Chapter: 710
Teresa had no intention of getting off Titi’s back. It would be more accurate to see her as a single entity, “Titi and Teresa,” instead of just the “Teresa on Titi’s back.”
Still, remembering not to move around too much while up there, Teresa only turned her head from side to side, showing no signs of vigorous activity. With a calm rider, Titi also walked lightly. It was truly fortunate.
“Oppa! Faster!”
“Sure?”
Looking up with sparkling eyes, Teresa couldn’t help but make me smile.
Even when she couldn’t crawl, Teresa loved speed. Because of this, our father, the knights of the family, and I ended up being the best at crawling through castle corridors, eventually mastering the art of silent movement even over rocky terrain.
“Titi, let’s run a bit!”
—Woof!
Thus, I accepted Teresa’s request. It was clear she wouldn’t be satisfied with a “this is enough.”
Titi running could make Teresa lose balance and fall, but didn’t I stand right there to catch her? Besides, I had put a mattress on the ground, so if Teresa happened to tumble, she would likely just giggle and get up.
“Faster! Faster!”
As Titi sped up, Teresa burst into cheerful laughter.
Seeing my little sister genuinely happy filled me with joy—an emotion I could never feel with Erich.
‘Having a younger sister is definitely a must.’
Having just brothers would be dull and uninspiring. It’s only when you have a cute younger sister that a family truly feels complete.
Teresa is the good fortune of our House of Krasius.
“Eh?”
While joyfully dashing down the hallway, Teresa tilted her head.
“Titi! Stop!”
—Woof?
Then, she started tapping Titi’s neck to signal for a stop.
“Oppa! Look! Something’s weird!”
“Odd?”
Following where Teresa pointed, I turned my gaze to see a mattress slightly lifted against the wall.
As if something was hiding beneath that mattress.
‘Ah.’
It was a scene I was quite familiar with, so I casually approached the wall.
This position, this height, this pattern—there was no mistaking it.
“What are you doing here?”
“Looking for freedom…”
When I lifted the pillow-like mattress, there was Jangsaeng lying there.
Jangsaeng greeted me with a weary voice as he hung limply.
‘He’s hiding again.’
Not only my kids, but even the Crown Princess often seeks him out. The poor creature probably suffers for 16 hours a day due to his irresistibly cute appearance. If the kids were awake all night, he’d likely suffer for 24 hours.
Seeing Jangsaeng’s soft, moist eyes made me feel sorry for him. Should I quietly cover that mattress again—
“Whoah! Jangsaeng!”
“Ah.”
“Damn.”
Unfortunately for Jangsaeng, just before he could disappear back into darkness, Titi and Teresa spotted him.
“Let’s play with Jangsaeng too!”
Saying that, Teresa looked at me.
“Master, I’ve been very obedient lately, calling you by your title every day and playing nicely with the kids. I was just taking a short break. I was thinking of going to the triplets soon.”
At the same time, Jangsaeng gazed at me with pleading eyes.
I know. I know well. If names were to be ranked, Jangsaeng would be the clear second in line when it comes to entertaining the kids after Titi. His dedication and sacrifices should not be taken lightly.
“Jangsaeng.”
I gently patted Jangsaeng’s body while slowly covering the mattress.
In response, hope began to flicker in Jangsaeng’s eyes.
“Sorry.”
“What?”
However, just before the mattress completely covered him, I swiftly pulled him out.
Sorry, buddy. I wasn’t trying to hide you; I was planning to cover and conceal you just to extract you.
“Should I handle it carefully?”
“Yep!”
Trembling, Jangsaeng glared at me but was helplessly cradled in Teresa’s embrace.
Sorry, but how could I refuse when my little sister, who only visits here occasionally, wants to play with you so desperately?
You’re accustomed to playing with kids anyway, so give it a little effort. I promise you can take a break once Teresa heads back.
‘Maybe.’
I can’t be sure with seven kids at home.
*
While Teresa, Titi, and Jangsaeng were having an amusing little adventure in the mansion, my mother was enjoying a peaceful tea time with the ladies.
“Mom!”
“Is that you, Teresa?”
The quiet tea time was turned lively by Teresa’s unexpected entry.
Though she’s a sibling whose presence doesn’t hurt the eyes, even I find her whims quite spectacular. Just a moment ago, she was racing through the mansion, and now she’s suddenly turned to go see Mom.
But thankfully, Teresa’s whims usually stay well within reasonable bounds. She only expressed her desire to see me because she knew her mother was here; otherwise, she wouldn’t have bothered.
…Right? I fully trust our Teresa.
“Hello, Teresa! Did you have fun out there?”
“Yep! I played a lot with Oppa, Titi, and Jangsaeng!”
Jumping off Titi’s back, Teresa flailed her arms towards Rizie.
She looked like she was bragging about her thrilling adventure. Rizie, who had addressed her first, and the other ladies smiled at her enthusiasm.
“That sounds fun! But I bet you’re hungry after all that playing. Want a cookie?”
“I want one!”
Rizie, watching Teresa with a content smile, handed her a cookie from the table.
“Here, say ‘ah~’”
“Ah~”
No, they went beyond just offering her; Rizie even fed her directly.
Such a warm moment, it was almost tear-jerking to witness. For the ladies, having to dote on a girl as young as Teresa wouldn’t be uncomfortable at all—they treated her just like their daughter or niece.
“Teresa, you should thank your sister.”
“Thank you!”
Mother seemed to appreciate the bond between daughter and sister-in-law, gently stroking Teresa’s head.
It suddenly struck me how my family luck wouldn’t be outdone by anyone in the continent. To have such a harmonious family from the start and be able to create one myself—how rare is that?
It might be that my relationships with my superiors and subordinates create problems.
“By the way, Jangsaeng is here too?”
“Well, it’s true.”
Still nestled in Teresa’s arms, Jangsaeng grumbled.
Usually, I would scold him a bit before sending him off to the triplets, but now? I sold him out after begging just to have a little rest. I should cut him some slack here.
“The kids were just looking for you—”
“NOOO!”
Before Rizie could finish her sentence, Jangsaeng fiercely struggled.
“Jangsaeng! Stay still!”
“Please! Just leave me alone!”
However, no matter how desperately he wriggled, he couldn’t escape Teresa’s grasp.
What if he forced himself and ended up hurting Teresa? Then I’d have to guarantee Jangsaeng’s future. He knows this too, hence he can only squirm weakly.
“I’m a living being who feels fatigue too!”
Saying that as if he had once been called Death seems a bit out of place.
*
Despite the small commotion, tea time with the ladies went on without interruption.
While Teresa was cuddled up in my lap and Carl had joined the tea party, the discussion was more family-centered than social, so it was actually delightful.
“By the way, Carl?”
“Yes, Mother.”
“About that Birth Tree in the castle… how about we start moving it here soon?”
“Birth Tree?”
At my question, Carl squinted for a moment, then exclaimed as he got it.
“Right! I completely forgot about moving it!”
The Birth Tree was the very tree Billy had planted when Carl was born, and it was promised to be moved as a commemorative gesture when he got married and became independent.
Of course, being the firstborn destined to inherit the Taitglehen County, Carl could easily stay there forever, but who can predict the events of the world? Just like how Carl now resides in the capital as a Count.
“Honestly, I thought of sending it to the bride’s house… but we can’t exactly divide a perfectly good tree into six, can we?”
As soon as the words “bride’s house” were mentioned, Trixie’s ears perked up.
Come to think of it, Trixie was the first among the ladies to hear about Carl’s Birth Tree. Ever since that day, she would praise it as a truly beautiful tree whenever she saw it.
Perhaps, Trixie hoped to have Carl’s Birth Tree relocated to the Servette Principality, but that was impossible. As cherished as Trixie is, the same goes for the other children.
“What about Erich’s Birth Tree? Are you planning to move his to the capital too?”
“Let’s wait until he marries Sara before deciding. If we move it now, it would seem like we’re only celebrating his marriage to Via.”
“That’s true. Understood.”
Seeing Carl nod, I couldn’t help but smile softly.
Letting go of a tree that had been accompanying us for over twenty years is indeed saddening. However, if it’s to bless my beloved son’s new life and family, I can smile regardless.
In fact, I should have sent it off much sooner instead of putting it off with loathsome regrets. I’m glad it’s finally being sent.
“We’ll move it right when spring comes.”
“Of course. It’s best for the Birth Tree to be moved when the weather’s warm.”
Moving it in spring is certainly more enjoyable than during the cold winter.
*
Only just before dinner did we leave Carl’s mansion.
Being at my mother-in-law’s house too long tends to make things uncomfortable for the daughters-in-law, not to mention if we didn’t leave now, Billy would end up eating dinner all alone. I couldn’t bear letting him end his day alone.
“I want to stay longer! I want to play more!”
There was a little scene where Teresa threw a tantrum, claiming she wanted to stay longer at her brother’s mansion, but after promising to come back in a few days, she reluctantly let the stubbornness go.
Her compliance was surprisingly gentle for Teresa, and I let out a sigh of relief inwardly.
“Wait, Titi?”
—Woof!
As we reached the gate, Titi strolled over and plopped down beside me.
“T-Titi?”
Carl seemed just as perplexed by the situation, calling out to Titi, who was panting and staring at me intently.
“Why? Do you want to play with Teresa more?”
I patted Titi on the head, but she kept gazing at me, panting away.
Why is this girl acting so strange all of a sudden…?
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