Prologue

Inside one of the rooms in Albert Manor, the family doctor sat across from Mary. He’d been looking after her health since she was a child, and he was like a grandfather to her. “Congratulations, Lady Mary,” he told her; Mary blinked at him.

She’d been feeling languid for the past few days, so she had asked him for a checkup. She was used to hearing things like “You have a cold,” “You’re tired,” or “You mustn’t feign illness,” at the end of her examination. Commendations were the last thing she’d expected to hear today. After all, receiving praise when one appealed to the doctor about feeling poorly was extremely bizarre.

When Mary pointed this out, the man simply repeated, “Congratulations.”

“I don’t know why you’re saying that, but thank you,” she responded. “Anyway, how’s my health?”

“As I said, congratulations.”

“And I thank you once again for your courtesy. So what is this listlessness that I’ve been feeling all about? I’ve been really sleepy recently too.”

“Indeed. That’s why I’m congratulating you,” the doctor insisted.

“Thank you. If it’s such a cause for celebration, I’ll arrange for a cake. But my symptoms are troubling me. Is it a cold?” Mary inquired.

The physician paused. “I’d like to congratulate you from the bottom of my heart, Lady Mary,” he emphasized once again, at which point even Mary felt a sense of discomfort. The man’s tone of voice sounded incredibly happy, and the wrinkles around his eyes were deeper than usual due to how broadly he smiled. He looked not like a doctor facing his patient, but rather a man sincerely congratulating his own granddaughter.

Based on the way he was looking at her, an idea formed in Mary’s mind. In the next moment, the realization started seeping in.

“You’re...congratulating me?” she asked, hesitantly placing a hand on her abdomen. The doctor nodded, as if glad that his words had finally gotten through to her. His expression was gentle, which was to be expected of someone who’d worked for the Alberts for so many years. Mary’s thickheaded tendencies were a core component of hers, which he viewed affectionately.

“Indeed, I am,” he said. “I’m honored to be present at this occasion.”

“I see... So right now, in my belly...!” Mary exclaimed, rubbing her stomach, which was flat...for now. Then, she let out a gasp. Her dress today had a belt affixed around her abdomen. It wasn’t as tight as a corset; rather, it had been lightly tied to give her figure a more defined shape. As she didn’t feel any pressure from it, she’d forgotten all about it until now. Nonetheless, she hurriedly untied the belt, while the doctor laughed as he watched her.

“Lady Mary!” someone cried from behind her with emotion. It was one of the maids who looked after Mary on a daily basis, and who had accompanied her for the doctor’s visit. “Congratulations! I’m also honored to be here right now!”

“Thank you,” Mary responded. “Things are going to get busy from now on, so I’ll be counting on you.”

“Of course! Ah, I’m so elated! The bells of happiness are ringing for House Albert!”

“Bells?” Mary repeated. The maid sounded so happy that Mary wouldn’t have been surprised if she’d burst into song and started twirling around. After all, the woman’s longtime mistress was pregnant, and the maid had been there when she heard the news. It was a blessing for her, and she’d never been happier or prouder in all her life as a maid. Perhaps as a result of her bliss, she’d had her little outcry about the “bells of happiness.”

Indeed, bells would often ring to signify moments of joy during plays or other stage performances. And unlike Mary, in whom the feelings welled up gradually, the maid was already hearing joyful chimes as she basked in a field of flowers within her mind. Even the doctor responded in kind, as if he could hear those bells too.

“You’re exaggerating,” Mary said with a shrug, laughing at the maid’s delight. Yet her hand stayed pressed to her abdomen. Although it was still flat, she rubbed it slowly and even inquired, “You think so too, right?” She was remaining calm to keep up appearances, but she was overjoyed as well. The flowers in her mind were starting to bloom one by one, and as if influenced by the maid’s glee, she began to hear the chimes resounding too.

The doctor watched the two women with a wry smile. “There’s one person you ought to inform first,” he told Mary softly.

***

All the words of congratulations Mary had received were indeed because she was pregnant. But of course, the pregnancy of none other than Mary Albert couldn’t be officially announced right away. High society would be in turmoil to find out that a new generation was coming to the nation’s most prestigious family. Not to mention, Mary was a candidate for succession, so the public might see this as the birth of House Albert’s future heir apparent.

This was all the more so the case considering that Lang and Lucian, Mary’s brothers, hadn’t even had a single romantic interaction with anyone, let alone a marriage. Everyone had high expectations for Mary and Adi as a married couple. The announcement was sure to make waves in high society, so for now it was best to take the appropriate steps and wait until the right moment to reveal it.

“Huh, I feel like I’m always shaking high society up. I’m so sorry...” Mary said with a teasing laugh as she plopped down on the bed. Slowly, she petted her abdomen. Until yesterday, it had simply been another part of her body, but now she saw it as more precious than anything. She was filled with a warm, ticklish feeling. “I want to give you a kiss already. But I can’t yet, so for now my hand will have to do,” she told her tummy.

There was a small knock on the door. With Mary’s permission, the door opened slightly, and Adi peered inside through the gap. He’d knocked lighter than usual, and the way he discreetly looked into the room must have meant he thought Mary might’ve been sleeping.

“Sorry to disturb your rest, milady,” he said. “May I enter?”

“It’s okay, Adi. I was just lying down.”

“How are you feeling?” Adi asked worriedly, and Mary smiled at him. She patted the edge of the bed, inviting him to sit next to her. Judging by her gesture, he surmised that nothing major was wrong, and with a look of relief, he sat down on the bed. He reached out, brushing Mary’s hair from her forehead, perhaps to check her complexion. His red eyes narrowed, and he playfully twirled a lock of her hair around his finger. “I’m glad it doesn’t seem like anything serious. What did the doctor say?”

Mary’s smile grew larger. She grasped the hand that was playing with her hair, pulling it over to her face. She nuzzled against it while Adi’s thumb stroked her cheek. Looking up at him, she recalled the doctor’s diagnosis.

“He congratulated me. So congratulations, Adi,” she said with a giggle.

Adi’s eyes widened. “Thank you...?” he replied with confusion.

Mary burst out laughing. (If the doctor had been here, would he have brought up Mary’s own thickheaded behavior from earlier and teased her about it? Or perhaps he would’ve simply watched on kindly, surmising that this was precisely why she and Adi were married.)

“The doctor congratulated me. That’s why I’m congratulating you, Adi,” she emphasized.

“Right, thank you. If this is such a cause for celebration, I’ll arrange for a cake during your after-dinner tea,” he said. “So, about your languidness. Is it just that you’re tired from being busy, or is it a cold?”

Mary’s smile widened even further when Adi still didn’t catch on. “You’re so slow,” she complained with a note of affection as she shrugged. Given what had happened a few minutes ago, it was as if Mary were throwing rocks—no, possibly entire boulders—while living in a glass house.

That said, Adi was slightly quicker on the uptake than Mary, for he seemed to have realized something. “Congratu...lations...?” he muttered. Rather than asking Mary, he was voicing his own suspicions out loud.

Mary’s impish smile turned into a composed one, and she moved Adi’s hand from her cheek to her abdomen. This must’ve cleared up his doubt, and his eyes shimmered. He looked unbelievably happy, as if he wanted to pull Mary in for an embrace right away. Yet his hand gently rubbed her stomach, making Mary’s heart and tummy feel ticklish at the same time.

“M-My lady, that means...”

“Yes, it does. Congratulations, Adi,” Mary confirmed, sitting up and squeezing his hand. They gazed at each other, and his eyes glimmered with joy. Mary was sure she must’ve looked the same.

Then, Adi slowly spread his arms and drew Mary into a warm, soft hug. Surely one might hold a dainty piece of glasswork with more strength than this. His touch was so subtle that it wouldn’t even have left a dent in cotton. Normally, Mary would’ve pestered him to hold her tighter, or even jokingly said, “Don’t think you can catch me in such a weak hold!” while slipping out of his arms.

But now, it was different. Adi was hugging both her and the new life dwelling within her. His joy was out of this world, and though he wanted to hold her tighter, he didn’t know how much of his strength to put into it. Though his hold on her was weak, he didn’t want to let go. Understanding his emotions, Mary wrapped her arms around his back.

After all, they would naturally be cautious when hugging their child for the very first time.

Chapter 1

A few days had passed since Mary found out the good news. After she’d spoken with her parents, they collectively decided that they would wait a while before making an official announcement. (As a side note, her parents had been delighted, and both of them had kissed her cheek. Overcome with emotion, Keryl had even kissed Adi’s cheek, which had left him quite shaken.)

They would prioritize the child’s safety and wait for the doctor’s endorsement before announcing the news during a befitting occasion. They would, of course, have to pick an auspicious day for it, but that was a consideration for the future. For now, they’d only inform those closest to them, as well as those on whom they relied for daily care. Each individual would be asked to stay silent on the matter. Yet even though House Albert trusted their staff, their mansion was always bursting with visitors and activity, so it was possible for information to spread unintentionally.

All that said, the maid who’d been with Mary when she had found out about her pregnancy had been genuinely gladdened by the news, and after congratulating Mary, she’d smiled and said, “I look forward to the day of the announcement.” She had seemed to be excitedly anticipating the people’s reaction, and had expressed how honored she felt to be one of the first few in the know. Even if Mary hadn’t imposed a gag order on her, the maid would’ve surely cooperated.

The real problem lay with those Mary was close to. If she chose the wrong people to tell, her pregnancy would be as good as public knowledge.

“I’m honored that you shared the news with me despite having such worries,” said Roberto with a composed smile. He, Mary, and Adi were in a room together.

Mary, who’d been the one to inform him of her pregnancy, nodded in response as she stroked the soft cushions laid out on each side of her.

“So that’s why my foolish brother has been purchasing all those cushions and burying you in them, Lady Mary,” Roberto went on. “I was convinced it must have something to do with your past life memories.”

“I don’t have memories of being buried in cushions,” she replied flatly.

“My apologies,” Roberto said with amusement, acting as his usual shrewd self.

“These cushions are only here because that brother of yours is a worrywart. There are dozens more in my room, and any gaps in between them are covered up with blankets,” Mary complained, exasperated at Adi’s overprotectiveness.

“And it’s still not enough,” Adi replied with a stern expression. He’d even laid a lap blanket over Mary’s knees, which was truly excessive.

If she were to take it off her lap, Adi would pull a throw blanket out of nowhere and wrap her up in it. If she were to try and beat him to the punch on that, saying, “It’s fine. I don’t need it,” he’d pull out another lap blanket instead.

“Anyway, I’d like for you to keep this a secret from my brothers,” Mary told Roberto.

“Do you not plan to inform Lord Lang and Lord Lucian about it?”

“If they were to find out, the whole country would know in an instant.”

“You have a point. They’re sure to kick up a fuss about it. Telling them would be the same as you making an official announcement,” he agreed.

“I’m certain they’d be so overjoyed that they would throw a party lasting for three days and three nights,” Mary supposed.

“In the worst-case scenario, they might even hold a parade in the town center,” Roberto said with a nod. “I can picture them making an uproar like a bunch of fools. Ah, excuse me. I was wrong to say they’d be ‘like’ a bunch of fools,” he appended, saying unbelievably rude words about his masters. He understood Mary’s point, as well as how her brothers would behave if they found out the news.

Thank goodness, Mary thought with a sigh of relief. She had a feeling she shouldn’t let Roberto’s abusive language pass by, but then again it hadn’t been about her, so she was willing to let it go in one ear and out the other.

“Yet I’m sure it’ll be difficult for you not to share the good news with them,” Roberto pointed out. “They’re getting what they deserve, but I can’t imagine how it must feel for you, Lady Mary.”

“I appreciate it, but to me, it’s good enough that I informed you, Roberto.”

“I’m not sure how to feel about you lumping me together with those two,” he appealed with a frown, discontent to hear that Mary thought of him, Lang, and Lucian as one and the same. His displeasure was evident in his good-looking features.

However, in the next moment, his typical cool countenance returned, and he smiled softly, his sharp eyes creasing. Then, he lowered his head deeply while his hair gently drooped with the movement. “Congratulations, Lady Mary,” he said in his calm, deep voice. It carried the note of a butler from a long line of servants expressing his congratulations, but it also sounded like he was addressing someone he had thought of as his sister for a long time. “I’ve never felt a greater joy than this, both as a servant of House Albert and on a personal level. I’m sure the bells will ring more mirthfully than ever.”

“Oh, so you’re making merry too. What a surprise,” Mary said. The maid who’d accompanied her on her doctor’s visit had mentioned the bells too, but Mary hadn’t expected for Roberto to say the same thing. He was usually too composed to consider such festive words necessary. Then again, back when Mary having a child was merely a fantasy, Roberto had said he wanted them to call him “uncle.” Even if his words had been influenced by alcohol and the twins’ boisterous instigation, he’d sounded quite merry indeed.

Although it was hard to imagine because of Roberto’s cool and composed appearance, he still experienced moments of joy and got into festive moods, especially upon hearing good news from a family member.

“Well, despite my surprise, I’m glad to hear you’re this happy about it. Thank you,” Mary said bashfully, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and joy.

Confused, Roberto and Adi exchanged a glance. When facing each other, their features looked somewhat similar, as expected from a pair of brothers. After they’d silently signaled each other with their eyes, Roberto exhaled deeply. Concealing his previous bafflement, he turned back to Mary with his usual calm countenance. “As you said, Lady Mary, this good news has got me in a bit of a festive mood,” he acknowledged.

“Right, and what was that blatant exchange just now?” she asked.

“Please don’t worry about it,” Roberto insisted. “Either way, when there’s a new head of the house or a new family member on the way, I am as prone to making festive remarks as anyone.”

“I’m sure you are, Uncle Roberto,” Mary said with a smirk, at which Roberto cleared his throat. Though he admitted to his own festive mood, it seemed this wasn’t a topic he wanted to broach.

After pacifying Mary, Roberto turned to Adi and lightly punched him in the chest. It was an uncharacteristic action, but this was a way for an older brother to congratulate his younger brother. Roberto seemed unruffled, yet he couldn’t hide a note of mischief from his expression. “To think I’ll get to meet your child,” he remarked.

“What exactly are you trying to say with that look of yours?” Adi demanded.

“Nothing. As your brother, I simply feel moved,” Roberto claimed. “To think that you’ve come this far, when in the past you were so convinced your love for Lady Mary was unrequited that you even told our parents to give up on any expectations for grandchildren.”

“Yeah, I did say that. I also added that since you don’t have a human heart, our family line ends here.”

“Oh? I’d love for you to explain what you meant by that,” Roberto pressed, his smile widening.

Taking on the challenge, Adi smirked back boldly. “I meant what I said,” he retorted.

What a hostile exchange they were having! To outsiders, it would’ve seemed like the brothers despised each other. Yet it was this harsh exchange itself that proved how well they got along. Roberto’s nasty remarks were his way of teasingly congratulating his brother, and Adi was well aware of that. Any sincere conversation between them would surely be carried out in private.

Mary rubbed her stomach and murmured, “Your father and uncle are both such contrarians.”

Having congratulated Mary on her pregnancy, Roberto bowed to her. “I’ll prepare you something warm to drink,” he declared, and then walked away.

Mary watched him leave and exhaled deeply. She’d known that he would be happy to hear the news, but she’d still been nervous about the idea of telling someone. Hearing her sigh, Adi placed a second lap blanket onto her knees. “I don’t need any more of these,” she told him.

“In that case, I’ll bring you some cushions.”

“Ah, so you intend to drown the estate in cushions, do you?” Mary asked, then looked at her belly. “My darling child, you won’t grow up in Albert Manor—you’ll grow up in Fluff Manor!”

“N-No, I didn’t buy that many...!” Adi protested. “And by the way, I’ll be heading out for a bit. An order I placed has arrived, so I’ll be going to pick it up.” With that, he hurriedly got to his feet. He was acting obviously disingenuous.

Mary cast him a probing look. “What did you order?” she asked suspiciously.

Adi openly avoided her gaze. His eyes danced around uncharacteristically, and he kept umming and ahhing as he tried to falteringly come up with some deception. Nearing the door, he quickly bowed and said, “Off I go!” before darting outside. He fled without ever giving a proper answer.

“Cushions. He definitely bought more cushions,” Mary said while rubbing her stomach, and lamented with a sigh how she would end up buried in them.

***

A few hours later, Adi returned with two cushions, just as expected. However, Mary couldn’t allude to it or smirk and say something like, “I knew it.” That was because Adi had come home with a small girl Mary had never seen before.

The child was clinging to Adi’s leg and tugging on his tailcoat, anxiously surveying her surroundings. She had red hair and eyes, and her features were still cherubic. She must’ve been around five years old. Her attire was very plain, and dirty in places. There was a small pochette hung over her shoulder, but that too had stains on it.

Mary blinked upon seeing this unexpected guest. With a teacup in one hand, she glanced between Adi and the child. “Welcome back, Adi. Who is this girl?”

“She’s, uh...” Adi slurred. He held the cushions under one arm while awkwardly scratching the back of his head with his free hand. The gesture ruffled his rust-colored hair; it was the same shade as the little girl’s.

Chapter 3

Although the Eldland estate fell short in comparison to Albert Manor, it was still a splendid and majestic home, full of character. The maids must’ve looked after it constantly, as there wasn’t a speck of dust, and the interior was decorated with seasonal plants and paintings. Every nook and cranny was well maintained, which displayed not only the family’s dignity, but also how much everyone adored their new head of the house.

In contrast to this majesty, a rushed pitter-patter of footsteps resounded in the mansion. “Lady Mary! Lady Mary...!” Parfette cried as she approached. She was still a fair distance away, but she’d already spread her arms, and her off-white dress fluttered behind her. Once she had finally made her way over to Mary, she wanted to embrace her, delighted by their reunion.

Yet Adi wedged himself between the girls, redirecting Parfette’s trajectory towards Alicia instead.

“Lady Mary, I missed you... No, this doesn’t feel like Lady Mary! Lady Alicia?!” Parfette squeaked, surprised to discover whom she was hugging.

Nevertheless, Alicia embraced the other girl tightly. “It’s been a while, Parfette!”

“Yes, it has...!”

Two beautiful girls hugged each other, celebrating their reunion. What a gorgeous scene it was, indeed. But Mary, who was left out of it, only shrugged her shoulders at this typical course of events. She then glanced over at Adi.

“I don’t really think it’s a problem if Parfette wants to hug me,” she informed him.

“No can do. I won’t let anyone hug you, milady,” he responded.

“No? Then I suppose I’ll be feeling lonely for quite some time.”

“I’m an exception,” Adi clarified as he blushed.

Mary smiled dryly, then turned her attention to Patrick and Gainas, who were exchanging greetings with each other.

The head of House Eldland could be referred to as this nation’s representative. From Mary’s perspective, he was simply a man whose wife led him around by the nose. However, that didn’t change the fact that Gainas was the leader of a distinguished family with many connections, both domestically and abroad. He had great influence, all the more so when it came to Sylvino, a country adjacent to his own.

***

Once she had finished explaining all the details, Mary smiled at Gainas and clapped her hands. “So there you have it. Now, I’d like you to intrude on Sylvino’s affairs, and haul the feudal lord who governs Anna’s region over the coals.”

“This may turn into an international incident, Lady Mary, so couldn’t we sugarcoat things a lit—”

“Crush him completely!!!”

“I’ll take the appropriate measures.” Despite the way his head drooped, Gainas agreed to cooperate.

Patrick patted Gainas’s arm to console him. He looked at the other man with a calm and lovely smile, as though he could understand Gainas’s feelings. He nodded deeply, and...

“Drive him to the point of no return.”

...delivered a follow-up attack. His smile was beyond stunning at that moment. His overall degree of shininess was about twenty percent stronger than the disturbing quality of his words.

Gainas narrowed his eyes. Perhaps he was exasperated, or else dazzled by Patrick’s light. “Even you, Lord Patrick...?”

“I’m in a certain position here myself. A single representative of a nation shouldn’t carelessly meddle in the affairs of another country. But things are different for House Eldland.”

“You have a point,” Gainas concurred. “Many people from Sylvino have crossed into our country recently, so starting the conversation from that point should make things easier. The disparity between Sylvino’s wealthy and poor has come up numerous times before, so this might be an ideal opportunity.”

“Good. We’re counting on you. If push comes to shove, be ready to expand House Eldland’s territory.”

“Lord Patrick, let’s try to resolve this peacefully, I beg of you...”

“We’ll thoroughly uproot him and snatch his lands.”

“I’ll take the appropriate measures.” As Gainas realized that arguing was useless in this case too, his shoulders sank.

Adi called out to Gainas next. His voice was lower than usual, and he stared fixedly at the other man. He was almost radiating an air of intimidation. Mary, who sat next to him, noticed the change and looked up at him as well. Adi’s countenance was grim. Though he remained calm, a fiery vortex of passion was swirling in his eyes.

“Please do what you can, Lord Gainas.”

“Lord Adi...”

“Obviously, Anna isn’t my daughter. But though she may have done so out of a misunderstanding, she nevertheless asked for my help. She was extremely anxious and afraid. When I remember that, I cannot bring myself to wrap the matter up by simply sending her home.”

Adi’s voice was filled with indignation as he spoke, and everyone’s attention turned to him. They could feel the icy wrath emanating from him. Given Anna’s unreasonable circumstances, Adi couldn’t suppress his feelings right now.

Gainas’s expression also shifted to a serious one as he looked back at Adi. “I’m going to send a messenger to the feudal lord right away.”

“Please do.”

“It might be best if we leave tomorrow. You all must be tired from the journey, so I’ll arrange for you to stay the night here,” Gainas proposed. The others thanked him for the courtesy and took him up on his offer.

The Eldland estate was sizable, so it must’ve had plenty of spare rooms. Allowing Mary and the others to stay the night was a point of honor for the family. Occasionally, one had to take someone up on an offer without reserve, and then return the favor at another time. This was one of the ways to deepen the relationships between families.

Parfette and Alicia, who’d been taking care of Anna, bowed to each other when they heard of this plan. “I hope you have an enjoyable stay here,” Parfette said, offering a warm welcome. She already possessed the dignity of the lady of the house.

“We’ll take you up on that,” Alicia responded, lowering her head. A princess shouldn’t bow to just anyone, but since this was a sleepover at a friend’s house, that surely wasn’t a problem.

Anna, who was sitting between the girls, looked at each of them in turn before mimicking them and lowering her head too. Her adorable gesture and her faltering words of “We’ll take you up on that,” caused the two women to scream shrilly.

Such a heartwarming scene evaporated the tension between the others as they smiled. Recalling something, Mary addressed Gainas. “Could you arrange a stay for my brothers as well? They said they wanted to gather some information on Sylvino and disappeared, but I’m sure they’ll be back.”

“You mean Lord Lang and Lord Lucian? Of course, it’s not an issue,” Gainas replied.

“They’re annoyingly loud, so you can stuff them both into one room.”

“I... I couldn’t... I’ll get each of them a proper room. And one for Adi’s brother too.”

“Indeed, please arrange for Roberto to have his own room.”

“Isn’t there something strange about your difference in treatment?” Gainas muttered with a strained expression.

Usually, the idea of a noble family’s two eldest sons being put into one room while their servant got his own separate room was unthinkable. Such rudeness would’ve been sure to incite the guests’ wrath, and they wouldn’t have been wrong to accuse their host of breaching common sense.

Yet Mary once more insisted, “My brothers will be fine in one room.” She wasn’t saying this as a display of modesty or restraint. Rather, she found her brothers bothersome enough that she wanted them done away with in one convenient place.

“W-Well, I’ll still arrange for three rooms and let them decide by themselves. Does that sound reasonable?” Gainas tried.

“Or we can just have all three of them stay in one room.”

“Why are you choosing the most confined option...? Anyway, I’ll arrange for one room per person. Please use them as you see fit,” Gainas said, his shoulders drooping. He knew that if this conversation continued, they wouldn’t make any progress.

After he’d stepped away to hand out the instructions to his servants, Mary sighed. She would finally be able to settle down and rest. They’d gone to one place after another today, and the sun was already setting. They might’ve been traveling via carriage, but that in itself was still tiresome enough. To think that Anna had covered such a long distance by herself, and using only dirty postcards as her guide, no less. Mary wanted to ensure that the child received a good night’s sleep. With a word of pardon, a maid entered the room, and Gainas instructed her to prepare dinner for the guests. Despite their party’s unannounced visit, their host was even providing a meal. Mary was about to accept his kindness, when...

“Mary, shouldn’t you be watching your diet?”

...Patrick called out to her. He must’ve been referring to the baby in her belly.

Mary glanced down at her abdomen and had an epiphany. Perhaps it was still too soon to be worrying about her diet, but then again, considering she was in the midst of an excursion, she thought it might be a good idea to take it into account.

Gainas must’ve heard this too, as he turned around to look at Mary with surprise. “Is there anything you dislike to eat, Lady Mary?”

“No... But I suppose I do want to discuss some things regarding dinner.”

“Very well. I’ll summon the head maid, so would you mind informing her about your preferences?”

“I will, thanks. I’ll give you five— No, you’re accommodating us all, so you can get ten points from each guest.”

“In that case, I’d better arrange for dessert and some chocolates to be left in every room,” Gainas said in jest, before leaving to summon the head maid.

Mary turned to Adi. “Would you mind explaining everything to the maid?” she inquired.

“Leave it to me. I’ll supervise your food preparation.”

“Just don’t worry so much that you leave me with only a tiny portion of vegetables. But don’t overdo it and give me too much either,” Mary instructed humorously.

Surmising that she was laughing at his overprotectiveness, Adi sulkily replied, “It’ll be fine.” The head maid entered the room right at that moment, and Adi took the opportunity to go over to her side.

Mary shrugged as she watched him go. Then she glanced sideways at Patrick, who’d been observing the exchange. He had been the one to bring up the topic of her diet, so he must’ve been aware of her situation. Yet Mary couldn’t openly say anything, so she limited herself to quietly thanking him. Patrick responded with a wink. He was one clever man, indeed.

Alicia’s voice interrupted this exchange. “We still have some time until dinner, Anna!” she exclaimed, so Mary and Patrick naturally turned their attention in her direction.

Anna was sitting next to Alicia, leaning against her. The little girl’s weariness must’ve come to the surface, and she had grown sleepy. Her eyes were half-lidded, and when Alicia shook Anna’s shoulder, the child’s head drooped.

“Anna, you should at least have some dinner before bed! It’ll be yummy!”

“We’re preparing it right now, so please hold on a bit...!”

Alicia and Parfette were doing their best to get Anna to open her eyes, but she was certain to fall asleep at any moment. She hadn’t uttered a word of complaint throughout the journey. Even yesterday, she’d held out to her limit before suddenly falling asleep. Aware of her own situation, Anna must’ve been doing her utmost to persevere until the last minute.

“What a commendable girl,” Mary whispered under her breath.

***

Lang, Lucian, and Roberto did indeed arrive at the Eldland estate eventually, but when they did...

“What a coincidence! We just wanted to stop by and say hello to Lord Gainas. Who would’ve thought you’d all be here too! What a total coincidence.”

“I’m sure it must’ve been Mary’s incredible conduct that brought us all together. This is practically a miracle...”

“Yes, yes. It’s a coincidence and a miracle. We apologize for the sudden visit, Lord Gainas.”

...their excuses were unbelievably insincere. They really were a three-person unit.

Yet nobody felt like saying anything about it at this point, and only Gainas conscientiously humored their hypotheses while ushering them in. “By sheer coincidence, I’ve arranged enough food for everyone,” he said, his words sounding incredibly forced.

***

Once everyone had their fill of dinner, it was time for them to retire to their respective bedrooms. Mary had received a room of her own, but she only left her luggage there before going over to Adi’s room. So far, they had all been traveling as a group, but now she wanted to spend time with her beloved, just the two...or three of them, as it were.

That had been Mary’s plan, but when she arrived in Adi’s room, Anna was sound asleep on top of his bed. It was large enough to accommodate up to three adults, and she was curled into a ball right in the middle, as if she were a kitten.

“I was going to have the maids look after her, but the idea upset her,” Adi explained. “It’d be troublesome if she woke up in the middle of the night and started crying, so we decided to let her sleep in my room.”

“Right, that makes sense,” Mary agreed.

“My apologies. You even came here expecting for the two of us to spend some time together...”

“It’s nothing to apologize over. In fact, if you had ignored Anna and started saying you wanted to make out with me, I would’ve kicked you right out of this room. Anyway...it wouldn’t have been just us two in the first place.” Mary giggled, rubbing her belly.

Adi smiled. “The three of us,” he rectified. He then clasped Mary’s hand and invited her to sit on the bed. Mary did so, careful not to wake Anna. “I’m sorry I got us caught up in this turmoil when you should be taking it easy.”

“It’s fine. Besides, given my personality, I’d get bored just sitting around and waiting until the child is born,” Mary said jokingly, at which Adi smiled wryly as well. It was a familiar smile, one she had seen since she was an infant. Yet how strange to think that this would soon be the face of a father.

Mary felt like nothing had changed between herself and Adi since their youth, but as it turned out, everything had been slowly changing without her noticing. “I wonder if I’ll be able to raise our child properly?” she mused.

“Are you anxious about it?”

“Everyone’s anxious the first time they face a challenge. You have plenty of experience looking after children, so you’re fine,” Mary said sulkily, muttering about how she was a novice at it.

It wasn’t just Adi. Patrick had experience from living with two younger brothers, and dealing with children was Alicia’s forte. Parfette seemed used to it as well, and in the same way, Gainas interacted with Anna naturally. Mary was the only one unaccustomed to dealing with children. Yet she’d soon be a mother, so it was natural that she had some anxiety about it.

“I’ve never felt this nervous about anything. Not when I pursued my own ruin, started up the migratory bird restaurant business, entered House Albert’s succession war, or published a dictionary of Feydella’s flowery words...”

“It’s not as if you’ll be raising the child by yourself, milady. Everyone else will help out too, and most importantly, I will be there. You’ll be fine,” Adi assured her, rubbing her arm. The touch of his large, warm hand melted away Mary’s anxiety. “No matter if it’s raising a child or anything else, you have nothing to worry about as long as I’m with you. After all, the young lady I’ve been assisting all this time has become the most ladylike woman in the whole world.”

Mary’s eyes widened when Adi boasted of his achievement. Then, she laughed. “You fool.” Of course, the woman he was referring to was none other than Mary herself. “But you’re right. If you’re there, then raising a child will be no problem,” she said, her voice no longer showing a hint of apprehension. Quite the opposite: her anxiety had vanished to the point that she let out a yawn. Now that her mind was lighter, she was hit with a wave of drowsiness.

Mary murmured that she wanted to sleep, and slowly lay down on the bed. Anna, who’d been curled into a ball, must’ve felt the movement, as she began to fidget restlessly. Mary placed her hand on the girl’s tummy to calm her down, and gently patted it a few times, recalling what her own mother used to do for her long ago.

How small and soft the little girl was. Mary found it slightly difficult to adjust the amount of force she used, but she must’ve done it right, for Anna’s movements ceased. As a sign that she was comforted by the gesture, the child’s breathing grew slow and steady once more.

In her restlessness, a strand of hair had fallen against Anna’s forehead. Mary brushed it aside with her fingers. It was the same shade as Adi’s.

“I wonder what hair color our child will have? Mine, or yours...? They might even have red drills,” Mary theorized. The child wasn’t even born yet, and Mary’s belly was still flat, yet her imagination was running wild. They still didn’t know anything, not the child’s gender, nor the color of their eyes or hair. All the two of them knew was that there was a child in Mary’s abdomen, which was exactly what made thinking about it so exciting.

While Mary was excited by her imagination, Adi smiled wryly. He lay down next to Anna as well. With each of them on one side of the small child, it was as if they were parents already.

“We still have plenty of time, so let’s give it some careful thought,” Adi proposed.

“Right. And we have to prioritize Anna for now. Let’s save her and her mother, then beat the feudal lord to a pulp!”

“You won’t be able to sleep if you get so worked up. We’re getting up early tomorrow,” Adi pointed out, urging Mary to sleep.

Mary nodded. It was almost as if she were a child being put to sleep. Feeling a mixture of drowsiness and embarrassment, she closed her eyes to lull herself to sleep, and...

“That’s right; picture books are great for lulling children to sleep! Which ones should we get? Let’s order some lovely ones from all over the world!”

...opened her eyes again with a flash.

However, Anna began fidgeting once more. She mumbled incomprehensibly under her breath like a mewling kitten, until finally muttering, “Be quieeet...”

Mary and Adi exchanged a look. With a dry smile, they both bid each other good night and went to sleep.

***

It was by sheer coincidence that Mary woke up in the middle of the night. Normally, she’d simply go right back to sleep. She found it hard to wake up most of the time, and was the type of person who’d laze about in bed throughout the morning.

Yet tonight, she felt strangely awake, and slowly sat up so as not to disturb the sleeping Adi. She looked around her dark surroundings, remembering that she wasn’t in Albert Manor. Right, we’re staying over at the Eldland estate... she thought, and in that same moment, she spotted a small figure sitting on the sofa in the corner of the room.

“What’s wrong, Anna?” Mary asked, stepping out of the bed and squatting by the sofa. She asked if Anna felt unwell, but it seemed that wasn’t the case.

“I woke up,” the little girl responded quietly.

“It’s still too early to get up. Why don’t we sleep for a little longer?” Mary suggested.

“But...”

“Are you worried about something? Would you like me to read to you before going back to bed? A fable, maybe? Or would you prefer a lullaby?” Mary didn’t know how to convince a child to go to bed, so she listed all sorts of methods. She had some ideas when it came to her own unborn child, but when push came to shove, she didn’t know what to actually do. Worse yet, none of her ideas enticed Anna to return to bed, and she continued sitting there dejectedly. The darkness made her look pitiful.

Yet soon enough, a small growl resounded in the room. Anna hurriedly curled in on herself, wrapping both arms around her belly protectively.

“Ah, you can’t sleep because you’re hungry. You fell asleep before dinner, so it’s no wonder,” Mary said, letting out a sigh of relief as she understood the situation. It would’ve been a serious problem if Anna had felt sick. Mary would’ve been just as troubled if the child had been longing for her mother. However, a hungry child was something even Mary could deal with. Surely Anna would feel sleepy once her stomach was full. “All right, I’ll bring you something delicious!”

“Really...?”

“Yes, so wait just a moment,” Mary promised, petting the girl’s head. She smiled happily in response. The child’s red hair stood out even in the darkness, and its softness as it entwined around Mary’s fingers felt ticklish.

As Mary left the room, a small voice told her, “See you soon.”

***

Right around the time Mary had woken up, Gainas had received a messenger in his room. Returning so late in the night, the messenger had indeed informed Sylvino’s feudal lord about Gainas’s desire to meet him. The lord had agreed, and found no issue with Gainas paying him a visit tomorrow morning.

Gainas apologized to the servant for the sudden errand, praised their achievement, and then asked about the situation in that particular domain of Sylvino. However, his expression soured upon hearing a rather unfavorable report.

“To think Anna grew up in such a terrible place,” Parfette said with a sigh. She’d been trying to stay awake as Gainas finished up his work, but now she frowned sorrowfully at the messenger’s tale. House Marquis had raised her with care, as if she were a princess, and to someone of her temperament, the situation in Sylvino was almost too much to listen to.

Gainas noticed the state she was in, and beckoned her over. He wrapped one arm around Parfette and comforted her. “It’s just like Lord Patrick said. If need be, House Eldland will deal with that region.”

“Are you sure? It could become an international incident...”

“We may not be as big as House Albert or House Dyce, but we still carry some authority. And we can’t just ignore this matter.”

“You’re kind and dependable, Lord Gainas. Twenty points,” Parfette declared, her cheeks slightly flushed as she leaned against him.

The messenger, who had until now spoken with a severe expression on his face, smiled wryly at the couple and said, “I’ll finish my report tomorrow,” before bowing and making a quick exit. This messenger knew how to read the room.

Gainas decided that he shouldn’t let that consideration go to waste. He informed Parfette that he was done working for the day. In reality, he still had a few things left to do, but he couldn’t resume his duties under such circumstances.

“We’ll be departing early tomorrow, so let’s go to bed,” he said.

“You’re right. Well then, I’ll return to my room,” Parfette replied with an impish giggle, slipping out of his arms.

“What, weren’t you waiting for me?” Gainas countered, restraining her in a tight hug. When he implored her to let the two of them sleep together, Parfette purposefully put on a cold act. She made a show of wondering what to do, all because she wanted Gainas to make a decisive move.

Sensing as much, Gainas brought his face closer to hers. Parfette gazed up at him, then closed her eyes, and...

“That’s enough! Put out some food!”

...both their eyes widened when Mary suddenly interrupted.

“A robber?! No, Lady Mary?!”

“I’m sorry for the late visit to your room, Gainas. I’d like you to arrange for some food,” Mary asserted.

“Food...? Was dinner insufficient?”

“No, but Anna woke up feeling hungry. We need to give her a light meal and get her back to bed, or else it’ll affect how she feels tomorrow,” Mary explained.

Parfette, flushed with embarrassment, suddenly came forward. “I’ll do it! I’ll ask for something from the kitchen, so please hold on a moment.”

“Go ahead,” Mary responded, and the still-blushing Parfette scurried out of the room. Mary watched her go, then eased out a sigh. She hadn’t been sure of what to do, since she couldn’t act as she pleased in the Eldland estate. But now it seemed she’d be able to return to Anna’s side in no time. Not to mention, Parfette was sure to be thoughtful and arrange for an appropriate meal.

What a relief... Mary thought, then glanced at the nearby Gainas.

In contrast to the reddened Parfette, he looked notably pale. He hadn’t said a word, yet Mary could practically hear him shrieking, “Don’t leave me, Parfette!”

“You’re surprisingly bold to be inviting her to bed when you’re not even married,” Mary remarked.

“N-No, I was just...! I did invite her, but I just wanted us to sleep next to each other! I wouldn’t do anything that’d leave me with a guilty conscience...!”

“Then can you tell me all about it while we wait for Parfette? Oho ho ho...!” Mary laughed elegantly, while Gainas paled even further.

Yet he seemed to have remembered something, and exclaimed, “Oh, that’s right!” in order to change the topic. “The messenger I sent to Sylvino has returned. I’ll be able to meet with the feudal lord in question tomorrow!”

“I believe we were discussing how you invited Parfette to bed.”

“The messenger also mentioned that the territory is in an even worse state than we’ve heard.”

“You mentioned that you wouldn’t do anything that’d make you feel guilty, right? So just what kind of things were you imagining when you said that, hmm?”

“Thankfully, I have relatives in Sylvino, so I’d be able to leave the land management to them. That way, things won’t escalate into an international affair.”

“I have no desire to meddle, but as your friend, I’d like you to share all kinds of things with me.”

Gainas frantically tried to put up a resistance, but Mary swiftly hacked away at it. She was grateful that he had set up a meeting with the feudal lord, but these were entirely separate matters.

Gainas sensed that he was in a bad spot, and a cold sweat broke out across his temples. “By the way...” he muttered hoarsely. “D-Does this matter, uhh...have any relation to your past life memories and such?”

“Not in the slightest. Anyway, regarding those ‘guilty conscience’ things you mentioned—do tell me about them concretely. Are they things you’ve done with Parfette already? If not, what kind of plans do you have for the future? I’m listening,” Mary said with a graceful smile, elbowing the man.

For outsiders, this would’ve looked like a noblewoman acting a little bit mean. Yet upon careful inspection, it was clear that Mary’s blows landed right in Gainas’s flank, and each time her elbow dug into him, he let out a pained groan. These couldn’t exactly be passed off as minor acts of meanness.

“Parfette, please come back quickly...” Gainas’s pathetic voice echoed fruitlessly in the quiet hallways of the Eldland estate.

***

Parfette had arranged for an assortment of bite-size sandwiches. The fillings were mostly vegetable based, with some ham and cheese ones as well. It was a splendid choice for a late-night snack. The platter was also garnished with fruit, and Parfette had prepared two cups of warm milk so that Mary could have one too.

Mary brought everything back to the room, where a small light had been switched on. Anna came out to greet her, and her eyes lit up at the sight of the sandwiches. As soon as they were ready, she began happily munching away. Mary had been worried when she’d initially seen the little girl sitting by herself on the sofa, but at this rate, it looked like they would easily be able to go back to sleep.

However, once Anna had finished her meal and her preparations to return to bed, she went back to sit on the sofa instead. She quietly called out Mary’s name, and there was no vigor to her like when she’d been eating the sandwiches. Mary peered at her dispirited features; the little girl’s eyes were wavering as if she was on the verge of tears.

“What’s wrong, Anna?”

“I’m sorry...” Anna whispered so quietly that her voice almost faded out.

Mary’s eyes widened. Why was Anna apologizing? “It’s all right. Nobody will be angry with you for waking up at such an hour. Staying up late every now and then isn’t so bad.”

“That’s not what I mean...”

“Then are you apologizing because you had a late dinner? It’s not a big deal. After all, you fell asleep without having eaten anything.”

“It’s not that either...”

“Wait, did you wet the bed?!” Mary conjectured. “That’s okay. I’ll get you a hot bath and a change of clothes. If you’re embarrassed about it, we can just blame Adi!”

“I know that...he isn’t my dad...” Anna admitted weakly, hanging her head.

“Anna...” Mary said with concern.

Anna’s voice trembled when she spoke next, convulsing with sobs. As Mary rubbed her small shoulders, large tears began streaming down her cheeks. “I knew...that he wasn’t my real dad... But if I said so...he’d tell me to go back home by myself...” she appealed desperately through her hiccups. She tried to wipe her tears away with both hands, but more soon replaced them. It was a painful sight.

Mary quickly pulled out a handkerchief and wiped Anna’s face. The corners of her eyes were red because of the messy way she’d rubbed them.

“I’m sorry... I caused everyone trouble...”

“It’s okay, and you didn’t trouble anyone. You did your best to help your mother,” Mary reassured her. “And nobody would’ve told you to go home by yourself.”

“I... I want to see my mommy... B-But if she goes away too because of her illness...then what about me? I... I...!” Anna sobbed, appealing that she’d be left all alone. Unable to bear the thought, she burst into tears.

Mary hugged the child at once. Before offering words of reassurance, she used her arms to comfort Anna. The girl hugged Mary back, burying her face in her chest while sobbing. Her body was so very small. The anxiety of being apart from her mother, the hopelessness of her attempt to find her father, and the guilt over calling Adi her dad—Anna’s body was too small to endure all these emotions. Yet without anyone to rely on and unable to reveal her true feelings, she had frantically tried to withstand it all by herself without being crushed in the process. Thinking about it all caused Mary to embrace Anna tighter.

“It’s okay. Your mother will get better soon, Anna. And I’ll make sure you both live safely.”

“Big Sis Mary...” Anna choked out through her sobs.

Suddenly, someone called out, “What’s going on?” It was Adi. The noise must’ve woken him up, but based on the low sound of his voice and the way he’d mumbled, he must’ve still been half in a dream. He got out of bed and approached the sofa. His movements were sluggish, so he probably wasn’t fully awake yet.

Anna was still clinging to Mary, and she glanced up at Adi fearfully. “I’m sorry,” she said, apologizing for having woken him up. This must’ve deepened her feelings of guilt even more.

“It’s okay. Nothing bad is happening,” Mary told Adi. “We were just talking for a bit.”

Adi paused. “Let’s go back to sleep...”

“Indeed. Come on, Anna. You come back to bed too,” Mary encouraged her, speaking gently to calm the child down. But then, someone’s arms reached out towards them.

Needless to say, they were Adi’s. He nimbly picked Anna up. Then, just like that, he tottered back to the bed. Mary had no choice but to follow him. She gazed at the familiar sight of his back, where two unfamiliar hands were holding on to him tightly. It was the strangest feeling.

“Time for bed... We’re getting up early tomorrow...” Adi muttered.

“Good night,” Anna said after a pause.

“Good night, Anna,” he responded once they were both in the bed, gently patting the child. However, the movement of his hand didn’t last for long, stilling while his breathing grew deep. He’d been partially asleep the entire time.

Mary smiled to herself, and carefully got into bed so as not to wake Adi. She lay down on the other side of Anna, so that the little girl was between her and Adi. Anna, who’d been looking at Adi, rolled over to face Mary. Her eyes were still a bit red, but she’d calmed down now that she had been put to bed. She wasn’t sobbing like she had been earlier.

“Big Brother Adi is already asleep, right?” Anna asked, keeping her voice quiet to avoid awakening him.

“Yes, that’s right. He falls asleep easily,” Mary replied.

“I wonder if daddy was as nice as Big Bro Adi...” Despite her young age, Anna spoke wistfully with a sigh.

Mary’s breath hitched at those words. She gently reached out and patted Anna’s small, warm body soothingly underneath the duvet. Anna didn’t know why her father had abandoned her and her mother. She still believed that he was working somewhere for their sake. Her mother probably couldn’t bear to tell her young, pure daughter the truth. The thought of how her mother must’ve felt looking at Anna, who’d never stopped believing in her father, broke Mary’s heart.

“You know, Anna... If you two would like it, maybe your mother could work in my home,” Mary suggested.

“Really?”

“Yes. After all, your mother’s got years of experience on me when it comes to raising a kind child.”

“A kind child?”

“I mean you, Anna. Just like your mother, I want to raise this child into a good, kind person,” Mary said, withdrawing her hand from Anna and rubbing her own abdomen to show the girl what she meant.

Anna’s eyes widened in understanding. Although she’d been crying so much earlier, now her eyes were glimmering. Aware that shouting would wake up Adi, she pressed both hands over her mouth. “Really?” she inquired softly.

“Yes. But don’t tell anyone yet, okay? It’s a secret.”

“A secret?”

“That’s right. Only Adi and Roberto know about it. Patrick’s clever, so he might’ve already noticed, but he’s been keeping it a secret too,” Mary explained.

“What about Big Sis Alicia, Big Bro Lang, and Big Bro Lucian?” Anna asked, wondering if Mary hadn’t told her friend or brothers yet.

Mary shrugged. She knew what Anna was trying to say, but...

“We can’t tell them yet. If they find out, they might make a ruckus, burst into song, and claim the bells of happiness are ringing.”

“Bells of happiness?”

“Yes. They’re going to kick up a fuss, ring bells, sing and dance at a party, and hold a nationwide parade. The parade’s last stop might even be your house, Anna,” Mary exaggerated jokingly.

Anna laughed at her words. Though she was still pressing her hands to her mouth, her adorable giggles managed to escape.

“That’s why it’s still a secret. So make sure to keep it, okay?” Mary said, calmly adding that this was a promise between them.

Anna giggled again and nodded happily. For some reason, words such as “secret” and “promise” often thrill children, all the more so if they’re said about something good.

The topic must’ve lifted Anna’s mood, as her previously wistful countenance morphed into a sleepy one. But just as quickly as her expression had brightened, it changed into a blank look. She’d filled her stomach with sandwiches, sobbed after revealing her true emotions, and then felt thrilled upon hearing Mary’s words. After all of that, the lethargy must’ve sprung up on her.

Mary smiled calmly at the child’s ever-changing expressions, reaching out to rub her cheek. Her fingertips brushed against the corner of Anna’s reddened eye, and the girl closed her eyes as if the sensation tickled her. Then, she promptly fell asleep, breathing deeply through her open mouth. She’d laughed after having cried, and fell asleep within mere moments. Children are so fast-paced, indeed. After being caught up in that dizzying speed, Mary understood how all the parents felt when they lovingly said that raising children goes by in the blink of an eye.

Yet to think that a fast-paced, adorable child like Anna—no, not just her, but all the children from her domain, were being forced to live through poverty and hardship...

“I have to give that feudal lord a rough time. I’ll bring him down so completely that he’ll never even think of ruling over another territory again! Wait... Is this what they call motherhood?!” Mary’s eyes lit up at the powerful sense of duty that had built up in her chest.

If she’d asked that question in front of Patrick, he would’ve probably said, “That’s quite the aggressive motherhood.” But in her joy, Mary wouldn’t even have noticed.

Reflexively, Mary drew Anna closer, and gently patted her as if doing a rehearsal. “Let’s steal his land for ourselves and beat him to a pulp,” she said, making disturbing proclamations in a soft voice. Then, she once again fell into a peaceful slumber.

Chapter 4

The next day after breakfast, everyone began preparing for departure.

Gainas informed Mary that her brothers had already departed at the break of dawn. They’d left a letter for her, in which they explained that they would head to Sylvino first and look for Anna’s mother. Lang and Lucian may have been a troublesome duo, but they could be very capable when it came down to it, even among nobility. (Regrettably, this was only the case so long as the condition of Mary’s absence was fulfilled.) If those two said they’d do it, then Mary felt safe leaving the search in their hands.

“I did arrange for breakfast, but because your brothers left so early, the waiters couldn’t catch up with them,” Gainas explained. “I’m worried that we didn’t do everything in our power...”

“It’s fine,” Mary replied. “Those two always wake up excessively early on the day of an outing. It’s their own fault for missing breakfast, and if they get hungry, they can just buy themselves some sweets.”

Gainas’s face stiffened at her declaration. He seemed to have something on his mind, but was holding himself back. Most likely, he wanted to say something like, “It’s as if they’re children.” Mary completely agreed with that sentiment.

“I’m happy to have them find Anna’s mother, but I’d be remiss to let them make it to the feudal lord before me! Let’s get going too! It’s time for a beating!” she exclaimed.

“Please stop saying such things, I beg of you... Lord Patrick, you too! Please don’t come here with a charming smile while making those disturbing statements!” Gainas lamented.

Mary only let out a high-pitched laugh at his attempts to inhibit them.

***

And so it was time to hurry on...except the whole party couldn’t fit into the same carriage. As such, they arranged for a second vehicle from House Eldland, at which point...

“Lady Mary! We may be in separate carriages, but p-please don’t forget me...!”

...Parfette cried out sorrowfully. Just why was she so upset? And why did she think that Mary would forget her just because they were traveling in different vehicles? Yet she didn’t seem all that opposed when Gainas took her by the hand into their own carriage. Mary was sure Parfette would be infatuated by the air between them once they were inside.

“Is that girl a crybaby?” Anna asked curiously.

Everyone in the carriage nodded in response. Parfette was indeed a crybaby. In fact, she was always in tears, so “crybaby” almost seemed like too light of a term to use. Even Mary didn’t feel like defending her in this instance.

However, when she heard this, Anna hid in Adi’s tailcoat, revealing that she’d cried last night. She peered out from the coat, ostensibly feeling ashamed of being a crybaby herself.

Adi gazed at her with concern and patted her head. As he did so, Anna looked up at him and hesitantly opened her mouth. “Big Brother Adi...” she uttered falteringly, using the same term for him as she did for the others. Anna referred to Mary and her friends as her older brothers and sisters. Only in Adi’s case had she stubbornly referred to him as her father and refused to listen to anyone who said otherwise. In fact, this whole situation had begun because she’d called Adi her “daddy.”

Yet just now, she had called him her older brother; she’d acknowledged that he wasn’t her father. Her expression as she did so was anxious and fragile, as if she were imploring him. She must’ve been worried that he might throw her out now that she admitted the truth. Recalling how Anna had opened her heart last night, Mary watched the two of them with concern.

Adi noticed the change in terminology as well. He was on the verge of saying something, but then gently responded with “It’s okay, Anna.” After that, he placed his hand on her head, stroking and scooping up her hair, which was the same shade as his. “And speaking of crying...” he added brightly, casting a glance at Mary. “Milady also cried often when she was your age, Anna. It was so loud that people at every end of the mansion could hear her.”

“Stop it, Adi,” Mary objected. “Besides, that’s not true. I cried in a much more elegant and sweet way.”

“Yes, when you were fake crying,” Adi conceded. “Your crocodile tears were indeed adorable and feeble, and you’d curl up into a ball like a kitten. But when you were actually crying, it was terribly lou—”

“How cowardly of you, bringing up my childhood like this! Hey, Alicia! Why are you rushing to take notes?! Patrick, steal that notebook from her!”

“Thinking back on it, Lord Patrick seldom cried,” Adi continued. “But there was that one time when he took a mighty fall and burst into tears.”

“All right! The focus has turned to Patrick! I want to hear all the details!” Mary proclaimed, instigating Adi now that the topic had shifted from her.

Alicia was excited to hear about anyone’s childhood, and her eyes glittered as she waited for tales of Patrick’s. Of course, the man himself looked panicked.

House Albert and House Dyce had enjoyed good relations with each other for a long time, so Adi had known Patrick since they were children. And since Adi was five years older than Patrick, he naturally had clearer memories about those times. Even someone like Patrick, who was handsome, accomplished in both academics and sports, and essentially the embodiment of perfection, had done certain things when he was a very young child.

“How nostalgic,” Adi said. “There was also that time when you tearfully lamented that everyone was looking at your younger brother and not paying any attention to you.”

“A-Anyway, we should be talking about Sylvino’s domain right now,” Patrick argued. “You think so too, right, Alicia?”

“I once argued with my caregiver at the orphanage, and then ran away in tears to pitch a tent behind the building!” For some reason, Alicia mistook Patrick’s attempt at changing the topic for her turn to speak about herself. She was the only one who didn’t look embarrassed to be discussing her childhood, seeing it as nothing more than a cute story.

Nonetheless, pitching a tent behind the orphanage was still a hard-core attempt at running away from home, despite its proximity. “What a problem child you were!” Mary mocked, which was like the pot calling the kettle black.

“On the third day we had a hurricane, so my caregiver came out to get me,” Alicia added.

“A peasant child like you must’ve caused her so much trouble... Wait, the third day?!”

“Apparently, she carried me back to my room at night after I fell asleep, and then brought me back into the tent in the morning. I never noticed, and lived in that tent for three days,” Alicia narrated with a bashful giggle. Should this story really have been waved off with a mere giggle? Not to mention, though Mary didn’t know how old Alicia had been at the time, she felt that spending three days in a tent was still very forceful behavior.

“Compared to this country hick, we were practically angels as children. Right, Anna?” Mary prompted with a scoff, casting Alicia a withering look. She brought Anna closer to herself to show a sense of camaraderie.

Anna laughed and clung to Mary. Feeling left out, Alicia puffed out her cheeks.

“What a peasantly pout,” Mary said before she could stop herself.

The little girl’s mood must’ve been lifted by this exchange, as she laughed happily and then puffed out her own cheeks to imitate Alicia.

***

As the party entered Sylvino, the scenery around them gradually began changing. Yet there was no clear wealth disparity at the moment; rather, this could’ve been interpreted as cultural differences between their countries. If anything, the changes were so subtle that it wouldn’t have been all that surprising for their group to find similar sights in their own nation. There were some minor distinctions apparent in the buildings and shops lining the street, but all the passersby looked to be at peace.

“Huh, it doesn’t seem as bad as we’ve heard,” Mary commented with relief as she gazed out the window. She observed a young family walking together. The mother was holding a small baby, while two young boys clung to the father’s legs. They didn’t appear impoverished, and seemed like a happy family. While this land couldn’t have been compared to House Albert (then again, only the royal family and House Dyce would’ve been reasonable comparisons), it didn’t look destitute.

“Perhaps the rumors were exaggerated?” Mary wondered. “Still, it looks like we won’t have to steal this land from the feudal lord after all.”

“No, Mary,” Patrick muttered in a low tone of voice.

“No?” she repeated, confused.

Patrick gazed out the window with a somewhat grim expression, as if feeling pity for the place.

“What do you mean?” Mary prompted.

“I’ve also only heard the rumors, but we’re about to cross the border. Then you’ll see.”

“The border?”

What could Patrick have been talking about if not national borders? Yet when Mary looked at him, it seemed unlikely that he’d respond with any more detail. In that case, she’d patiently wait and see. It wouldn’t take long before they reached the border Patrick was talking about, so rather than forcing him to reply, she thought it would be easier to see for herself.

With that decided, Mary likewise turned her gaze to the outside view. The scenery soon began changing drastically, and a heavy, glum air permeated the carriage.

“What on earth...?” she whispered, her voice reverberating inside the silent vehicle. Nobody answered as they all turned their faces away. The only reply Mary got was the sound of someone sighing.

The peaceful view suddenly changed, and though the sun should’ve been shining, dark shadows infested the scenery. The buildings looked conspicuously deteriorated, with a few of the houses exhibiting shattered windows. They’d only traveled for a few minutes, yet the happy voices of children and any sense of liveliness had faded away. It was as if the heartwarming scene from before were little more than a lie.

However, Anna must’ve been used to the scenery, as she stuck her head out of the window and said they were getting close to her home.

“I see... So your house is somewhere here, Anna?” Mary asked.

“But mommy isn’t there, so nobody’s home...”

“Then let’s spend some more time together. We have to go speak to someone soon, but we’d feel heartened if you came with us,” Mary said, inquiring if the girl would like to accompany them.

Anna’s face brightened and she nodded. Did she think they would force her to go to her empty house by herself? Obviously, they would’ve done no such thing. On the other hand, they also wouldn’t force her to attend the meeting with the feudal lord. The conversation would be too difficult for a child to keep up with, and if they ended up quarreling, witnessing it might scar Anna. Mary didn’t want the little girl to listen to such a severe discussion. That said...

“We’re beating someone to a pulp! Right?”

...when Anna exclaimed such a thing, Mary frowned with regret. “N-No, that’s just a figure of speech... You can’t use such bad words, Anna.”

“Beat him to a pulp and snatch his lands!”

“Oh no, we’re a bad influence on her...” Mary murmured, exchanging a guilty glance with Patrick. The phrases Anna was using were ones they had said themselves. The girl had learned such disturbing language without even properly understanding it.

I’ll have to apologize to her mother... Mary thought, her head drooping. What if those words became Anna’s catchphrase?

“You shouldn’t say that, Anna.” Patrick tried to correct the child as well, but because he was the one who’d said such things, his persuasive power was nonexistent.

“You shouldn’t worry so much. Children always remember the words you don’t want them to,” Adi consoled them with a wry smile.

Intent on adding even more fuel to the fire, Anna yet again cried out, “Beat him to a pulp and snatch his lands!” She then laughed joyously when Adi covered her mouth with his hand.

Mary rubbed her abdomen while watching them. She wondered if her own child would also happily exclaim newly learned words (and whether those words would trouble their parents too). If possible, she’d prefer for them to only know nice words, but things might not go to plan.

Noticing her actions, Patrick called out Mary’s name. He asked her what was wrong, so she quickly moved her hand away from her belly. He might’ve already known about her pregnancy, but Alicia didn’t. Patrick also looked like he wanted to say, “If she knew, she’d kick up a fuss, so let’s keep it from her for now.”

In response to his sharp gaze, Mary nodded. “It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it,” she told him.

“I know you feel enthused by Anna’s presence, but don’t overdo it,” he advised. He used evasive words to express his concerns, all while continuing to hide the truth. How reliable he was, indeed.

“I know. Thanks,” Mary replied, glancing at Alicia to check whether she’d been fooled.

The sight of Alicia’s profile as she sternly gazed out the window caused Mary’s breath to hitch. “Alicia...” she uttered, stopping herself from saying anything else. That was just how severe Alicia’s countenance was at present, and she looked so beautiful that it enraptured Mary.

Those violet eyes pierced into the scenery, taking in the wealth disparity. Alicia’s shapely lips were pressed into a hard line out of pent-up resentment. She looked borderline intimidating, and if Mary were meeting her for the first time right now, she would’ve found the other girl dignified and respectable.

Mary wasn’t the only one who felt the pressure emanating from Alicia, as Adi also looked at her with surprise. Patrick, who was sitting next to Alicia, rubbed her arm while gazing at her.

Snapping back to her senses, Alicia turned to look at the rest of them. Her golden locks swayed, and her eyes widened. Her expression was back to that of her usual self. “Oh, pardon me! I was lost in thought... Er, what were we talking about?”

“You seemed to be thinking very hard about something, Alicia,” Mary remarked.

“Well... Ever since we entered this particular area, I’ve seen many children outside all by themselves. House Eldland’s messenger did say as much, but it really looks like many parents struggle to look after their children in this part of Sylvino...” Alicia said sorrowfully, once more staring out the window.

Apparently, the wealth disparity in Sylvino was so severe that in some territories, there were no job opportunities at all. Even if one did happen to arise, the wealthy lined their own pockets with most of the profits through brokerage fees. As a result, the gap between the rich and the poor only grew wider, and the oppressed couldn’t even earn enough money to survive. Oftentimes, just like Anna’s father, the family’s breadwinner had to leave home to find a job while their children stayed behind someplace else. In Anna’s case, if her mother didn’t recover, she would have to be put into an orphanage.

Alicia must’ve seen herself in Anna and the other children like her.

“At the orphanage where I grew up, people left children behind for all kinds of reasons too. Of course, life there wasn’t bad. But in this case...the parents want to be with their children, but cannot do so without forcing them to live in terrible conditions...”

Poverty separated parents from their children, all while the domain’s feudal lord looked the other way. This situation was simply unforgivable. Although Alicia spoke calmly, each of her words emanated an unspeakable pressure. She didn’t puff out her cheeks to express her upset like usual, but instead showed her anger as a princess towards another country’s sloppy rule system.

Alicia’s purple eyes landed on Mary next. They were gorgeous and filled with nobility. “I won’t allow Anna and the other children to undergo such terrible treatment any longer. I would like to join the talks with the feudal lord as well, and do everything in my power to help—as a princess, of course.”

“R-Right, that’d be wonderful,” Mary responded, overpowered by Alicia’s matter-of-fact, princessly declaration.

Here Mary was, expecting the other girl to have clapped her hands and said something like, “Let’s protect Anna and the whole domain!” or for her to have shouted encouragement at them while carrying out her typical charge attack. Yet that wasn’t the case at all. Having been raised in an orphanage herself, Alicia restrained the fury swirling inside of her in order to remain as calm as possible, and conducted herself like a proper, powerful princess. As such, she refrained from making any unnecessary statements.

If this had been only about Anna, Alicia might’ve spoken more on a personal level rather than as a member of the royalty. But in order to imbue her statement with authority, she had carefully selected each of her words. Supporting her was Mary’s duty as a noble.

“If you join us, then behave yourself like a proper princess!” Mary exclaimed sarcastically.

Returning to her usual self, Alicia responded, “Leave it to me!” while striking her own chest.

As if in a show of support for Alicia’s resolve, the carriage slowly came to a halt. When Mary looked outside, the scenery was once again peaceful. They must’ve passed the previous neighborhood and returned to one inhabited by the rich. To think that such contrasting landscapes could exist within one domain was enough to make her head spin.

Alas, this was no time for lamenting, as a small knock resounded on the door. Someone opened it, and Gainas peered inside. He was sporting a severe expression as well, and Parfette nestled against him tearfully. The domain must’ve surpassed their expectations, in spite of the rumors they’d heard about it.

“We’ve arrived. The feudal lord is waiting for us here,” Gainas announced.

“Where are we?” Mary inquired.

“The lord’s vacation home... One of many,” he responded, his voice akin to a growl.

Having a holiday home in and of itself wasn’t a bad thing. Both House Albert and House Eldland each owned a couple. Even those who weren’t aristocrats but had the money to build villas in distant lands often did so as well. Under normal circumstances, Mary might’ve said, “What a splendid house,” and left the matter there.

However, the scenery from earlier was still burned into her mind, and she was in no mood to praise the villa. If anything, the sight of it only vexed her further. The feudal lord ignored the destitute populace of his domain who struggled to make a living, while he built several holiday homes. It was the height of arrogance.

I must do something about this! Mary thought with determination.

Right as she did, someone’s high-pitched voice called out, “Anna!”

Everyone turned around, and Anna shouted, “Mommy!”

Standing by the carriage were Lang, Lucian, Roberto, and a woman. She looked about ten years older than Mary. She was thin, and her complexion was sickly; Mary worried she might collapse at any second. Yet she persistently called out for Anna, staggering slightly as she rushed over.

Anna jumped into the woman’s arms, who embraced her in turn.

“Mommy! Mommy...!”

“Anna, why didn’t you go to the institute?! When I heard you weren’t there, I was so worried!”

“I’m sorry... I just wanted to... Mommy...!”

“I’m so glad you’re safe! You must’ve been so scared!”

They both called out to one another while ensuring the other was well. Anna buried her face in her mother’s chest, bursting into tears. All the stress and loneliness she’d been enduring surged forth as she sobbed loudly. Her mother’s shoulders were still trembling, and she hugged Anna so tightly that she might’ve crushed her little body.

The others let out a relieved sigh upon witnessing the reunion. They had managed to get Anna back to her mother.

“You found Anna’s mother, didn’t you?” Mary asked the twins.

“Yeah, but we underestimated how hard it’d be,” Lang replied. “We thought we’d find her right away if we went to the hospital, but once we got there, they told us Anna’s mother had run out when she learned her daughter was missing. The hospital was terrible too, and they said they wouldn’t treat patients who didn’t have the money to pay for it.”

“Goodness!”

“The three of us looked everywhere, and eventually found Anna’s mother—Helene—crouched on the side of the street. She looked deathly pale, and barely responded when we called out to her. I thought my heart was going to stop, right, Lucian?”

Lucian nodded with a serious expression. Helene had been in a desperate situation when the trio had found her. She should’ve been in a hospital, yet she’d run away from it. Her body was in a terrible state, and her heart had been riddled with worry. She was in no condition, physically or mentally, to walk. Driven by the need to find her daughter, all she’d been able to do was crawl around in search of her.

Mary was thankful that her brothers had decided to head out first. When she told them as much, they puffed out their chests proudly.

“See? Aren’t you glad we came along?”

“We can be useful too...”

“Oh? Weren’t you two in the middle of ‘The Struggle for House Albert’s Succession: Round One’?” Mary asked, pointing out the inconsistency in their statements.

Lang’s and Lucian’s faces stiffened visibly. They’d been so preoccupied with Anna’s circumstances that they had entirely forgotten the deception they’d created by claiming to have coincidentally run into Mary during their struggle for heirship. In spite of their yin-yang characters, both of their expressions clearly said, “Uh-oh.” As a side note, Roberto was presently turning a blind eye to his masters’ crisis.

Mary smiled in exasperation. Her brothers were dependable and thoughtless at the same time. “You two came to Sylvino by accident, and found Helene by sheer coincidence, right?”

“Y-Yes, that’s right!” Lang agreed. “Everything was a total coincidence! I’m sure it was divine Providence putting us to use in order to help you!”

“You also learned by coincidence that Helene was Anna’s mother and then brought her here, yes?”

“Exactly...” Lucian replied. “I’m sure these are the fruits of your daily good deeds, Mary... You’ve created a miracle! You’re a miracle worker...”

“That would be terrifying,” Mary said flatly, ending the topic there. She knew they were lying, but as a way of recognizing their accomplishment, she decided to pretend that they’d saved Helene by coincidence. (That said, she had no intention of being made out as a miracle worker following close on the heels of being dubbed the goddess of beauty.)

Lang and Lucian looked relieved at Mary’s compromise. They decided that alluding to this matter any further would be a bad idea, so they rushed over to Anna instead. In their place, Roberto approached Mary with a calm smile on his face. He should’ve been the first to defend his masters during their crisis, yet here he was with his imposing attitude.

“Thank you too, Roberto,” Mary said. “It’s a stroke of good luck that you all managed to find Helene.”

“Indeed, this miraculous coincidence is quite astonishing. The first round ended without a hitch too, so I’d like to assist you and your team next, Lady Mary.”

“Gosh, there’s no need for these elaborate lies. Just say from the start that you’d like to cooperate... Wait, the first round’s over?” Mary repeated, asking Roberto if the twins had had a proper competition.

He responded by nodding and smiling elegantly. His expression was charming, yet incredibly shady at the same time. Then, he pulled out a letter from his breast pocket and handed it to Mary. It was a pure-white envelope, sealed with wax. However, Mary didn’t recognize the crest, so she tilted her head at the sight of it.

“What is this, Roberto?”

“Perhaps I should call this the spoils of war from the first round. I’m offering them to you, Lady Mary.”

“Spoils of war...? But why do you have them, Roberto? Don’t tell me you’re fed up with my brothers always competing without there ever being a winner, so you’re finally rebelling...!”

When Mary looked at Roberto suspiciously, he simply smiled. What a graceful expression, indeed. Yet it seemed he hadn’t rebelled against the twins, as he evasively responded with, “A good joke.” (Then again, Mary felt like his daily behavior was basically a form of rebellion, anyway.) “As for the contents of these spoils...” he added, then leaned down to whisper the rest into her ear.

Mary blinked in surprise. Yet in the next moment, as she processed his words and her brothers’ idea, she smirked. “I see you had a productive first round,” she remarked while putting the letter away into her pocket.

“Quite so,” Roberto affirmed with a satisfied nod. His smile contained a hint of conspiracy he couldn’t conceal, but Mary felt the same.

“Well then, it’s time for us to throw down the gauntlet,” she declared. “Roberto, you must be tired. You and my brothers should take a break in another room.”

“Thank you for your concern.”

“And if you don’t mind, I’d like for you three to look after Anna. I’m not sure how the discussion will go, but it’s not something a child should overhear, right?”

“Indeed. It could turn into a very dangerous discussion, with Anna constantly exclaiming, ‘Crush him and snatch his lands!’”

“Patrick really needs to stop using such foul language in front of children,” Mary said, nonchalantly throwing the blame at Patrick as she glanced at Anna.

The child had stopped crying, but she was still clinging to her mother. It would be best for the both of them to stay in a different room during the talks. To separate them so soon after their reunion would’ve been cruel. Lang and Lucian seemed concerned about Helene, so Mary didn’t see the problem in letting her brothers look after the woman and her daughter.

“Well, let’s not keep them waiting. Right, Adi? Adi...?” Mary asked, turning to him when she realized he hadn’t said anything in a while.

Adi was watching Anna and Helene’s reunion with a broad smile. He appeared to be relieved, but also a little irritated. Unsure what to make of it, Mary rubbed his arm, causing him to finally snap back to reality and look at her. His rust-colored hair swayed as he did so, and he put on a forced, somewhat clumsy smile.

“Are you all right, Adi?” Mary asked him. “Maybe you should skip the meeting and go with Roberto.”

“No, I’m staying with you, my lady,” he replied. “It’s just that... When I look at Anna, I can’t help but wonder why her father abandoned her.”

“Adi...”

“The feudal lord is one matter, but I’d also like to beat her father to a pulp.” Although Adi spoke calmly, his glare was sharp. His red eyes almost looked like flames.

“I know how you feel. But first things first—we need to crush the feudal lord!” Mary exclaimed enthusiastically. “Let’s steal this villa from him too,” she added in jest, and Adi’s severe expression relaxed into a wry smile. His mood seemed to improve a little. Perhaps he’d decided to direct his anger at the feudal lord for now. “Come on!” Mary urged, then turned to look at Alicia.

The girl observed the family reunion with a serious countenance. All kinds of emotions were swirling within the depths of her eyes. She had once been separated from her parents too, so this sight both pleased and angered her. However, when she noticed Mary was looking at her, she smiled gently. “Let’s go,” she agreed, sounding composed. She wasn’t her typical boisterous self—right now, she was Princess Alicia.

In that case... Mary thought, lowering her head. Her silver locks fluttered in her field of vision as she did so. “Let us go, Princess Alicia.”

In a clear voice, Alicia responded, “Indeed.”

As Mary slowly raised her head, she saw a strong determination shining in Alicia’s features. She must’ve picked up on what Mary was implying by her formal words and gesture, and intuited how she ought to respond in turn.

Inspired by the scene, the others likewise steeled themselves, and they all made their way towards the lavish mansion.

***

The group was taken to a large room that had more than enough chairs to seat them all. The other furniture was sparse but of good quality, and the simple interior created a comfortable atmosphere. The place made for a perfect holiday home, since its occupant was afforded some distance from their work back in the main residence while they came here to stretch their legs. Yet this extravagance only vexed Mary even further at this point.

Meanwhile, the feudal lord, Fleur, saw Mary and the others as surprise visitors and welcomed them with open arms. With a placid smile, he offered them a polite greeting, handling everything with consideration. Every single one of his words overflowed with elegance, yet he didn’t come across as boastful. Not only did he ask his servants to prepare a room for Mary’s brothers to rest, but he even arranged for a place for the coachman.

Fleur looked to be about the same age as Mary’s grandfather. Under usual circumstances, he would’ve already retired, but apparently his wife and son had died young, and all he had left were mementos of them, in addition to his sole granddaughter. As such, he was still continuing his duties. Though his advanced age was apparent in the way he walked with the help of his cane, it also gave him a mature sense of majesty.

Based on appearances alone, Fleur seemed like a capable enough feudal lord. Had the situation been different, Mary would’ve probably respected him.

“Now, as for what you wished to discuss...?” Fleur prompted.

Inwardly, Mary muttered about how insincere he was. However, it wasn’t time to start sounding the drums of war just yet. She suppressed her animosity before smiling elegantly. “We came here to discuss the domain you manage. My friends live there, but they aren’t able to lead a good life,” she explained. Although Anna and Helene were in a separate room, Mary still couldn’t bring herself to openly call them impoverished, so she kept her statement vague.

Fleur surmised what she was trying to say. He frowned, and his already wrinkly face creased even further with disgust. “Your friends live in those areas, Lady Mary?”

“That’s right. Is there an issue with that?”

“Pardon me for saying so, but I think you ought to refrain from socializing with those people. They aren’t like you, Lady Mary.”

“Oh? What do you mean by that?”

“I’m talking about the situation they were born into. We have nothing in common with them. The difference between us has already been decided since the moment of our birth,” Fleur asserted.

Mary blinked in shock. The man had spoken politely, yet he was obviously insulting Anna and Helene. It was a good thing she’d decided to send them to a different room. But even as Mary thought that, Fleur continued.

“One’s circumstances of birth determine everything. Refinement and nobility are available to one who is born into a suitable family. We were born into good families, and that’s why we can live a good life with food, clothing, and shelter.”

“That’s quite an extreme way of thinking,” Mary responded. “Is that why you turn a blind eye to the rampant wealth disparity within your own territory?”

“Turn a blind eye? Not at all! I am governing my lands perfectly well,” Fleur declared. “I draw a clear line between the haves and have-nots, ensuring that everything continues as it has been.”

“You govern them ‘well,’ and that’s how your lands ended up in such a state, I take it? In that case, what about my friends who are struggling to survive? Are you saying they should suffer like that for the rest of their lives?”

“Your circumstances of birth determine everything, so I’m afraid there’s no other way,” Fleur said with an amicable smile. He acted as though his words were reasonable, and that it was for the best for things to remain that way.

What an idiotic opinion! Mary murmured in her mind, and then...

“What an idiotic opinion.”

...actually pronounced it aloud. When she realized what she’d done, she quickly shut her mouth. She’d been meaning to restrain herself from saying what was truly on her mind, but the words had escaped unintentionally. Thank goodness Anna wasn’t here. Otherwise, she might’ve taken a liking to those words and begun merrily using them. Mary would’ve been too ashamed to face Helene after that.

“What do you mean, Lady Mary?” Fleur asked in apparently earnest confusion. He wasn’t lying or trying to manipulate her, nor did he seem to have any secret ill intentions. He truly believed in his philosophy that birth determined everything, so to have someone say that it was idiotic had confused him.

Mary looked right into his eyes. Though they were enveloped by deep wrinkles, they still hadn’t dulled, shining with a strong determination. They looked strangely cold.

“I have been observing the territory since my childhood,” Fleur went on. “Those born into rich families are raised through wealth, and build even more rich families. The opposite is also true. Your life is already determined at the moment of your birth.”

“That’s not true,” Mary replied.

“Oh, but it is. Surely you should understand that better than anyone, Lady Mary of House Albert. As for your husband—although he cannot compare to you, he was still born into a decent family,” Fleur said, turning to look at Adi.

Just as he’d said, Adi’s family couldn’t be compared to nobility, but it was a decent one. Despite his rank as a servant, he came from a lineage who’d long served House Albert, so he was still a cut above the rest. It wouldn’t have been surprising if his family had owned their own holiday home. They couldn’t be lumped together with Anna and Helene. Adi himself was respectably wealthy too.

Mary had a few things to say in response to Fleur’s allusions. However, before she could voice her concerns...

“Are you saying it was par for the course that Anna was separated from her parents, just because of where she was born?”

...the dark tone of Adi’s voice made her breath hitch. He was staring fixedly at Fleur, with sharp eyes that looked even redder than usual. His right hand was curled into a fist atop the table, while his left hand enveloped the other in an attempt to hold it down. His fingers were digging into his skin, so his grip must’ve been strong.

“Anna...?” Fleur parroted. “Now that you mention it, I do recall hearing about some woman making a racket because her child had disappeared. Is that the child in question?”

“Her father left home to find a job, and she went out looking for him. A little girl, all by herself...”

“I see, so that’s what caused you all this trouble.”

“Trouble?”

“This is exactly why they are such plebeians... They’re lowborn, so all they know how to do is rely on others. My apologies for what they put you through.” Fleur lowered his head with sincerity. In that moment, he looked like the textbook example of a feudal lord apologizing for strife occurring in his domain.

There was no hint of malice about him. He truly held no ill will. He believed in his philosophy so fully that he now apologized on Anna’s behalf for her behavior. From his perspective, doing so was expected of him, since he’d been born into a family of lords, and birth circumstances determined everything. Honestly, Mary felt it would’ve been better if he did have malicious intent.

Fleur’s attitude only instigated Adi’s wrath. The latter grew impatient and sprang to his feet as his chair rattled behind him. Mary hurriedly grabbed his clenched fist.

“Adi, calm down...!”

“I can’t excuse his remark just now!”

Mary did her best to try and pacify Adi. However, someone’s low voice interjected. “Circumstances of birth...?”

It was Alicia. She was gazing at Fleur. Her eyes were violet, her hair a shining gold. Her features were proof that she’d been born as a princess. “You claim that birth determines everything, do you?” she questioned.

“Indeed. I’m glad you understand, Princess Alicia,” Fleur said.

“No, I don’t! To think that Anna was separated from her mother due to such a philosophy! If this is your just way of doing things as a feudal lord, then I’ll respond in kind as a princess!” Alicia exclaimed with obvious rage, unable to hold back her emotions.

Everyone grew silent at her words. The pressure and anger radiating from her seemed hot enough to burn. Add her authority to the mix, and it was no wonder that nobody was bold enough to step in. Yet the tense atmosphere was soon broken...

“Don’t lose your princessly composure so easily!”

...as Mary scolded Alicia and flicked her forehead with a satisfying smack. Silence stretched out within the room, owing to this sudden difference in temperature.

Amid the quietude, Mary grabbed Alicia’s arm and vigorously pulled her from her seat. “Oho ho ho! Pardon us for a moment!” she said, glossing over the situation with her elegant laugh while taking the other girl out into the hallway. Once there, she closed the door behind them with a thud.

“Lady Maryyy...” Alicia cried pathetically, having returned to her usual self.

“What was that about responding in kind as a princess?! Don’t make such rash decisions all by yourself!”

“But I can’t let him get away with this!”

“Even so, you shouldn’t unleash your maximum firepower as a first move!” Mary shouted, once more flicking Alicia’s forehead.

After all, Alicia’s words had a much greater weight behind them than those of other nobles, since she was royalty. If she were to use her power to seize territory within another nation, the matter would immediately become an international incident. Mary explained as much, asking if Alicia was even aware of that, to which the girl pitifully responded, “But stiiill...”

Hearing Fleur’s calm words while she thought of Anna had caused Alicia to lose her temper. If he had simply been a self-serving man, she might’ve been able to keep her cool. However, his apathy, coupled with the way he believed all was as it should be, had instigated her feelings.

“Listen. You’re a princess. All you have to do is firmly stand your ground,” Mary said.

“But...I just can’t allow this...”

“I know. Regardless, a princess cannot act rashly. You were born a princess, so if you want to do something, then act accordingly.”

“Act accordingly...?”

“That’s right. Just who do you think bowed her head to you before this meeting started?” Mary asked flatly.

Alicia snapped her mouth shut in response. She turned her gaze aside while deliberating. Then, her eyes lit up as she finally began to understand what Mary was implying.

“What a thickheaded girl,” Mary scoffed. Alicia turned back to Mary, her eyes full of expectation. This caused Mary to grow silent. Her abusive language had been a means of pointing out that Alicia was acting as her peasant self right now. “What I need is the backing of a princess. If you wish to behave like a mere country hick, then leave.”

“I understand... But Lady Mary—No, Mary Albert...” Alicia’s voice sounded as light as a bell, yet it was cool and composed. Keeping her gaze on Mary, she took a deep breath and slowly opened her mouth. “Use our nation’s authority and bring this situation under control.”

The hallway was silent following Alicia’s command. Eventually, Mary let out a fearless laugh, gripping her skirt as she gracefully curtsied. “Very well, Princess Alicia,” she replied, not just as herself, but in the role of Mary Albert. Alicia had given her an order as royalty, so Mary had to respond appropriately as an aristocrat. Consequently, Mary’s actions would now count as being under imperial orders.

Any third parties would’ve surely seen this as a splendid exchange. Two women, a princess and the daughter of a noble house, were joining hands based on their convictions. Alas...

“And once this is all over, I order you to have a sleepover with me in my tent!”

“‘Very well...’ Is that what you thought I’d say?! As if!”

...everything quickly returned to business as usual. Mary smacked Alicia’s forehead, and the other girl puffed out her cheeks sulkily. The solemn air from before vanished instantly.

Mary shrugged in exasperation, glancing at Alicia. “Let’s get back there, but behave like a proper princess!”

“Okay!”

Epilogue

A grand party was held to announce Mary’s pregnancy.

Alas, as Mary’s abdomen gradually grew rounder with each passing day, everyone around her became more and more protective. The change in those closest to her was obvious to anyone. However, nobody pointed it out, waiting with great joy and anticipation until the day of the announcement.

And so, the moment of the reveal was finally upon them.

Mary basked in her audience’s expectant gazes, though some part of her did feel anxious and nervous. Adi’s hand was wrapped around her waist. He hadn’t stepped away from her for even a moment, supporting her the entire time.

“Everyone, we have an announcement,” Mary said slowly, without raising her voice too much. Even so, her statement carried throughout the venue. She informed the crowd that she and Adi had been blessed with a child.

Instantly, the place lit up with excitement. All the guests congratulated the couple, looking joyous over the news. A few of the waiters even stopped in their tracks for a second, and among them at least one had tears in their eyes.

Amid all that, somebody called out Mary’s name. Her brothers were approaching, and Lang was holding a small box, which he handed to her. “Congratulations again, Mary. This is a gift from us.”

“A gift...? You two are constantly giving me gifts these days,” Mary said, laughing impishly as she stared at the box.

Ever since she had told the twins about her pregnancy back in Sylvino, they’d been giving her presents. The contents varied, with some gifts being things Mary herself liked, while others were for the baby. Moreover, they’d even joined Adi in giving her cushions, at which point she felt more exasperated than grateful. Nonetheless, she had anticipated that they would arrange some kind of gift for her today, and that had indeed happened.

Yet this one must’ve been different from usual, as Lucian emphasized, “This present is special.” Both he and Lang looked uncharacteristically calm today, and Mary even felt that there was a serious glint in their eyes as they gazed at her.

Wondering what this was all about, she accepted the box. It was wrapped up beautifully, using a silver and red ribbon, so the twins must’ve prepared it with Mary and Adi’s signature colors in mind. The box felt slightly heavy.

“This is the best gift that we can offer you two,” Lang proclaimed.

“And to your child too... No, it’s a gift that will last far, far beyond that...” Lucian added.

The smiling twins watched as Mary began unwrapping the box. She gently lifted the white lid. “This is...” she whispered. Adi peered over her shoulder, and his breath hitched.

The atmosphere had been festive until this moment, so a few people picked up on the change and glanced their way, confused as to what was going on. However, Mary was in no state to answer their questioning looks. Instead, she took out what had been resting inside the box.

It was a glittering jeweled pocket watch, its lid engraved with their family emblem. It was obvious at a glance that this was a valuable object. Yet the watch’s true worth had nothing to do with its price, for it bore a great significance. After all, this very pocket watch symbolized the head of House Albert. Mary had held it once herself, before returning it to her father and declaring that she’d take it when she was the rightful heir.

“Lang, Lucian... Are you truly...giving this to me?” Mary stammered.

“Yeah—it’s our gift to you, Mary. You’ll accept it, won’t you?” Lang asked.

“But I have to prioritize being a mother over being the head of the house...”

“Of course... That’s why we’ll support you,” Lucian assured her. “It’s our joy in life to be there for you and your child, Mary...”

Mary gazed at the pocket watch in her hand, then slowly looked up at her brothers. They gazed back at her, their eyes shining with kindness. At the same time, the two brimmed with steadfast determination. By giving this to her here and now, in front of a countless number of people, they were announcing that Mary had been chosen as House Albert’s heir.

Realizing as much, Mary tightened her grip on the watch. Adi’s larger hand enveloped hers in turn. “I’ll be raising a child for the first time in my life, and working as the head of House Albert all the while. I’m sure it won’t be easy,” she said.

“Indeed, I agree. However...” Adi smiled at her. His gentle gaze seemed to say that he was willing to yield his next sentence. Or rather, he had set it up for her to finish.

Mary took him up on that, squeezing his hand tighter. “As long as we’re together, we’ll be fine!” she asserted enthusiastically, and Adi nodded in response.

The venue erupted with cheers just as loud as when Mary had announced her pregnancy. If anything, everyone was even more excited now that they had multiple matters to congratulate her on, and some began raising toasts.

Mary and Adi looked at each other. Adi slowly withdrew his hand from Mary’s, only to place it onto her abdomen. While rubbing it softly, he pulled her closer. “As long as we’re together, we’ll be fine,” he echoed, gazing into her eyes.

Mary’s smile widened. Indeed, so long as Adi was by her side, everything would be all right. And soon enough, their child would join them, so Mary wasn’t at all worried about how things would turn out. She only felt hope and anticipation.

Of course, within this throng of cheers...

“Lady Mary! Me! I’m here too!!! Lady Mary!!!”

...was Alicia’s voice...

“The same goes for your brothers, Mary! I know you and Adi are in your own world right now, but Lucian and I will always support you!”

“Keep us in your sights too, our adorable Mary...”

...and the twins’ voices, all of which frantically attempted to appeal to her. Exasperated, Mary could only sigh.

“She laughed!” Mary and Adi exclaimed in unison. The baby had made various expressions until now, including smiling, but this was the first time she had laughed while looking at her parents.

“Adi! She laughed from looking at us!”

“Yes, I saw. She certainly did!”

Having confirmed their child’s reaction, they exchanged a look and then nodded. “Time to write a letter!” they said as they both reached for the paper and pens on the table. They wanted to inform everyone as soon as possible how adorable their daughter’s laughter was.

Yet the contents would have to be brief. Rather than spending all their time writing letters, they wanted to spend it together as a family. Thankfully, the maids were in charge of addressing the envelopes, so all Mary and Adi had to do was write about how their daughter was growing, how adorable she was, and how happy they were. There was no need to include the season’s greetings or farewells. The people they were writing to wouldn’t require such conventional phrases.

Mary also didn’t care if the others were overwhelmed by all the gushing letters they sent practically by the hour. Their daughter was adorable, and that was that.

And so both she and Adi briefly and swiftly penned their letters and finished simultaneously. “All right, let’s go for that walk!” Mary said.

“Yes,” Adi agreed with a smile, picking the infant up.

Mary put on her jacket, then stood next to Adi so that the baby was between them. From now on, it would be the three of them together. She couldn’t imagine a greater joy.

Afterword

Hello, this is Saki.

Thank you for buying the seventh volume of Young Lady Albert Is Courting Disaster!

The eccentric Lady Mary, who once pursued her own ruin, has now experienced love, become aware of friendship, and overcome many obstacles together with her family and friends. She’s grown a lot, and in this volume she’s been rewarded with her and Adi’s baby.

And then a lost child who called Adi her “daddy” appeared. On top of writing about Mary’s pregnancy, I also made sure to include the usual hectic shenanigans. I enjoyed writing the series’s typical boisterousness, as well as scenes displaying Mary and Adi’s affection for their child.

As for said child, I was scant on details. What is her personality and hair color? Did she inherit the drills/ringlets? I hope I’ll be able to reveal all these things at some point. I pray that until that time, Alicia and the others continue to stay away from the villa and make do with the letters.

Thank you to Futaba for the gorgeous illustrations again. Every time I see Mary, I admire how beautiful she looks and feel that she’s truly grown up. Thank you for always drawing the characters in such a lovely way.

I apologize to my manager for fussing over certain things, and for all the delays.

And to all my friends and family who asked me to thank them in the afterword: thank you. I’ve always had to keep my afterwords short, but this time I was allowed double the space, so I’m able to thank you at last.

Finally, to everyone who purchases this book, thank you from the bottom of my heart!

I hope we can meet again soon.

Saki