[Dief] "I still don't understand, Shellan." He whispered with a wide, excited grin. [Dief] "How did you know? I only switched seats, so why did they decide not to go on their trip?" [Shellan] "Human psychology is perhaps too multifaceted and profound for an ordinary eight-year-old to understand." [Dief] "Mmm… sometimes I have no idea what you’re talking about." [Shellan] "It means you don't need to know. You just have to do exactly as I say." [Dief] "Do I have to switch seats

[Liene] "No! You cannot." She cried out, her voice laced with flustered urgency. [Black] "…May I not?" The reply came as a low, velvety whisper through the wood. [Liene] "Yes. Right now is… not a good time." [Black] "What is it that isn't good?" She meant that she was in no state to face him, but his mind went elsewhere. [Black] "Your mood?" [Liene] "No, it’s not that…" She shook her damp hair. [Liene] "I am sorry for breaking my promise. But I genuinely cannot go through wit

This is impossible. Shellan clutched her fork with her small hand. The ornate engravings on the handle dug into her palm, leaving crimson marks, but she was too preoccupied to notice. How could this be happening? Just a short while ago, the air between her parents had been thick with an unusual tension. Her mother had pointedly avoided eye contact, while her father had stared at her without so much as a blink. It was obvious that the fault lay with her father. One didn't even

[Shellan] "How could you be so rude, Dief?" It was Shellan who broke the sudden silence. [Shellan] "When someone greets you, you are supposed to acknowledge them. How could you just stand there muttering to yourself?" [Dief] "Ah… right." He hurriedly composed himself, dropping to one knee and extending his arms in a formal gesture of etiquette. [Dief] "Welcome to Nauk, Little Lady of Alito. Please, forgive my lack of manners." [Seira] "Think nothing of it." With Shellan and D

[Liene] "Ah, the timing is perfect." Just as she said, the Alito’s carriage was currently pulling up in front of the main castle. They were not late. However, Black did not feel particularly pleased. He felt there was no need to go this far just to greet them. Black knew it was pointless to try and stall. The kind-hearted Liene disliked discriminating against others, and she was the type of person who maintained her royal decorum regardless of who her guest was. Just because

[Knight] "Halt!" A thunderous shout pierced through the walls of the carriage. It was so forceful that the entire vehicle seemed to shudder from the impact. [Dieren] "…Dammit." He scowled, his face contorting with irritation. This maddening country never seemed to know the meaning of hospitality. Even though they clearly recognized the carriage of a Grand Ducal house, the guards insisted on stopping them at every border and outpost to verify every single person's identity and

[Liene] "It’s not as if he did anything particularly strange." At her response, one corner of his mouth pulled downward. [Black] "He did plenty. Have you forgotten?" [Liene] "Rather than saying I forgot, wouldn't it be more accurate to say nothing happened?" [Black] "I’m telling you, he did." Whenever his dissatisfaction grew, a faint crease would appear between his brows. It was different from the expression he wore when showing anger toward others; perhaps this look was a h

It was a beautiful day, much like any other. The sun shone brightly, and the breeze was cool. In this season, just before the arrival of summer, Nauk was filled with days of fluttering excitement and anticipation, as if preparing for the abundance to come. It was also the time of year when news of all sorts traveled most frequently. And so, the news arrived on such a day. [Shellan] "This is a sudden piece of misfortune. I refuse." [Dief] "Oh, I like it." The answers from the

Crackle, crackle. The sound of logs burning in the fireplace felt cozy. Equally cozy were the people who had bathed, changed into their nightclothes, and tucked themselves back into bed. Today, they had pushed the twins' beds together, creating one massive bed where the entire family could lie down together. The twins were ecstatic. Even as dawn approached, they showed no signs of sleepiness. Dief had noticed a bruise where the chest of drawers had pressed against him, but he

[Henton] "That is..." She faltered, swallowing her words. [Henton] "...I do not believe it is my place to say." [Shellan] "Why not?" [Dieff] "Is someone forbidding you from telling us?" A complex expression crossed Madam Henton’s face—one far too nuanced for seven-year-old children to fully grasp. [Henton] "It is likely because the Princess and Prince are still quite young." [Shellan] "Pardon? That sounds very strange." Madam Henton offered a lonely smile, the kind worn by so

Every cabinet and drawer in the jewel chamber had a keyhole, and every single one was firmly locked. The children, having tried to pull every handle they could reach, were now huffing with exhaustion. [Dief] "I think we have to go back out and get the keys." He said, wiping the sweat from his forehead. [Shellan] "We can't." She shook her head. [Shellan] "The Madams split the keys between them; each has half the set." His eyes widened in surprise. [Dief] "How did you find that

The plan was perfect. Nauk’s Royal Library was open year-round, as many scholars practically lived and ate within its walls. A mere blizzard wouldn't be enough to warrant locking its doors. The twins waited patiently for the Madams, enjoying the cookies they brought, and then used the excuse of being sleepy to retreat to their respective bedrooms. Once the Madams had tucked them in, patted their backs, and disappeared, the twins slipped out of bed. Shellan didn't forget to ad

[Shellan] "Mother!" Liene was in the rear garden. The garden had become the most beautiful sanctuary in Nauk Castle. The fountain, which had once been parched and covered in cobwebs, now bubbled with water, and trees and flowers that seemed to forget the seasons filled the grounds. Though it was winter and lacked the vibrant colors of other months, the garden possessed a quiet, tranquil charm this time of year. Liene stood in a secluded corner. Recognizing the familiar figure

It was a day where the sun felt warm despite the winter. This winter had not been particularly cold; the fountain in the garden flowed with clear water, refusing to freeze. Standing before the fountain was a grand, grey stone building that was, as usual, crowded with people. This was the Royal Library, established four years ago. It was known to hold the largest collection of books in the southern part of the continent. Moreover, unlike other institutions that strictly restri

His appearance meant he had only just finished his duties and returned to the castle. It also meant that he had come looking for Liene the moment he arrived, and he was not particularly inclined to share her with anyone else. [Liene] "Oh, you're back already?" [Black] "I missed you." Black entered with a smile and pressed a kiss to her forehead. While her expression softened instantly at his presence, the others in the room reacted differently. Everyone froze in a state of fl

[Flambard] "No matter how I look at it, it must be a girl." She gritted her teeth, momentarily pausing her needlework. She was convinced that Liene’s first child could be nothing other than a daughter. Liene’s appetite was the primary evidence. It was identical to how she had felt when she carried her own daughter. Liene constantly sought out sour fruits and couldn't stand the slightest scent of anything fishy. Above all, the shape of her belly was the deciding factor. A roun