Chapter 37

"Ah, who is this young lady?"

"It's... "

When Fil hesitated, the children in his arms leaned out.

"It's Lucia!"

"She's Fil's friend's sister!"

The two said simultaneously, and the man seemed to have heard them. He raised an eyebrow slightly and looked at me and my brother Albes intently.

He was a bit shorter than Fil, I think. I would guess he was in his early thirties. He had the same silver hair as Fil, but his eyes were a vivid purple. I had never seen this combination before. This must be Al's and Rida's father, and the older brother of Fil, who was often mentioned.

...No, rather than that.

There's something I'm very curious about... Could it be....

"Brother Albes"

I whispered to my brother, whose hand was still on my shoulder.

"What should we do? ...I know that man's face."

"I see."

Sighing deeply, Brother Albes lowered his hand. Then, he bowed respectfully to the man. I came to my senses and hurriedly performed the proper bow for a noble.

"Albes... or should I call you Viscount Laguren now? It's been a long time. And this is your sister, I see? I'm the father of those children."

He smiled at us and spoke in a calm, deep voice, one that was accustomed to commanding respect and making people bow.

In Fil's stories, he was a caring and cheerful older brother. But standing before him, I couldn't help but feel intimidated by the natural authority that radiated from him.

What I remember is the small portrait hanging quietly in the corridor of our house. It was said to have been distributed to the kingdom's knights as a coronation commemoration. At that time, Brother Albes was still a knight in the kingdom's army, so we gratefully received and displayed it.

...That portrait of the king was very accurate.

The silver hair, the purple eyes, the handsome features, the gentle smile.

Not a single detail was exaggerated; it was a perfect likeness of the man standing before us, and I realized this with a shudder.

That means.

Those children... the energetic kids in the tree are the king's children.

And....

"Fil. I knew you were up to something, but dyeing your hair? And that dress the young lady is wearing, I recognize it. It's Mother's, isn't it?"

"...Yes"

Fil's expression was blank as he nodded. The older brother stared at his face for a moment, then glanced at me.

"So, this young lady is...?"

"...Please, about her..."

Fil raised his head and interrupted the older brother with a stiff voice. The children, still in his arms, were quietly watching the situation, alternating their gaze between their father and uncle. The older brother was silent for a while, then sighed as if conceding to the children's gaze.

"Well, fine. I'll give you a reward for catching our children. Let the young lady stay at the palace. It would be better to talk after some time has passed."

"...Yes"

Fil nodded quietly. The older brother patted Fil's shoulder and then turned to Brother Albes.

"Albes, you should also stay at the palace. It would be good for you to have a proper talk with your sister."

"As you wish"

"...If possible, please don't hit Fil's face."

The older brother said this, patted my brother's shoulder, and left the scene. He seemed to be returning to the ballroom. The knights who were guarding the area also moved in unison.

Soon, cheers rose from the ballroom again, and the music started.

"Probably, Father is dancing with Mother."

"So, we should go back now."

The children, still in Fil's arms, whispered to him. They seemed very smart for their age.

Indeed... the prince and princess.

Fil looked at the women accompanying the children. They must have understood from his gaze, as one of them whispered something to a guard. The guard immediately ran across the courtyard. After seeing him off, Fil finally turned to us.

"I'll take these children to their room. ...What about you? You can go back to the ball if you want, it's still early..."

"No, I think we'll rest for today."

"...I see. They should be preparing a room for you now. Let's walk slowly."

Fil smiled slightly. It was a calm, quiet smile, but it seemed a bit sad.