59: The Duty of Parents

The Hormons family sat around the dining table, unusually quiet. Noah, feeling uncomfortable with the unfamiliar atmosphere, cautiously spoke to his mother, Aella.

“Mom… Did something happen while Ayla and I were out of the house?”

“Hoho, nothing happened at all. Why aren’t you eating, Noah? Does the food not suit your taste?”

“N-No! It’s really delicious. It’s just…”

Aella extended her hand to stroke Noah’s head as he glanced at his father, who looked dejected, and his younger sister, who was eating silently, trying to gauge the situation.

“Nothing happened, Noah. Where did you and your eldest sister go today?”

“To the temple! Oh, and the priest told us that the Empress Dowager is establishing a magic academy to nurture talented mages!”

“Oh my, that’s wonderful news.”

The conversation seemed to revive the atmosphere slightly, but then Claire suddenly spoke up.

“Mom! Dad!”

“What is it, Claire?”

“I want to marry Prince Terry right now!”

“Claire…”

“There are so many girls who are after him because he’s so handsome! Even in the Empire alone! No matter how much Prince Terry likes me, feelings can change at any time. Sniff… He’s the only one for me… Sniff.”

“Claire…”

Standing up, Aella comforted her crying youngest daughter and led her out of the dining room.

“Mom… I’m sorry. I know it’s rude, and I shouldn’t act like this, but I feel so sad and scared…”

“I understand, Claire. How could your mother not know how you’re feeling?”

“Mom…”

Aella held her sobbing daughter tightly, gently patting her back as she let her emotions settle.

“Claire, how old are you now?”

“Eight years old.”

“That’s right, eight. Prince Terry is eight as well.”

“But… But if we love each other, then marriage…”

“My dear, sweet daughter, Claire. Marriage isn’t something as simple as words. It’s when a man and a woman, who were once strangers, become husband and wife.”

“I know that much.”

Aella patted her daughter’s tense back and continued, hoping Claire would listen to her story until the end.

“My Claire is a smart child who knows the basics of noble etiquette.”

“Hmph.”

“But becoming part of the royal family is still very challenging and demanding for someone as young as eight. That’s why it’s better to learn slowly from now on. That way, someday, our Claire can become the crown princess and eventually the empress.”

“I just want to be Prince Terry’s wife, not a crown princess or empress. It’s too overwhelming.”

As Claire shook her head vigorously, Aella placed her hands on her shoulders and spoke with a serious expression.

“Do you know that Prince Terry is the only heir of the current emperor?”

“Yes…”

“When he turns fifteen, he will be crowned crown prince, and as he grows older, he will ascend to the throne as emperor.”

“…”

“That’s his destiny.”

“Prince Terry said he would give up anything, even his royal status, for me.”

“Claire, is that truly what you want?”

“…”

After staring at her mother for a long moment, Claire lowered her head and shook it.

“In life, you can’t have everything. If there’s something you truly want, you should pursue it. But you also need to learn to give things up—that’s what helps you grow and move forward in life.”

“Mom…”

“It might be difficult for you to understand what I’m saying right now, Claire. But as you grow older, you’ll come to understand your parents’ feelings and the words I’ve shared with you today.”

Aella smiled warmly at her daughter, who only nodded quietly. Even though Claire was no longer a small child, her hands were still tiny in Aella’s grasp. She held them gently and continued.

“Your mother will always respect whatever kind of person you become and whatever choices you make. I won’t force or interfere with your decisions. Everything will be up to you, and you’ll have to take responsibility for the choices you make. That’s the process of growing into an adult.”

“Mom…”

“My wish, Claire, is for my precious youngest princess to broaden her perspective. You can marry Prince Terry even after you’ve grown up. And I promise you, Prince Terry’s feelings for you won’t change. You see it every day, don’t you? Despite being so afraid of your father, he still comes here every day, shedding tears, just to spend time with you.”

Aella gently cupped Claire’s flushed cheeks as her daughter nodded repeatedly.

“That timid prince musters up the courage to come here every day. That alone shows how sincere his feelings for you are. Can’t you see that, Claire?”

“No… I do… I know Prince Terry’s feelings are genuine.”

“Good. Knowing that is enough. Claire, I promise you.”

Aella extended her pinky finger to Claire.

“I’ll make sure you and Prince Terry get engaged. How about I visit the imperial palace tomorrow to discuss the engagement date with the Empress?”

“R-Really?! You’ll let me get engaged to Prince Terry?”

“Haha, yes. Is that what you want?”

“Yes! Mom! I love you so much!”

Claire threw herself into her mother’s arms, and Aella hugged her tightly, whispering her love into her daughter’s ear. Then she gently pulled Claire away to face her.

“What if Dad doesn’t approve?”

“Your dad won’t have a choice but to approve. Don’t worry.”

“Hehe, okay! Mom! I’m going to play with Charlotte and Rami!”

“Don’t give them too many treats. They’ve been gaining weight lately.”

“Hehe~ Okay, Mom!”

Claire disappeared in an instant, and Aella stood up and opened the door.

“E-Ella.”

“Shall we move to my quarters?”

“Yes.”

Following her obedient husband into the room, Aella sat on the bed beside him.

“Ella, my dear wife. Are you really planning to let them get engaged?”

“They love each other. What can I do? I’ll explain everything to Their Majesties tomorrow and set a date.”

“…”

“Kael, are you upset enough to cry?”

“D*mn it… Yes, my daughter… My youngest princess, who resembles you the most, is already trying to leave my arms. It’s so heartbreaking…”

Wiping away his tears with her sleeve, Aella cupped his face gently with both hands.

“Kael…”

“Children will leave their parents’ arms someday. I know it feels too soon, even for me. That’s why I think it’s best to hold the engagement now and wait until they’re adults to marry. I’ll tell Their Majesties that.”

“Claire will probably want to live in the palace with Prince Terry as soon as they’re engaged.”

Laughing at her husband’s sulky expression, Aella tapped his chubby cheek with her finger.

“Here’s how I see it, Kael.”

“…”

“The duty of parents is to ensure their children are walking the right path. If they are, we continue to watch over them. If they stray, we guide them back. That’s what I believe is the duty of parents.”

“I feel the same way.”

Kael’s response made Aella smile brightly.

“Right now, Claire wants to marry too early. It’s a hasty decision. As Claire said, feelings can change. If they marry without thinking it through, it won’t benefit either Claire or Prince Terry. The best way to avoid the worst outcome is time. If their feelings remain unchanged after time has passed, I’ll let her go. When Claire becomes an adult, just as we waited for that day.”

Kael’s expression was filled with resolve as he listened to Aella’s words.

“I still have so much to learn from you, Ella.”

“Hoho, do you?”

“Yes. Please continue to guide me, dear wife.”

“Of course. Thank you for listening, dear. I love you, Kael.”

Aella kissed him first, making Kael grin widely before heading off to find his youngest daughter.

“Claire.”

“A-Dad?”

“My youngest princess. I didn’t reject Prince Terry for no reason. It’s just that you’re so precious to me… and I love you so much. I’m always on your side, Claire. If Prince Terry ever makes you sad, call me. I’ll come and scold him until he cries.”

“Dad! I love you! I really love you, Dad!”

“I love you too, Claire.”

Seeing her husband and youngest daughter reconcile after being at odds for so long, Aella felt relieved.

“Mom, can you read me a storybook?”

“Haha, of course, Noah. Ayla, will you read it with me?”

“Mom, I’m eight years old now. As the future greatest archmage of the continent, please read it for Noah instead. I’m going to my room now.”

“Alright. Sweet dreams.”

Aella had one concern: her eldest daughter Ayla. Though Ayla resembled her in appearance, her cold personality and analytical nature were identical to her father’s.

‘I wonder if she’ll be able to find a good match when the time comes.’

Aella decided to take it easy, reminding herself that Ayla was only eight years old. After all, thoughts and feelings could always change.

—

The next day, the Hormons family visited the imperial palace for the first time in a while.

Duke Hormons, the only wielder of the magic sword and a summoner, and his wife, the empire’s sole healer who had once returned from death, were a formidable couple. Their eldest daughter, Ayla, was already recognized as the continent’s youngest archmage, gifted with both magic and divine power. Their son, Noah, could simultaneously activate multiple magic circles, specializing in protective barriers and illusion magic. Their youngest daughter, Claire, excelled in mind control, using her voice to manipulate her enemies.

In the Albazar Empire, the Hormons family was celebrated as the greatest family in the empire’s history.

“Welcome. I’ve been waiting for you.”

Kael greeted the emperor with a forced smile and quickly got to the point.

“My daughter and His Highness Prince Terry cherish and love each other deeply. As a father, I support their love.”

“Duke! Then our marriage—”

“Your Highness, marriage will wait until you’re adults. For now, I’ll allow an engagement. This is also Claire’s wish.”

“Claire…”

Claire smiled at Prince Terry and spoke.

“I want to marry you right now too, but I still have so much to learn. Your Highness, let’s get engaged first! I’ll work hard to master royal etiquette and become the perfect match for you. Then we can marry and make Albazar an even better empire together! We’ll show everyone what we can achieve together!”

“Alright, Claire!”

As the two children held hands and spun around joyfully, their mothers watched warmly, while their fathers exchanged menacing glares.

“Big sister, does this mean Claire will become the crown princess and empress?”

“Well, as long as the prince doesn’t change his mind.”

“…If he ever makes Claire cry, I won’t forgive him, even if he’s royalty.”

“Same here.”

The siblings’ combined killing intent made the innocent Prince Terry tremble as he hid behind Claire.

‘To think I’m entrusting my precious youngest princess to this boy… Ugh!’

Grinding his teeth, Kael glanced at his wife, who simply stared at him. He awkwardly smiled and trembled slightly.

‘So the rumors were true. Kael Hormons really is completely under his wife’s thumb.’

Meanwhile, Emperor Julius seemed to forget that he was also powerless against his own wife, the Empress.