As I reached for the plate with the shu cake to eat one more, I heard a voice.

“Hmm?”

“It looks like everyone has gathered.”

When everyone was having a lively time, Hecate appeared.

“I greet Her Majesty the Empress.”

“I’m so glad you introduced me to a new friend!”

The children each greeted Hecate, expressing their welcome to Freyrie.

I, not one to often show emotions unless feeling choked up or irritated, silently observed as Ronowe, Beris, Sasha, and Freyrie engaged in conversation with Hecate.

I had no thoughts about being the first to talk to Hecate. Anyway, if the children calm down and scatter, Hecate will come to me on her own.

“Our daughter, is the snack delicious?”

“Yes, it’s amazing.”

As I gently shook the chocolate shu cake on the fork, Hecate wore a face of utmost happiness.
“Oh, really? The chef said he generously added sugar, which our daughter already loves.”

Hecate, who was meticulously asking if they had tried other desserts and if everything was satisfactory among the drinks and tea served today, changed the subject when the 1st knight of the Order appeared from a distance, indicating it was time for her to leave.

“Oh, by the way, Dazzling.”

“Yes, Mom.”

“I’m planning to go to the western border area today.”

“Is that so?”

Last time, Lady Vladimir suddenly called me and had me run errands, and this time, she’s going to the western border area close to Vladimir’s territory.

“During this time, our daughter can enjoy herself with her friends.”

“Yes, don’t worry.”

I recalled one of the things I learned during the heir training.

That is, there is a coastal village in the western border area.

‘As far as I know, Lady Vladimir’s hometown is there.’

Hecate, after finishing her visit to Vladimir’s territory and heading towards Fluer territory in a carriage, had personally mentioned it.

‘I’m curious, but I have to play with these chicks again today.’

Even though my body has returned to its childlike state, my interests lie in this direction. It’s quite distressing.

“Well, I should be going now.”

While I was biting my tongue in my mind, Hecate clapped her hands, smiled broadly, and bid farewell.

“Have a pleasant time.”

Shortly after, Hecate, along with the 1st knight, disappeared quickly with fast steps. She didn’t reappear in the middle of the gathering or anything like that.

“Her Majesty the Empress seems like a really warm person.”

A little later, as I turned my head in the direction where Hecate disappeared, Freyrie, raising the glass with juice in her hand, began to praise Hecate’s temperament.

“!”

Clang! And immediately, as everyone watched, their eyes widened in astonishment at the sight of the teacup slipping from Freyrie’s hand.

I, too, paused in surprise at the unexpected development, watching as the juice spilled as the cup overturned and shattered on the floor, fragments scattering in all directions.

“Frei!”

The first to come to her senses, Sasha quickly stood up and checked Freyrie’s condition. Sasha examined Freyrie’s face, neck, shoulders, and other areas, not knowing what to do.

“It’s okay, Sasha. Anyway, I broke the royal item….”

With a crawling voice, Freyrie added, showing signs of depression.

“Oh my, my goodness! Are you okay?”

“The teacups will be cleaned up promptly. Don’t move and stay as you are.”

Miranda and Haley comforted the darkened Freyrie and swiftly removed the glass shards and juice with quick movements.

“Lady Vladimir, are you okay?”

“Yes, thank you for your concern.”

Ronowe and Beris, with faces that seemed like they were about to cry, asked if Freyrie was badly hurt and sighed with relief, while Kallail, who had been silently observing the situation, quietly stood up and approached Freyrie.
In the meantime, I was startled and had set Pobby, who had fallen back, on a small chair I had prepared for him.

“If it’s not too much trouble, please use this to wipe.”

It seems like someone’s acting like a general, taking good care of people around.

“Thank you.”

Watching Kallail hand a handkerchief to Freyrie, I felt that the timid and reserved guy, who used to practice swordsmanship, had become a bit bolder. In the past, he would have hesitated and behaved as if it were an obvious time for me to step forward.

“Oh, Sasha, look at her expression?”

Casually, I witnessed Sasha smiling brightly and then frowning slightly, as if feeling awkward about Kallail having a friendly conversation with Freyrie.

Kallail, Sasha, and Freyrie.

The dynamics of these three people strangely reminded me of the novel I casually read for entertainment.

“You’re still very kind.”

“Huh?”

However, just as I was comfortably daydreaming for a moment, Freyrie uttered a meaningful remark.