The look Michael gave to the kimbap was both serious and sad.

“This is the first time I’ve tasted something so warm.”

For Michael, family had always been cold and aloof.

He sought warmth within that environment but was never acknowledged until the end of the original story.

‘Still… you’ll find a new family.’

Elsius, who would become Michael’s lover and family, was his salvation.

Michael, who had been momentarily speechless, looked at me and spoke.

“Sisterinlaw… you really are incredible.”

“Ah, haha. What have I done.”

It seemed my title had now completely become ‘sisterinlaw.’

“Neither magic nor wealth can comfort a person’s heart.”

Michael had never been starved or abused in his home.

Despite the opulence, he had felt extreme loneliness and was genuinely moved now.

“Even my brother has always been the object of my admiration. In reality, I should have been cast out… If I had been, I couldn’t have done anything.”

Tears formed in Michael’s eyes.

He clenched his lower lip and smiled.

“I want to be like both of you. Although it might be impossible.”

“Then just do it.”

“…What?”

His blue eyes widened in surprise at my words.

“If you want to do something, you can. It’s too wasteful to give up without even trying.”

Having read the original story, I knew of Michael’s potential.

Michael muttered my words as if he’d been profoundly shocked.

“…I can do anything.”

Had he realized something?

But before I could hear a reply, Louis dashed in.

“Aileen, I want to be a family with Michael too!”

“We’re already a family, aren’t we?”

“So is Aileen the new mom?”

“No, I’m not.”

Just as I firmly stated, Kashar caught Louis’ eye and spoke.

“Call her mom from now on.”

“I said no!”

While Kashar and I were arguing, the little chicks were establishing another family tree.

“…To be a family with such wonderful people, Louis and Evan are really lucky.”

“Right, jealous? So, brother, join our family too!”

“If you become my brother, I’ll play with you.”

It was the first time Evan had opened up this quickly to anyone.

‘I guess I really was worried about Michael.’

Anyway, I was relieved we got through this smoothly.

“Since it has come to this, as Evan suggested, come to play sometimes.”

Kashar seemed to have no ill will toward Michael, and the kids liked him, so seeing him occasionally seemed okay.

‘Play as much as you can now. You’ll be busy dating once the original story starts.’

Happiness always existed nearby.

“…Thank you.”

Michael choked up at everyone’s words.

The only one not smiling was Kashar.

Instead, he sighed.

“Three kids, huh.”

Being on the level of twins, getting angry was pointless.

‘Is this a relief, maybe?’

I was secretly relieved when an arm reached around my waist and pulled me close.

Kashar had eyes as if he wanted to devour me at any moment.

“I like you even with the kids.”

His voice was a low whisper, as if sharing a secret.

“It would have been nice if at least one of them was a daughter, though.”
What on earth is this gentleman talking about!

…I wanted to shout, but couldn’t, given my sins.

“…Um, I’ll try harder next time…?”

I didn’t even know what I was saying. For the record, I’m not a mother.

Nonetheless, Cassard tenderly kissed the back of my hand.

“It’s okay. We are newlyweds after all. There’s still so much time for just the two of us. No more children now.”

He meant he would put up with me until we had three chicks.

The tempo had drastically shifted from dating to being newlyweds.

(This is a time separator.)

After the picnic, Michael boarded the carriage back to the palace.

“Thank you very much.”

“Come back, brother!”

Louis and Evan waved their hands.

The carriage soon vanished from sight.

“Alright, young princes. Go inside. The teachers will be here this afternoon.”

“Yes!”

Louis and Evan hurriedly went inside.

“Evan, have you done your homework?”

“Of course.”

Their voices faded away.

Only Cassard and I remained in the garden.

“Is there something you want to discuss with me?”

“Um, well…!”

The distance was too close. As I inadvertently backed away, my back touched the tree.

“You can’t run away.”

His arms blocked my escape route.

“Why do other males approach you whenever I leave?”

“Ah, haha… Surely not.”

Absolutely not my intention.

His gaze moved down to my ankles.

I was seriously uneasy about what he was thinking.

“I, I’m only for Cassard!”

“Is that so?”

His smile was slow. His fingers clenched.

Cassard’s scent was familiar.

Tempting yet dangerous, it was unmistakably his.

“Why do you seem like you’ll run away?”

Something was pressing inside his embrace.

Inside my full pocket was a teddy bear he gave me, Haryang.

‘He has disappeared.’

Why was I recalling Sylvia’s story now?

“…I won’t go. Nowhere.”

“I should hope so.”

Underneath the autumn trees, the uneasy kiss began.

The day and night passed, held in my lover’s arms.

The next morning.

On a significantly colder morning, yesterday’s guest had returned.

“…Prince Michael?”

I squinted at Michael standing at the main gate.

‘He surely left yesterday?’

Moreover, he was carrying a load of luggage.

“Please take me in!”

What on earth is this about?