Belita’s palace terrace.

Nervously biting her nails and pacing restlessly indoors, Belita suddenly glared at Benjamin sitting across from her.

“Should I just sit here and take this?”

Belita seethed, apparently upset about being wronged.

“And if you don’t sit still? If you cause unnecessary trouble, you’ll fall out of father’s favor.”

Benjamin offered advice while looking at his immature younger sister.

“Classid’s impudent daughter must have done something. Otherwise, Emmett, who had been quiet all this time, wouldn’t have started digging through the budget records. Don’t you think?”

“…That’s possible, but Belita, aren’t you being too sensitive? She’s only six years old.”

“I didn’t like that child’s eyes from the beginning.”

Throughout Roberg’s history, there had never been a direct descendant without red eyes.

Hair color might have varied at birth, but the clear blood-red eyes like garnets were proof of Roberg lineage.

It was evidence of being born with a mana heart, the heart of a magician with strong mana, manifested through the eyes.

But.

Liria, that child, not only had pink hair but was also born with eyes of color never seen before.

The tender light green of spring leaves.

Or the fresh green of unripe grapes.

It was a color that closely resembled the eyes of Liria’s mother, Serna.

Belita disliked Liria, who was the spitting image of Serna’s appearance.

“…By the way, Emmett must have already reported to father. Yet there’s still no summons.”

Belita said with a snicker, but inwardly she was extremely nervous.

“You’ve done so many things over time. He’s not the type to call you in and scold you for every little thing. Be careful, you might suddenly fall if you act stupidly.”

Benjamin stood up, dusting off his seat.

“I should go spend time with my family now.”

Looking up at Benjamin, Belita wrinkled her face.

“Ugh, disgusting. As if you care so much about your family?”

They looked at each other with contemptuous and hateful gazes.

“Why don’t you go to your husband and child instead?”

“I can’t. I’m undergoing treatment right now. If I accidentally have a bad influence on our prince… I might really face divorce proceedings this time.”

Benjamin shook his head, thinking that living like such trash was also a talent.

“By the way, our eldest brother seems to have been in the imperial capital for quite some time. When is he coming back?”

Benjamin shrugged and answered.

“How would I know about that reclusive person?”

“Really? Then, as an aunt, I should have a talk with Roberg’s only eldest grandson.”

“With Conrad?”

“Yes. Children’s fights should be settled among children to match their level.”

Belita suddenly smiled brightly and waved her hand toward Benjamin.

“I’ll go first, brother!”

As the door closed with a click, Benjamin uttered words he couldn’t say to his sister’s face.

“Crazy woman.”

***

Emmett, coming out of the aide’s office after finishing a meeting, bowed his head to the person he made eye contact with.

“Young Master Conrad. What brings you here?”

“Is grandfather inside?”

“Yes, he said he would soon take a walk in the garden.”

“Then I’ll wait until he returns.”

Just then, the Duke, who had left his office and was walking near the aide’s office, asked.

“Hmm, why is the usually cold-faced boy waiting here?”

“Grandfather.”

“Seeing that look in your eyes, do you have some favor to ask?”

“What? No. I just wanted to take a walk with you.”

“Alright, let’s walk. The night air is quite cool.”

As the Duke took the lead, Conrad followed and linked arms with him.

“What’s this? Why are you doing something you’ve never done before?”

“Just because, grandfather.”

As they entered the garden, Vladimir glanced at his eldest grandson’s face, who was walking silently beside him, sticking close.

Perhaps because he resembled himself, the boy was known for being taciturn.

A truly strong descendant of Roberg who only looked forward and repeatedly underwent intense training.

Someone with the qualities of power and rulership, neither too evil nor too good.

The Duke considered himself someone who skillfully avoided the weights of good and evil, so he saw Conrad as a child resembling himself.

Becoming evil when necessary.

And becoming good when necessary.

That was exactly what the master of Roberg needed more than powerful magic.

Power can be created or obtained if needed, but innate qualities are difficult to change.

“This season will be the last of your succession training.”

“Yes. I’m doing my best not to disappoint you.”

“Your abilities have always brought the highest grades.”

“You flatter me. I have many shortcomings.”

Conrad’s lips curled up slightly at the Duke’s praise.

‘As expected, Grandfather trusts me. Will he tell me to stop the succession training and experience new practical work?’

Something like Roberg Bank or the Magic Railway, the core businesses of the great Roberg family.

As the most anticipated and cherished grandson, at least that much. Of course, it would start with an apprenticeship, but he would rise in time.

However, instead of the expected answer, what he heard was:

“There’s a child who recently entered the main castle.”

“Yes, grandfather.”

“I want you to take care of that child.”

“What?”

Conrad was momentarily surprised and his voice rose, but he soon exercised patience.

“By the child who recently entered the main castle… who do you mean? There are so many succession children.”

“Hmm, haven’t you heard the news?”

That gaze seemed to contain an unspoken meaning, as if asking how he could not know such information.

“What? Yes, I’ve been so focused on magical studies lately.”

“I’ll arrange an introduction soon. Your youngest uncle’s daughter. Liria von Roberg.”

Conrad’s brow, which had been suppressed until now, wrinkled.

“Liria von Roberg.”

The girl who had occupied the small drawing room, looked like a beggar from the east wing.

The child with the weakest influence among the direct line, and without even a mother.

Too insignificant to even bother with.

“Yes. Before the succession training begins in earnest, it would be good for you two to go on a field trip together.”

“…A field trip.”

Conrad’s narrow eyes suddenly widened.

“It wouldn’t be fun if you knew where beforehand. I’ll inform you through Emmett. Just know that for now.”

“Yes, I’ll be prepared.”

After finishing the garden walk, the Duke patted Conrad’s shoulder and entered the castle first.

Conrad’s thoughts deepened.

A field trip meant that grandfather was giving him an opportunity.

But to take care of that girl… it’s absurd!

Conrad, barely restraining the urge to shout, roughly threw a stone.

Whoosh.

The stone, engulfed in small flames, made crackling sounds as it burned.

“…Oh my, nephew. What’s with the fire play at night? Did someone set fire to your heart?”

Belita, stomping on the stone with her high heels, grinned.

“Aunt?”

“Yes, nice to see you. I’ve been looking for you.”

Conrad unconsciously frowned. Nice indeed. She was a woman he disliked enough to deliberately avoid.

“What is it?”

“Shall we go somewhere and talk?”

Belita brushed off her nephew’s jacket lapel and smiled sweetly.

***

Early the next morning.

After feasting on scrambled egg toast, fried potatoes, and grilled shrimp delivered from the main castle, Liria patted her full belly.

“The chef’s cooking is truly a treasure. A hidden gem I want to keep to myself.”

As Liria happily munched on the last spoonful, Yuphi asked.

“My lady, it’s almost time for your appointment. The carriage is waiting, shall we go now? Kiki is still sleeping in his basket, do you want to bring him along?”