Lucian and Cissy were distant cousins. That’s why they often hung out together.

As Count Felix, about to spank his son, approached, Cissy’s father, Lord Hyreus, stopped him. Chroni began to cry, Lucian started making faces to avoid his father’s scolding, and… the once quiet study of the Balthamister Count turned into chaos in an instant.

“Enough, everyone, stop. Count Felix, please stop.”

At the words of Seidloy, who had been watching the situation, a momentary silence fell. The children huddled their shoulders and glanced at Seidloy.

Count Baltamister’s father, Count Guilmore, spoke.

“Anyway, it’s fortunate that none of you are seriously injured. Although Cissy sprained her ankle, according to the doctor, it’s not that severe. Thank goodness for that.”

Lord Hyreus, who had wiped the sweat while trying to stop Count Felix, sighed.

“That’s right, it’s fortunate. My wife was on the verge of fainting, but finding you was really a relief. Thanks to the Count.”

Seidloy looked at him as if asking what he was talking about, shaking her head.

“What are you talking about, Lord Hyreus. As an accident happened in the Count’s territory, the responsibility lies entirely with the owner. Cecilia… It’s fortunate that she wasn’t seriously hurt. Please convey my greetings to your wife.”

“Thank you, Count. Lady.”

Seidloy again looked down at the children standing side by side.

“It’s fortunate that you’re not hurt, and it was a good choice to stay in one place without scattering into the forest. However, because of you today, all the parents were really worried. Shouldn’t there be consequences for that? Silas, what do you think?”

Silas, after looking around, nodded slightly.
“Count, you are correct. Since we were wrong, we will accept the punishment.”

“Good.”

Slightly wetting her upper body, Cedilloi spoke.

“All of you are forbidden from going out for a week. Instead, reflect on today’s events inside the house. Also, copy twenty pages from the ‘Fundamental Etiquette Book’ and bring it with you.”

“Twenty pages?”

Lucian’s eyes widened. Although reading was a hobby, writing was one of the things Lucian hated most in the world.

Cedilloi said, “Why, Lucian? Do you want me to increase it to thirty pages if twenty is too little?”

“Twenty pages are too many, Count!”

Count Felix slapped his son’s bottom with a hand like a lid.

“Lucian, you rascal! How dare you speak so impudently in front of the Count!”

While the two fathers were arguing, Chroni began to cry louder. Silas seemed to passively accept his fate…

“Ariante, it seems you are dissatisfied.”

Ariante’s toe twitched slightly at Cedilloi’s words. She thought she hid her expression well, but she wondered how her father knew.

“No dissatisfaction, Father.”

“Really? It seems like there is so much dissatisfaction flowing like a river.”

Ariante, who had been clenching her small fist, said defiantly,

“I don’t want to be forbidden to go out for a week!”

“Of course, you wouldn’t like that. I can’t give you a punishment you enjoy, can I?”

“Well…”

Ariante, who ran out of things to say, puffed her cheeks.

A faint smile crossed Cedilloi’s lips as he observed Ariante’s resolute figure. He was secretly pleased that Ariante could express even negative emotions to him.

Cedilloi said,

“Well, go back now. You must be tired, so go home, take a clean bath, and sleep early. Don’t forget to bring the homework you’ve done in a week.”

“Yes.”

“Twenty pages? My fingers will surely break…”

“I’m not good at writing either…”

Muttering their own concerns, the children, led by their parents, left the study. Ariante also took Meiana’s hand and returned to her room.

As guests were leaving Cedilloi’s study, Swan, hiding her body around the corner, secretly watched. Although she knew that peeping was never honorable, she couldn’t take her eyes off the children shaking hands and greeting each other.

“Do you envy such things?”

At the moment, Swan was startled by the voice of Jocelyn from behind, and she bit her lip tightly.

However, when she turned around, no one was there. Although knowing that eavesdropping was never honorable, Swan couldn’t take her eyes off the children shaking hands and greeting each other.

“Is it possible that you envy such things?”

At the sound of Jocelyn’s voice, Swan’s heart seemed to drop, and she bit her lip tightly.

However, when she turned around, there was no one there. It was a hallucination.

Breathing heavily and leaning against the wall, Swan recalled Jocelyn’s eyes, staring as if he could devour her. Although it was clear that eavesdropping was never honorable, Swan wished she could push Jocelyn away and run away. It was a creepy feeling, as if she had touched something she should never have.