Chapter 8

"…That concludes today's report."

"Will… Grandpa, I don't even know how to be surprised anymore."

Orpheus, who had heard from Elise that Will had lit all the spirit lanterns, gazed at his cute grandson's smiling face, which appeared as an ethereal phantom, with a distant look in his eyes.

"At this rate, it will be difficult for Master Will to go for walks."

"Yes, indeed… Though it’s sooner than planned, there’s no other way."

Orpheus, regaining his composure, let out a small sigh.

Originally, Elise was also supposed to go to Shiro's house as a lady-in-waiting.

However, that was planned for a couple of years later.

"Elise… I entrust the care of my daughter and grandchildren to you."

Orpheus earnestly requested of Elise, who was also his beloved disciple.

"I understand."

Elise bowed and smiled.

"I will take my leave now."

"Hmm, thank you."

Not wanting to keep her any longer on her day off, Orpheus dismissed Elise.

"Thank you, Elise."

"Oh…"

Elise, who had just left the room, ran into Regis in the hallway.

"Thank you, Regis. Do your best."

"Huh…?"

Regis, confused, gave a lackluster response.

Elise, looking somewhat elated, walked away.

Regis, tilting his head after watching Elise leave, regained his composure and knocked on the door.

After waiting for his master's word, Regis entered Orpheus's room, replacing Elise.

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Within a few days, Elise completed all the handovers and appeared in the morning living room as the new maid of the Turkis family.

"I will be in your care from today onwards. My name is Elise. Please treat me kindly."

Elise bowed deeply, and the Turkis family and the servants welcomed her with applause.

"I may have many shortcomings, but please treat me kindly."

"Hehe, don't worry so much. Ren… I was worried about you at first too."

Elise smiled at Ren's words.

Ren, recalling the past, blushed.

Will looked up at Ren curiously.

"Ren, what's wrong?"

"N-nothing, Master Will."

Ren, flustered, tried to cover it up, and Shiro responded with a smile.

"Ren used to break plates almost every day when she was new, and—"

"Master Shiro, please come here for a moment…"

Shiro was grabbed by the collar and dragged away by Ren.

After leaving the living room—

Thud!!

A dull sound echoed, and only Ren returned.

"Huh? Where did Father go?"

"He seemed to be in a bad mood…"

Ren smiled at the confused Will.

The servants around them chuckled.

Only Cecilia smiled with a nostalgic look.

"Still the same… I’m more worried about whether Master Shiro can be a better knight than Ren."

Elise, still chuckling, muttered, and Cecilia smiled at her.

"He seems to be doing fine, regardless of whether he fits the mold or not…"

"A, ahahaha…"

Elise's chuckle deepened at Cecilia's words.

The children, not understanding, tilted their heads in unison.

Shiro is currently a member of the Third Knight Regiment, First Platoon of the Filfar Kingdom.

The First Knight Regiment guards the castle, while the Second and Third Knight Regiments maintain the peace in the capital, Letis. The other knight regiments are scattered throughout the kingdom.

The main duty of the Third Knight Regiment, to which Shiro belongs, is to ensure the safety of transportation and trade around the castle and the capital from harmful monsters and criminals hiding in the wild.

"Letis is peaceful, after all."

Shiro, rubbing his head and chuckling, returned to the living room.

"It’s harder to find a more ferocious monster than Ren."

"Master Shiro."

A cold gaze pierced Shiro after his comment, which was completely unnecessary.

Shiro hurriedly straightened his back and snapped to attention.

"Shiro Turkis, of the Third Knight Regiment, First Platoon of the Filfar Kingdom! I am heading out for today’s patrol!"

"Yes. Please be careful."

Cecilia, smiling, saw Shiro off, and he quickly left the living room.

Watching his back, Ren sighed deeply.

"Miss Cecilia, was Shiro really the right choice?"

"Yes, of course!"

Ren genuinely thought there were countless more suitable marriage candidates than Shiro, but Cecilia answered immediately.

"I have nothing but gratitude for Master Shiro. Thanks to him, I have wonderful children, and with you all making such a lively home, I feel like I’m part of it, and I’m very happy."

Hearing this, Ren couldn’t say anything.

Looking at the children, they were all looking up at her with puzzled expressions.

When she looked around at the servants, they were all smiling in their own ways.

Ren sighed deeply again, as if giving up.

(I am the one who should be grateful… He has given me the care of these adorable children and even companions to share my worries with. Just like in those days… No, I feel even more happiness now.)

Cecilia must understand her thoughts as well.

"It’s not just like that. Miss Cecilia… I’m already deeply on this side."

When Elise said this in her usual tone, Cecilia’s smile deepened.

Her expression reminded Will of his own, and she couldn’t help but think they were father and daughter.

"Well, well, another day begins!"

At Tomason’s voice, the servants dispersed to their respective tasks.

Elise was going to tour the house with Tomason.

"Until later…"

"See you!"

Elise bowed, and Will waved her off.

Then, as if just noticing, he turned around.

"What about Will?"

"Oh dear, what a problem."

Cecilia smiled at Will, who was unsure what to do and was thinking about it.