Chapter: 821
Since Yulia was born, I’ve been treated to some rather precious sights.
Perhaps inheriting the essence of the Krasius and Valenti families, I often caught Pedi, who previously roamed here and there, guarding Yulia’s cradle for hours on end.
A few years back, the animal plush toys I gifted Pedi were scattered throughout Yulia’s crib.
“Why are you here?”
“Because the young master told me to…”
And of course, there was the amusing scene of Kindness—the trusty steed and Pedi’s loyal mount—standing guard by Yulia’s crib.
It’s hilarious yet adorable, seeing a just five-year-old kid taking his duty so seriously. I’d expected Pedi to care for Yulia, but I never thought Kindness would be on duty too!
‘Has he already learned how to manage loyalty?’
While it’s loyalty, not magic in this case, being able to recognize devoted followers and delegate tasks is the key to effective management, right?
Kindness is especially loyal among the divine steeds, shining brightest for Pedi. This is the same guy who threw a fit when Pedi was at risk of riding any other horse. To Pedi, Kindness is reliable—trustworthy enough to guard his younger siblings without question.
Yet, it’s quite a surprise he’d use those skills to guard his own full sibling. He probably didn’t see that coming either.
“Are you on probation?”
I plopped down next to Kindness, who was sprawled across the floor, and teased him.
In the days when Pedi couldn’t walk, Kindness was his adventuring companion. But with this sudden change in position, I wondered whether Kindness felt a bit miffed being given such a responsibility.
If so, I’d consider giving him a pep talk. He’s not the type to sulk or throw tantrums. Given his levels of loyalty, he deserves a little extra care.
“Probation? No way! I’m here to protect the young master’s most precious treasure! How is this probation?”
Surprisingly, instead of sulking, Kindness exclaimed with pride.
“Protecting the young master’s sister means he trusts me more than anyone! This is a promotion!”
“Well, can’t argue with that.”
I nodded, knowing he made a solid point.
Indeed, when a powerful figure entrusts their precious kin or treasures to someone, it’s a hallmark of their loyalty. Everyone in the mansion—animals included—can see how much Pedi adores Yulia. It’s pretty hard to miss when he practically broadcasts it everywhere he goes.
Kindness seemed to have grasped this obvious truth too. I worried he might feel bummed he couldn’t carry Pedi and Yulia together just because they’re siblings, but as a former demon god, he appears to possess enough smarts to understand it.
…
‘A former demon god, hmm.’
It’s been years since these dudes have been divine beasts, yet recalling their past still sets off a peculiar delight in me. Who would’ve thought that a being once known as Jealousy would now be protecting a one-year-old at the command of a five-year-old?
“When the young lady grows up enough to crawl, I’ll carry both the young master and the young lady at the same time!”
“Yeah, I’d love to see that happen.”
But regardless of my mixed feelings, Kindness stood up confidently, proclaiming his new ambition.
The very audacity of wanting to carry both siblings at once—now that’s some classic former demon god greed, provoking a chuckle.
‘Is it because of the absence of divinity that you’re so bold?’
Divinity is the core identity and essence of a deity. Having it stripped away by the Eternal Sky, it isn’t strange for the past to be rapidly washed away. Once an evil god, now stripped of their malice and divinity—if they were to remain unchanged, that would be the real mystery.
In such a situation, receiving a new name from the next saint would only solidify their new identity as a divine steed instead of a demonic one.
‘Not a bad line of thought.’
This impulsive reasoning somehow felt quite convincing.
Names represent existence’s identity and roots; hence, they carry power. Even the worst of demons flinches when their true name is called.
“U-uh…”
It seemed Yulia agreed with my thoughts, letting out a short babble.
“I apologize, young lady! I’ll keep quiet!”
Though Kindness took Yulia’s babbling as annoyance, he quickly dropped to the floor and went silent.
It seems Yulia is already viewed as not just a ward but also as the second object of loyalty. The skill of balancing these allegiances is becoming a form of art at this point.
‘What’s going to happen when they both grow up?’
When both Pedi and Yulia grow too big to ride together? I can’t help but wonder what Kindness will do then.
Will he remain loyal to his number one master, Pedi, or will he pledge his allegiance to the second master, Yulia? Or will he simply run off into the sunset saying he’d rather face death than make such a choice?
Just imagining it gets my heart racing! Why can’t I use a clone technique for this situation?
‘Hang in there.’
Although it’s a worry ten years down the line, I guess it’s still worth pondering now.
Yulia’s birth has brought forth a happiness that words don’t quite capture, but it did come with one complication.
With a newborn in the picture, we’d have to hit pause on our honeymoon. There’s no way I could leave behind an infant whose focus isn’t even right yet to go on a trip! I already made poor Mary weep profusely when I took a jaunt to Jerano soon after her birth. One mistake is a fluke; two is sheer incompetence—imagine being a father who makes his child cry!
‘What would Pedi think if Yulia cried looking for Dad?’
Plus, Pedi is at that stage where he’s head over heels for Yulia. If she started wailing for her dad, Pedi’s anger and resentment would definitely be directed at me. That would be a catastrophic outcome for a single trip—talk about terrible cost-effectiveness!
“So, I guess we’ll have to plan the trip for later.”
Thus, I sought Eris’s understanding. It seems the honeymoon would need to be planned for a few months down the line. If we went right now, family harmony might be endangered in every sense of the word.
“Isn’t it alright as long as it’s not an overseas trip? The problem is spending weeks abroad; domestic travel could start immediately by teleporting!”
“Huh?”
However, Eris countered my reasoning with an unexpected logical twist.
Instead of spending days on end outside the borders, why not use the mansion as a base and visit various places as the mood strikes? She’s suggesting a work-style honeymoon, popping in and out during the day.
“Is that really okay? Everyone else is creating memories abroad while I’m stuck at home? That’s a bit much!”
“While everyone else is out there, I’ll be exploring here! Choosing a path no one else takes is the shortcut to success!”
“Uh, why are we measuring success and failure based on this?”
A marital trip should be a success for both parties after all!
But, to be fair, Eris’s suggestion holds merit. While domestic trips aren’t typically the most glamorous, they could be quite refreshing. Plus, aside from the academy trip, I haven’t really done much leisurely exploring around here.
Of course, I’ve been many places, but all for work—visits from the southern seas to the northern plains were strictly business.
‘Is this a good idea?’
So, I started to seriously consider Eris’s proposal for the first time in ages.
Traveling by teleport in the morning and returning in the evening. That way, I could step away from Yulia without it being a major issue. If, and I mean if, Yulia starts crying out for her father that day, I could easily handle it. Traveling abroad would pose challenges crossing borders—teleporting isn’t so straightforward there—but within our own country? A piece of cake!
“Will it really be fine?”
“Definitely! Just remember to make it more than a day! Let’s enjoy a week-long adventure!”
“Well, that’s only natural.”
There wasn’t even any debate—nodding in agreement was second nature.
Eris was willing to compromise by opting for domestic travel instead of international and reducing the honeymoon duration is something I wouldn’t let her take on. She might just revert to being the Eris of the basement again!
“Shall we start a week from now? I’ll think about the destinations—”
“Let’s just spread the map and decide on the spot!”
“…How about we throw some darts to pick them?”
“Wow! That sounds fun! Let’s do it!”
Watching Eris’s delighted expression made me chuckle.
Though a bit unconventional, this too could be part of the adventure. If it makes Eris happy, I’m totally game to roll with it.
*
As soon as I got my confirmation, I dashed back to my room.
“Yay!”
And flopped onto the bed, letting out a jubilant cheer.
Awesome! I was genuinely worried the Judicial Minister might say no after listening to my plea, but thankfully, everything panned out!
‘Time for a whirlwind adventure!’
Grinning, I stared at the ceiling. Honestly, I prefer having fun within the realm rather than tromping overseas. Anything gathered from across the continent ultimately lands back in the empire, and as a member of the Baron family, it’s certainly more advantageous to kick back and enjoy everything right here!
Moreover, for the sake of the aristocrats’ perceptions and my standing, flaunting my presence domestically is definitely the way to go. I can’t just remain the Information Minister’s subordinate Elizaveta anymore; I need to shine as Baroness Elizaveta of Tailglehen!
That’s the aim of this domestic trip. I’ll be seeking out territories of major aristocrats, key direct imperial lands, and tourist spots bustling with crowds! I want to make sure that everyone knows that I’m the wife of the minister and that I’m a lady of high status!
And of course, for my lovely treasure, my greatest gem, Ferentz!
“Mommy!”
“My son! Did you come because you missed me!?”
Just then, I heard Ferentz’s voice from outside the door, making me jump up in a hurry.
I’m going to give our Ferentz only the best! Rather than the reputation gained while working in the Information Department, the rep of being the capable maid of the Crown Princess will look way better for him!
So, during this trip, I’ll erase all the past from my Information Department’s reputation! If I work hard enough, it should be a piece of cake!
‘In fact, I’m the only lady who’s going to be out and about in the country.’
Coincidentally, no other noble lady has partnered with the Judicial Minister for a trip abroad. Everyone else is off collecting precious memories outside while no one’s showcased their experience among the local nobles.
What a perfect opportunity! I’ll make the best of it!
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