Birds were natural enemies of snakes, so young snakes were often caught and eaten by birds while wandering around. That’s why Dain always warned the two children not to transform into snakes outside the house.

Remy’s snake clan traits had manifested late, and he had been able to release pheromones and transform into a snake since last year. But Isabel’s traits appeared early, and she kept disappearing after transforming into a snake. When that happened, Liana would frantically search for the child.

“Let’s go quickly before Father comes.”

“Okay.”

“You’ll get in trouble if Father finds out.”

Isabel became obedient at the mention of Father. Their father was really affectionate, but when she did dangerous things, he would scold her so terribly that tears would prick her eyes. On the other hand, their mother was always affectionate, so she wasn’t scary.

“Anyway, birds don’t like us, so don’t go near them.”

“Mm. Okay.”

Isabel spoke with a pout. Her plump cheeks were full of dissatisfaction.

“Haha.”

Remy pressed Isabel’s cheeks as if she was cute and entered the villa.

Fortunately, after the children entered the villa, Dain returned.

“The flowers bloomed beautifully. It’s to commemorate our wedding anniversary.”

Dain’s expression was bright. He held out to Liana a bouquet made from colorful flowers he had cut from the greenhouse.

Today was the day of their 5th wedding anniversary.

“Thank you.”

Liana smiled and received the flowers.

She had been about to go out because he hadn’t come in for a long time, but it seemed he had been making a bouquet in the greenhouse.

“Wow, pretty flowers.”

“They’re really pretty.”

The children admired the flowers from beside Liana, saying they were pretty.

“Mom, give Dad a kiss.”

Isabel shouted in a cute voice.

“That’s right. Dad worked hard to make it.”

At the children’s request, Dain waited for her with a proud expression. Liana blushed and kissed his lips.

“Wow, Mom kissed Dad.”

“Wow—”

When the two kissed, Isabel and Remy even clapped and rejoiced.

“Now, let’s have a celebration party.”

“Yes.”

When they came to Erikson Island, the servants spent their evenings in the annex at the back after work. Then only the family of four remained at the villa to enjoy a cozy vacation.

“Wow, this looks delicious.”

“There’s even strawberry cake, my favorite.”

“I like that too.”

A feast was laid out on the table. There were dishes made by the chef working at the villa and food Liana had prepared with her skills after a long time.

Even their appetites are so similar.

Liana looked at the three of them with a smile. All three had good builds and ate well.

During the meal, they lit candles on a large strawberry cake, then the family of four sang a celebration song together and blew out the candles together.

“Ah, I’m full.”

Isabel patted her cute bulging belly. She had eaten too much, so even her snow-white cheeks had puffed up.

“Now, shall we all say what you want to do when you grow up?”

Dain burst into laughter at the adorable sight. Beside him, Liana also looked at the children with a curious expression.

“I’m going to become a Sword Master like Father.”

Remy answered with dignity.

“That’s a good thought. What will you do when you become a Sword Master?”

“I’ll protect the Empire and protect my family.”

“Good. Work hard at it.”

Liana stroked the head of admirable Remy.

“Mom, I’m going to become a bird.”

Isabel also revealed her aspirations with a determined expression.

“Become a bird? Why did you think that?”

“Because I want to fly in the sky like a bird.”

“Haha. I hope that wish comes true.”

The three of them burst into laughter at cute Isabel’s nonsense. Time passed quickly while they ate delicious food and laughed and chatted. The sun completely set, and outside was soon shrouded in darkness.

As night deepened, the children’s eyes also grew heavy.

“I’ll put them to bed and come back.”

“Okay.”

Dain carried the drooping Remy and Isabel in his strong arms and went upstairs to wash the children one by one. Then he laid them down in their respective bedrooms.

The children fell asleep quickly, probably tired. Dain looked down at the two children for a long time with affectionate eyes. Then he covered the children with blankets and kissed them.

These adorable little things.

Fortunately, the children took after only Liana’s pretty features. So Dain felt pleased just looking at the children.

When he saw those children transform into small snakes and crawl around, he felt worried but also burst into laughter.

Remy was dignified and had a strong sense of responsibility as the one who would succeed him as the next Grand Duke, while Isabel was a quirky child with a strong sense of adventure.

However, the concerning point was that Isabel’s pheromone levels were high.

Since medicine has been developed, it should be fine. Unlike his own childhood, there was medicine now.

Dain only hoped that medicine would work well for Isabel.

“Sleep well. Little snakes.”

Dain came downstairs with a pleased smile. His steps going down the stairs were light.

Now it was his time alone with Liana. When he entered the bedroom, Liana was also setting out wine in a fluttering gown with damp blonde hair, having just washed.

“You worked hard.”

At the grand ducal residence, servants helped, and at the villa, Dain washed and put the children to bed, so it was only comfortable for Liana. There were no particularly difficult things in her life now.

“They’re sleeping well. They must have been tired today.”

“Isabel suddenly disappeared, so Remy went out and found her. It seems the two played in the forest.”

“Really?”

Dain’s expression darkened, but he soon hid his expression.

Liana didn’t know that young snakes could be eaten by their natural enemies. Dain didn’t want to needlessly worry his kind and lovely wife.

However, he thought he should warn the children tomorrow.

“Have a drink.”

“Yeah.”

The two sat facing each other at the small table and had a party just for the two of them.

Since it was their wedding anniversary, both of them wanted to spend today more pleasantly than anyone else.

“How do you feel?”

“I’m happy to be with you and the children. Everyone is healthy, so there’s nothing more to wish for.”

What more could she wish for here? The children were growing well and all the family members were healthy.

“Me too.”

When Liana was happy, he was happy too.

The two toasted and drank wine pleasantly.

The red eyes fixed on Liana burned with intensity. 

Dain moved to her side, lowered his head, and kissed her mouth with hungry urgency. His tongue slipped past her parted lips, curling around hers and drawing it in a deep, gentle pull. Her moist tongue carried the mixed taste of sweet and bitter wine.

“Mmm.”

A languid moan flowed out between their lips pressed together. Dain kissed Liana’s lips and nape in succession.

“It tickles. Haha.”

When he licked up her nape lightly like a feather, Liana burst into laughter as if tickled.

But he had no leisure to laugh. His lower body had already swollen taut and was getting angry.

Dain lightly lifted her and went to the couple’s bedroom.

“Dain.”

Dain carefully laid her down on the bed. Then he climbed on top of her lying on the bed.