‘Well, strictly speaking, they are uncle and niece; some resemblance is to be expected.’

At a glance, there was nothing similar between Sedilroy and Ariante. Their hair colors were different, as were their eyes. In fact, Ariante had a unique appearance that resembled no one.

Especially in the bright sunlight, she looked like a fairy ready to fly into the light.

“Oh my, what an angelic beauty.”

The old woman running the stall grinned, her hollow cheeks flexing as she chuckled. Ariante was not aware that the compliment was directed at her and looked puzzled at Meiana.

“Meiana, what is that?”

On the rickety board before the old woman were trinkets made from scrap cloth and paper flowers. They weren’t luxurious, but they were colorful and well-crafted.

“It’s a mobile toy. They usually hang these above baby cribs. Didn’t you have one when you were little?”

“I don’t remember.”

As Ariante shook her head, Meiana looked straight at Sedilroy. He briefly moistened his lips and murmured quietly to himself.

“You probably did have one, Ariante.”

“I don’t remember, Father.”
“Then it worked out well. My lord, please buy this. It can be hung by the princess’s bedside.”

Sedilroy looked at Meiana with eyes questioning the necessity. In his opinion, if he was to buy a toy, be it a rattle or whatever, he’d rather order a much more expensive one from the capital. Why gift something so cheap from a place like this….

Meiana seemed to see right through Sedilroy’s thoughts. He clearly did not dislike Ariante. It was far from hatred or indifference. It was just that he clearly didn’t know how to love her.

Why? Was it because seeing Ariante reminded him of a lost sibling, causing sadness? Or was it because he had never dealt with a child before?

This time, Meiana spoke looking at Ariante.

“Princess, is there something you want? Pick just one. The Count will buy it for you.”

Ariante widened her eyes and looked at Meiana. It seemed as though she was asking when such a statement was made.

Then, Sedilroy’s arm gently shook Ariante.

“Do you really want that, Ariante?”

Blushing, Ariante hesitated before finally nodding her head. Sedilroy then sat down before the shabby stall of an old woman, holding Ariante in his arms.

“Choose one for yourself.”

Ariante pondered for quite a while. Her legs, squatted down, must be getting sore—Meiana was growing slightly concerned. After closely inspecting the unremarkable rattles, Ariante finally pointed one out.

“I like this one.”

“This?”

Sedilroy immediately handed the toy to Ariante and paid the old woman. The amount was so ridiculous that the old woman hesitated.

“I don’t have change.”

Meiana grabbed the old woman’s hand and said, making sure she held onto the money.

“No need for change, Grandma. It’s fine.”

“But, still…”

“It’s fine, really. Now, go on.”

Confused, the old woman dropped the gold coin into her dirty pocket. Meiana almost pushed Sedilroy away from the spot and only then spoke to him when they were far enough away from the old woman.

“It’s fine not to take the change, isn’t it, my lord?”

Sedilroy glanced at Meiana. In fact, he had looked at her that way when she said no change was needed.

Walking silently for a moment, he spoke.

“It seemed natural. If I’m going to dock it from your salary, why would you have done it?”

“What would I have done? Written a complaint to the Capital Labor Union about having an unscrupulous employer in the domain of Count Balterminster.”