***
Benedict gently stroked Melsia’s hair, speaking in a tender voice.
“It’s been so hectic lately. I can’t even remember the last time I leisurely combed your hair like this.”
Recognizing this as Benedict’s affectionate complaint, Melsia tilted her head back slightly and smiled warmly.
“Really? Whenever I close my eyes, I always think of your touch.”
“You’re just saying that to make me happy, aren’t you?”
Benedict muttered, pretending not to believe her, but a subtle smile tugged at the corners of his lips. His faintly reddened earlobes betrayed his true feelings.
It had been almost 25 years since Melsia and Benedict became husband and wife.
Their daughter, Cherrya, was already 23 years old.
It was a time when passionate love typically waned, replaced by a gentle, tranquil bond.
Yet, Melsia and Benedict still seemed like newlyweds, their love as fervent as ever.
“I miss you already. When did you say you’ll return to the estate next?”
“In three days. The Duke of Gray has just returned from negotiating with the Kingdom of Pavan, so things will be quite busy for a while.”
“Did the negotiations go well?”
“Of course. It was the Duke of Gray himself who handled it. I hear the King of Pavan personally mentioned the Peacekeeping Pact.”
“That’s an incredible achievement. If the Kingdom of Pavan joins the pact, then every nation on the continent will have established peace agreements with Lutinas.”
The Peacekeeping Pact was an initiative proposed by the Emperor of Lutinas to all nations on the continent.
With the sudden, abnormal increase in monsters and their appearance in previously untouched lands, a new continental crisis was emerging.
The Lutinas Empire, which had quickly resolved the large-scale crisis in the Lowes Mountain Range, extended a helping hand to other nations.
In return, they demanded the Peacekeeping Pact, a mutual agreement to assist one another regardless of political interests in case of a continental crisis.
It was a fair deal for all parties involved.
Political considerations had previously led many to shy away from active investigations into the rising monster threats, fearing national accountability.
However, the pact encouraged collaboration and proactive measures.
“His Majesty made a wise move. Even if the worst happens, Lutinas won’t bear the blame alone.”
Despite his words, Benedict let out a deep sigh.
The Emperor was already certain—the Empress was somehow connected to the crises occurring across the continent. Yet, she had not been removed.
First, because she had carefully avoided exposure, focusing all her efforts on the second prince, leaving no evidence behind.
Second, even if there were evidence, it could be used as a pretext for the continent’s nations to politically and militarily pressure Lutinas.
By bringing the influential Kingdom of Pavan into the fold, the Emperor was now in a position to actively lead investigations into the unfolding crises.
“That means we’re finally ready to begin the real war.”
“………”
Benedict placed his hands on Melsia’s shoulders. Melsia gently clasped his trembling hands, gradually calming him.
“Don’t worry, Benedict. We won’t lose anything. We’ve already learned the hard way what happens when we act rashly.”
After losing Diana, Melsia and the Emperor had moved with extreme caution. Sometimes, the frustration made them want to embrace everything and break it all apart, but there were too many things Melsia and the Emperor needed to protect.
The two stood silently, facing each other, until the sound of commotion outside the door drew their attention simultaneously.
“Ah, I told you I have something to say! I don’t have time to play around with Lawrence!”
“But it’s been so long since we’ve seen each other! Are you saying this teacher is no longer needed?”
“Who said you’re not needed? You’re needed! Just… not right this moment!”
“Oh, I’m hurt.”
“Stop acting like this at your age, please!”
Cherrya’s booming voice as she bickered with Lawrence erased the worries from the faces of Benedict and Melsia, replacing them with peaceful smiles.
“Our daughter is always so full of energy.”
“Indeed.”
Benedict’s playful eyes twinkled as he counted quietly on his fingers. Just as he whispered ‘five,’ the door burst open with a bang, and Cherrya appeared.
“Mom! Dad! Good morning!”
“Ah, my dear daughter, you’re here?”
Melsia, still seated, extended her arms to Cherrya, who readily hugged her tightly. Then, without hesitation, she turned to Benedict, embracing him and planting a light kiss on his cheek.
“As expected, Dad was combing Mom’s hair! Lawrence tried to trick me, saying you two weren’t together. Who would believe that? Mom is at the estate, and Dad isn’t by her side? That’s nonsense!”
Melsia laughed heartily at Cherrya’s spirited complaints.
“Who in the world would think they know us better than you do? Isn’t that right?”
“Exactly!”
Benedict, also smiling broadly, gestured to Cherrya.
“Come here, Cherrya. Let me comb your hair, too.”
“Wow, really? Sure!”
Melsia patted the spot beside her, and Cherrya eagerly slid into place next to her mother.
“Our daughter stays just as adorable, no matter how much she grows.”
“It’s a child’s instinct to want to be carefree and playful in front of their parents.”
Cherrya closed her eyes, clearly enjoying the sensation of Benedict’s careful hands running through her hair, and continued speaking.
“Even if I grow up, I plan to pretend I haven’t. I’ll keep acting like I haven’t matured, just so I can enjoy being loved by you both. Who knows if I’ll get to experience this much love in my next life? So I’m going to savor it as much as I can now.”
“Your mom and I have already promised to marry each other in our next life, too. Won’t you be our daughter again?”
“What? When did you two make that promise? Without me? How unfair!”
“That’s why I’m asking now. Will you promise?”
“I promise! Then I’ll make sure to stay playful forever in my next life, too.”
Watching Cherrya chatter excitedly, Melsia and Benedict decided to set aside their worries and savor the moment. Just as Cherrya had said, if another life wasn’t guaranteed, they needed to cherish their happiness here and now.
“So, my dear, why are you in such a rush this morning? We’ll be having breakfast together anyway.”
“Ah, that’s the thing—I don’t think I’ll be able to join you for breakfast today.”
“Why? I’ve always told you that no matter how busy you are, you mustn’t skip breakfast!”
“I’ll eat in the carriage on my way.”
“On your way? Where are you going?”
Melsia blinked in surprise and turned to look at Benedict. Benedict, just as puzzled, widened his eyes at the sudden announcement. Cherrya glanced between her bewildered parents before breaking into a sly grin.
“The Continental Academy.”
“Your father knows you’ve been invited to give the graduation speech, but isn’t the graduation ceremony still a long way off? As far as I know, the semester hasn’t even ended yet.”
“I need to recruit my adjutant. Olivia pulled a few favors for me.”
Cherrya pulled an invitation from her pocket and handed it to Benedict.
“The letter says they’re inviting you and the Emblem Knights to oversee and evaluate the practical swordsmanship finals.”
“Yes, my team has already packed up. We’re leaving right away.”
Although startled by the sudden notice, Melsia and Benedict exchanged resigned smiles and nodded in understanding.
“While you’re there, be sure to send my regards to Enoch as well.”
“Of course, I will!”
After checking her reflection in the mirror and feeling satisfied with how Benedict had tied her hair, Cherrya stood up with a content expression.
“I’ll be on my way now!”
