Chapter 38

Thank you for always reading.

The prince's head-petting festival by Cain and Dianna continued until they were called to move to the dining room by a maid. After that, everyone walked together down the long corridor to the dining room.

"Isn't the castle spacious? I always think it would be nice to move through the corridors in a carriage."

"To allow carriages to pass, the corridors would need to be widened."

"Even with the current width, a small carriage might fit, but it would be one-way traffic. We might have to go around for some rooms, which could take even more time."

"That's true. But more importantly, the biggest problem with running carriages indoors would be..."

"\"Horse manure!\""

Hehehehehe. Ho ho ho ho ho.

Behind the queen and the duchess, who were chatting merrily about horse manure, three children walked.

"Can I call you Cain-niisama?"

"No."

"Can't you at least think about it..."

"Can you call me Onee-sama?"

"Huh? Why..."

"Please call me Cain, Your Highness."

"...Alright. Cain."

"Can you call me Di?"

"No. You must call me Dianna. I will not allow you to use nicknames."

"Can you call me Dianna?"

"...Cain, Dianna. Can we play together again after today?"

"If you work hard on your embroidery, we can meet at the embroidery club."

During the tea party, Cain was told by the queen to participate in the embroidery club again. He thought he would be expelled for causing trouble, but it seems the other ladies had become big fans of Cain. In social settings, men are expected to escort women, be gentlemen, and let women choose their dance partners, always putting women first. However, things are different at home. Many households are patriarchal, and husbands often neglect their wives and children if they have heirs, and there are not a few couples who failed to develop love after arranged marriages due to the balance of titles and family status or political affiliations.

Cain appeared before these women who were tired of their husbands who were kind outside but left everything to their wives at home, like a shining light.

Cain's praise for women was not just about their superficial beauty but also about the respect, admiration, and gratitude for their role in bearing and raising children. Moreover, Cain had practiced embroidery diligently and submitted work that was at a level to be seen.

To the women who were tired of their husbands who looked down on embroidery as something only women should do and ordered them to do it when needed, Cain was a shining star. He understood and joined their passion and enthusiasm for their hobbies.

"Everyone says they want Cain to continue participating."

That was the queen's words. Because of this, Cain's violence against the crown prince was pardoned with just a verbal apology, an unprecedented treatment. Of course, the fact that it was an attempt and no one was injured was a significant factor.

As they talked, they eventually reached the dining room and took their seats. This time, Cain, Dianna, and Arundilano sat in that order without Cain doing anything special.

Cain took care of the two 4-year-olds diligently and gave three-quarters of the last dessert to Dianna and one-quarter to Arundilano. Because Cain took good care of the children, the mothers chatted happily the whole time. When the last tea was finished, it was time to leave.

"Oh, it was so much fun. It's really enjoyable to chat without any hidden motives or intentions."

"Please come to my house next time. If you come with the crown prince, you can visit as a mother accompanying her son to a friend's house, not as a visit from the queen to a duke's house."

Cain later learned that the queen and Elise were friends since their days at the magic academy. Both were the eldest daughters of marquess families and were very close. After they got married and their positions changed, it became difficult for them to enjoy simple get-togethers as friends.

In the future, the main focus will be on the children playing, and they will just be accompanying them. They plan to deepen their friendship by chatting during the children's playtime. Ho ho ho ho ho.

"Cain, Dianna. It was fun today. Come again. I have lots of toys!"

As they were about to close the carriage door, Arundilano tried to talk to them. Honestly, Cain didn't want to get too close to the palace. He believed that getting close to the crown prince would bring no good. If they came to play, Dianna would definitely come with him. The more they met, the higher the chance of becoming betrothed, which was scary.

"Farewell, Your Highness. I hope to see you again if the opportunity arises."

"Bye-bye! See you again!"

The door closed, and the carriage started moving.

After watching outside for a while, Elise, seeing that the farewell was out of sight, sat back down and turned her gaze back inside the carriage.

"Mother, can I assume that my suspension is lifted as of today?"

"Well, you'll have to wait for your father's decision when we get home, but I think you'll probably be allowed to leave your room and resume your usual activities from tomorrow."

"In that case, I need to contact Mr. Ianius to resume my studies. I should also contact Mr. Cyraus and Mr. Tylnoa..."

"Wait until you get formal permission from your father."

"Mr. Ianius is coming tomorrow. It's Di's study day!"

Dianna, with a smile, informed Cain about Mr. Ianius's visit the next day. Cain looked at his mother with a face that said, "Isn't Dianna wonderful?" but only received a stern look in return.

"Anyway, I'm glad you made up. I was surprised and worried that you might clash more with the prince, but I'm relieved now."

"I was surprised too..."

Dianna, who tended to fall asleep in carriages, started nodding off, so Cain gently laid her down on his lap and stroked her hair. He looked at her sleeping face with a melting expression.

"I'm really worried about your future, Cain."

Elise sighed deeply.

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