“Alicia? But our parents?”

When asked with a skeptical expression, Emma, though slightly tense, replied naturally.

“Mother is frail and finds it difficult to go out, and Father is always on the move, so my sister used to come to school every time.”

“Oh, that’s right. Since Nuna handles the interviews anyway, it’s probably more comfortable for the teachers to talk to her, right?”

Interrupting, Edward interjected, grabbing Emma’s attention with a casual request.

“Emma, pass me the pepper, will you?”

“Oh, seriously? Such a bother.”

While grumbling, Emma handed the pepper to Edward.

During this brief moment, glances were exchanged between them.

“Nuna manages my school life and talks to the teachers well. She outright told me to bring her along.”

“Well, that makes sense. When should we go?”

“Sera. Alicia is on her way now.”

As the Countess Lancaster seemed ready to agree, the Count, with a puzzled expression, murmured quietly.

“We can’t help it. Also, as Emma says, Alicia has always handled the interviews. I find it challenging to go out, and you’ve just returned, so you don’t know much.”

“So, isn’t it better if I go to check?”

“It’s not just counseling, and Emma is going because of her mistake. What are you trying to say? They’ll surely ask about everyday life or attitude.”

“…That’s true.”

Although reluctantly acknowledging, the Count Lancaster, looking back, felt sorry for Emma again.

“I’m sorry, Emma. I haven’t paid much attention.”

“It’s okay. You were busy with research.”

“Yeah, that’s right. Thanks for understanding.”

With a darkened complexion due to remorse, the Count Lancaster hesitated for a moment before nodding.

“Tell Alicia not to forget.”

“Yes.”

“Let’s continue eating then.”

When Emma was about to pick up her fork again, she met eyes with Edward.

Keeping their expressions indifferent, the two kids clandestinely exchanged a high-five under the table, afraid they might be caught.

“Wow. I heard about it, but you really got it rough. You’ve endured well until now.”

Ross was awakened from his sleep by a voice that sounded in the middle of the night.

In front of him, a man in a black robe was looking down at him, touching a ring emitting a red light.

Moreover, he wasn’t alone.

Next to him, another man in a black robe was also standing.

Ross, maintaining an indifferent expression, observed for a moment and then uttered his words with great difficulty.

“You say you don’t like that black robe, but you wear it well.”

“It can’t be helped. Besides, what do you think?”

“I don’t know. It seems a bit off.”

“Even I think so.”

The man brought his palm close to Ross’s face, leaving a slight gap above his face.

“If it’s no longer needed, we should dispose of it, especially when it’s raising suspicions.”

Staring at the palm that covered his entire field of vision, Ross blinked slowly and spoke.

“I suppose. It’s the natural course.”

Surprisingly calm was his tone.

Upon that, the man with the red ring chuckled.

“You’re quite straightforward. I like it, though.”

“Is that so?”

“Don’t worry. With him here, it’s fine.”

With a gesture, he pointed to the man standing beside him.

Ross also turned his head to look at him, then faced forward again, gazing at the palm covering his vision.

“Let’s get started.”

“Sure. Don’t worry; it’ll only be a moment.”

The ring emitted a red light once again, accompanied by a tormenting pain. Ross’s hand, struggling with the pain, weakly fell onto the bed.

It was a meeting with Emma’s teacher, but it was also an outing after a long time.

Although the Earl, who had expected to nag her not to go anywhere else after the meeting, surprisingly didn’t say anything and sent Alicia off.

Inside the carriage heading to school, Alicia asked Emma quietly.

“Emma, what happened? Why are you making such mistakes?”
“Hmm. I think I got a bit distracted because Father came back. I couldn’t concentrate well.”

Alicia comforted Emma, who was excusing herself with a lifeless expression, by gently stroking her head.

“It’s okay. It happens. Still, let’s be more careful next time.”

“Yeah.”

Though Emma had done this for Alicia’s sake, she still felt a pang of conscience from her sister’s comfort.

However, Alicia’s complexion was still not good, and her voice lacked energy.

‘Look at that. So, it’s all for my sister.’

With that thought, Emma, while indulging herself once again, smiled brightly at Alicia, who was being comforted by her head-patting.

‘By the way, did my brother do it properly?’

After meeting with the deputy minister at the substitute residence, the Count Lancaster received a request for a meeting from Noah, a mage belonging to the Zero Knights.

“What’s the matter, Noah? An urgent meeting request.”

“Oh, yes. I heard you returned, but I couldn’t get a chance to see you.”

“I had some business. Sit.”

“Yes.”

Noah took a seat in the chair the Count offered.