“Princess, let’s play together again later!”

Beris, whom I thought would throw a tantrum because she didn’t want to go, jumped for joy upon hearing the news that Lady Fleur herself had come to pick them up. Compared to when she was three years old, there are times now when she naturally accepts the situation with less emphasis on her emotions.

Honestly, it’s a relief that at the age of ten, she doesn’t throw a fit, crying and causing a scene when parting, as she might have done in the past.

Although less tired compared to the past, I decided to caution the children in advance when going to places where they might run around, as I couldn’t predict when they might engage in impromptu actions, like when Poppie was thrown in the greenhouse.

On the other hand, I wondered if the presence of a mother was really that great. Of course, the idea that parents give attention, take responsibility for nurturing, and interact emotionally with their children is natural. I read that in a book in some life, and more than anything, since I was born again as someone’s child, I experienced the weight of that firsthand.

However, while looking for the treasure, the doll prepared by Hecate, I felt something bursting, and despite empathizing more with the emotions of others afterwards, there was a subtle deviation. Why is there a feeling of being unable to comprehend, like when I received the last words from Yong-yong, each time I experience emotions in this direction?

In a mood reminiscent of the feeling I received when hearing Yong-yong’s last plea, I unconsciously clenched my fist.

“We’ll come back in two days!”

“You don’t have to come back. Go quickly.”

I responded by nodding vaguely to Ronowe’s words. Although it wasn’t a very friendly tone, the children didn’t seem to mind. There were times when I spoke harshly, but either they got used to it, or they didn’t whimper. The siblings held hands affectionately and waited in line with the maid at the location where the carriage was supposed to stop.

Soon after, Lady Fleur’s carriage arrived, and, exchanging brief greetings with Lady Fleur, who briefly stepped down from the carriage, I stepped back.

“Lady, I will take my leave now.”

While Ronowe and Beris cheered and clung to Lady Fleur, playing around, Kallail approached, greeted politely, and I turned my head to look at him.

‘Huh?’

However, in Kallail’s expression that I faced, I could see more than mere regret, a feeling that was hard to describe… why did it seem slightly out of place? Every time I experienced emotions in this direction that were difficult to understand, a feeling of being unable to comprehend, like when I heard Yong-yong’s last words, resurfaced, and I unconsciously clenched my fist.

“Is it so regrettable to part ways with me?”

“Yes.”

Forcibly smiling, Kallail said goodbye, expressing his wish to see me in two days, and hastily ran towards the carriage. It seemed that showing me his emotions all of a sudden was embarrassing for him.

‘He’s a strange fellow.’
“‘He’s a strange fellow.'”

I watched as the carriage carrying the people of the Fleur family departed and took a few steps back. Soon, I felt someone approaching nearby. It was Sasha and Praylee.

“I wanted to stay a little longer, but it’s time to leave already.”

Praylee frowned, her eyebrow tails drooping, giving her a sulky expression.

“You can come again next time.”

“But it’s so disappointing.”

Sasha, who was by Praylee’s side, reassured the gloomy Praylee with positive words, saying she could come back anytime. However, Praylee’s face did not brighten; there was no significant change.

Then, when Vladimir’s family carriage appeared in the distance, Praylee, who had elegantly walked toward me, suddenly turned her left hand, extended for a handshake, into a tight grasp with both hands.

I was surprised, but I couldn’t possibly show any offense. I even thought, ‘Does she have some kind of attachment to me, considering she doesn’t have brothers?’ As Praylee bid farewell, she displayed a genuinely happy, gentle smile, in stark contrast to the sad expression she had maintained.

With a face that still revealed a hint of sadness, Praylee, like a flower that blooms only when the sun sets, immersed herself in the twilight.

Seeing Praylee’s short platinum hair sparkling, I responded, feeling almost like a child who had spent most of their time lying on a bed, wondering why she would come like this, to the extent of saying it was pathetic.

“If you invite me again next time, it would be a real honor.”

“Alright. I’ll send you an invitation, so could you please let go of my hand for now?”

However, there are rules for this and that. So, Praylee, asking her not to cling to my hand too much, wished me goodbye.

“I’ll personally escort you out, so you can leave now.”

“Oh my, how kind of you. The way back won’t be lonely.”

So, trying to change the subject quickly and send Praylee and Sasha home, I decided to take a break. Just as I was about to remove my hand, I tried to insert Sasha in the middle.

‘Farewell, Praylee.’

But…