Whether they had been employed for months or over a decade at the Balderminster duke’s house, Jocelyn dismissed them all in a single day for failing to diligently follow the orders of a superior and being lazy at work.

The man who was then called the Duke of Balderminster, namely Sedilroy’s grandfather, did not oppose Jocelyn’s decision in the least.

The Balderminsters never doubted the loyalty of the Staffords, and the Staffords never betrayed that doubt. The two families were intertwined like entangled ropes, dating far back into history.

And it must continue to be so, Jocelyn thought. She flung open the window and fiercely shook the branch where the bird had perched. The startled little bird flew away like an arrow, leaving the branch empty and regaining its silence.

That was it. A tree that grows magnificently must possess its own dignity. It couldn’t allow insignificant creatures like birds, insects, or squirrels to shake it, gnaw it, or make holes in it.
The tree was content with its lush leaves, water, and sunlight throughout the summer. Only then could it be perfect.

Josslyn thought, as if shooing away a woodpecker.

Annoying woodpeckers that jostled the tree had to be driven away.

“I can’t sleep.”

It’s been quite a while since Ariante was put to bed in pajamas, yet she made no attempt to close her eyes. Meianna discreetly glanced out the window while pretending to focus on her needlework.

When midnight struck, the distant church bells of the duchy would ring. Then a lamp would be lit on the west side of the mansion. Originally a lamp for those lost in the forests of the duchy, to Meianna it was a grim lamp proclaiming, ‘This house is cursed.’

“I said I can’t sleep.”

Irritated that Meianna didn’t reply, Ariante quickly became petulant. Though her irritability seemed to bring on sleepiness, she was obstinately defiant.

Meianna, appearing unconcerned, set aside her needlework and looked at Ariante with a forced smile. If Ariante didn’t fall asleep, Meianna wouldn’t be able to go meet Bainti. It was foolish to hope that she would just obediently fall asleep.

“Then let me tell you an old tale.”

“What is it? What’s the story?”

Ariante’s eyes sparkled with excitement. Meianna made a hushing sound and pressed a finger to her lips, then carefully climbed onto the bed.

“What are you doing?”

“Old tales are more interesting when heard up close.”

Meianna slipped under the covers. Ariante looked down at her for a long while, appearing flustered. It was the look of someone who’s lost for words, faced with an absurd situation.

‘No one must have ever done this for her before.’

Suppressing her pity, Meianna pulled Ariante close and embraced her.

“Ah! What? I’m not a baby!”

“Of course, of course. You’re certainly not a baby, Your Highness. But who says only babies get cuddled while listening to stories? Up to the age of ten is fine.”

Ariante looked at Meianna with curious eyes.

“Why ten?”

“Because from the age of ten, you have to write your age with two numbers. Until you’re at that age, you won’t go to jail for getting cuddled while hearing tales.”

Ariante snorted.

“Even at ten, cuddling while listening to stories won’t land you in jail.”

Meianna looked down at Ariante in her arms, her expression playful.

“So, Your Highness, shall I continue to hold you and tell you stories even after you turn ten?”

“No! Idiot.”

“Your Highness calls me an idiot, but do you know what an idiot is?”

The pupils of Ariante’s eyes shook more intensely. Do you know what an idiot is…?