Sedilroy briefly furrowed his brows in puzzlement. Seeing this, Ariante became immediately restless. There was no doubt in her mind that she had given the wrong answer, disappointing Sedilroy.

However, Sedilroy was not disappointed. He asked,

“Where did you learn that, Ariante?”

Caught off guard by Sedilroy’s question, Ariante hesitated before stuttering out,

“From a book…”

“A book?”

Ariante nodded her head. Yes, a book! Books were far removed from bad deeds or misbehavior. Didn’t her unpleasant tutors, as well as other servants, always tell her to read books? Gaining confidence from this thought, she said,

“Yes, Father. I read it in a fairy tale book. When children run away from home and have nowhere else to go, they always secretly hide and sleep in the haystacks stored in someone else’s barn.”

Sedilroy’s expression changed mysteriously once again. This time, it was a slightly different expression—a face holding back laughter. Mayana also seemed to share this expression.

However, she hoped that Sedilroy would not burst into loud laughter. Children believe that what they know is the truth. They want to be recognized by others, especially adults.

If one were to openly laugh or deny this in front of them, it would surely hurt. Especially for a child with high self-esteem like Ariante.

Just then, Sedilroy spoke softly, patting Ariante’s head with a somewhat gentle touch.

“You’re well-informed. Indeed, runaway children often end up falling asleep on haystacks.”

“Have you read such stories as well, Father?”

Ariante asked, her eyes shining with disbelief. Sedilroy nodded and tilted his head with a somewhat relaxed posture.

“I read many fairy tales when I was young. I’m sure there are some left in the library. Would you like to look for something you like next time you visit?”

Ariante’s cheeks flushed in delight. She was smiling broadly, soaked in joy. It was the first time Mayana had seen such an expression on Ariante.

“Is it really okay, Father?”

“Of course, it’s fine. You are…”

For a moment, Sedilroy’s pupils wavered. He looked lost, briefly. Mayana’s heart froze. Thankfully, Ariante, engrossed in her joy, failed to notice Sedilroy’s momentary lapse.

Sedilroy’s gaze briefly passed over Mayana. At that moment, Mayana didn’t even know what expression she was making. She simply hoped that nothing would spoil this joyful moment for Ariante.

Eventually, Sedilroy looked straight into Ariante’s face. Blue eyes met even bluer, sunlit pupils, shining uniquely. They were beautiful eyes that reminded one of a lake inhabited by mermaids, sparkling with fish with shimmering scales.

A quiet smile appeared on the corners of Sedilroy’s mouth.

“You are my one and only daughter. You’re the only one who can visit Father’s library anytime.”

Ariante’s face, which was beginning to show signs of worry during the brief silence, instantly softened. Mayana let out a short, quiet sigh, not hiding her satisfied smile.

‘Good, good. At least he has the makings of a good father. He just needs proper guidance.’

She thought.

Meanwhile, rumors spread quickly among the mansion’s servants that Sedilroy had gone on a village outing with Ariante, and even Meiana.

By the time the news reached Vainty’s ears, practically everyone was already talking about it.

“Isn’t it curious what Meiana is up to? Maybe she’s good at handling the princess, since she’s used to rolling around with a string of kids from the countryside. But it’s strange that only she has Count Heidern’s favor.”

“Oh my, you thought so too? So did I!”

“Wasn’t it Count Heidern who brought her here in the first place? Without a letter of recommendation or anything, just put her in a carriage and brought her.”

“Could it be… that something might have happened between them?”

A maid whispered, lowering her voice, and the others looked puzzled.

“What are you talking about?”

“Hey, why play dumb? You never know. Maybe Meiana is somehow trying to win over Count Heidern with her body…”

Screams erupted all at once, followed by snickers. Maids who were sitting and sorting laundry blushed, each loudly speculating.

“Hey, Vainty! Why so quiet? Say something. Do you think Meiana really managed to woo Count Heidern?”

A maid prodded Vainty’s elbow while holding a dust brush. Vainty, who had been unusually silent and biting her lips, glared.

“How would I know? If you want to gossip, gossip among yourselves. Whether you get caught by Head Butler Joslyn and get kicked out naked, don’t drag me into it.”

A sarcastic laugh returned.

“You’re funny. What’s the matter? You used to always badmouth Meiana. Did you become friends?”

“Are you insane? Me, friends with that woman!”

Vainty slammed a dry rag she was holding onto the floor, stood up abruptly, and stormed out.

“Hey, Vainty! Where are you going? You haven’t finished cleaning yet!”

“I’ll clean, just leave me alone!”

The maids chuckled openly as Vainty stormed out, but to Vainty, that was the least of her worries.