Chapter 583
After the birth of my little sister Teresa, whose name I’m still getting used to, numerous guests began to visit just to see her.
“I never thought I’d see a granddaughter at this age, not to mention a great-granddaughter!”
“You’re one to talk! With that grin, you sure don’t sound like someone who’s shocked!”
“Ahem.”
Among the visitors was, notably, my mother’s family, the Aras Count family. Normally, my grandfather and grandmother would be holed up in their territory, but they made the journey all the way to Tailglehen County.
When you hear that your daughter in her forties just had the baby of the family, what parent can just sit tight? Plus, as my grandfather pointed out, at their age, it’s typical to expect to see a great-granddaughter instead of a granddaughter. So, I can only imagine the mix of surprise and joy they felt.
“I’ve been enjoying watching my adorable great-grandchildren grow up, and now a new joy has come along!”
Unlike my grandfather, who was trying to maintain his dignity, my grandmother couldn’t stop smiling as she gently poked Teresa’s hand.
“Ugh…”
“Oh my.”
Seemingly unhappy about being disturbed from her sleep, Teresa scrunched her face a bit but calmed down as soon as she grabbed my grandmother’s finger.
It’s a bit strange. Teresa, who can be so critical towards Erich, seems so indifferent to Grandma’s affection. I was worried she might burst into tears again, but thankfully, there was no drama this time.
“Look at this little one, already showing off her strength. I can’t wait to see her future.”
Grandma chuckled as she watched Teresa with wide eyes, amazed.
What kind of strength could a just-born baby have? But believe me, anyone who’s experienced it knows the power of those tiny fingers that no one can escape from.
“Why are you interrupting a sleeping baby? What if she wakes up?”
“Father, you should try touching her. She can sleep soundly even if you poke her cheeks.”
“… Just a little bit.”
After some gentle coaxing from Mom, my grandfather, unable to resist, reached out to touch Teresa’s chubby cheeks.
“Ugh…”
Although Teresa whined lightly from all the attention, just as my mother had assured, she continued to slumber peacefully.
How fascinating it is. She’s so sensitive to Erich’s voice or touch, yet so indifferent to others.
‘She’s got his number.’
I felt a pang of sympathy for Erich, the little brother who was only going to be 20 years older than her. Why did he have to make such a loud first impression, shouting on their first meeting?
But hey, memories from babyhood don’t last a lifetime. In time, things would smooth out. I believe Erich will hold Teresa and smile warmly one day.
– Knock, knock
“Your Grace, the butler is here.”
Amidst the gentle conversation surrounding sleeping Teresa, a cautious knock and the butler’s voice interrupted our gathering.
‘The butler?’
That’s an unexpected visitor. He’s the second-in-command of the territory who has been managing things since my father’s day, almost like a semi-automated hunter handling tasks on his own.
I had entrusted him with significant authority in the territory because I trusted him, so why is the butler seeking the lord who should be entertaining guests?
“What’s the matter?”
Given the serious nature of the visit, I asked with a twinge of unease.
“His Grace the Wise Duke, along with the Young Lord, have come to visit.”
“Oh.”
That’s a way more serious response than I anticipated.
I was a bit surprised, as I’d temporarily forgotten. The Wise Duke, who often drives the family into a frenzy, is also our uncle by marriage, and he wouldn’t just pass by the birth of my sister without taking an interest.
I bet he’d been itching to visit but was likely dissuaded by Uncle, who felt it wouldn’t be respectful to visit when the mother and baby were still recovering.
‘Looks like he finally hit his limit.’
I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of Uncle’s lonely struggle; he must have held himself together for the sake of my younger sister and niece, only to crumble under the weight of his resolve.
“Show them in. They’re probably here to see the baby.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
I returned a response to the butler to bring them in.
If they’re already here, there’s no point in stopping it; besides, I need to arrange the meeting between the Wise Duke and Teresa, sooner or later. It’s better that it happens while my grandparents are around to keep things in line.
“Well, look who else has come.”
“It’s like a reunion of the whole family.”
My grandfather looked a bit apprehensive, while my grandmother seemed overjoyed.
Those two are indeed the ultimate duo, rivaling even the Emperor when it comes to family gatherings.
Not long after the butler left, the door burst open with a rush of footsteps.
It was the Young Lord.
“Ha, here’s Count Kemnis and Countess Kemnis.”
With an overly excited expression, the Young Lord bowed deeply, greeting my grandparents.
Seeing him mimic the elder’s manners made me chuckle. Turns out he’s not just putting on that act for Erich and me.
“It’s been a while, Young Lord. You’ve certainly grown more dignified.”
“Welcome back, Riri. You’ve grown quite a bit since we last met.”
The two responded warmly to the Young Lord’s enthusiastic greeting as he tried to keep up with my grandfather.
The contrast was amusing; my grandfather matched the Young Lord’s enthusiasm, while my grandmother treated him like a little grandchild. I expected her to be accommodating, yet it was her who was the chill one this time.
“There you are too. I didn’t expect to see you here.”
Before long, my uncle showed up with his signature friendly smile.
Instantly, I felt the tension in the air. With the Young Lord and my uncle both here, I could bet the Wise Duke would be showing up next. Thankfully, with those two around, I hoped he wouldn’t lose his temper. But what would happen if their meeting ended up showing Teresa something useless that she shouldn’t see—
“Father, Mother. It’s been a long time.”
…?
‘What the hell.’
I was confused. The figure I recognized, complete with familiar voice, seemed to clash with my understanding.
A gentle, smooth voice. Clear enunciation without a hint of intoxication. The gaze held a mysterious warmth.
“Did you and my niece get along well?”
‘Who the heck are you?’
I was nearly bewildered, seeing the Wise Duke acting all calm and serene, holding himself together so convincingly.
*
I nearly laughed out loud at the way my niece stared at me, confused.
I’d sometimes, very rarely, had moments of composure in front of her for work-related matters, but never like this—it’s a first for such a quiet moment. She’s probably quite bewildered by the sight of me!
‘What daughter-in-law makes a fuss in front of her in-laws?’
At the same time, I felt a bit annoyed. Just what had she seen in me to make her react that way? Isn’t it natural for a daughter-in-law to remain proper and composed in front of her parents-in-law? Am I just supposed to run rampant after being raised by them?
“Thanks to your concern, I’ve been healthy. How is my sister doing?”
No matter what, the first one to greet me was the lady.
“How could anyone not be doing well when a lovely niece has been born?”
Sister smiled sweetly, lifting the bundle in her arms.
…Awwww…
‘So cute…’
I nearly burst into tears at first sight.
She’s adorable. Just so adorable. That pure white skin, chubby cheeks, those tiny, pouting lips and darling fingers—everything about her is adorable.
It’s like looking at Riri when she was just born. Plus, my little niece happens to look just as beautiful as Riri.
“Do you want to hold her?”
“I-I mean, is that okay?”
Without even realizing, I found my voice getting shaky as I stammered out an answer.
Calm down, self! This is still a fragile little thing. If I cradle her and spoil her like I did to Riri, I could end up hurting her!
“It’s not weird for my niece to be in her aunt’s arms.”
Not weird at all, so I shook my head vigorously.
Sister truly is the best. Whether it’s because we share the same mother or because she’s also a proud owner of an adorable niece, we just seem to understand each other.
“Riri, do you want to see your little sister?”
“My little sister?”
“Of course. You’re much older than her, after all.”
Riri’s eyes sparkled in excitement at the thought of a younger cousin in the family.
Though Riri has had one son and three daughters, she’s probably closer to this niece than she is with them due to lineage. So for Riri, this baby is more likely to feel like a real sister.
“Um, Mother! Quickly…”
Riri’s face turned red as she poked me like she was about to burst from excitement, looking up at me with eager eyes, hoping I’d let her hold her little sister.
‘Hehe.’
I couldn’t resist a smile at her adorable enthusiasm.
I can’t take it anymore! I’d been holding back in front of the in-laws, but—
“Riri, were you that eager for a little sister? Should we talk about maybe working on another one when we get home with your father?”
“D-Del…?”
I heard my own voice sounding disoriented, but I ignored it.
*
After the abrupt announcement from the Wise Duke about wanting a second child, the commotion quickly calmed down since Teresa was peacefully sleeping in his arms, like a sword piercing the heart of a demon lord.
“Little one, little niece…”
“So cute…”
‘Wow, the effect is real.’
Watching the Wise Duke and the Young Lord beam with delight at the sight of Teresa made me glance at my peacefully sleeping little sister expectantly.
If I had received that kind of attention, I wouldn’t have been able to fall asleep for days. But wow, our little sister is tougher than I thought!
“…Just once. Just one little kiss…”
“Absolutely not.”
I firmly stopped the Wise Duke from giving in to his desires.
A kiss? That was a privilege reserved solely for Mother. What if that little one got contaminated by adult lips? I couldn’t let that happen!
“Really not allowed?”
“Absolutely not.”
If I say no, it means no! I have to reclaim her before anyone else makes off with her!
“Hugh…”
Even if he pouted, my stance wouldn’t waver.
“Uugh?”
“Ah? She’s awake.”
Right then, right after I firmly held ground against the Wise Duke’s wishes, Teresa slowly opened her eyes from her slumber.
“Blue eyes?”
And upon noticing the blue eyes characteristic of the Aras family, the Wise Duke’s hands began to tremble.
“Lady! Niece! Just one time, please!”
“No! Didn’t I tell you multiple times already?”
Until I go first, no one gets to her!
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