DSMBL Chapter 40

Chapter 040

The four of them sat around the lunch table.

With two kids present, there was no way it could be quiet. I barely managed to keep them calm by bribing them with snacks, and only then could I finish my meal in peace.

After eating, I let Theo and Stephanie play in the garden while we had tea. I took a sip, feeling exhausted.

For some reason, Cassius was drinking tea with me today. 

Was he less busy than usual?

“…I’m going to observe the children’s lessons,” Cassius said after clearing his throat.

“Ah, I see. I wanted to see them too. I’m curious about Stephanie and Theo.”

Truthfully, I was most curious about Lorencia, but I held back from saying that.

I didn’t want to give Cassius the impression that I was wary of Lorencia. Right now, for some reason, he was being incredibly kind to me—more than ever before.

Of course, he had a reason to care about me. After all, I was the one who saved Theo.

But I wasn’t the female lead. I was someone who was supposed to step aside. I couldn’t keep getting in the way of the two of them.

“I see. Ah.”

Cassius set down his teacup.

“Theo’s birthday is coming up soon.”

…What?

“Birthday?”

“I never thought Theo would be this healthy and stable for his birthday.” Cassius spoke with a sentimental expression.

Wait—Theo’s birthday?

That was something I hadn’t even considered.

“Theo’s… birthday?”

“Come to think of it, you wouldn’t know it. His birthday is in a month. And this will be the first time he celebrates it in good health.”

The first birthday he spends while healthy.

Hearing those words, my chest felt heavy. I swallowed hard.

I had already made up my mind to leave, but why did things keep pulling me back?

Could I really ignore Theo’s special day?

Cassius might not care, but Theo had already grown deeply attached to me.

Would it really be right to divorce and leave before his birthday? Wouldn’t that just hurt him?

His birthday might end up being gloomy.

A month. Just one more month. Staying a little longer wouldn’t change much, would it?

Right now, the biggest variables in the original story were me, Theo, and Stephanie.

I bit my lip.

What should I do?

“Are you trying to think of a birthday present for Theo?” Cassius asked.

“Ah. Yes.”

I obviously couldn’t say I was actually thinking about when to divorce him.

Besides, I really was struggling to think of a good present for Theo.

Maybe it would be better to ask Cassius for advice.

“What kind of gift do you think he would like?”

Theo was an Isterian child—he never lacked anything.

And lately, he had been in an unusually good mood.

If anything was missing… well, maybe knowledge?

“A book or a sword would be good. It would be educational and useful for his future.”

“A book or a sword…”

Those sounded like the last things Theo would enjoy.

I forced a smile. Right now, Theo was completely obsessed with playing.

How could he not be?

He had just started exploring the world he had barely experienced before.

There were so many things he wanted to try and places he wanted to go.

It seemed pointless to ask Cassius for proper advice.

I’d have to figure it out on my own.

Honestly, it felt like I should be the one giving him advice.

I clicked my tongue.

“Why that reaction?” Cassius asked.

“…I just don’t think Theo would like those gifts.”

“I only considered the most practical options.”

“But you didn’t consider what Theo wants, Cassius. Look at him right now—does he seem like the type to enjoy those things?”

I pointed at Theo, who was desperately trying to climb a tree with Stephanie.

“He’d probably be happier if someone just taught him how to climb properly.”

“That monkey-like child… Who did he take after?” Cassius muttered, rubbing his temples.

Oh.

Who else?

Obviously, he took after him.

Younger siblings naturally follow in their older brother’s footsteps.

“What’s with that look?” Cassius narrowed his eyes.

“I was just wondering who Theo takes after.”

“Don’t tell me you think he takes after me? That monkey-like behavior?”

“Well, he certainly didn’t get it from me, Cassius.”

He needed to take a good look at himself.

Cassius swept a hand through his hair in disbelief.

Then, with a firm voice, he declared,

“I never had a phase like that. I was mature and intelligent from a young age. Everyone would say the same.”

“Head maid, is that true?”

There were plenty of people I could ask.

Rather than arguing with Cassius, it was easier to just confirm it with someone else.

Cassius quickly turned to the head maid, looking slightly nervous.

Oh? That reaction…

The head maid spoke in a solemn tone.

“The Duke was indeed mature and intelligent beyond his pears.”

“See?” Cassius smirked.

But the head maid wasn’t finished.

“And with that intelligence, he was also the fastest to learn how to climb trees. He had great determination too—he once broke his leg but refused to give up. The late Duchess was quite troubled by it.”

…There it is.

Cassius covered his face with his palm.

“Now I know exactly who Theo takes after.”

I smirked, feeling quite pleased with myself.

“Why don’t you teach him, then? Show him how to climb quickly and safely. That’s better than letting him get hurt, isn’t it?”

Cassius let out a long sigh.

Seeing that, I couldn’t help but laugh.

Since when was teasing Cassius this fun?

Watching his serious face crumble in frustration made me understand why people liked messing with others.

Wait. No. Stop.

That was dangerous, Charlotte.

You almost thought he was cute.

Once you start thinking a man is cute, it’s over.

Don’t let emotions get in the way.

Don’t forget—he already belongs to someone else.

I quickly shook my head, pushing the thought away.

“What’s wrong?” Cassius asked.

“It’s nothing. Oh, but I do have a good idea.”

“What is it?”

“If you have the time, how about spending a week at the beach house? Theo has spent so much time stuck in bed that he hasn’t really experienced much. He seems curious about the sea.”

Cassius listened to my suggestion and nodded.

“Do you have time for it?”

“I was already planning to investigate the coastal area. It would be a good opportunity to do both.”

Perfect timing.

“Do you think we should throw a big party for Theo’s birthday?”

“Like you said, I doubt he would enjoy that. Since it’s a special birthday, it makes sense to do something he actually wants. We won’t be able to do this every year.”

Cassius’s gaze deepened with meaning.

He was right.

Theo wouldn’t be able to live as a carefree child forever. One day, he might have to take over Isteria.

Since I couldn’t have children…

Wait. What am I thinking?

Why am I imagining a future where I stay in Isteria?

Get it together, Charlotte!

I couldn’t tell Cassius what the future held, but Lorencia had no issues with pregnancy.

Like in most stories, Lorencia and Cassius would have a happy ending. And that happy ending would likely include children.

Theo would become a good uncle to them and live as a knight of Isteria.

Since the North was rich, he would inherit great wealth and probably gain a noble title there.

Cassius would never leave Theo to fend for himself.

And one day, Theo would have his own family and become a great father.

Thinking about Cassius and Theo’s happy future made me smile.

But I wasn’t part of that future.

That thought made my smile fade.

Why did that feel so disappointing?

Charlotte, you got too attached.

This trip to the sea really had to be the last one.

Don’t be foolish, Charlotte.