Erin’s eyes widened at the Saint’s words.

Prepare to welcome a new family member?

Erin tried to understand her words. She carefully placed her hand on her stomach. A new family member – that would mean…

Erin’s face reddened. She had been enjoying married life with Ferdin for a while now. Though she had been thinking they should have a child soon, this was sudden news.

“A truly beautiful princess will be born.”

“A princess?”

“A little further in the future, a prince will be born too.”

Erin didn’t know what to say.

“You’ll truly, truly be happy.”

Saying this, the Saint embraced Erin. Neither the Saint nor Titi spoke for a while. After some time passed, the Saint opened her mouth without any lingering attachment.

“Now you should return and spend your happy days together.”

The Saint said this while gently pushing Erin’s shoulders away.

* * *

At that moment, Erin opened her eyes.

The first person she saw upon opening her eyes was Ferdin. The people who had filled the surroundings had already disappeared.

Ferdin’s eyes were bloodshot red. When Erin opened her eyes, she could see Ferdin’s face brighten instantly.

Erin was startled by Ferdin’s haggard appearance. She carefully asked him.

“Has a long time passed?”

“About three days.”

Ferdin hugged Erin tightly with a relieved face.

Duke Asili had said they shouldn’t touch Erin or make noise around her, so he had been as careful as possible.

“Ferdin, goodness… did you sleep at all?”

“I’m fine.”

Ferdin buried his head in Erin’s shoulder. Though he answered that he was fine, he actually hadn’t gotten proper sleep for three days.

He had entrusted work to Derek and stayed by Erin’s side without leaving to care for her. He closed his eyes and recalled again what Duke Asili had said when Erin gained enlightenment.

“No one must disturb her. When the time of enlightenment comes, she must have absolute rest.”

Duke Asili had said Erin had reached a new level. He warned that this was an important moment for her, and if she received a shock, she would suffer serious internal injuries.

After hearing such words, there was no way Ferdin could sleep. Ferdin had watched over Erin’s side for all three days, even skipping meals. Erin too vaguely sensed that Ferdin must have worried tremendously and suffered while she lay there.

Ferdin was always like this.

Erin was now strong enough that there was no one in this empire who could match her. Yet he always worried about Erin’s safety.

Erin grasped Ferdin’s hand. Then she placed his hand on her stomach. She could see Ferdin’s eyes widen in confusion.

“Do you know who I met while gaining enlightenment?”

“Who did you…”

“I saw the previous Saint.”

“My mother?”

“Yes, and she told me something.”

“…”

“A princess will come to us.”

Ferdin’s hand stopped. His eyes had grown as wide as they possibly could.

“It means you’re going to be a father.”

“Goodness…”

Erin was startled. Ferdin had hugged her tightly. But soon Ferdin released Erin.

“Are you okay, Erin? Did I use too much strength…”

“Ferdin, I’m a Sword Master. This much is nothing.”

Erin laughed playfully.

“I suppose monster subjugation will be difficult for a while. I wanted to eliminate all the dangerous monsters before winter came.”

Ferdin made a resolute expression telling her not to worry.

“It’s fine, Erin. After his sparring match with you, Amon finally became a Sword Master.”

“He achieved the level he wanted.”

“For the safe empire you desire, that Amon fellow will work hard in your place. He owes a debt of gratitude.”

“Oh my, Sir Amon will have some hardships.”

“Of course, he has sins from the past, so he’ll do that much gladly.”

Erin knew what sin of Amon’s that Ferdin was referring to. He was talking about how Amon had rudely picked fights with Erin in the distant past. Though considerable time had certainly passed, Ferdin still seemed not to have forgiven Amon.

At Ferdin’s words about boldly putting Amon to work, Erin finally burst into bright laughter.

* * *

Just like Ferdin said, Amon, who had become a Sword Master, began earnestly subjugating monster hordes in the empire.

Before winter came, he had completely eliminated monster hordes in most regions. And in recognition of his achievements, he was able to have his own knight order.

Also, Erin was able to hear news that Amon had finally received marriage permission from Duke Asili.

His tearful efforts had finally borne fruit.

After winter passed, Erin gave birth to a daughter. The daughter’s name was Dayna Lexia. And within a few years, she had one more son.

The son’s name was Casion Lexia.

* * *

Ferdin thought his life these days felt unreal.

Of course, life as Emperor was busy day by day. There were many things to think about and just as many things to do.

But when he finished all his work and returned, he could see his beloved wife and son and daughter.

Family.

At that word which felt so unfamiliar, Ferdin often felt his heart tickle. His daughter Dayna had features that closely resembled Ferdin. And what about his son Casion?

His son who resembled Erin possessed outstanding talent in swordsmanship despite his young age.

“Your Majesty Ferdin. You’re lost in thought again.”

At someone’s displeased voice, Ferdin turned his head. There was Derek making a disloyal expression while looking at him. Dark circles existed under Derek’s eyes.

Derek, who had graduated from the academy, got a job at the imperial palace. Then he was promoted at lightning speed to reach the position of minister.

Though it was certainly a glorious position, the darkness under his eyes only grew deeper.

Ferdin spoke, “Let’s finish early today.”

Derek shook his head like he couldn’t stop him.

“There’s still a mountain of work that must be resolved.”

“Isn’t Dayna’s birthday party being held today?”

“I’ll just take a look once.”

Derek said this while jumping up from his seat.

Ferdin felt laughter naturally leak out. Though he spoke like that, Derek was the one who had been waiting for today the most.

Derek hugged the book in his arms like it was precious. It was Derek’s birthday gift for Dayna that he had been preparing for months.

Ferdin hurriedly moved his steps. His expression brightened when he arrived at the palace where Erin was staying. Amon playfully stood next to Ferdin.

“Ferdin, why are you just getting here!”

Next to Amon was Princess Asili, who had now completely recovered her health.

In her arms was a little one with a mischievous face. It was Amon and Princess Asili’s son, Gerald Hedor. Derek clicked his tongue when he saw Gerald.

“The little troublemaker came too. Planning to bother Princess Dayna again.”

At Derek’s words, Gerald’s face reddened. Ferdin admired Gerald.

Gerald, who closely resembled the Princess’s face, was very mischievous despite his gentle appearance.

He seemed just like Amon in his childhood. But anyone who knew the Princess even a little would know that Gerald was her spitting image. Perhaps because of that, Duke Asili’s love for his grandson was passionate.

Gerald glared at Derek and shouted.

“Derek is stupid!”

“Hey now, just like little Amon!”

Ferdin exchanged light greetings with the Princess and then looked for Erin.

On either side of Erin sat one child each.

There was Dayna with lovely blonde hair resembling him, and Casion with brown hair resembling Erin.

“Daddy!”

Dayna, who spotted Ferdin, quickly approached him. Then she swayed like she might fall. Startled, Ferdin quickly ran over and picked up Dayna. Unlike Casion who had excellent athletic abilities like Erin, Dayna was an incredibly fragile child.

Getting sick frequently from a young age was normal, and she would sometimes mutter incomprehensible words while staring into space.

“Dayna, you need to be careful.”

At Ferdin’s words, Dayna smiled brightly and hugged him.

“But those children told me Daddy was coming. I was so happy I couldn’t wait anymore.”

“Those children?”

“Yes, Dayna’s friends.”

At Dayna’s incomprehensible words, Ferdin nodded pretending to understand.

He whispered to Dayna like asking about something secret.

“I see, did they say anything else?”

“They said it would rain today.”

Ferdin narrowed his brow and looked at the sky. The sun was bright and there was no sign of rain at all.

That’s why they were having the party outdoors. The mages had also predicted that it wouldn’t rain today. Dayna lowered her head shyly and muttered.

“Actually, my friends said they could stop the rain because it’s my birthday.”

“Really? They’re good friends.”

Dayna nodded happily.

“Yes, they’re good friends.”

Then she whispered like she was telling a secret, “But I asked them to just let it rain! I actually like it better when it rains.”

At Dayna’s words, Ferdin thought he should ask Lilia to make it rain for her next birthday.

That’s when it happened.

Derek approached them.