After a simple breakfast, I had a conversation with Father. At first, he seemed flustered, unsure of what to say to me, but as time passed, he became increasingly animated and began recounting his heroic tales.

“So when I returned alive from the battlefield, I was celebrated like a hero.”

“You truly are a hero of the Empire. After all, you were the one who seized victory in that grueling war. I remember hearing about it as a child—the Ferhaem Dukedom, the Empire’s protector and the Empire’s sword, brought peace to our land.”

“You still remember that.”

“Yes, of course. I’d love to hear more from you, Father.”

“Little one, this might be boring for you. Are you sure it’s alright?”

“How could it be boring? I’m listening to the story of your life. As someone learning the sword, it’s an honor to hear from a figure I deeply respect. I’m not bored at all.”

Whether moved by my answer or not, Father began another story, this time about the sword at his waist. I listened with delight, enjoying every moment.

Of course, as soon as lunchtime approached, Mother whisked me away from Father. It seemed the two of them had planned their turns to spend time with me.

“My dear, you didn’t have to listen to those dull stories. Why did you?”

“They weren’t dull at all, Mother.”

At my reply, she exhaled deeply, again and again.

“Oh, dear. If you keep responding so kindly, he’ll go on endlessly, anytime and anywhere. Let’s do something more enjoyable together instead.”

“What would you like to do?”

“Are you good at horseback riding?”

Caught off guard by the sudden question, I fell into thought. Well, as a member of the Count’s family, I had practiced riding alongside sword training. Of course, I’d never had the chance to ride freely outside the estate, so I couldn’t claim to be highly skilled.

“I’m not particularly good, but I can ride.”

“That’s perfect then.”

Mother smiled gently and led me away. My heart fluttered with anticipation, just like when we had gone to see Yezar’s secret.

***

In the end, however, I ended up making a rather undignified impression in front of Mother.

“Ah! Wait, stop, please—just for a moment…!”

Unlike Mother, who enjoyed her spirited ride, I was too busy struggling to control the temperamental horse.

Mother dismounted and walked over to me. Then, she stroked the horse’s mane, which was snorting defiantly, calming it gently.

“My, you’re still as stubborn as ever. You really don’t like women, do you?”

“I’m—I’m sorry, Mother.”

My plan to enjoy riding together with her had completely fallen apart. Yet, Mother simply reassured me.

“Sorry? There’s no need. This horse is Diobil’s favorite steed.”

“Was it Father’s favorite horse?”

“Yes. It’s always refused to carry women. I thought maybe it had taken a liking to you, but look at it now, prancing around like this—it really does resemble Diobil…”

As if understanding her words, the horse suddenly tossed its head proudly. Mother chuckled softly.

“Isn’t it funny, my dear? It acted so smug, yet the moment you tried to mount another horse, it made sure to show off its presence.”

The horse I had originally intended to ride was known for its gentle nature. But for some reason, this white stallion kept drawing my attention. So I placed the saddle and tried to mount it—only for it to start rearing the moment I attempted to climb on.

“It was difficult, but still enjoyable. Besides, how could I ignore a horse that clearly wanted my attention? Even if it has a difficult temperament, it must have wanted me on its back. It’s alright.”

Carefully, I reached out and stroked the horse. It quietly accepted my touch. Smiling, I turned to Mother.

“See, Mother? I was just clumsy earlier. Look how calmly it’s responding to my hand. It’s a good horse.”

For some reason, Mother smiled at my expression.

“My dear, you have such a warm heart.”

Her praise seeped into me like spring rain. Surely, the truly warm one wasn’t me—why did she speak so tenderly?

“No, I just didn’t want to turn away. Only by facing someone—be it person or animal—and making the effort to understand them can we truly connect.”

Yes. Even with family, relationships deepen only when both sides make the effort to face each other. If one turns away, the bond will eventually break.

Just then, Mother’s lively voice playfully tugged at my ears.

“Is that so? Then I should make more effort to face and get to know you. I want to learn what my daughter-in-law likes, after all.”

“That’s not necessary! I like anything…”

“Then would it be alright if I gave you Magwangsang?”

“What?”

Stunned, I froze at her sudden offer to hand over Magwangsang—a mountain estate so valuable that two mansions wouldn’t even compensate for it. Mother then teased:

“It’s quite a fine gift. Will you accept it?”

“No!”

She tilted her head curiously and crossed her arms.

“Hmm… Perhaps it was too modest a gift for my daughter-in-law after all?”

“I—I’m unworthy! It’s far too generous for me!”

“Ahaha. Our daughter-in-law is so humble. Very well. You can accept Magwangsang later.”

“Later…”

Mother spoke as if she had firmly decided to give me the mine no matter what.

But by then, I would likely have divorced Yezar anyway.

“Yes, I understand, Mother.”

That was all I thought as I replied. Of course, Mother happily took my answer as firm acceptance.

“Good. You must accept it.”

***

“I can’t believe how the week passed.”

I used to spend my days solely on duties as the Duchess or training and talking with Yezar. But somehow, Mother and Father had seamlessly woven themselves into my daily life, taking me around everywhere.

I briefly worried about my ducal duties, but the steward and Ember gently pushed me forward, assuring me it was fine.

Of course, Yezar occasionally checked in on me, seeing how I was tossed back and forth between Mother and Father. But truthfully, I didn’t mind their attention and affection at all.

“Little one! Look here—this is the armor I used in my prime. Ah, don’t come too close. It’s heavily rusted, and I wouldn’t want your delicate hands to get dirty.”

“This suits our daughter-in-law perfectly. This necklace I wore when I first married—your neck is fair and elegant. The gem called ‘Tear of the Mermaid’ looks splendid on you. If I had a daughter, I’d want to dote on her like this, telling her she’s beautiful. I’m truly happy.”

Hearing such thoughtful words made me realize what family could be like. It filled the emptiness in my heart and immersed me in sweet nostalgia.

But Yezar seemed to think differently. At lunch, he politely addressed them:

“Mother, Father. Isn’t it time you should be going?”

“How cold. We still want to stay longer with our little one, don’t we, dear?”

“Exactly. Our daughter-in-law clearly adores us so much.”

Seeing the two of them each holding one of my arms, Yezar let out a deep sigh, as if the ground might collapse beneath him.

“You said you’d come for the anniversary, yet you arrived early and have stayed nearly a full week. I’m only speaking up because you haven’t left.”

Father, who had been joking, finally relented and replied:

“Well, I was just thinking it’s about time we started preparing to leave. The reason we came early was because you two should spend the anniversary privately as a couple. That’s why we came ahead.”

“Yes. We didn’t want to intrude on your time together, so we came early. We’ve already made preparations to leave tomorrow, so don’t worry, son.”

I had assumed they’d stay longer, but hearing they were already ready to depart left me disoriented. Without realizing it, I grasped both of their hands.

“Are you really leaving…?”

Their gazes, which had been directed at Yezar, now turned to me. Their eyes seemed even warmer than when I first met them.

“If we leave this little one behind, won’t our son torment her all night and make her waste away?”

“Mother!”

“Even if I leave for a while, when I return and see our son, who once boasted he’d beaten me, now crying because he lost to our little one’s sword—it might be quite satisfying.”

“Father!”

Father, undeterred by Mother’s teasing, seemed thoroughly amused at teasing his son. Yezar, realizing further words would only put him at a disadvantage, fell silent.

A laugh slipped out. I loved this lively, cheerful atmosphere so much.

“…It was wonderful. But from tomorrow, I won’t get to see this anymore. Yezar, who usually acts so mature, being childlike; Mother and Father, who treat me—someone who’s practically a stranger—with such affection.”

I gently released their hands and smiled, pouring all my longing and gratitude into it.

“I’ll miss you. Mother, Father.”

Their eyes glistened with tears. I wondered why they looked so close to crying. We were saying goodbye with smiles, after all.

“We’ll come again, so don’t worry. Little one.”

“Yes. We’ll come see you again. As long as our daughter-in-law is alright with it.”

Even if ‘next time’ might not come soon, I didn’t want to say anything that would sadden them.

“Yes! I’ll definitely be waiting.”

***

In the afternoon, as the sun dipped below the horizon. While Julietta was briefly away, Yezar, Garene, and Diobil gathered together. Garene, warming herself with a sip of fragrant red tea, spoke first.

“You said it was a contract marriage—yet how did you end up bringing such a lovely girl as your wife?”