Rian wasn’t just exceptional in appearance. He also showed great talent in swordsmanship and had a kind heart, much like Iren. It wasn’t just because he was his son; Rian was truly a multi-talented child. He had all the qualities needed to succeed Lahart as the ruler of Sirencia. If Rian grew up and took over, Sirencia would become an even better place to live.

Of course, all of this depended on what Iren and Rian wanted. Their future was theirs to decide. Lahart vowed to support and cheer for them no matter what decisions they made.

Even if they chose to leave his side.

“Uuuhm…”

Rian stirred, making small noises that reminded Lahart of Iren. Lahart chuckled, thinking of Iren from earlier, and rubbed Rian’s belly.

Just a few months ago, Rian’s belly had been round like a frog’s. Teasing him a few times by calling him a frog had made Rian refuse to show his belly to Lahart ever since. It had been cute and endearing. Feeling a bit regretful, Lahart woke Rian up.

“Time to get up. You need to eat before morning practice.”

“…Huh? It sounds like Uncle’s voice…”

Rian opened his eyes, unsure, but they soon closed again, still heavy with sleep. Rubbing his sleepy eyes, Rian asked,

“Uncle, when did you get back…?”

“Late last night.”

“Rian didn’t know… Why didn’t you say hi to Rian? Did you go straight to Mom again?”

“It was time for you to sleep. What if I had woken you up when you can’t even get up now?”

“Mm, Uncle, hug me.”

Rian reached out his arms, pouting. Such an adorable request could be indulged all day. If Iren heard, she would jump up, saying it would spoil him, but she wasn’t here now. Lahart happily lifted Rian into his arms.

Rian giggled and leaned his face against Lahart’s shoulder. Lahart held him perfectly, without any awkwardness or hesitation.

“Uncle.”

“Yes?”

“You smell.”

“Smell?”

Lahart frowned. He was almost obsessive about cleanliness, perhaps due to his childhood experience with poisoning. But Rian wouldn’t lie, and having just returned from hunting monsters, it was possible he carried their scent. Deciding he needed another thorough wash, Lahart was about to put Rian down when Rian clung to his clothes and rubbed his face against them.

“Mom smells like cookies… but Uncle smells like, um, snow?”

The child’s description was puzzling. What does snow smell like? Lahart pondered for a while but eventually gave up and asked Rian directly. He had learned over the past few months that the best way to communicate with a child was to ask them directly.

“I don’t quite understand. It’s not a bad smell, is it?”

“No! Don’t you know the smell of snow, Uncle? It’s a cool smell!”

Despite the explanation, Lahart was still confused. Rian laughed, finding something incredibly amusing.

“It’s a good smell! Rian likes snow.”

“That’s good to hear.”

Whatever the smell, if Rian liked it, that was enough. Lahart smiled back at Rian, then sat him on the bed and helped him get dressed. It was time for breakfast.

* * *

Rian had a pleasant morning. His uncle, who had been away for several days due to important matters, had returned. Moreover, Uncle sat beside him and fed him breakfast instead of Mom!

Rian preferred having breakfast with Lahart over Iren because Uncle let him eat more meat than vegetables!

No matter how much Rian asked for meat, Iren would always pile his plate with vegetables. It was for a balanced diet, but such reasons didn’t resonate with a meat-craving child. So, even though Iren didn’t join them for breakfast, Rian happily cleaned his plate without a single complaint.

The happy time passed quickly. After breakfast, Lahart entrusted Rian to Robben to take care of Iren’s meal.

For the first time since waking up, Rian grumbled to Lahart.

“Can’t I go with you?”

“You barely woke up. Go with Robben and warm up. I’ll be there soon. Please take care of him.”

“Yes, don’t worry.”

With a gentle pat on the head, Lahart’s kind words made it hard for Rian to continue complaining. Although Lahart was generally stern, there were times when he felt even kinder than Iren. Rian really liked that about Lahart.

Watching Robben take Rian’s hand and head to the training ground, Lahart prepared Iren’s meal and went back to the bedroom. Iren, who had just gotten up and was putting on a shawl, laughed at the sight of Lahart with his hands full.

“I told you not to bother bringing it. I could have come down.”

“I had to come up anyway, so it’s no bother. Sit down.”

The couple’s bedroom had a terrace with a clear view of Sirencia. The space was designed with double glass and enchantments to keep out the snow and cold. Despite winter nearing its end, Sirencia was still blanketed in snow. Iren sat in the chair Lahart pulled out for her.

“How’s Rian?”

“I left him with Robben for a bit. He’s warming up.”

“Rian must be happy today. He kept asking when you’d come back, saying he wanted to learn from you.”

“Did he.”

Though his response was nonchalant, Lahart couldn’t hide the twitch of his lips. At times like this, he looked like a boy. Iren laughed again, watching him, and began eating the meal Lahart had prepared.

Just as he had done for Rian, Lahart sat beside Iren, attending to her needs, handing her food and tissues. His care for Iren was now very stable.

Iren reflected on the past. She had never imagined he would spend mornings with her like this. Even sharing a meal had been difficult. She never thought he would bring her meals to the bedroom and attend to her so she could eat comfortably.

Just like last night, she had never, ever imagined such a time would come in her life.

“Doesn’t it suit your taste? Shall I get you something else?”

Lahart immediately asked when Iren paused momentarily, lost in thought. Iren shook her head, so Lahart took the fork and sliced off a thick piece of meat, offering it to her.

“Then go ahead and eat.”

“I’ll do it. Give it here.”

“I said to eat.”

The man‘s gaze as he tried to feed her, and the embarrassed woman wanting to eat by herself, clashed intensely.

Unlike last night, it was Lahart who gained the upper hand. When Iren reluctantly accepted the meat, Lahart’s eyes sparkled. He looked like a child who had found an amusing and interesting toy.

“Are you enjoying this?”

“I am.”

No sooner had she chewed and swallowed the meat in her mouth that another piece was offered. It wasn’t just her imagination that Lahart, holding the fork and staring at her, overlapped with Rian. Iren sighed softly, smiling as she diligently accepted the food he offered.

The plate was soon empty. Despite Lahart having brought a large portion out of concern for Iren’s small appetite, feeding her piece by piece made it disappear quickly.

Lahart kissed her cheek as if he was proud of her. It was a tender kiss. Iren returned the kiss and said,

“Thanks to you, Duke, I ate well. Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it. What’s your schedule today?”

“I need to visit the seed storage. I got a message yesterday that there’s been pest damage. It might take quite some time.”

“I’ll take you there.”

“No, please stay with Rian today. He’ll be looking forward to it. If I’m too late, I’ll send someone.”

She recalled Rian’s delighted face when he saw him in the morning. He had asked every day when Lahart would return. She felt guilty for making the young child wait. Lahart, who hadn’t been there when Rian was born, nodded silently.

Seeing his suddenly darkened expression, Iren patted his hand reassuringly.

* * *

As soon as Iren was ready, she left for the seed storage with Jane and Marianne. Lahart saw her off and took care of Rian.

Rian, who got to receive direct guidance from Lahart after several days, was visibly excited. Although Lahart found this very endearing and lovable, he transformed into a strict and cold teacher when it came to handling the sword. It wasn’t just about maintaining form; a mistake could lead to serious injury.

At first, Rian felt sad about Lahart’s change, but he had since adapted to it. Though he didn’t fully understand Lahart’s concern for his safety, he accepted it.

“99… 100!”

“Good. Morning training is over.”

“Yay!”

Rian raised his arms in triumph after completing 100 horizontal slashes, his body drenched in sweat from the effort. Lahart wiped the sweat from his face with a handkerchief.

“Uncle! Let’s take a bath together. Okay?”

“If you promise to stay still.”

“I was still. You splashed water on me first, Uncle!”

“I don’t remember that.”

“That’s unfair!”

Rian swung his fists. Though he tried his best, it only looked cute to Lahart.

Lahart pretended to get hit and then lifted Rian onto his shoulder. It was a position Iren forbade, thinking it was dangerous, but Rian loved it. Sure enough, Rian laughed as soon as he was lifted.

On their way to the bathroom, they met many people. Rian cheerfully greeted each person they passed, and they all naturally returned his greetings and greeted Lahart as well. No one was surprised by Lahart’s affectionate behavior towards Rian. They had seen and experienced Lahart’s complete transformation over the past few months.

The two had a lively time in the bathroom. Lahart splashed water on Rian first, and Rian retaliated with his small hands. Lahart made sure Rian didn’t slip, even as he received the water attacks. Rian tried to escape his grasp, but Lahart held firm, prioritizing his safety.

Rian had been weak since birth. Though he had since recovered, both Iren and Lahart remained cautious.

“Ta-da! I’m done! Uncle, look at this.”

“Hmm.”

“Guess what Rian made?”

Rian asked with an expectant face. They were both soaking in a warm bath, and Rian had something made of bubbles on his palm.

There was a problem, though. Lahart couldn’t figure out what Rian had made. His excellent observation, reasoning, and insight were limited to the battlefield or political scenarios in Sirencia. He lacked the imagination to understand a child’s creation.

“Hmm.”

Lahart made a noncommittal sound, buying time. Rian’s eyes only grew more expectant. Lahart strained his imagination.

Well… it has two pointy ears. It seems to have a tail. The eyes and mouth are crooked, but that’s okay. It looks like it’s sitting…

“A cat?”

“It’s not a cat.”

Rian shook his head. Wrong answer.

Lahart scrutinized the bubble creation again. Rian waited expectantly, though not as eagerly as before. Lahart didn’t want to ask for a hint, so he kept thinking.

“…A fox?”