Saving the Cake for Later
Laurier's third birthday was a fairly low-key affair, just kept within the house. Well, even though I did want to make her first birthday party a big occasion, there might be problems if I didn't invite other noble families because of how high society works, but… Laurier was still smiling happily even though it was such a small party.
Meanwhile, I was just happy watching her… as she spoke with her nanny and laughed with her maid, then came running up to me with a plate of food that Garrick had made, a big smile on her face.
"Father! I'm really happy!"
"Is that so… I'm glad that you're enjoying yourself."
"Ehehe…" I ruffled Laurier's hair as she giggled, then she took some of the food off her plate with a fork and held it out towards me.
"Father, it's really yummy! Have some!"
"Ah… Of course, I'll have some."
Is there a father out there who could refuse his beloved daughter offering him food…? There isn't! I wasn't interested in proving to be an exception to the rule, so I obediently opened my mouth and let her feed me.
"Yeah, it really is very tasty. Maybe eating with Laurier just makes everything taste better?"
"Really? Eating with me makes it more yummier, father?"
"Of course. There's no father in the world who wouldn't enjoy a meal with their cute daughter."
I couldn't help myself petting Laurier's head again as she smiled innocently.
"Eating with father makes it yummy too!"
C… cuuute! My daughter is really ultra cute!
I could barely manage to keep up a stiff grimace as I was faced with Laurier's smile. I'm pretty sure if I tried to do anything more, I'd lose control of my expressions.
"It'd be even yummier if mother was here too…"
"Ah, when your mother wakes up later, I'm sure that we can bring some cake up to her room to eat together."
"Cake? Father made a cake…?"
"Of course I did. For Laurier and Sasha… Or rather, your mother, I worked extra hard to make them for the both of you, so look forward to it."
"Yep!"
Even though it's her birthday, she's still thinking about her mother as well with that slightly sad smile… She's such an angel! Archangel Laurier!
But… seeing Laurier express herself like this, I can't help but feel a little sad about it myself. Before now, Laurier was… she was a child who always endured everything without a word, no matter how lonely or sad she really was, at least until Callis' personality changed. Well, that's Callis' fault for neglecting her so much, but… even though it hasn't been that long, Laurier's able to express herself so freely now… as a parent, there's no greater happiness than this.
But, she is quite similar to her mother… in that, if she doesn't have anyone to stand beside her, she might go back to bottling those feelings back up inside, so in the future, Laurier will need someone who truly understands that… Ah, what to do?
I don't need to worry about Sasha, since I'll always be able to stay by her side as her husband no matter what, but… when it comes to my daughter Laurier's future, I can't help but wonder if I'll need to play a role when it comes to the person she ends up with. Call me overprotective if you like, but… as a parent, I want to do what I can.
Well, if during her teenage years she falls in love with someone and said 'I hate you, father!' when I tried to meddle, I don't know how I'd go on…
"Father? What's wrong?"
"Hm… Ah, no. It's nothing."
Laurier was staring up at me worriedly. Damn it, I can't think about things like that now. I must have accidentally had a serious look on my face. I didn't think that I'd get that upset just by the thought of my cute and kind daughter reaching her rebellious phase… I still have a long way to go as a father.
Well, maybe I'm over thinking things about her saying that she 'hates' me, but… one day, Laurier will leave my side.
I'd be lying if I said that didn't bother me, but… I can't let my daughter see that side of me.
I'll do anything for my daughter's happiness, after all. Of course, I'll do what I can myself, but… for Laurier to live a happy life, that relies on a certain someone as well. A noble prince riding on a valiant white steed to come and take Laurier's hand… maybe that's a bit too much of a fairy tale ending? Well, at any rate, I hope that Laurier can eventually find happiness with a wonderful person and a loving family, like I have.
"Laurier… no matter what happens, I'll always be your father."
"Father?"
Laurier looked confused, but… even so, I still smiled as I spoke to her.
"Therefore… Laurier, you should always make sure to do the things that you think will make you happy. No matter what, I'll always be on your side. Because, Laurier, you are both mine and Sasha's precious daughter."
"Father… yup!"
I don't know if she really understood what I meant, but Laurier still nodded obediently with a smile. Yeah… I still have a lot of things on my mind, but… for now, all I can do is watch over Laurier and let her grow.
Being overprotective or too meddlesome wouldn't do her any good, but… still, for my adorable daughter, I'll swear a vow to do anything in my power to let her find her own happiness.
Laurier Fall Thinks of Her Father
For Laurier Fall, until recently, the word 'family' was only understood as a frame within which she lived her life. She only knew that there were people who gave birth to her and then she was given to others to raise, and under no circumstances was she to bother them any more than that.
"Are you listening, Laurier-sama? You are the sole daughter of the Duke of Fall… and one day, because of that, you shall become this country's Queen."
She had heard words like that over and over again. She didn't really understand what they meant, but somehow she knew that she had to try her best.
But, that being said, Laurier was still a child… even if she put in all her effort, there were still limits to what she could do.
No matter how much it hurt, no matter how lonely she was, she had to endure it day after day without end. After a while, Laurier came to accept that what was happening to her was only natural. This was simply how things were.
Despite being deprived of warmth, Laurier grew up quickly for a child her age. Although the rigours of the aristocracy were a harsh environment within which to bring up a child… she took to language at an earlier age than most children and did her best to learn all she could.
Though despite Laurier's efforts, she was never praised by her teachers, being told that such a thing was only natural for a child of a Duke, as she was strictly driven on. The way in which she was treated was so severe that it could be considered abuse for someone her age, even in this sort of society, but… human beings are unique creatures in how they will learn to adapt themselves to even the most inhospitable of environments.
The governess who was in charge of her etiquette training was especially cruel, to the point where it seemed like she even began to enjoy abusing Laurier under the auspices of 'teaching'. Of course, Laurier didn't know anything about that… to her, the only thing she could think of was that she had done something to deserve it whenever she was beaten, and in thinking that she began to start hiding her feelings. Before long, she had become very good at that.
It was about half a year after Laurier turned two years old that her life reached a turning point… when she overheard two maids gossiping about how her father had collapsed. However, Laurier could count on one hand the times she had ever seen her father. She still worried a little bit about her always busy parents, but… it wasn't as if those two would care whether she worried about them or not.
Therefore, as she obeyed the 'teachings' of her governess who had become even more sadistic over time… she was shocked at the person who suddenly burst through the door one day.
"Oi… What do you think you're doing to the daughter of my house!?"
It was her father, who she had seen so few times it was a surprise in of itself that she remembered his face. After watching her father rage against the governess for striking Laurier, he suddenly turned to her with a desperately worried look on his face.
"Laurier… are you okay?"
It was the first time her father had truly faced her like this. His eyes were firmly on Laurier, his eyes opened wide in anxiety… and, somehow, it looked like he was desperately trying to hold back something within himself.
As she stared back at him, the only thing Laurier could wonder from the bottom of her heart was; why would he help me? But, as her father pulled Laurier into a firm embrace, he spoke again.
"I'm so sorry Laurier… It's all because of how careless I was that you had to go through so much pain until now…"
As her father hugged her, he spoke such gentle words into her ear. Was it because of that sudden warmth? Laurier found the words tumbling out of her mouth on their own.
"I-I… When she said no one wanted me… I didn't like it… But, I…"
"Such a thing isn't true at all. I need you, Laurier. You are my precious daughter. That's why, for everything up until now, I'm so sorry. From now on, I will give you all the love you deserve. I promise."
"Ah…!? F-f…. ather… uuu…"
Her father held her gently in his arms. For the first time since she could remember, Laurier felt something stir in that heart of hers that had grown cold. As warmth flooded through her chest, she worried that her heart would burst, but… Laurier was truly happy.
After that, she doesn't remember exactly when she fell asleep, but when Laurier woke up her mother told her that she needed her as well… and she was really happy.
She didn't know what had truly happened to her father, but… from that day on, Laurier thought that her father really was amazing.
A brave man who saved her when she was broken… her father was like a hero from the storybooks.
Perhaps her preferences started from that day on, where if Laurier was ever asked about what she looked for in a man, she would say 'A kind and handsome man, like my father', without minding the confused looks on her friends' faces as she smiled.
It should go without saying that Laurier deeply loved her cool and caring father who, like a prince from the fairy tales, had saved her that day.
Birthday with Family
"Now then… are you ready, Laurier?"
"Yes!"
After smiling back at my adorable daughter, who looked at me with a bubbly grin, I knocked on the door.
"Sasha, are you awake?"
"Yes…" As I heard that slightly weak voice from the other side of the door, I opened it up and entered.
"Are you feeling any better?"
"Yes… I'm feeling much better than in the morning."
"Mother, are you okay?"
"Oh my, Laurier is here too? I'm sorry for making you worry like this. And… I had wanted to celebrate your birthday with you today as well, but…"
Sasha looked at Laurier remorsefully as we approached her bedside. But, Laurier just smiled at Sasha.
"Mother, you're importanter, so please lie down and get better soon!"
"Fufu… Why, thank you. You truly are a kind child, Laurier."
Sasha motherly stroked Laurier's hair. Laurier looked like a happy kitten as her mother gently ran her hand over her head.
Meanwhile, as for me… I was in silent agony as I observed the scene.
Ahh, both mother and daughter are too cute! A combination of a pretty and innocent silver-haired girl with that gentle and serene mother who looked just like her… yep, heaven has nothing on this, since paradise on earth has already been made here, we've even got the angels… as I spoke, I desperately tried not to let the dopey feelings running through my head seep into my voice.
"Now then, Sasha. Have you regained your appetite?"
"Ah… if it isn't anything too heavy…"
"I see… then, this should be just right."
As I said that, I pulled up the box from my side that contained both Laurier and Sasha's cakes and opened it.
"This is…"
"A lemon cake for Sasha. It's an excellently tart tasting cake, with just a hint of sweetness as well. And for Laurier, a strawberry shortcake. If I may say so myself, since I made them for the both of you, I think they're masterpieces."
"Um… hasn't the party already ended? Why this…?"
Sasha seemed puzzled as she looked between the cakes and myself. Well, she probably thought that we had already eaten our fill of cake at the party. That kind of response only makes sense, but… I kept going with a smile.
"Because it's our precious Laurier's birthday today? I thought that we should have the main event just be nice and quiet, with all three of us."
"To do that for me is…"
"It's isn't just for Sasha's sake, you know? Laurier was also thinking that she'd like to eat with her mother. Isn't that right?"
Laurier beamed happily at my words.
"I want to eat with mother too!"
"…So she says. How about it?"
At that, a small but joyful smile finally came to Sasha's face as she nodded.
"I understand… I'm grateful that the two of you were thinking about me like this."
"Alright… then I'll get everything ready, so just wait one moment."
"Ready?"
Sasha once again looked confused. And for that mystified looking Sasha, I cut off a slice of lemon cake and held it out to her.
"Here we are. Sasha, say 'ahhh'."
"Eh… U-umm… my Lord…?"
"Come now. Please don't hold back."
"B-but…"
Sasha looked embarrassed and then turned her gaze towards Laurier slightly. Well, I can understand being ashamed about doing something like this in front of her daughter, but… unrelentingly, I kept going 'Ahh, ahhh~' until Sasha finally gave in, and accepted that bite of cake off the fork with as much elegance as she could muster.
"How is it?"
"It's… it's delicious."
Sasha smiled bashfully. As I lost some of my reasoning watching such a cute reaction, I suddenly felt Laurier tugging on my sleeve.
"Father. Please feed me too."
"Ah, of course, wait just a second."
It wasn't as if I ever had the option of saying no, though. For the sake of my assertive and lovely daughter, I cut off a slightly smaller portion from Laurier's cake than I had for Sasha and then held it out to her.
"Okay, say 'ahh'."
"Ahh~"
Laurier made a cute sound as she munched contentedly on her cake. As I watched Laurier happily, I heard Sasha call me from her bed, in an ever so slightly sulky tone of voice.
"U-Um… my Lord. I too, um… one more time, please…"
"It would be my pleasure."
After that, we settled into a pattern of me feeding them one at a time, but… even though I couldn't get the image of feeding baby birds out of my mind, it was still an incredibly heart-melting scene.Birthday Presents
After the cake was done, I spent a few hours happily relaxing with those two in Sasha's room, before I finally remembered what I needed to do next. After excusing myself, I soon returned with what I had to retrieve from my room.
"Laurier, here you are."
"Father, what's this?"
Laurier curiously eyed the rather large box that I held out to her, covered in easy to tear off wrapping. Watching her curiosity grow into intrigue as she realized the box wasn't as heavy as it looked when she took it, I encouraged her with a smile.
"Go ahead and open it."
"Okay…"
Although I did make it easy to unwrap, Laurier quietly unwrapped the box quicker and more deftly than I expected. And then, when she finally opened it up… a big smile spread across Laurier's face.
"Wow… cuteeee!"
Rather, Laurier, you're the cute one… but, I managed to keep that thought to myself.
"I asked a friend of mine to teach me how to make a stuffed toy, but… do you like it?"
"My Lord made this…?"
Sasha looked surprised. Well, it's not as if I don't understand why, though.
The alpaca soft toy that I made for Laurier, I had to seek out the help of an acquaintance of mine, a certain Princess, in order to learn how to make it properly. Well, I tried to amplify the cuter parts, so I'm not sure it really looks anything like a proper alpaca, but… I'm not so sure there even are alpacas in this world, or at the very least neither Sasha nor Laurier seemed to recognize it.
"It's Laurier's birthday, after all? I was hoping to make something memorable for you but… how is it?"
As I said that, Laurier finally looked up from the stuffed alpaca she'd been transfixed by and, as she hugged the toy to her chest, she smiled from the bottom of her heart with eyes full of sparkles.
"Thank you very much, father! I'll keep it forever!"
"…I see. Well, I'm glad you're happy."
I think it's pretty impressive how I'm managing to keep a straight face… since it felt like my heart stopped there for a moment.
Damn… that daughter of mine, her smile really is a lethal weapon! Laurier, you're seriously an angel!
Although I was busy fighting a small scale war in my mind in order to keep my reason afloat, at the very least it seemed like Laurier was happy with her gift. Honestly, if I do say so myself, I thought I did pretty well considering that was my first try… Since I'm an amateur, I was a little worried about how it would turn out, but I suppose the proof is in the pudding as I saw how happy Laurier looked.
To already be such a bundle of cuteness at her age… I'm terrified to think of how beautiful she'll be when she grows up. As expected of mine and Sasha's daughter!
As I thought about that, I noticed out of the corner of my eye that said Sasha looked ever so slightly sulky.
"Sasha, is something wrong?"
"…No. Nothing at all."
We both know that's not true. Well, maybe she's just a little bit jealous about Laurier receiving something and being left out of the fun… enjoying Sasha's reaction, I smiled and shuffled over closer to the bed, leaning up next to her.
"Sasha, can you close your eyes for a moment?"
"…? Ah, yes…"
Sasha closed her eyes gently. Moving lightly in front of that adorably honest wife of mine so that Laurier couldn't see what I was doing, I took out a hair ornament from my sleeve and placed it in Sasha's beautiful silver hair.
"My Lord, this is…"
"It isn't quite time for your birthday yet, but I just wanted to get my beloved wife something to say thank you for everything she does."
Sasha softly ran a hand over the hair decoration with an astonished look on her face… then, an embarrassed smile spread to her lips.
"T-thank you very much…"
…Ahh, too cute! Just what kind of destructive power does an embarrassed Sasha hold!? Just how can she be so adorable!? If Laurier weren't here, and she didn't have another child in her stomach, I swear she couldn't be a day over eighteen!
And in that way, I spent the rest of the day relaxing with my adorable wife and daughter… of course, I marked this down in my mind as one of the best days we'd spent all together as a family yet.
Yeah… After all, my wife and daughter are just too cute!
Advanced Notice
"What's that? Father and mother are?"
Only a few days had passed since Laurier's birthday party… as per usual, I was buried up to my neck in documents trying to get them all out of the way as quickly as possible to get to family time faster, when Zeke's sudden report made me raise an eyebrow.
But Zeke didn't seem to mind.
"Yes. Oscar-sama and Lishana-sama will be arriving soon."
Callis' father and the former Duke, Oscar Fall, as well as his wife, Lishana Fall. Those two should have been enjoying a quiet retirement out in the countryside, but…
"If they're visiting now all of a sudden… it must be because of Sasha's pregnancy?"
That was the only thing I could think of. But, I don't exactly remember making that public knowledge at all. But, by process of elimination, I could only think of one person who would have told my parents about this.
"Zeke… are you sending reports to my father and mother?"
"I am merely answering their requests to hear about the wellbeing of Callis-sama and Sasha-sama."
Zeke didn't betray any remorse as he said that. Well, I guess that's fine, but… why can't I shake this worrying feeling?
Sasha and Laurier, as well as all the servants in the mansion, seem to have accepted my sudden shift in personality, but I couldn't say the same for the parents that Callis hadn't met in years.
The memories I have of Callis' parents didn't make me think they were bad people, but… perhaps because of Callis' nature, I don't think he had a particularly good relationship with his parents either.
What's more, after Callis took over the running of the household, it took quite a lot of time before Laurier was finally born. One of the very few conversations I could recall with father, before Laurier arrived, had ended with the line 'just when can I expect a grandchild?'
Callis had told his father that he was busy with his work both as the Duke and as a knight… well, he also said something about being 'incompatible' with Sasha in the bedroom, but… considering just what she and I get up to at night nowadays, it's clear that was a barefaced lie.
Well, maybe Callis had his own circumstances or reasons, but… I have to say, the man had some impressive willpower to be able to ignore such an excellent wife like that for so long.
Or maybe, Callis just plain wasn't interested in women… or rather, maybe he just wasn't comfortable around them…? But, all the same, I just can't understand leaving such an adorable wife like Sasha out in the cold for so long.
Well, I suppose I'm torn as well. On one hand, because Callis barely ever laid a finger on her, I can enjoy Sasha's first-time reactions to a lot of certain things first hand, so I suppose I'm grateful in that sense, but… I still couldn't help but feel frustrated that someone wouldn't appreciate just how wonderful she was for years like that.
Callis' parents seem to have understood to a degree that he wasn't exactly incredible when it came to dealing with women, but… since they were never able to have another child after Callis was born, it was only natural that they placed their hopes to one day see grandchildren in him.
Well, I suppose that's it then… now, what to do…?
"Zeke, how exactly do you think that father and mother would react, seeing me the way I am now?"
"If I may speak frankly, I believe they'll be moved to tears."
To move his parents to tears just because Callis finally paid some attention to his wife and daughter, just how sad of a life did he lead… swallowing down those feelings, I kept going.
"I understand… for now, can I ask you to help prepare for their arrival? I'll talk to Sasha and Laurier beforehand."
"At once."
And so, my parents suddenly decided to visit me out of the blue… now, honestly, what am I going to do?Discussion Over Dinner
"Father-in-law and mother-in-law are coming?"
At dinner that night, I told both of them of my parents' arrival, to which Sasha reacted with astonishment. Noting how cute that surprised expression of hers was, I went on.
"It's probably because they've heard we're expecting a second… Laurier, the last time you met them was after you were born, so you probably don't remember, do you?"
"Father's father?"
"…Yeah. That's right. Well, you should call them 'grandparents', Laurier… they are your grandfather and grandmother."
It took more willpower than I realized I had not to reach over the table and ruffle her hair as she nodded at me with a big smile. 'Father's father', what kind of expression is that!? It's too cute! But as my mind raced, I didn't notice that Sasha looked slightly worried.
"I would like to help prepare for their arrival, but…"
"Sasha, you shouldn't do anything that would put your body at risk. This is a really important time, after all?"
"My apologies…"
Sasha looked remorseful as she sat up in bed. I know it's not exactly good manners, especially for a noble, but… until Sasha's health had improved, I'd organized to have a low table brought up to her room so that we could still all enjoy having meals together. Well, of course, if Sasha wasn't feeling well I'd just eat together in the dining room with Laurier, but… I want to be by Sasha's side as much as I can without burdening her, and it seems like the servants in the mansion are kindly turning a blind eye to our little breach of etiquette.
I brought my self closer to Sasha's bed and gently brushed my hand through her hair.
"You don't have to work yourself up so much… is what I would like to say, but I know how hard you're working for our new family member. So, I'll do whatever I can for you, Sasha, as well as Laurier… and of course, our new child. It's only natural to rely on your family when you need to, right?"
"But… I'm always causing you so much trouble, my Lord…"
Mmm… Sasha still looks pretty depressed about this. She even looks beautiful with a solemn expression like that, but… I really can't afford to let her feel down, especially if she isn't in the best of health. I gave Sasha my warmest smile as I responded.
"There's no such thing as trouble when it comes to my dear wife and daughter. If it's for the sake of my family, I'm willing to do anything after all, so this much is nothing."
"But… if I'm always relying on you like this, my Lord, I'll be a burden…"
If everything was normal, words like that would be enough to put Sasha at ease, but… probably because of the pregnancy, it seems like she's slightly more anxious than usual.
Well now, my daughter is sitting right there and Sasha is in the early stages of pregnancy, so I can't do anything too flashy… what to do…
'Let me embrace all your troubles away' is something I'd usually say, and whisk her away to my bed, but that's not something I could do even if Laurier wasn't here, because I don't want to put the baby or Sasha's health at risk.
If that's the case… then, I only have one option.
Cupping her cheek with my hand, I gently leaned in and kissed Sasha on the forehead.
"M-my Lord…"
She mustn't have expected me to do this in front of our daughter. That look of anxiety from just a few moments ago was blown away as Sasha's eyes opened wide, her cheeks flushing crimson. As Sasha sat speechlessly, I flashed her an ever so slightly mischievous grin.
"Sorry about that. But Sasha, it's your fault for being too cute, right…?"
"C-cute? That's…"
"You know… I really love your cute side, Sasha. No matter what, through thick and thin, I'll always love you, Sasha. That's why, if you say something as cute as that again… perhaps I'll have to seal those lips with a more adult kiss?"
Sasha had no more words as her entire face went red. As relieved as I was that Sasha seemed to finally be calming down a little bit, the moment I let my guard down I felt a soft tug on my sleeve, as I looked down to see Laurier staring up at me with confused eyes.
"Father… what's an adult kiss?"
…I slipped up. To think that the day has already come where my pure and innocent daughter would ask me such a thing…
Well, I suppose education is also part of a parent's job. Eventually, Sasha or I will have to teach her about things like this, but… unlike Sasha, who I could simply teach practically, that wasn't exactly something I could do with Laurier, so… after a bit of thought, I made up something safe on the spot, and thankfully she seemed to believe me.
Parents' Arrival
As I spent my time preparing for their arrival, it seemed like the day of their visit arrived in the blink of an eye. That being said, since it was only my parents visiting, it wasn't necessary to get too much pomp and circumstances cobbled together. The most important thing was that they are welcomed warmly to the home that used to be theirs.
Typically, after retiring and leaving their work to their heirs, nobles will find a comfy retreat out in the country… Well, that being said, this house is out in the country as well, but at any rate, the point is that I could hardly let them think that the home they used to live in has become any less warm and bright in their absence.
At any rate, the cleaning went off without a hitch because the servants do an excellent job lately, and there weren't any problems with the decorations either since it was all done according to Duchess Sasha's detailed instructions, and she has an excellent sense of style.
If Sasha was feeling well, I'd have asked her to receive my parents for me, but… since Sasha still wasn't healthy and putting any strain on her might cause her to feel depressed again, I decided to finish up my work early and waited for their arrival.
"Father? What are grandfather and grandmother like?"
As I waited for them whilst sipping a cup of tea, Laurier who had already finished her classes and was sitting with me asked me that.
What should I say… everything I could say about my parents in this world would just be what I could recall of Callis' memories.
"They are very virtuous and kind people."
"Kind… Like father is kind?"
Somehow, my adorable daughter seems to have me pegged in the 'kind' bracket. As a parent, I was so happy I could burst, but I did my best to keep my dignity as a father intact as I smiled gently, running a hand over Laurier's hair.
"Well… I don't know if you could call me kind, I'm an unsightly man who put the interests of the house before anyone else."
"Father is super kind!"
"Mm. Thank you, Laurier."
"Ehehe…" Laurier giggled as I tussled her hair again. Just as I thought… my daughter is too cute! Dangerously cute!
"Callis-sama. Oscar-sama and Lishana-sama have returned."
As I enjoyed my time talking with Laurier, Zeke came in to deliver a report with uncanny timing.
Indeed… Well, as much as I treasure quality time with my daughter, I can't keep those two waiting. Turning around, I held my hand out to Laurier.
"Now then… Laurier, shall we be off?"
"Yes!"
Laurier joyfully grasped the hand I held out to her with a big happy smile. It was a bit painful for a middle-aged man like me to stoop down to hold her hand, but… if that was the price to pay to squeeze in a bit more time being close with Laurier before meeting her grandparents, then it wasn't anything to complain about.
"It has been quite some time. Mother, father."
I greeted the two of them in the entrance hall with a smile.
The older looking man with a slightly surprised look on his face… a man who looked almost like a mirror image of Callis, if he were aged about twenty years. No doubt that this man was Callis' father and the former Duke, Oscar Fall.
"It has been a while, Callis… but, I'm relieved to see you're looking so cheerful."
And the woman beside him, whose warm expression of relief matched her words was Callis' mother and the former Duchess, Lishana Fall.
"Yes. I'm glad to see that both of you haven't changed either. And… Laurier, would you like to say hello?"
"Y-yes…"
Laurier, who was hiding behind my back, looked a little tense as she meekly stepped out from behind me.
"Grandfather, grandmother. Hello…"
"Laurier, huh…? It's been such a long time since we last met, only just after you were born… you sure have gotten bigger, haven't you?"
Mother smiled at Laurier kindly, as if they were already very close. As mother began to talk softly with Laurier, I called out to my father, who was still silent and stiff in surprise.
"Father, how have you been?"
"Callis… is that truly you?"
"Yes, but… is there something wrong?"
"No, it's just… I'm a little surprised by how much soft your expression has gotten since the last time I saw you."
Well, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that a man like Callis showed that stern expression of his even to his parents, but… I tried to answer as naturally as I could.
"Having a family can change a man. Did you experience something like this as well, father?"
"Is… that so…?"
Of course, it would be hard to swallow the fact that his son's personality had changed so suddenly, but I don't think I said anything particularly wrong in my reply, so there shouldn't be a problem.
And so, in that way, father rubbed his temples in slight disbelief whilst mother spoke to the still nervous Laurier with a smile. Although the couple seemed to have managed so far, they had no idea that the surprises would just keep on rolling in one after the other after this.
…Well, it'll be about 90% my fault, though.
Stunning Scene
I'd wanted to bring them to the parlour to have a rest with some tea after their trip, but I couldn't refuse mother's request to see Sasha, so I took the two of them up to her room.
"Is that so… then, you've already learned how to dance, Laurier?"
"Yes!"
"Isn't that amazing? As expected of my granddaughter."
On the way, Laurier and her grandmother seemed to be getting along well. Or rather, it seemed as if my mother warmed up to Laurier straight away. I could only remember mother showing that kind of expression before in Callis' memories, and even then only a few times. It seems as if mother has a big soft spot for children.
Yeah, well… it only makes sense, considering my how my daughter is the spitting image of my lovely wife Sasha, she has an irresistible charm that not even she knows about. Even if you had a face like an iron mask, it'd turn into pudding at the sight of her smile.
"The furnishings have definitely changed…"
"That's because Sasha is working hard."
"I see… then, you're getting along with Sasha?"
In contrast to that happy scene between granddaughter and grandmother, the two older looking men were having a serious father-son conversation. Well, we kept our voices down so as to not intrude, but I have to say… Callis and his father really do look alike. I wonder if I'll grow up to be such a dandy looking older man after another ten or twenty years? As I thought about that, I smiled at my still worried looking father.
"Yes. There was a time when I was the reason those two were unhappy, but… after awaking to their charms, I love them with all my heart now."
"I… I see…"
Father seemed pretty surprised. That being said, he has had an almost perpetual look of astonishment on his face ever since stepping inside, but I kept going without missing a beat.
"I have to say, once you awaken to love, you really do see everything in a different light, don't you? Was it the same between father and mother…?"
"Hmm… I'm not really so sure…"
"I was only asking because I'd never felt like this before… if it's alright with you, please tell me what you know."
"I-indeed? That… that is…"
"Oh? What are you two discussing over there?"
To my troubled looking father, mother, who had interrupted her talk with Laurier to look at us, must have seemed like finding an oasis in a desert. Not missing that stroke of good fortune, father looked relieved. Meanwhile, I was a little jealous about just how in step with each other a long time couple could be.
"I was just asking about how the two of you came to be in love with each other. What about you, mother, when did you realize father's charm?"
"For you to ask something like that… what a surprise…"
"Is it that much of a shock? I was hoping that your experiences could be a helpful reference point, but… perhaps it'd be better to talk later."
In what felt like a blink of an eye, our conversation came to an end as we arrived in front of Sasha's room.
"Sasha, are you awake?"
"Yes…", when I heard that from inside, I opened the door and spoke out to her.
"Sasha, are you feeling any better?"
"My Lord… Yes. After getting some sleep, I've managed to settle down somewhat."
Still, Sasha's face looked pale. I know it's unreasonable especially given present company, but I couldn't stop myself from walking over and cupping Sasha's cheek in my hand before she could react.
"You shouldn't push yourself… You know how much I hate it when you do that."
"N-no… I can't sleep if your parents are coming…"
Sasha such an admirable person. But really, she was being the unreasonable one here, as I gently gave her a hug.
"I can always tell when you're pushing yourself too hard, Sasha. I already know that you're the best wife in the world anyways Sasha, okay? You can greet those two after you've gotten better. The most important thing is to take care of your body."
"But…"
"But if you're going to keep insisting… once you've woken up, perhaps a bit of light punishment is in order… what do you think?"
Sasha's pale face instantly flushed red at those words. As I felt that I wouldn't be able to hold back any longer if I kept looking at Sasha in that state, I quickly kissed Sasha on the forehead and then tucked her back into bed… then walked back to my parents, who had witnessed the entirety of that scene from the entrance of the bedroom.
"My apologies… It seems that Sasha is still feeling under the weather, so if it's all the same to you, could we wait until she's feeling better before she gives you a proper greeting?"
"Ah… yes…"
"Mother? Is something the matter?"
Mother… Well, father as well, seemed frozen solid in utter shock. As I looked at them in confusion, it was mother who managed to thaw herself and stammer out a few words, not trying to hide her surprise.
"No, it's just… you certainly get along well as a husband and wife, don't you…?"
"Ha ha, I've just gotten a little softer around Sasha lately, that's all."
What a stinking lie! I'm sure that my parents had the exact opposite impression of me, considering they still looked completely flabbergasted.
Laurier stayed silent. Even though she's so young, she's sometimes really good at reading the air. That being said, it's probably a side-effect of Sasha and I being so lovey-dovey on the daily, but… that slightly knowing face of Laurier's was the only element left in play to heal my soul.
Conversation Between Mother and Son
After that… we left Sasha's room, and I tried to guide the two towards the parlour to take a rest, but suddenly my mother grabbed my arm. Mother told father to chat with Laurier for a while, which he looked a little awkward about doing, as she dragged me into a separate room…
"Um… mother?"
After taking me aside, mother looked at me silently as if she was pondering the words she was going to say, then after a deep breath, it looked like she had come to a decision.
"You… are you truly Callis?"
"…What's brought this on?"
I felt a cold sweat begin to form on my brow at those sudden words, but mother didn't seem to notice as she kept going.
"If I've misunderstood something, then I am sorry. But, when I look at you, it's as if I'm looking at someone who is completely different to the memories I have of my Callis… it's as if someone has taken over their body."
What a terrifyingly potent power of observation. For a brief moment I wondered if my mother had also come from another world, but I kept that too myself as I shrugged.
"When people fall in love, they change. Didn't you change as well, mother?"
"Well… of course, I am happy that your relationship with Sasha has changed for the better. But, how do I put this… have you suddenly gotten over that incident that has been making you avoid the other sex, ever since you were a boy?"
"That's… well, I suppose so…"
One of the reasons that Callis had been cold to Sasha in the past was, as mother alluded to, due to his childhood trauma.
Specifically, when Callis was still barely five years old… he was assaulted by a maid that worked in this very mansion.
To be blunt, it was sexual. It seemed like that pedophile maid had taken an interest in Callis for some time and, when she found the opportunity, attacked him in his bed.
Fortunately, Callis managed to get help before she was able to do anything too despicable to him, but… the event undoubtedly left a mark on the young boy.
So, even though he's an older man now, that trauma stayed with him… whenever he thought of the opposite sex, of seeing eyes filled with lust, all he could remember was the fear when he gazed into the eyes of that predator as a boy, looming in the dark.
It was that moment that triggered Callis' misogyny.
He was fine with some women, like his mother and his nanny, as well as some of the maids he already knew and trusted, but Callis was unable to deal with other women who had come of age at all.
But, despite his fear of women leaving his potential to create a successor in doubt, Callis still grew into quite a man. However, although mother and father were unable to have another child, Callis' grandparents had a strong attachment to the lineage of the house, and wouldn't grant permission for an adoption… in short, they would accept no one else but Callis to inherit the House of Fall.
So, they did their best to pressure Callis into finding a fiancée… Since he felt like he was shaming his House, and his mother and father had allowed him to do whatever he liked until he came of age, Callis decided to join up with the knights.
Although they were happy for him to join the Order until he became an adult, Callis climbed the ranks far more quickly than anyone could have expected, soon gaining the moniker of 'Sword Demon'.
Well, a lot of other things happened as well, but… for now, I spoke back to my mother, who still stared at me suspiciously.
"Mother, it's true that, when I couldn't forget what happened in the past, I couldn't bring myself to look at either of them at all. But… those two have healed me, both in my heart and in my soul. If I were to say that the trauma was gone completely, that would be a lie, but… those two could love even a coward like me, so I have to return it as much as I can."
There was still a deep wound on Callis' heart. As the days roll by, I gain more and more of Callis' memories, and it feels like my personality is beginning to assert itself over his body, but… my desire to cherish those two people like my family will never change, no matter what.
Even if Callis' original personality disappears completely because of me, then I'll love those two in his place.
After mulling over what I said, mother looked at me silently for a moment… then, spoke with a short sigh.
"Is that so… I understand. I'll believe you."
"Are you fine with that?"
"I still have my doubts, but… no matter how different a person you may seem, you are still our Callis. Besides… it's only natural for a parent to want to believe in their son, isn't it?"
Was it because of my good mood after seeing Sasha? There was something in mother's smile that was truly refreshing.
Growing Closer
"Father!"
After talking with mother, we returned to the parlour where Laurier and my father were chatting, and she immediately ran up to me when she saw me. Feeling healed by that bright smile, I gently pet Laurier's head as I spoke to her.
"Were you able to have a nice talk with your grandfather?"
"Yep!"
"I see… I'm happy to hear it."
I felt my jaw begin to slacken as my daughter gave me a happy grin, but I had to endure it for now. Recently, I feel like I've gotten better at keeping a straight face. Well, it's definitely hard to keep it up around Laurier and Sasha, but… I'd like to show those two Callis' cool side.
"Father, sorry for making you wait."
"Ah… yeah. Don't mention it."
Father still seemed a little confused as he watched me tussle Laurier's hair, taking a couple of moments to realize what I'd said. Well, it makes sense for Callis' parents to be a little surprised to see their son acting in a way he never had in front of them before, but… I'd like them to get used to it.
It seems as if mother has either already accepted it or didn't want to look down in front of her granddaughter, as she began to chat with her happily again.
Actually, maybe mother is acclimatizing to all this a little too fast, but… I suppose women are just better at dealing with things like this than men?
—
I would've liked to enjoy my time together with them as a family for a little more, but… unfortunately, work was already beginning to pile up, so I gave Laurier and my parents my apologies and reluctantly returned to work.
Uuu… I was consumed with jealousy for father and mother as I worked, thinking about how much fun they must be having playing with my adorable Laurier, but as I was mulling over those thoughts trying to finish of my work as soon as possible so I could join them, I suddenly heard a knock on the door.
"Callis, is now a good time?"
"Father? Please, come in."
My father entered after I invited him in. I thought he was still having tea with Laurier, but…
"Is something wrong?"
"Ah, well… no, merely… I felt a little out of place there, that's all."
"There… you mean the parlour where mother and Laurier are having tea?"
"Yes. I think Lishana might have taken to Laurier a little too fast…"
It seems that father felt a little bit awkward as mother began to dote heavily on her granddaughter. Well, I suppose it makes sense to feel a little uncomfortable as a third wheel if one person is doting on another.
Excuse me? What do you mean that's not a convincing line coming from me, just because I happen to dote on Sasha and Laurier all the time?
That's just because, you know… those two are irresistibly cute, right? It's only natural as a man to want to dote on his cute wife and daughter!
Of course, I didn't say something like that to my father, who had an awkward grimace on his face.
"Well, I suppose I didn't expect mother to fall in love with Laurier so quickly, either."
"Lishana has always had a soft spot for children, after all."
"I can't really remember much, but… do you get that kind of treatment from mother when you're alone, father?"
Father looked a touch embarrassed at the question.
"…That's a story for another time."
"I see… well, as your son, I'm happy to see that the two of you still get along well."
Apparently, it seemed like my mother was also quite sweet on father when they were alone. I'm sure that's where I… or rather, Callis, inherited a little something from mother, I thought to myself, as I noticed father's expression twist in surprise again.
"Is something wrong?"
"No… I was just thinking that you really have changed."
"Is that so?"
"Yes, how should I say it… you've softened, somewhat. Not just towards Lishana and I, but generally."
Softened… well, I suppose, if you compare me to the old Callis, I guess that's true? Maybe he thinks I've entered what they call a 'dere phase'? I'm not really sure how I feel about that… but, well, I can't deny the change in personality.
"What's more… I'd always thought that you harboured a distaste for Lishana and I. I never truly expected to see looks like that from you."
"…I have never hated either of you."
It's definitely the truth that Callis was quite blunt and straight forward with his parents, but… he really never disliked them. I suppose he just didn't know how to handle people…? I can see some of that in how awkward father was in front of me now as he tried to find the words he wanted to say. The truth was, Callis respected his father for raising him and was grateful to his mother for caring for him.
Father's own expression softened into a more relaxed smile at my words.
"I see… I'm sorry for interrupting your work. That said, I've always wanted to share a drink with you as father and son… would you like to join me?"
"Of course. Please take good care of Laurier until I finish work."
After that, my father turned and left the room… but, even though I was just staring at his back, he had a much happier atmosphere about him than when he entered.
Conversation Over Drinks
I've failed… I hadn't expected to be driven into a situation like this at all.
"Thash why… you lishenin', Callish…? When it comes to me…"
"Yes, yes. I'm listening, father."
I was surprised to see such a different side of my father, who had already begun to lisp and was barely managing to hold himself upright, but… yeah, we've only had a few cups, you know? Apparently, my father was quite weak to drink. I thought the slight slur in his voice after one cup was just my imagination, but I quickly came to regret ever agreeing to go drinking with my father as he poked at my chest.
"Whenever I'm talking about you to Lishana, she always comforts me… uuu… I really did cry when I heard Laurier was born…"
"Is that so?"
I wonder just how many times I've heard him say that over the past hour… it's hard to understand his drunken ramblings completely, but the gist of it is that apparently he was always worried about me and talked to mother a lot about it, and even though it was hard, he managed to get through it because she was sweet on him… well, from my memories, I recall that father looked as composed as ever when he came to visit Laurier after her birth, but apparently he was barely holding back his tears.
Whenever he talked about how my mother would comfort him, his eyes seemed to be wistfully staring at something far away… but, well, I'm not really one to admonish someone else when it comes to deeply loving one's wife, so I stayed silent.
Of course, I'd much prefer to be loved by Sasha than hated myself… well, I'm still fairly sure that I'm still quite well loved, but I can almost see that maybe my heavy love for Sasha become something that blurs her own love for me in time.
Maybe if you asked someone else, they'd say I'm much too overbearing and Sasha might even look like a victim, but… well, Sasha is the type to need someone to depend on at times, so I suppose it's fine.
"Uuu… My head hurts…"
"Are you alright, father?"
As I was lost in thought, father might have been sobering up a touch as he complained about a headache. Yeah, that seems like the case. He's both fast to get drunk as well as fast to return to sobriety. I offered him a glass of water as I kept that thought to myself.
"Father, you aren't particularly good with drink, are you?"
"…Back in my prime, I could have drunk twice as much. Thanks."
"No, it was nothing."
Father thanked me and gulped the water down. After finishing it, father stared at the cup with a slightly lonesome look on his face.
"It has already been three years since Laurier was born, hasn't it…?"
"I suppose that's true?"
"I really was surprised when I talked with her today. Even though she's young, she's already so bright, but more than anything I was stunned by just how happy she looked…"
"How happy she looked?"
Certainly, I was surprised by how bright Laurier was myself. Even though I'm sure all parents would like to raise their child on a pedestal as advanced for their age, Laurier really did seem to be quite special for someone so young. I know that at an early age girls do develop faster than boys, but when I think that the true cause for how mature she is now was the horrible circumstances she grew up in, my heart aches… but, all that's in the past now.
"Yes. She looks the happiest when she talks about you, you know…? But, really, I'm just glad to see such a smile on my granddaughter's face…"
"Really…?"
I don't know what Laurier talked about with my father when I wasn't there, but just hearing that she spoke about me with a smile lit up something in my heart. Oh, this is bad… my daughter's cuteness is beyond imagination!
"I am sure that, in the future, if she married into royalty she would become an excellent Queen… C-Callis…?"
Father's words trailed off, probably because he saw the look on my face. Maybe it was because of the alcohol, maybe it was because father and I were alone, but the moment he brought up Laurier and the word marriage in the same sentence, my face became the spitting image of a Hannya mask.
"Father. I hope I'm mistaken, but when it comes to offers of engagement for Laurier, you haven't received any… have you?"
"O-of course not. Well, nothing quite of that sort, but…"
"There has been, haven't there?"
"T-that's…"
I wonder if even the original Callis had ever looked so threatening as I must look to my father. Father's face went pale, as his plan to bond as father and son over drinks had suddenly turned into a hard-boiled interrogation scene, but… he eventually managed to stammer out an answer.
"That is… well, there were the letters from Duke Matera and Marquis Victaire… and there were also the messages from my acquaintances of peerage abroad… O-of course, these were just formalities! They weren't official offers, and anyways, their families don't have children around Laurier's age at all, so there shouldn't be any problems, but…"
Father gulped before continuing.
"The inquiry from the Victaire family… might have been a bit more serious than the others…"
The Home of Marquis Victaire
"It's a pleasure to welcome to my humble home, Duke Fall."
"No no, the pleasure is all mine… if anything, I should be thankful for you obliging my sudden visit like this."
The man in front of me was Marquis Taurus Victaire, head of the Victaire family. And right now, I'm being introduced into his home… but, just why am I here, you ask? Well, that's because I couldn't simply accept the information I had heard from my father lying down.
"So… if I may ask, what brings you here today, Duke Fall?"
After exchanging pleasantries, Marquis Victaire asked me a straight ball question, so I did my best to wear a gentle mask as I answered him.
"Ah, well, I heard that you were very close to my father, the previous Duke Fall, so I definitely wanted to meet such a man for myself."
"I am very grateful to hear that, though I am sure you are much closer to the previous Duke Fall than I could ever hope to be."
I'm still getting used to this, but there was something in the way that Marquis Victaire chose his words that almost seemed like a slight, but… well, I'm not really one for roundabout conversations like this, so I cut straight to the matter at hand.
"I also heard from my father that you have asked about the matter of my daughter's engagement, Marquis Victaire."
"Then, you're here to accept our offer?"
Absolutely not. Well, that's what I wanted to say, but I managed to choke those words down as I wore a fake smile.
"I cannot agree so readily since I have to consider every option when it comes to my daughter's future. However, I did hear that your son is quite close in age to my daughter, Marquis Victaire, so I do hope that they can get along, especially since it can be quite hard to find suitable playmates amongst nobility."
Honestly, when I heard that the Victaire family had contacted my father about potentially matching Laurier with their son, I didn't know just what I'd end up doing, but… for now, I decided to at least take a relatively peaceful approach.
If the time came where I couldn't avoid matching Laurier with a fiancée anymore, it would be good to build positive relationships with as many likely houses as I could so that Laurier and I could decide together who would be the best match for her.
Of course, the very idea of anyone taking my daughter as their fiancée twisted a knot in my gut, but… it was important that there was someone who Laurier could rely on in the future, like Sasha can rely on me.
Being her father, I couldn't realistically support Laurier for her entire life… or rather, I don't want to ruin my bond with Laurier as father and child… so, it was important that there was someone there who I felt could support Laurier in the future, so that I never felt the urge to interfere in her life and potentially make her hate me.
Besides, I already have Sasha. If I cling to Laurier too much and don't let her ever leave the nest, I can see her potentially getting jealous.
As strong as Sasha and Laurier are, there's no way they can always stand alone, so it's important that they both have someone who they can rely on when times are tough.
Well, I don't know if the perfect guy that's worthy of her actually exists out there, but… I'm not going to make any compromises when it comes to Laurier's happiness.
"Well, of course, we wish for the same thing. By all means, it would be excellent to have my son meet your daughter…"
"Before that… I'd like to meet your son, if at all possible, is he free today?"
As I said that, Marquis Victaire's courteous smile twitched slightly, as he cast a glance to the butler that stood behind him.
"Yes… that should be fine, but… it may take some a few days to prepare my son to meet your daughter, so perhaps if we can schedule that meeting between them for another date…"
Marquis Victaire seems almost obsessive in trying to bring his son and my daughter together. It wouldn't be such an unusual thing, but… just what is this strange feeling I've had for a little while now?
"Even if I may have to wait a while, I would like to meet him today by all means… would I be imposing upon you too much?"
"No… it's just, it would be unthinkable to keep a man like Duke Fall waiting like that…"
Hmm… yeah, there's definitely something up. There's something strange about how he really wants to keep me from seeing his son today. Rather, to be honest, it feels like he's hiding something.
Honestly, I wish I could just go home as well, but… I don't want my father to be bothered with these engagement proposals anymore, so it would be best to wrap this all up as fast as I can. Even if I plan on refusing the offer, I want to see the boy's face at least once… what's more, if this house really is full of landmines like my intuition is telling me, then I can easily cross it off the list for Laurier.
If I discover any pitfalls or skeletons in the closet, I can use them as grounds to decline, and if I find any exploitable weaknesses I can use them to force the Victaire house to withdraw their offer using whatever means I see fit.
With those kinds of dark thoughts in my mind, I played along with Marquis Victaire.