Side Story 3. Peaceful Tea Time

The afternoon came while Kana checked the empire’s news and acquaintances’ well-being through newspapers and letters.

After writing all her reply letters, she summoned spirits on both sides and went to find her husband’s office.

“Kiriel, are you still working?”

“I just finished. It’s about time to go to the garden, right?”

“Yes. The children must be waiting.”

They had promised to enjoy a cozy family tea time in the garden. Kana took Kiriel’s hand as he neatly organized his documents and walked to the garden.

In the pavilion of the garden where colorful flowers bloomed brightly, the children were already seated.

Dahlia, with golden hair braided in two plaits and fresh green eyes like Kana. Ridel, with wavy golden hair and purple eyes exactly resembling Kiriel. The daughter was eight years old and the son was five.

The children, who were laughing while playfully moving their hands facing each other, brightened their eyes upon seeing their approaching parents. Dahlia waved her hands enthusiastically.

“Mother, Father!”

“Dahlia, you came early with your brother.”

“Yes!”

Dahlia answered vigorously with a bright smile. Kana sat down with Kiriel opposite the children. A maid brought tea and refreshments before withdrawing.

She gestured with a smiling face while looking at the children alternately.

“Everyone eat first.”

“Yes!”

Dahlia and Ridel brightened and took the refreshments. The sight of them taking care of each other with delicious desserts was quite heartwarming.

Kana and Kiriel watched the children with pleased smiles while slowly sipping their tea.

Kiriel opened the conversation while looking at his daughter and son.

“Did you spend the morning well? Dahlia must have had lessons…… Did Ridel rest in his room?”

“That’s right, Father.”

“Yes.”

“Everyone had a meaningful time. Both studying hard and proper rest are important.”

Kana naturally praised the children with a gentle smile. Pleased by this, Dahlia straightened her shoulders and proudly exclaimed.

“Oh right, I have something I want to show everyone!”

“Is that so? I’m curious.”

Kana deliberately sparkled her eyes in response. Encouraged by everyone’s gentle gazes, Dahlia began proudly releasing mana in all directions. Soon, large mana flowers bloomed throughout the garden.

Perhaps because she took after Kiriel’s magical talent, it gave off an elaborate and solid feeling. Dahlia spread both arms with a satisfied smile.

“Though there are already many pretty flowers in the garden, I added more!”

“That’s wonderful!”

Kana applauded while sincerely praising. Kiriel only moved his lips while feeling strange emotions. She poked her husband’s arm with her finger while smiling with her eyes.

“Dear, you suddenly remembered the past, right?”

“……Well, yes.”

Kiriel unusually acted shy while subtly turning his gaze away. Kana’s clear laughter rang through the garden pavilion.

Dahlia tilted her head with a puzzled expression.

“Why are you acting like that?”

“In the past, your father also made roses bloom fully with mana like the wonderful magic our daughter showed.”

“Wow, really?”

Dahlia’s eyes sparkled brightly. Kiriel silently cleared his throat while receiving his daughter’s passionate gaze.

Kana playfully smiled while lightly poking her husband’s cheek with her finger.

“Yes. When he proposed to me.”

“How romantic!”

Dahlia clasped her hands together in admiration. Kiriel naturally changed the subject.

“Anyway, you did an excellent job with mana shape manipulation. Well done.”

“Hehe.”

Dahlia smiled broadly. Kiriel asked while moving his teaspoon.

“Though I taught you the basic form…… did you practice expressing it vividly as flowers by yourself?”

“Um, Aunt taught me last time.”

“Ah, Sister…… that’s unusual.”

“Lady Liriel loves her niece and nephew.”

Though Liriel always stayed at the magic tower in the capital befitting her position as Tower Master, she occasionally visited the Curtis mansion to see her brother’s family and niece and nephew.

She must have helped, unable to resist her cute niece and nephew’s requests.

In the warm atmosphere, Ridel whose expression had strangely darkened hesitantly opened his mouth.

“Father, when will I be able to hold mana?”

“Ridel.”

“Sister felt mana at age four and could use simple magic at my age but I……”

Ridel trailed off while hanging his head low. The white pavilion floor somehow looked dizzy to him. Kana silently watched her son.

She had worried that Ridel might feel pressured since his sister’s talent was notably outstanding and the Curtis family itself was famous for magic, yet he had not a speck of mana.

In fact, until now there had never been anyone in the Curtis family who couldn’t hold mana regardless of talent level. It could affect his self-esteem even with support from those around him.

Kiriel, who had never worried about lacking anything in his life, finally opened his mouth after much deliberation.

“But you have spirit energy instead.”

“……What?”

“Your father speaks the truth. Though faint, you have spirit affinity. Just because you don’t have mana doesn’t mean you’re not our family or not a Curtis family member, so don’t feel too down.”

Kana gently comforted her son. She understood his feelings better than anyone else present.

Faint hope settled in his purple eyes that resembled Kiriel’s. Ridel looked back and forth at the spirits floating on either side of his mother before shyly asking.

“Then can I also contract with spirits like Mother?”

“Of course, Ridel. You’re still young, so if you build up and refine your energy while waiting, you’ll meet reliable partners like mine.”

Kana encouraged her son with a gentle smile.

It wasn’t entirely wrong since her beloved partners had actually said they saw potential. Fortunately, it wasn’t just giving false hope.

Kiriel, who had been seriously watching his wife and son’s conversation, casually added.

“That’s right. Don’t be discouraged even if it takes longer. Your mother only contracted with spirits as an adult too. She even started at the lowest rank.”

“But now Celia is highest rank and Gnome is middle rank.”

Ridel’s eyes became round. Dahlia also showed surprise. Kana answered gently with a kind smile.

“Yes. Though I’m now a proper high-rank spirit summoner, I also had humble times. So our son doesn’t need to feel inferior.”

“That’s right, Ridel. Spirit summoners are cool too!”

“Thanks, Sister.”

Ridel grinned at Dahlia who gave him a thumbs up. The slightly dampened tea time atmosphere became lively again.

When the plates with appetizing desserts and teacups showed their bottoms, Kana and Kiriel sent the children who had talked and laughed to their satisfaction back into the mansion first.

Only the two of them remained in the garden pavilion. After playing with the children and having his energy drained, Kiriel blinked slowly while loosely leaning back in his chair.

Kana carefully asked while stroking his hair and both cheeks.

“Kiriel, are you very tired?”

“Of course not. I’m fine.”

Kiriel straightened his posture in surprise. Kana smiled with her eyes while playfully teasing him.

“Ah, I see.”

“Really. As you said, it is good to make time to spend with the children.”

“Of course. We learn a lot while having long conversations too.”

“……Are you worried about Ridel?”

Though sudden, it was a question that hit the core. Kiriel keenly noticed his wife’s feelings. Kana nodded with a faint smile.

“A little. We need to watch that he doesn’t become twisted. While taking good care of Dahlia too of course.”

“Dahlia is so active that she says everything she wants to say and has outstanding magical talent so she’ll be less affected…… but Ridel expresses less so it’s a bit difficult.”

Kiriel groaned while messing up his innocent hair. Having lived most of his life doing as he pleased without considering others’ feelings, work almost seemed easier.

Kana gently patted her husband’s shoulder as he even let out a sigh. Definitive words flowed from her parted lips.

“Children are separate beings from their parents so it’s natural that it’s difficult.”

“……Do you think Ridel will be able to contract with spirits?”

“What do you think?”

“His energy is quite weak so I’m not certain. You know better than me but spirit magic really depends on talent. Though magic and aura are similar, even a contract with spirits is demanding.”

Kiriel rubbed his temples. Being an unusual case made it more delicate.

Kana glanced at Celia and Gnome before softly adding.

“Don’t worry too much. My partners saw potential so it should be fine.”

“That’s fortunate then. Um, if nothing manifests……”

He hesitated and trailed off. Kana looked directly at her husband and answered firmly with emphasis.

“We should still tell him it’s okay. Though it depends on his mindset, at least family support will help.”

“Well, that’s true. I’m glad my wife is so sensitive.”

“You flatter me. I feel reassured having you together too.”

Kana naturally leaned her head on his shoulder. His low, pleasant laughter settled on top of her head.

A gentle breeze passed over the flowers to brush past the two people. That garden was filled with happiness that would never end.