Duke Fleur’s mansion was unique in both its overall structure and the materials used to construct it compared to Vladimir’s residence.

The pillars felt out of the ordinary when touched, and the surface was smooth yet incredibly solid, making my knuckles reverberate as if ringing when tapped.

“Come to think of it, you’ve been practicing swordsmanship for quite a while now.”

“Yes, time has passed considerably, hasn’t it?”

Carlisle’s face was so full of life that I wondered why he enjoyed looking at me so much.

I let it pass, as it would be unpleasant and insulting for him to sullenly look at me.

“Next year, there are the royal knight corps’ entry exams, so I’m investing even more time in training.”

“Carlisle… knighthood might not be what you’re imagining.”

I chose to offer him realistic advice, seeing that he seemed overly optimistic and filled with hope.

As someone who had served Ullrica as a knight in my past life, I felt I had the authority to offer some insights.

“Do you still want to be a knight, knowing you’ll start off running errands and assisting aides?”

I had also gone through challenging times to become a formal knight, and I hoped young Carlisle wouldn’t just rush headlong into it.

“Absolutely. I won’t give up.”

Hmm, a commander’s gaze indeed. I was confident that if he kept this resolve, he could be effectively utilized, just like I used to employ Jeff.

“It’s the path to becoming the one and only knight of the princess, after all.”

Why make an awkward comment like that?

As I met Carlisle’s eyes, which had turned red, I found it awkward and looked away.

Had someone taught him to speak so freely over the last seven years in Fleur?

If so, I’d like to meet that person and ask what they’ve been feeding into a perfectly fine child’s head.

“Carlisle, what are you doing not coming!”

“We can’t let this happen, Beris! Let’s lead the way!”

These guys, why are their voices so enthusiastic!

Though slightly displeased, I preferred this to the strange atmosphere with Carlisle. I quickly responded, toured a bit more inside the mansion, and then came to the drawing-room.

“Princess! Now that you are the heir to the throne, you have to do something grand!”

“Absolutely!”

It was during teatime, as we sat on the velvet couch, basking in the warmth provided by the glowing embers.

“So~ I will help you become a great emperor!”
“It’s ridiculous, Sister. You think it’s that easy?”

“I know it’s difficult.”

The reception room, entirely adorned in shades of blue, harmonized well with the white. I marveled that the use of dark blue hues by Duke Fleur seemed almost like a manifestation of affection for Carlyle.

“But we’re more than just friends now! Doesn’t Beris understand what I mean?”

Ah, I couldn’t answer because I was busy eating cookies, but it bothers me that everyone is arguing.

“Guys, stop fighting.”

Whenever they fought, it was always Carlyle who played the mediator.

“What’s the specific plan?”

I was proud that my thinking had become productive, but I calmly inquired without showing it.

“Uh…”

Lonoë, who had been brimming with confidence, lost her expression for a moment but soon brightened up, her eyes sparkling like ripe tomatoes.

“Ah, I’ve got it! How about helping our unfortunate neighbors? You’ll become the Emperor someday, so it would be good to build up some merit in advance.”

“Uhm, I think that’s going to be difficult.”

I rejected the idea because I knew how enormously complicated it is to manage a nation’s finances every year.

“We’d have to get permission from the adults, and it would require a lot of money.”

Hearing my cool reply, Lonoë looked as if she had lost everything, making me feel as if I had done something bad.

“Don’t be too down, Lonoë. Your idea was excellent, but it’s just a little premature. Let’s think of something else we can do together.”

Seeing Carlyle console his sister made me marvel at his skills, which I myself lacked.

Knock, knock.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for your liberal arts class. I’ve come to fetch you.”

Just as I thought it might be time to call for some new snacks, a maid appeared.

“I want to keep playing with the princess.”

“You can’t. Skipping is not allowed.”

I spoke sternly, still haunted by the memory of the day Jeff and Hecate appeared, claiming to be Fairy Kings, and whisked everyone away to have fun.

“Stupid sister.”

“No! I’ll prove I’m smarter than you in class, so prepare yourself!”

Why are they fighting again? I chuckled in disbelief, and the maid once more ushered the children out of the room.

“Princess, I’ll be back soon!”

So, I parted ways with the little rascals, and Lonoë left the reception room, waving one arm high.

“You’ll have to wait for an hour~”

“Yeah, don’t abandon us!”

“I get it, so just go.”

To an eavesdropper, it would sound like I dump people easily.

I shook my head and mumbled that these little beings think they can challenge me.

“Princess, would you like to tour the garden while the children are studying?”

“Sure. I’ve had too many snacks anyway; I feel bloated.”

Since we were alone with nothing specific to discuss, I quickly accepted the offer, thinking that some kind of diversion would be better.

“The Duke’s garden is as beautiful as the royal garden.”

“Thank you for your kind words.”

When I properly observed it, the garden of the Fleur residence was unique, less constrained by traditional designs compared to the royal garden.

“The Duke really enjoys tending the garden.”

Duke Fleur, the head of a family, was not only politically astute but also had a great aesthetic sense. Had I met such a person in my past life, he might have been a good companion, though perhaps not as close as Ulrika.

The more talented people one has around, the better.

“What is the name of this flower? I’ve never seen it before.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”
Upon entering the new area, surrounded by pink flowers, I couldn’t help but ask.

“Risianthus, that’s what these flowers are called. They symbolize unchanging love.”

“Ah, so even flowers have meanings.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Though I had no expertise in flowers, I had an aesthetic sense to appreciate their beauty, so I kept asking questions.

“And whenever I see these flowers, I think of someone.”

What is he trying to say now?

I looked up at Carlisle, who had stopped dead in his tracks at the largest flower bed.

“Specifically, Your Highness.”