Chapter 3

When the heat had somewhat subsided, the mansion suddenly saw an increase in the number of people.

None other than our father.

Until now, we had always wondered where he was.

Elise, though not showing any signs of hardship, had been left to raise us alone (with Ilma’s help) for over half a year, and we had no idea who this father was.

We had even considered the possibility that he might be dead.

To be honest, we didn’t have a very good impression of him, but he had suddenly returned.

When I noticed the carriage and a few people outside the mansion, it seemed unusually busy, and then a young man rushed into the baby room at a speed somewhere between walking and running.

“I’ve just returned, Elise. I’m sorry for leaving you alone for so long. Did you have any trouble?”

He started with an apology, which was honest and appropriate.

“I had Ilma’s help, so I was fine, Cruise. —Welcome back.”

“—I’m home, Elise. You did a great job… I can’t thank Ilma enough… She even attended the birth. She has her own children, but I’ll make sure to repay her somehow.”

That’s what I want to hear. We always owe her a lot.

By the way, Ilma and Louise haven’t come today yet.

“Are these our little angels? They look smart, just like you. When I read in the letter that they were twins, I almost gave up and came back. It’s good to see that they’re all healthy…”

Dad, you’re really crying at your age.

—This is the kind of environment we’re in… Giving birth to twins is quite dangerous.

We don’t have a real sense of it, but Elise must have worked really hard.

“Is that sullen face yours, Ein? I’m your dad.”

Without wiping his tears, Dad picked me up.

Can you even tell us apart?

Did the letter say my face was sullen…?

He then picked up Kail and started talking to him.

“You both look healthy. You’ll grow up to be strong and smart.”

“They’re really amazing, already walking and reading books.”

“—They’re only a little over half a year old. That’s quite… impressive.”

It’s true.

At this moment, I had an idea.

Leaving Elise alone was certainly a problem, but there seemed to be a reason for it.

It didn’t seem like he had just abandoned us, and it was clear that he cared about the family.

I decided to do a little favor in return.

I stood up, holding Kail’s hand.

What we needed were short words.

“Mom, Dad”

We’ve been together for a while now, and I thought my partner would be able to follow along.

I had that confidence.

“Mama, Papa”

Perfect.

Isn’t my partner amazing?

Elise and Cruise looked at us in amazement.

After a long silence, Dad finally came to his senses.

“—Huh… The angels just called us! Is this the blessing of the goddess?”

He still seemed a bit dazed.

Elise, seeing this, smiled wryly and said,

“Ain and Kail are amazing… They might have overdone it a bit. They are definitely your children. And maybe you should say hello to everyone outside. Zeb and the others haven’t seen you in a long time and probably want to relax.”

“You’re right… If I don’t, Ilma will be sad. I’ll go out for a bit.”

With that, Cruise kissed Elise’s cheek in a stylish manner and left the room, at about half the speed he came in.

What a cool move.

Is the world really that high in terms of kindness to girls?

I’m not sure I can handle it…

That evening, the family gathered for the first time for dinner.

In addition to our family of four, Ilma, Louise, a stern-looking middle-aged man, and a dignified elderly woman were also present.

Seats were prepared for us brothers, and something like porridge was served in our bowls.

We had never left the baby room to eat before, so this was our first meal.

It’s exciting, really.

At the table, Kail, Elise, and the mysterious woman sat opposite Zeb, Ilma, and Louise.

As for me, I was seated next to Cruise at the head of the table.

What’s with this seating arrangement? It’s so mysterious.

While I was confused, Cruise started the meal.

“Let’s not let the food get cold. Let’s give thanks to the goddess.”

He murmured, clasping his hands at his chest, and the adults echoed him.

“‘Thanks to the goddess’”

This is probably the equivalent of “Let’s eat” in this world.

It’s simple, so it’s easy to imitate.

Then the meal began.

But what should I do?

A spoon is provided, so I could try to eat, but I don’t think I should act too independently as a newly graduated infant.

While I was staring at the bowl, Dad next to me started feeding me the porridge.

You’re doing it?

Being fed by the head of the household was unexpected.

Still, I couldn’t waste the opportunity to eat.

I tried the spoon.

It tasted better than I expected.

It’s not rice, but it’s seasoned with a light broth-like flavor.

I was moved by the deliciousness of my first meal, and the next spoonful was already on its way.

I ate it.

The refined taste was delightful and didn’t get old.

Meanwhile, Dad was also making progress with his own meal.

Is he really that good with babies?

This must be his first time, right…?

Maybe he had a younger brother or sister.

Looking around, Elise was struggling a bit but managing to take care of the other woman and Kail.

Ilma was also feeding Louise, though not as skillfully as Cruise.

I was surprised by my father’s unexpected talent, and before I knew it, the meal was over.

I had eaten only a little, but I was full.

Is this what it’s like to be a baby?

“Now, let’s discuss the recent developments.”

After everyone finished eating, Cruise said.

There was no “thank you for the meal” kind of greeting.

The elderly woman, Chloe—Ilma’s mother—quickly cleared the table.

“The situation is not good. The traffic between Nioish and Harpa has been sealed off, and the Elora Road will essentially become unusable. This is the reason my return was delayed. I apologize for the inconvenience.”

In summary, Cruise is apparently the magistrate of the port town of Romus, which is visible from the mansion.

Romus is a key point for both land and sea routes, and the Elora Road is a vital artery for the town.

The problem is that the road has become unusable due to security issues, causing a significant impact on trade.

There are many unclear points, but it’s too complex for a baby to understand.

Cruise had been in the capital with the lord who governs this area.

I wonder if it’s normal for a magistrate to leave his post…

In the middle of this conversation, Louise started fussing, and Chloe took her out.

“This is a bad outcome, but it was within the expected range. We’ve taken the necessary measures on the other side. The impact on Romus will be felt soon, but I’ll need your help as we get busier. That’s all.”

Cruise and Zeb had just returned from a long journey.

They didn’t intend to make a long report, so they ended it at a good point.

Dad seems a bit competent…

He’s doing the report himself, and he has the aura of a reliable middle manager rather than a high-ranking official.

He’s taking on the most challenging part.

I hope he lives a long life…

And so, the first family dinner ended with a slightly ominous news.