Cediloy’s lips slightly parted. However, at the last moment, he tightly suppressed the sigh that was almost about to burst out. As he did, he recalled the face of the king of Elmerat. Perhaps she, too, might have felt this way when she uttered words similar to Swan’s.

“I see.”

After a brief silence, Cediloy’s words were barely that. And Elmerat’s thoughts came back to him.

She was usually an eloquent speaker with no one to match, but when Cediloy gave up entering the royal line and expressed his intention to succeed as a duke, she seemed unable to say anything.

After keeping her mouth shut for a while, she simply said, “I see.”

But that wasn’t all. Cediloy thought. The boy in front of him, no matter how dignified he appeared, was nothing more than a child. Even though he seemed to have grown suddenly in just a few months, it wasn’t the reality. Just like he was back then.

“First, Swan. I respect your choice. However, even if you choose to become my successor and not continue the name of the Glodon Marquis, you still, in some way, have the bloodline of the marquis.”

“I know, Master. That’s why I… I’ve thought a lot about it in my own way. Because you, Master, and the Duchess have been really… kind to me. And I also like Arianthe a lot.”
When he said those words, Swan’s face turned slightly red. When Arianthe laughed and chatted with an innocent face, or when she came looking for him with a mischievous expression to sneak into the kitchen in the middle of the night or play pranks… at those times, Swan could truly understand the meaning of the word “affection” as he looked at Arianthe.

Sometime, Teacher Ash had mentioned it. Swan thought. Affection…

“[Even if you dedicate your entire life to someone, it wouldn’t be too much. That’s what affection is.]”

Swan spoke.

“I… have affection for Master, for the Duchess… and for Arianthe too. I hope we can continue living together as a family. However, Master, if, as you mentioned, I can become a person of Valtminster and still carry the name of Glodon, then the opposite should also be possible. Even if I return to Glodon Marquis, in some… ”

The boy swallowed a dry spit as if his throat was parched and continued speaking.

“In some aspects, I will definitely be in Valtminster. Isn’t that right?”

Cediloy, with a surprised expression, glanced at Swan for a moment, then raised his eyebrows and smiled.

“You’re truly a clever child.”

At his words, Swan blushed again. A shy boy who felt embarrassed easily when praised by anyone, but now he was preparing to climb the stairs to adulthood.
Cediloy found it both impressive and, at the same time, regrettable and poignant. It wasn’t entirely pleasant to see a child with such profound thoughts at the mere age of ten. Naturally.

“I understand your determination, Swan. However, until you turn fifteen, you’ll need my protection. If you want to continue the name of Glodon instead of becoming the successor of Valtminster, I’ll talk to His Majesty for you. But only after you turn fifteen. Will that be acceptable?”

“Yes, Master.”

Swan grinned brightly. Recently, the gap where his fangs had fallen out was quite adorable.

“I would be really happy if you could do that.”

Cediloy reached out his arm and gently stroked the child’s head.

“Yes, let’s do that. If that’s what you want. The name is yours, and it’s a name that no one else can have except you. That will remain true in the future as well.”

Meanwhile, Arianthe sat on the sofa in the living room where Mayana and Cediloy used. It seemed like she was about to burst with excitement, shaking her legs while eagerly waiting for Swan and Cediloy to come. It looked like she was on the verge of exploding with anticipation.

“Swan! Father! You’re too late!”

When the two finally revealed themselves, Arianthe pretended to be in distress. However, when Cediloy quickly picked her up and sat her on his lap, she soon smiled contentedly.

“What were you and Father talking about?”
Swan glanced at Arianthe and smiled with a mischievous expression.

“It’s a secret.”

Arianthe’s eyes widened in shock, and her mouth fell open. In the meantime, two more front teeth had fallen out, leaving a small gap with tiny holes in between.

“I don’t have any secrets!”

Swan intentionally teased Arianthe, widening his eyes and questioning.

“Don’t I have a lot of secrets?”

Arianthe, with a truly puzzled expression, crawled down from Cediloy’s lap. Then, she playfully hung onto Swan, starting to tickle his side, whether it was squeezing his throat or hugging, it was unclear.

“There’s no such thing! Stop it! Don’t make secrets! You have to tell me everything! Quickly!”

“Ouch! Arianthe, stop poking my side! Ugh! Okay, okay. I’ll tell you!”

Arianthe finally backed away from Swan, exhaling with a haughty demeanor, as if saying, ‘Of course, that’s how it should be.’

“Tell me quickly. What secret were you talking about?”

Swan, who rolled his eyes discreetly, stood up and hid beside Cediloy.

“I’m not telling!”

“Swan! You’re naughty!”