The three children each had their playroom or study room, but none were as luxurious with toys as Ariante’s playroom.

Moreover, whenever new toys became popular in El Routika, Cedeloi spared no expense, allowing Ariante to have more and better toys than most children in the capital.

While Umbrose and Chrony were admiring various toys, Sylas glanced at Ariante’s head and remarked, “I’ve never seen this hairstyle before. Who did it for you?”

“Meiana did. Like a mouse, right?”

Sylas’s eyes widened, then he covered his mouth and laughed as if it were amusing.

“Yeah, it looks like a little mouse. But there are no yellow mice, right? There are only gray or black ones.”

“There are brown ones too. I saw them in the forest a long time ago!”

“The forest? Can we go into the forest?”

Ariante nodded enthusiastically.

“My father said it’s okay if I go with Meiana. But I’ve also been alone when Meiana wasn’t there.”

“It’s dangerous to go into the forest alone. If you lose your way, it could be a big problem. You shouldn’t go into the forest alone.”

Sylas responded seriously with an adult-like tone. Due to having a younger sibling, he always had thoughts about “places not to go” or “dangerous paths.” His parents and even caretakers often repeated similar words.

Ariante said, “I never lose my way. I can find the path anywhere!”

“Really?”

“Really!”

Ariante, confidently nodding her head, looked back at Umbrose and Chrony and whispered to Sylas.

“Later, come play in the forest with me. I’ll teach you how to find the way. How about that?”

Sylas’s face lit up with anticipation. Boyish mischief sparkled in his green eyes.

“Sure, it’s a promise.”

At that moment, Meiana entered with tea, cake, and cookies. Ariante mischievously blinked her eyes at Sylas, covered her mouth, and giggled.

Meiana squinted her eyes and looked at Ariante.

“Lady, were you planning something mischievous?”

Then, Sylas also started chuckling. Umbrose and Chrony, not understanding English, looked puzzled, but when they saw the cute cakes, they approached the table with delighted expressions.

Meiana, with a meaningful look, laughed softly as she patted Ariante and Sylas on the shoulders.

“I don’t know what mischief you were planning, but it must not be dangerous. Got it?”

“It’s not dangerous at all. And I’m not trying to play a prank!”

Meiana smiled and said, “Alright, I understand. Have fun then.”

Once the door closed, the children finally sat at the table. Umbrose, imitating a stuffy voice, playfully said,

“It’s an honor to be invited like this, Lady Ariante.”

Then, Ariante, with a bit of exaggeration, responded,

“Thank you for coming, Mr. Umbrose. Will Miss Chrony and Mr. Sylas also take a seat?”

Blushing, Chrony held a small fist near her mouth and imitated a refined lady as she took her place.

Sylas, sitting on a slightly taller chair than his height, suddenly leaned sideways, folding one leg over the knee.

“The tea I had a few days ago was excellent. I’m curious how it tastes today.”

“Meiana is very good at brewing tea. Now, please have some before the meal. After finishing the tea, we’ll play games.”

Umbrose said with his usual stiff voice.

“That sounds good. Let’s play a card game. Today is the day to settle the score.”
Pulling his chin almost against his neck, Umbrose, whose face turned red from the strain, exhaled heavily as soon as he finished speaking. While Chrony and Sylas burst into laughter, Ariante, pretending to fan herself, spoke gracefully.

“Oh, I was actually going to suggest playing a dice game. But a card game sounds fun too. I’ll wager my most cherished diamond mine.”

Eventually, the four children burst into laughter simultaneously.

Outside the door, Meiana, who had been listening to the bizarre and sociable—even slightly elegant—conversation, couldn’t hold back any longer and sat down hesitantly. Unable to reveal her laughter, she covered her mouth with both hands and giggled.

Then, the surprised voice of Cedeloi was heard from above her.

“Meiana, what are you doing?”

Startled but still laughing, Meiana looked up.

Cedeloi asked, “What on earth are you doing?”

Picking at her chin, Meiana, who had stood up, answered, “His Grace’s only daughter just offered her diamond mine as a card game bet. What do you think?”

Cedeloi, raising an eyebrow, said with a puzzled expression, “What on earth are you talking about? A diamond mine?”

“Do you have one?”

“Well, yes.”

Unable to endure any longer, Meiana burst into loud laughter. As she did, Bridget, who had been ironing Ariante’s ribbon inside the room, peeked out as if wondering what was happening.

“Meiana, what’s going on? Oh, Your Grace.”

Bridget smiled and bowed, and Cedeloi, responding with a casual gesture, looked at Meiana, who couldn’t stop laughing, with an unusual expression.

“I need to talk to you.”

While still stifling her laughter, Meiana looked at him as if questioning, “Do you have something to say?”

“Yeah.”

Cedeloi, who answered briefly, looked around.

“Somewhere else.”