Chapter 2

Roxanne Albert is the only daughter of Mary and Adi.

She has silver hair like her mother and rust-colored eyes like her father. Despite her young age, her features are well-defined, making her look like a doll. She is a baby who embodies the word "adorable."

Though she is not yet one year old, she is growing every day. Her weight increases daily, she can do more things, and she has even started to stand by holding onto things. — The joy in the Albert household on the day Roxanne first stood up was indescribable. Mary, who was supporting her with tears of emotion, later wondered, "Didn't I hear a bell ring then? Will we ring it every time something happens?" —

"Even the older brothers are a handful. When Roxanne cries, they drop everything and rush to her."

"Well, I can't really talk, can I? I mean, I and Mary... I mean, I and Mary are the same."

"Oh, it's fine for parents. We have to rush to her no matter what. ... Oh, I remember leaving my mother behind."

"I also remember I was talking to the gardener."

They recalled that they were both busy with other things and looked at each other.

But in the next moment, they nodded in agreement and covered for each other, saying, "It's understandable for a father" and "It's natural for a mother." They even called out to their beloved daughter together, "Hey, Roxanne," seeking her agreement.

Surely the mother and the gardener would understand. If they don't, offering dessert at dinner would do the trick.

"But, aside from the brothers' arguments, the mansion being too large is a problem."

"The mansion?"

"Yes. Even if I want to rush to Roxanne, I run out of energy halfway, and it takes Adi a long time, too."

Adi nodded in agreement as she recalled the earlier incident.

For nobles, the size of the mansion is a symbol of authority. They maintain a grand mansion beautifully and invite guests to show off their wealth.

Mary understands this, as she is the head of the Albert family, even though she delegates most of her work to her brothers. She has learned the proper way of being a noble.

...But parenting is different.

One thing is one thing, and the other is another. And the priority should be parenting.

"Here's a great idea!"

"...Your idea, I mean, Mary's 'great idea' gives me a bad feeling."

"What's that supposed to mean? Just listen to my great idea."

Mary sternly reprimanded Adi's rude attitude and said, "Listen carefully."

She puffed out her chest and proudly announced her idea.

"Let's tear down the mansion, clear the land, and rebuild it to be more suitable for raising children!"

"Of course, I knew it would be something outrageous."

Adi sighed as if to say, "I knew it."

In response, Mary glared at him with a disgruntled expression.

Of course, tearing down the mansion and clearing the land was a joke. She knew it was impossible.

She tried, half-jokingly, "How about we move to a smaller house, a modest decline for the three of us?" while holding Roxanne, but Adi's sigh stopped her again.

"It can't be helped. I am the head of the Albert family, so I can't leave the mansion. But the mansion is too large. So, the mansion should shrink to fit me!"

"That's absurd... It's impossible."

"Yes, tearing down the mansion is out of the question... Then, let's compromise and tear down half of the mansion or clear the land behind it!"

"That's only a small compromise. Besides, why don't we move the children's room to a more accessible location, or..."

Adi stopped mid-sentence. Mary looked at him, waiting for him to continue.

Adi's rust-colored eyes stared at her intently. Or rather, they seemed to be slightly off. He was not looking at Mary but behind her...

"...You're here."

Mary whispered.

She didn't ask what it was.

"Yes, I'm here."

"Of course, you're always here. I thought you might come soon. ...Alicia, I'll praise you for not pouncing, but that doesn't mean you can just stand behind me."

Mary said with a weary tone and turned around.

There, of course, was Alicia. She swayed her golden hair and caressed her gently swollen abdomen, smiling happily.

...Caressing her abdomen.

"You've grown so much."

"Yes, it's been kicking a lot lately. It's kicking now as I walk."

"It's good to know you and the baby are healthy. I'll overlook your boldness in coming to someone's house for a walk, thanks to the lively kicks."

Mary told her to be grateful for the kicks. She then asked Adi to prepare tea, as much as she found Alicia's visit bold, she was pleased. Of course, she couldn't say it honestly, so she added, "We need to curry favor with the future royal family."

To which, "I'll join you," Patrick's voice came.

Needless to say, it was Patrick. His expression suggested that he was happy with the walk with his beloved wife and the soon-to-be-born child. The prince who had stolen the hearts of the young ladies with his well-ordered features and calm demeanor couldn't help but relax his face during the walk with his wife and child.

Affected by his happy aura, Mary shrugged and said, "Take your time."

Thus, they had tea at a table set up in a corner of the garden.

Warm drinks and tea snacks. A leisurely tea time.

If seen from a distance, it might look like the same four people's time as before. They had often had tea together as a group of four since their student days.

...But now, they are no longer four.

"It feels so strange."

Patrick sipped his tea with a gentle smile.

The change from being a couple to a family of three, and becoming a father, must be both exciting and ticklish. Mary and Adi have experienced the same feelings and can't help but smile wryly.

Alicia, on the other hand, is radiating happiness, admiring Patrick and her abdomen. She poked Patrick's arm and smiled, "I'm going to be a father."

"Father, huh. It's hard to feel real, and it's embarrassing. Adi, have you gotten used to it?"

"Yes, when you're with your child, the happiness of being a father outweighs the embarrassment. ...But, I can't just bask in happiness; I need to deal with 'the young lady' soon."

"Still not used to it?"

"Well, it's... Mary, what do you think?"

Called out awkwardly, Mary laughed merrily.

But then she exclaimed, "Oh!" because Roxanne, who was on her lap, started to squirm.

It seemed she was bored with the tea party. She wriggled vigorously, indicating she didn't want to be held anymore.

"Roxanne, you want to walk? Look at this energy, she's like a freshly caught fish."

"Mary, not 'the young lady,' and comparing her to a fish is..."

"She's wriggling like a fish. Let's stand up, shall we?"

Holding Roxanne, who was like a freshly caught fish, she lifted her from the chair. Roxanne's small hands firmly grasped the edge of the chair.

At the same time, Adi also got up from his chair and crouched to his daughter's height, ready to support her if needed. He probably hoped she would cling to him after standing up.

Seeing Roxanne stand up, Patrick looked surprised.

"Even though she's holding on, she can stand properly now."

"Yes, she's been refusing to be held and wanting to stand lately. She'll probably start walking soon."

"Is that so... When I received the message, 'Roxanne has successfully stood up, come quickly,' she was still wobbling and leaning. Children grow so fast."

Patrick praised her growth as if it were his own child.

Alicia, moved by this growth, cheered for Roxanne, who was standing proudly. When Roxanne, tired from standing, plopped into Adi's arms, everyone clapped spontaneously.

It was a round of applause. In the tranquil garden of the Albert family, applause rose as if a performance had ended.

Amid the applause, a sniffing sound could be heard...

And a voice, "What a wonderful standing up... I'm moved to tears..."

"Here you are again."

Mary whispered once more.