“Well, since we came without telling anyone. It shouldn’t be a problem, right, my lady?”

Then, Ariante, as if playing a prank, spread out the hem of her dress, pretending to bow.
“Of course, sir. And everyone else too. The Balthminster Duke’s residence always welcomes guests. Now, shall we take a stroll in our garden? The apples have ripened beautifully. Would you like to see the apple trees?”

Umbrose and Chrony joined the usual ‘Elegant Social Gathering Play.’ Then, behind Lucian, who was standing somewhat awkwardly, Cici poked him.

“Foolish people. What are you doing? I didn’t expect even Silas to engage in such foolish play.”

Ariante glared at Cici without yielding.

“It’s not foolish! It’s called the ‘Elegant Social Gathering Play.'”

“It’s not elegant at all! It looks foolish and stupid. Isn’t that right, Lucian?”

Thinking that Lucian would naturally take his side, Cici enthusiastically nodded. However, unexpectedly, Lucian just glanced briefly at Ariante, kicked the grass with the tip of his shoe, and said nothing.

While the children chatted among themselves, Lady Alt got out of the carriage. Meiana lightly took her hand for support and bowed.

“Welcome, Lady Alt.”

“Meiana Dawson, right?”

With a surprised expression, Meiana looked at Lady Alt and said, “Just call me Meiana, ma’am. I’m just a maid serving her Ladyship.”

“I know. But the Duke always addressed you as ‘Dawson’ quite frequently. It must be a sign of respect for you. So, I also want to respect you.”

Lady Alt smiled warmly. Though still ‘young’ by all means, she exuded a strange sense of wisdom and sophistication as if she had lived for a very long time.

“Thank you.”

In response to Meiana’s words, Lady Alt smiled again.

“Originally, everyone came to our house… but suddenly, if you all want to play with the Lady, I won’t stand in your way. Even Silas said so. I didn’t know he would indulge in such foolish play.”

Ariante, almost clinging to Chrony, shouted excitedly, and Silas, speaking like an adult, said.

“Well, since we came without telling anyone. It shouldn’t be a problem, right, my lady?”

Then, as if playing a prank, Ariante spread out the hem of her dress, pretending to bow.
“Madam, I’m sorry, but I’m not sure what you’re talking about…”

Lady Alt covered her lips slightly with the folded fan’s tip, as if saying, ‘Oh, look at me.’

She spoke again, “I’m sorry. What I meant was how is the Lady? The son of the Lord of Gloden… I don’t know much, but he must be quite young, isn’t he?”

“I heard he’s ten years old, madam.”

“Then he’s the same age as our Silas. Ten years old. It seems quite sudden for the Lady to acquire a nephew… Is their relationship okay?”

A sudden sigh escaped Meiana’s lips as she climbed the stairs. It was almost instinctive, flowing out without her realizing.

Meiana said, “Excuse me. Umm… Honestly, I can’t say it’s very good. The Lady sees Master Swan as, well… as a competitor. Master Swan is of a gentle disposition, always in a subdued state.”

“It’s understandable. The Lady seems to have competition for her attention. Master Dawson handles children very well, according to the Lord.”

Lady Alt, tilting her head, laughed softly.

“The Duke mentioned that Mr. Dawson handles children very well… but the Lady doesn’t seem to want to stay away from Mr. Dawson’s side. Is this unusual for you? It seems difficult due to being unfamiliar.”

Meiana nodded her head up and down.

“To tell you the truth, I’ve never raised a child before… I think the Lady just desperately wanted someone to agree with her, who would comply. In the Lady’s case, it was probably someone who would respond obediently and make her feel at ease.”

“Hmm, my thoughts are a bit different. Believing that handling children well is just about giving in to them is quite foolish.”

Lady Alt, feathering her hand with the fan, continued speaking.

“Children naturally dislike having their belongings taken away. It may vary depending on the temperament, but there’s probably no child who is entirely calm about giving up their possessions. If there is such a child, they might become a monk…”

Meiana chuckled softly. Lady Alt elegantly ascended the stairs, finishing the climb, she gently swayed her dress.

“Moreover, even young children hate having their little toys taken away. So, how about someone they love?”