“Nothing is more important than Di’s health, but are we really all going? Wouldn’t it be better just to send Di? The doctor is famous and strict, so it won’t be cheap.”

“We have the money for it. And we don’t have any other choice.”

Joyce showed a bitter smile, but beneath that smile lay hope and joy.

His memories of first meeting his much younger sister were still vivid to him.

Diane, who was initially too small and frail to even be frightening, had grown to recognize people and particularly clung to him. Gruff and awkward with his peers, he was surprisingly not popular, but the baby relied on him without a doubt and would rest her hot cheek on his shoulder when she slept.

Diane was the person Joyce loved most in the world. The day he first realized that even her breath sparkled like sunlight, he swore to give her everything he had.

Even if that meant losing his title.

All the nobles of Vista were required to attend Noble Academy.

This legal provision was not created for building camaraderie among nobles; it was enforced even if individuals did not want to attend. Even personal health was not an exemption unless the situation was extremely serious.

So, if Diane were to leave Noble Academy for full-fledged treatment, she would have to renounce her noble status.

Fortunately, the MacKinnon family had many suitable heirs. Especially, Sibna had been attentive to his niece’s health, even getting information about LeMartre through Angelo, with whom he worked.

Even if Sibna’s domain in the MacKinnon organization wasn’t doing well, people who are helpful and caring tend to survive. Because those they’ve helped would back them up.

So, there was nothing to worry about.

If Sibna inherited the Earlship, Nualan, who would naturally become the successor, had always looked after his younger relatives. Although Muriel had been spoiled at home and had no manners, she would probably change a bit when she became a noble lady.

If they left the country giving up the Earlship, they would naturally have to leave behind their network and properties. They would take as much money as they needed to settle in a new place, but they would have to abandon all the benefits they enjoyed in Vista.

The decision might have been more difficult if Angelo Railing hadn’t brought news of a good diamond mine to invest in at Atrapallea.
However, the Earl had not yet given up hope, thinking that the news of a new business venture in a region with medical professionals might be a divine signal for his family to start a new life.

Nuallan, well aware of this plan, offered sincere advice.

“Don’t be too extreme in your thinking. Once you decide, it’s irreversible. It’s not even certain that Lemartre is a doctor who can cure Dee.”

Joyce nodded.

“Don’t worry, I’m not rushing out right now. I’ll have to examine the situation carefully. I’m going to a foreign country where I don’t know anyone.”

Moreover, there was no law that said treatment must necessarily be long-term. Who knows, the doctor might look and fix it in an instant.

The McKinnon family had not yet given up such hope.

Cling, cling, cling. A clear sound came from the Earl and his wife’s seat as the conversation between the cousins came to an end. The Earl stood up with a smiling face, tapping a silver spoon against a glass. All eyes focused on him.

“Everyone gathered here….”

After speaking about the meaning of the feast, giving thanks to God, wishing everyone’s health and endless prosperity in business, he pointed to a specific individual.

“Even though my siblings were all born to the same parents, each is different. Among them, Sibna McKinnon truly has a larger heart for family than any other sibling. I’m not sure I could do the same in his situation.”

Joyce nodded in agreement, while Sibna let out a sarcastic laugh and blushed.

He had never been in the spotlight like this before, especially not from the enormous guests who loved meeting people as much as the Earl and his wife did.

The Earl added a few more vague words about the gratitude he and his family felt towards Sibna before concluding.

Guests exchanged glances. By etiquette, guests always come before family. But for the Earl to elevate one of his siblings, especially just one, in such a large gathering of guests, there had to be a reason.

What could that reason be?

Naturally, more people approached Angelo. Angelo, who had indeed expanded his business sphere, was originally a supplier of pharmaceuticals and naturally had a close connection with Sibna. So, he must know something.

The table was filled with dishes made from luxurious ingredients and delicate cooking methods. As the meal progressed, Joyce maintained polite conversation with those around him, and by the time dessert came out, everyone was somewhat tipsy due to the various kinds of alcohol served.

As some guests discreetly slipped away for reasons like taking a walk, playing cards, or smoking, Nuallan stood up.

“Where are you going?”

At Joyce’s question, Nuallan winked.

“Going to check on our young lady.”

“She’s not that young anymore, Nu. Not our baby at least.”

“I’m going to check on your ‘baby.’ Last time I saw, her friend was leaning over the first floor. It’s dangerous near the second-floor railing, just making sure no accident occurs.”

Joyce immediately understood what the second-floor railing meant.

Entering the main building through the first-floor entrance led directly to a hall with an open ceiling that went up to part of the second floor. To prevent people walking on the second floor from suddenly falling to the first, a railing had been installed.

Any guardian of a young child would feel uneasy about having a child near that railing. For Joyce, who was overprotective, the mere possibility of Dianne holding onto that railing and looking down at the first floor felt like a catastrophe.

“Let’s go together.”

“Will you give her a goodnight kiss if she’s in her room?”

“Of course.”

At Joyce’s confident response, Nuallan burst into laughter. But then Angelo approached Joyce.

“Sir, regarding the matter of visiting Artlapalea that you mentioned, there’s something to discuss….”

At Joyce’s troubled expression, Nuallan waved his hand reassuringly.
“We’ve discussed enough. Only one person needs to confirm.”

That was true.

Joyce knew Angelo was a busy person. He glanced sharply between the banquet hall door and Angelo, then nodded his head.

“Pass a kiss to Dee.”

“Ugh, you’re incorrigible. Fine. I’ll kiss her on your behalf, so don’t be jealous later.”

Nuallan left the banquet hall with a cheerful smile. Those around who had heard their conversation smirked. The McKinnon family really had an exceptionally good relationship.

Walking through the first floor hall, Nuallan found an appropriate spot and looked up at the second floor. No one was there, but he was not flustered.

There were plenty of ways to cause a little ‘trouble’ for the kids who couldn’t attend the adults’ party.

A cunning light flashed in Nuallan’s eyes.