He was so fond of pranks, curious, and lively by nature that I thought he would cry and fuss about not wanting to let go suddenly.

“I know.”

But perhaps because Duke Fleur had said that the worm’s family would be waiting in their house in the soil, Beris finally decided to let the worm go. I was glad that Beris didn’t throw the worm in a fit of caprice.

“Worm! I’ll take you home!”

Then, with a serious expression as if soaked in a great sense of duty, Beris carefully carried the worm to a nearby flowerbed.

“It seems like it’s time to make an appearance, doesn’t it?”

Hecate, who had been standing still for a long time, looked at me with a smile and finally moved. She soon made eye contact with Duke Fleur and greeted each other.

“Duke Fleur, you must be tired from the long journey.”

“Key of the Western Land, Fleur, I have arrived at the call of the light.”

I was able to watch what Beris was doing because I continued to be hugged and was at a higher eye level. She put the worm down among the leaves and waved one hand as a farewell greeting.

“It’s an honor to see you again, Your Highness the Princess.”

When I turned my gaze, Duke Fleur, who had straightened his slightly bowed waist, was looking at me.

“Yes, Your Grace. It’s been a long time. But I don’t see Ronowe.”

I suddenly realized that there was one less person in this place and asked frankly.

“Ah, Ronowe is… not feeling well, so he couldn’t come with us today.”

Then, Duke Fleur, who hesitated for a moment, soon informed me with a sad expression why only Carlisle and Beris had accompanied him today.

“I was going to ask if he’s okay, but he’s still in bad shape….”

As soon as she heard the story, Hecate, who wore the same expression as Duke Fleur, felt sorry for Ronowe’s situation.

‘He’s not weaker than me.’

On the other hand, I doubted the story Duke Fleur had told.

‘What on earth happened in the library?’

What kind of shock did Ronowe, who had been isolated from everyone, receive that he was still unwell even after a few days?

‘I don’t know why that hearty guy isn’t feeling up to it.’

I couldn’t believe that the child, who was usually so strong, was still sick.

“I hope he gets well soon so we can play together.”

“Thank you for your concern, Your Highness the Princess.”

However, I wasn’t lacking enough to cruelly spew out the words that came to mind, so I spoke in a formal, concerned tone.

“Mom! I brought the worm to Noah!”

And Beris returned. She completed her task splendidly and looked proud as she ran to Duke Fleur, wanting praise, which was quite amusing.

“Ah….”

But Beris, who had been shy since the first greeting, froze in place when she made eye contact with Hecate.

“Beris, shall we greet Her Majesty the Empress together?”

The one who extended a helping hand at that moment was Carlisle. The future consort kindly wiped the dirt off Beris’s hand with a handkerchief from his vest pocket and helped her follow the proper etiquette.

“One, two, three~.”

Seeing him even count to give her time to prepare and relax, I secretly clicked my tongue. Carlisle was indeed impressive.

Because I would never be that kind.

“Greetings to Her Majesty the Empress.”

“Ggreetings to Her Majesty the Empress.”

Anyway, Beris managed to greet properly thanks to Carlisle’s guidance.

But still feeling nervous and shy, Beris quickly hid behind Carlisle after speaking, peeking out her head slightly.

“Nice to meet you, Fleur’s lovely children.”

Hecate seemed to find this adorable, covering her mouth with one hand and laughing before telling them to sit down.

‘Vladimir wasn’t invited, it seems.’
I sat down first with the help of the maid and thought to myself.

‘Jeff said it was teatime with Fleur, so we’ll meet later.’

Undoubtedly, because those with close ties to the royal family had gathered, I suddenly thought of Duke Vladimir Akkad Tzepes, who had not been invited this time.

“Since everyone is gathered, let’s start the tea time~.”

Meanwhile, Hecate watched Carlyle seat Beris in the chair and once again looked pleased, clapping her hands to signal the beginning of the salon. Soon, various desserts filled the white marble table.

Elegant lace sheets, threetiered trays, and beautiful plates rimmed with gold were filled with tarts and sliced cakes that looked so delicious that they made mouths water.

The most attention was paid to the coconutlike chocolatefilled biscuits and macarons, which the chef had newly developed as the main dessert. The spectacle of stacking several pieces, forming a mountain, and decorating the surroundings with topgrade strawberries was magnificent.

“Delicious!”

Oh, my goodness! I took a bite of a macaron and involuntarily exclaimed in admiration. Regaining my composure, I saw Hecate smiling proudly at me while Beris was tasting a Castella roll cake filled with whipped cream.

“My goodness, what kind of cake must it be to paint a picture on your mouth with whipped cream?”

Hecate looked at Beris’s mouth and smiled the same smile she had when she looked at me earlier.