Five days later, Aella entered the capital with her family.

“Duchess.”

“!”

Nine years had passed since Princess Mai married into the Bozert Empire. Now, as Empress, she returned to her homeland.

Gone was the tomboyish girl they once knew; instead, she exuded an elegant and regal aura. Everyone who had known her before, including Aella, was left speechless.

“You all look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“Your Majesty the Empress, have you been well?”

“As you can see. I hear the Duke and Duchess still have a wonderful relationship. The rumors have spread so far that even the citizens of Bozert know about it.”

“Haha, is that so?”

“And I hear you’re expecting another child? Congratulations.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

As the lively conversation continued, a young voice interrupted.

“Mother! This country is so wonderful!”

“Is it?”

“Yes! There are so many beautiful flowers and…”

“So many handsome men!”

“Jenna, really. You should greet the Duke and Duchess properly.”

“Oh!”

Meeting the Empress’s lively triplet daughters made the Duke and Duchess feel as if they were reliving Princess Mai’s childhood. The energy of the three girls was almost overwhelming.

“Aunt?”

“Oh my, Roselia. You’re here too? Did you come with Ren—ah, I mean, your father and mother?”

“No~ I came alone. I’m currently staying at the Hormons estate, learning magic from Ayla.”

“Ah, I see.”

“What about Gerard and Jed?”

“They’ve been obsessed with fishing lately and are with Father.”

As they chatted, the Emperor and Empress Dowager arrived, joining the group. Reuniting after a long time, they spent the afternoon in the reception room, talking endlessly and later sharing dinner together.

While enjoying dessert after the meal, the Empress Dowager brought up a topic.

“Duchess, I heard you helped the Count and Countess of Sorbet divorce amicably.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I felt the Countess was wasting her life, so I helped her achieve a peaceful divorce. Now, I’m supporting her as she embarks on a successful career as a writer. I plan to continue helping women in need or those leading difficult lives.”

As Aella finished speaking, Hannah, the eldest of the Bozert triplets, asked,

“What do you gain from helping them, Duchess?”

“I simply wish for them to live lives of value.”

“I want to follow the Duchess’s example, Mother!”

“Me too!”

“I’m so proud of you, Ellie and Jenna.”

“Mother! What about me?”

“Of course, I’m proud of you too, Hannah. You’re all my pride and joy.”

“Mother!”

Watching Mai embrace her triplets, Aella felt a deep sense of pride. She glanced at the Empress Dowager and Emperor, who were smiling warmly at their daughter and grandchildren, and Aella couldn’t help but smile as well.

—

Time passed, and soon it was the triplets’ 17th birthday.

After breakfast, Kael stood up and made an important announcement.

“Once you’ve all come of age and Claire becomes the Crown Princess, your mother and I plan to retire to Chervel for our later years.”

“F-Father?!”

While Noah and Claire were shocked, Ayla remained calm and asked,

“What about the family?”

“I plan to pass the title of Duke to Noah.”

“As expected.”

“F-Father, I’m not ready yet.”

“Noah, you won’t be alone. You’ll have your strong sisters and Ian by your side. Most of all, I trust you. I know you’ll do well.”

“Father…”

“I trust you too, Noah. Please take care of the Hormons estate with Siana.”

Seeing their son’s expression change from worry to determination, the couple smiled.

“I also have something to say.”

“What is it, Ayla?”

“I’ve decided to postpone my travels after graduation by three years. I want to strengthen my magic first, and after coming of age, I’ll travel the continent with Joshua to treat patients.”

The living room fell silent. Aella glanced at her husband.

“Ayla, do you… have feelings for him?”

“Maybe… I think so.”

“Sister?!”

“Big Sis!”

“Haha, I see. If that’s what you want, then do as you please.”

“Father.”

Aella was surprised by how easily Kael gave his permission, unable to look away from him.

“But promise me this: don’t do anything dangerous. Swear it to me, Ayla.”

“Of course. I’ll also visit you and Mother often. I’ve been practicing teleportation magic and am working on increasing my range.”

“You’re amazing, Sister!”

“As expected of Big Sis!”

As Ayla hugged her younger siblings, Aella’s eyes grew misty. Feeling Kael’s hand gently squeeze hers, she smiled at him. Together, they looked at their children, each finding their own path, and Aella closed her eyes briefly.

‘I hope their futures are filled with nothing but happiness.’

That day, the Hormons family gathered in a room filled with photos of Charlotte and Rami. Together with their newest family member, Merry, they created their second family portrait, preserving the memory of the moment.

—

Eight months later.

“Madam, Her Majesty the Empress is here.”

“Understood.”

Now unable to get up on her own, Aella was helped by Kina and Siana to stand. She made her way to the reception room, where Empress Elena awaited her.

“Welcome, Your Majesty. Thank you for coming.”

“I’m sorry for disturbing your rest.”

“It’s no trouble. Kina, could you bring us some tea?”

“Yes, madam.”

Thanking Siana for helping her sit, Aella noticed Elena’s gaze fall on her belly. Aella spoke first.

“Rune is said to be a perfectly ordinary boy.”

“Ah, Mother mentioned it. Claire also said you’re planning to move to Chervel in three years.”

“Yes. If Rune wishes to learn magic, I plan to entrust him to Ayla.”

“I see.”

Noticing Elena’s disappointment, Aella smiled warmly and said,

“If His Majesty passes the throne to Crown Prince Terry, why don’t you join us in Chervel?”

“Oh! That’s a wonderful idea. It would be fun to live there together.”

“It would be fun for us, but I’m not sure about our husbands.”

“Lately, they’ve grown quite close. They even play chess and go riding together.”

“Really?!”

“The problem is they’re so competitive.”

Aella laughed, as did Elena, and the two women shared a moment of lighthearted chatter.

“Safe travels, Your Majesty.”

After seeing Elena off, Aella turned to head back but was suddenly enveloped in a familiar embrace.

“Kael? Why are you out here?”

“I wanted to invite my beautiful wife on a date.”

As he kissed the back of her hand and winked, Aella laughed softly and bowed slightly.

“With pleasure.”

“Shall we take a walk together?”

“I’d like that.”

Hand in hand, the couple strolled through the streets, smiling at the admiring and envious whispers of passersby.

“Kael, I’m sorry. I can’t walk anymore.”

“Up you go!”

“Ka-Kael! I’m heavy! Put me down.”

“Not at all. I’ll carry you to that bench over there.”

“Kael! Really!”

Kael gently set her down on the bench and sat beside her.

“Are you overexerting yourself? Didn’t you injure your back sparring with the Crown Prince?”

“That was just a moment of carelessness. Ahem. I’m only growing stronger with age.”

“Is that so?”

Looking into her eyes, Kael nodded and gazed at the sky.

“I’m ready to entrust Claire with the future.”

“Kael… You’re truly amazing. You’re my husband, after all.”

“Hahaha.”

“I love you, dear.”

Her soft voice whispered in his ear, followed by a kiss on his cheek. Kael pulled her into a tight embrace.

“Kael…”

“I love you more, Ella. Thank you for always loving me. I’ll love you forever.”

“I love you too, Kael.”

After sharing a tender kiss, Kael rested his forehead against hers and closed his eyes.

“In the next life, I’ll love you again.”

“Do you think we’ll meet again in the next life?”

“Of course. I’ll find you no matter what.”

“…I’ll be waiting, Kael.”

The couple exchanged a gentle kiss and smiled brightly, their love as radiant as ever.