Lucia did not want to force all of this, as always.

Because that, too, was not their choice, but simply following what Lucia wanted to do.

If they wanted it, there must be a moment when they realize its value.

Just like Lucia now, who accepted all of this due to past regrets.

“……Nia, I’m not eating this.”

The child, who had been strangely watchful for a while, hesitated to touch the plate with only vegetables left and said.

Since now it was a gorgeous dinner prepared by the palace maids, perhaps she was tamed by Gilliana’s skills?

“Then I’ll eat it.”

“…….”

Lucia casually picked broccoli and carrots from Nia’s plate and ate.

And a little later,

“Nia’s not doing homework.”

Homework for a 5yearold? A strict kindergarten.

“Sure.”

“…….”

Lucia turned the page indifferently at Nia’s little rebellion.

And snack time.

“Nia, eat more sweet and cold stuff. Give me more.”

Nia, who just finished a bowl of fruit sherbet, reached out to Lucia.

She seemed to be hiding something, looking more watchful than before, but was quite moved.

A child who couldn’t even ask for cookies was now asking for more snacks.

“You eat well.”

“……!”

Nia looked at the bowl in surprise.

A heap of fruit sherbet.

Lucia, feeling good just eating a lot and not feeling sick even being a saint, ate the cold stuff grimacingly.

Nia went into the bedroom blanket, chattering her small lips after eating.

Trying to melt her cold body was an instinctive action, but more than that,

‘……I’m not scolded like Ivanne……!’

Actually, the child had been acting just as she saw Ivanne do at her house.

Ivanne scolded for not eating vegetables.

Ivanne scolded for not doing homework.

Ivanne scolded for eating snacks in a hurry and stealing hers.

Despite all such bad behavior, Ivanne’s mother Julianne just scolded, not chasing her away.

‘……Is it because she’s a real daughter?’

The child, past the fear of being chased away, was too envious of that.

And out of that envy, she imitated Ivanne wanting to be scolded for once, but alas, the situation was completely different.

“Nia, are you here?”

Mia, peeking her face in from the bedroom door.

“……Woong? It’s Mia, sis!!”
Startled at seeing Mia after such a long time, Nia immediately jumped out of bed and ran to hug her.

“Have you been well, Nia?”

Her cheeks were plumper than before, and her lively complexion matched her violet hair.

Even to young Nia, Mia looked very, very pretty.

“Sis, you’re pretty!”

“Hehe, thank you. I’ve been eating well lately, so I’ve gained some weight. But it seems like you’ve been receiving a lot of love from Mom too. These cheeks are really cute, aren’t they?”

Mia said with a bright smile, grabbing and pulling Nia’s soft cheeks.

But then, suddenly, the child’s small jaw trembled as if she felt wronged.

“……Love……. ”

“Why, what’s wrong? Is something the matter?”

“……. ”

“Tell me. I can’t come often, so if not now, there won’t be a chance.”

Finally, after Mia’s persuasion, the child leaned back as if to hide and mumbled her words.

“……Nia, is scolded and lonely.”