felt so incredulous that she couldn’t find words. After spouting empty words for a while, Grenaviere managed to speak.

“Who are you to…?”

“Who are you to try to turn back Larisa’s time?”

Grenaviere was speechless and closed her mouth.

“Well? Speak up. Who are you? You’re just a mother-in-law. You’re the most selfish one. You only want Larisa’s time to be reversed for your own benefit! That’s selfish!”
Grenaviere tightly sealed her lips. Syode remained silent too. The two stood there for a while, only gazing at the ground in silence. Grenaviere was the first to flee.

Syode stayed alone in the garden, sighing deeply.

Alone in her research lab, Grenaviere muttered curses. After swearing for the first time in a while, she felt an awkward sensation. Brushing her hair roughly, she slumped into the comfortable chair.

“There’s nothing to say since everything he said is true.”

Automatically, Syode’s words came to mind.

“Why do you always try to solve everything with magic when there’s a problem?”

Even problems she had tried not to think about resurfaced.

“What if Larisa wants to age?”

Grenaviere had also wanted to age. When everyone close to her aged and died, Grenaviere, left alone, was plagued by the thought that she would be alone forever.