Dong Dong Dong
The sun finally reached its zenith and with the arrival of noon, resonant bells echoed all throughout the capital. The birds flew from the noise and the people continued to hustle and bustle. Delicious fragrances wafted all throughout as lunch befell on them.
The Royal Castle isn't any different either. With the advent of lunch, the whole place is now much more peaceful, less people running around as they all took their breaks one after another, eating the hearty lunch they have been waiting for all day.
If there was something different, it would be the Royal Family who has yet to head over the Dining Hall. Everyone was now tidying themselves up, with Grey and Yuna saying their goodbyes as it was finally time to depart.
"Then, we'll be going now everyone." ［Grey］
"Hm? Are you really sure you won't be having lunch with us?" ［Talia］
"We'd love to, but... I don't think we should..." ［Grey］
Grey finished his words, eyes swimming towards a certain direction. There, a certain figure stood firm and proud, a silent yet terrifying smile on his face. And that figure is none other than the ever so reliable Prime Minister.
It has already been a couple hours since he left the King to spend time with the Little Princess, but rather than be grateful and head back as soon as he could, he used the fact that he's having fun with the Little Princess to his advantage and lengthened his break. Now, the Prime Minister has come back to personally get him.
"Hey, Anderson... How aboutー" ［Ernes］
"No. And that's final, Your Majesty." ［Anderson］
"But I haven't even saidー" ［Ernes］
"Your Majesty, if you say one more word, I will resign and leave every matter of the Kingdom to you. Please think carefully." ［Anderson］
The King couldn't even try to bargain. The Prime Minister had already erected an unbreakable and immovable wall which not even he could go against. It was over. Only a mountain of paperwork awaited him.
And though Grey and Yuna would normally be concerned with such heavy workload. It was the King they're talking about. He had also caused them enough trouble for them to not care anymore. He needs to suffer a little.
If anything, they were glad the Prime Minister and the Queen were both there for the country, otherwise, one could only imagine how chaotic it would be if everything was left to the King and Crown Prince. Such a reliable pair, indeed.
"Then, we'll be heading out now." ［Grey］
"See you next week～!" ［Yuna］
"Bye bye～!" ［Natalia］
Smiles afloat the air and hands waving goodbye, the doors opened once again and a series of footsteps reverberated throughout the corridors. Soon after, Grey and Yuna are nowhere to be foundー or so, they should have been.
But before Grey could even open up a gate, a sudden thought popped in his mind. They were already in the capital, after all. Visiting other acquaintances they knew was not a bad idea. Especially a certain someone they've been dying to meet again.
"Yuna, let's take another detour." ［Grey］
"Hm? Why... Ah! Let's go! Let's go!" ［Yuna］
Grey didn't even need to explain any further. As soon as he said his piece, Yuna then thought of any and all the reasons why Grey would suggest staying any longer, soon arriving to a certain conclusion. A smile bloomed on her face soon after.
There was no time to waste. As they walked through the corridors, their hair colors started to change and so did their eyes. There may not be many people in the noble's district, but there was no harm being too careful.
A couple moments later and several hundred steps, they were finally out of the Royal Castle. Their footsteps continued to echo some more as they passed by lamp post after lamp post, a marvelous manner greeting them as their footsteps stopped.
And a stiff greeting from the guards and a ton of admiring gazes later, they are finally inside the manor, beautiful gardens and a glamorous mansion welcoming them, just as grand as they remembered it to be... It was the Filastra manor!
"Grey, we didn't forget to bring gifts, didn't we?" ［Yuna］
"No, they're all in the 'Inventory', and... You sure are excited, aren't you?" ［Grey］
"Fufufu! Of course! We're going to see Anne again, after all!" ［Yuna］
Of course, the reason why they are staying longer was none other than the sweet little angel who had just turned three weeks old. They couldn't wait to see her again and fill her crib with all the gifts they bought and made.
They have been planning to give the gifts for a long time, but with all the things they do, it usually slips their mind. But now, they finally have a chance to do so. Both of them were excited as once can be.
"Oh?" ［Grey］
And just as they walked down the corridors and into the flight of stairs, a familiar figure appeared before them, the sound of heavy metal echoing in the air as metal boots struck the floors. It was none other than Kurt.
"Grey, Yuna, are you looking for Elder Sister?" ［Kurt］
"Ah, sorry for the unannounced visit, but yeah, we are." ［Grey］
"Then, just head to the third floor like usual. They're still in the same room as before. Just don't make too much noise, alright? Anne is still sleeping." ［Kurt］
"Un! We'll be quiet as the wind!" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. Then, I'll be going now. I leave the rest to you two." ［Kurt］
As quickly as the conversation started, the conversation also ended. After all, Kurt is a Commander of the army, and with Vanessa still on leave, his duties only doubled. He is a busy man with little time to waste.
"Ah, right... I don't know if I should be saying this, but... Please brace yourselves. You will be up for a surprise." ［Kurt］
But no matter how busy he was, he still took his time to warn Grey and Yuna of what will be ahead of them. A warning which only made the two confused if anything, tilting their heads ever so slightly.
"Umm... A surprise...?" ［Yuna］
"Yes. You will soon see why." ［Kurt］
Kurt didn't say any further and headed down the flight of stairs, silence dancing in the air. Now, Grey and Yuna are even more confused, unable to process the words Kurt just told them, looking each other in the eye as question marks filled their heads.
Still a little confused, Grey and Yuna continued heading upstairs and soon enough, a familiar door appeared before them. And surprisingly, the doors were both open, revealing the warm and spacious room on the other side.
"Haah... So tired..." ［Ranzel］
But rather than a warm reception, what welcomed them was a lengthy sigh full of exhaustion and exasperation. Near the doors, Ranzel was sitting guard, dark bags appearing under both of his eyes. He was as tired as one can be.
"Milk... No... Mama doesn't have... any more... milk... Zzz..." ［Ranzel］
But even more surprising was his wife beside him. The ever so energetic Vanessa was down for the count, hair and clothes disheveled as she talked in her sleep. The very same Vanessa who was a literal ball of energy. They were shocked.
Now, Grey and Yuna finally understood Kurt's warning. To think that the enthusiastic Vanessa who would drag them around every time she could was now sleeping so tightly. Not even she could combat the exhaustion of raising a baby.
"Oh, Grey, Yuna, when did you two arrive?" ［Ranzel］
"Ah, we just arrived... But that's Big Sis Vanessa, right?" ［Grey］
"Hahaha. I get what you're saying... Surprising, isn't it?" ［Ranzel］
"Yeah, very much so..." ［Grey］
Not even Ranzel, the husband, could believe his eyes at first. After all, he's already been with her for several years and never once did he see her get exhausted. Never in his wildest imagination did he ever think it would be their child who would make the impossible possible.
Well, other than surprise, he was also presented with exhaustion. Having taken care of Antoinette for weeks now, he could also feel exhaustion seeping through his body and bones. A tiredness he never felt until graduating the Royal Academy.
Nor only do they have to wake up hour after hour every night, there was also the changing of diapers, feeding, and so much more. Heck, they even need to be careful with every sound and step they make. Fighting monsters was even more relaxing.
Even just now, the doors were kept open so that no creaks would resound in the room every time someone entered or exited. They needed to consider every little detail there is. Parents are amazing, in ways more than one.
"Then, I hope this helps... ⟨⟨Recuperate⟩⟩." ［Grey］
"This too... ⟨⟨Remedy⟩⟩." ［Yuna］
There was no need to waste any more time. With their state already terrible as it is, Grey and Yuna casted a couple of healing spells to both Ranzel and Vanessa. One removes fatigue, while the other removes aches and soreness.
As soon as the lights seeped towards their bodies, the fatigue and headache they had been enduring quickly melted away into nothingness, only leaving behind warmth and comfort. It was super effective.
"Oh! I feel much betterー" ［Ranzel］
Ranzel couldn't even finish his words. As soon as he realized, he quickly covered his mouth with both his hands, shutting it tight. His eyes lingered towards the crib to see if there were any reactions from the baby.
"Fufufu! Don't worry, Mister Ranzel. We also erected a sound-dampening barrier while we're at it." ［Yuna］
"O-Oh... I see... I see... Haah..." ［Ranzel］
The tension leaving his body, Ranzel could finally let his shoulders loose and breathe a sigh of relief. As he calmed himself down, he once again watched in the direction of his sleeping daughter. A smile soon bloomed on his face.
"Really, thank you, you two... That really saves us a lot of trouble." ［Ranzel］
"Fufufu! Anytime!" ［Yuna］
"Mmnngg...?" ［Vanessa］
And just as all the immediate troubles were resolved, Vanessa's eyes twitched and her facial expressions changed. Before long, she finally opened her eyes, stretching her arms as she greeted the afternoon.
"Ranzel... Did Anne wake up...?" ［Vanessa］
"No, she hasn't. But we do have some guests over." ［Ranzel］
"Guests...?" ［Vanessa］
Ranzel's eyes looked at Grey and Yuna's direction, and Vanessa's soon followed suit, tilting her head as she stared intently, trying to figure out who the guests exactly were. She was still a little sleepy and groggy, after all.
"We're back, Big Sis Vanessa." ［Grey］
"Un! And we also brought some gifts!" ［Yuna］
"Oh... It's Grey and Yuna... Welcome..." ［Vanessa］
She was exhausted, alright. If it were the usual Vanessa, she would have already lunged herself towards Grey and Yuna and gave them a tight embrace, but now, she was more tame than ever, greeting them like any normal person would.
Well, that was something which was only a plus for the two. Now, they don't have to deal with Vanessa's antics. They already had enough of the King's mischief, and don't want to deal with more. Antoinette really is an angel.
And to thank the sleeping little angel for taming her mother, Grey and Yuna slowly but surely took out a lot of gifts from the 'Inventory' and laid them down on the floor, soon creating a mountain of gifts before they knew it.
"How should I say this... Umm... That's quite a lot..." ［Ranzel］
"Haha... Well, we just got too excited, you see... It was our first time buying things for a baby, after all." ［Grey］
"Un. We just got a little carried away..." ［Yuna］
A little... But not in the standards of a normal person. As it is Grey and Yuna we're talking about, rather than a little, one could confidently say they went overboard many times over. A good portion of the room was filled.
"Hmm... Grey, Yuna... Are these all for Anne?" ［Vanessa］
"Un... Is someone wrong, Bis Sis Vanessa?" ［Yuna］
"No, nothing... It's just that, where's mine?" ［Vanessa］
And as things were going smoothly, Vanessa dropped one sudden question. And a random one at that, making the room silent as the dead. She may be tired, but Vanessa will always be Vanessa. There was no escape from her antics.
Thankfully, Grey and Yuna already prepared beforehand. With just a flick of a finger, Grey quickly brought out a number of things from his 'Inventory'. All were full of colors and delight. A mountain of sweets appeared out of thin air.
"Waah～! As expected of Grey and Yuna! You never forget!" ［Vanessa］
"Of course. It's for Big Sid Vanessa, after all." ［Grey］
Otherwise, they'll be receiving a hell of trouble and irritation... Is what they wanted to say, but knowing Vanessa, it was better to just keep their mouths shut. A smile was still much better than a frown, after all.
"Oh, can I have some as well?" ［Ranzel］
"Yeah, take as much as you want." ［Grey］
"Alright. I'll take you up on your offer then." ［Ranzel］
It didn't take long before the sweets-loving Ranzel also partook in the sweets, and before they knew it, they already had another tea party, complete with table, chairs, and a display for the desserts, just like back in the Royal Castle.
As it was the first time they had a break for three whole weeks, and so, both Ranzel and Vanessa enjoyed themselves as much as they could, stuffing their cheeks with all sorts of sweets, bright expressions blooming on their faces.
"Come to think of it... I thought noble children are raised with the help of the servants. Is that not also the case in Alfrione?" ［Grey］
"Ah, no... That's just about the same in the Kingdom as well. Me and Vanessa were also raised in a similar manner." ［Ranzel］
"Eh? Then how come only Big Sis Vanessa and Mister Ranzel are here?" ［Yuna］
Yuna was absolutely right. It has been several minutes since they arrived, yet not a single maid has entered the room, if anything, there was only Vanessa and Ranzel near the baby. Everybody else was on another floor.
"Well... We are also planning to do that sooner or later, but for now, we want to raise Anne by ourselves as much as we can." ［Ranzel］
"After all, our leaves aren't indefinite. We will be called for duty soon enough... That's why, while we still enjoy our leave, we want to spend as much time with Anne while we still can." ［Vanessa］
Vanessa ended her words and her eyes lingered near Antoinette's crib. They were warm and gentle eyes, full of love and affection. And not just her, Ranzel wore the same eyes as well, smiling ever so gently.
They may be the powerful and honorable Lt. Generals of the kingdom, but they are people as well. They also want to spend as much time as possible with their loved ones, especially so with their newborn baby.
It may take a handful to take care of the baby with all the crying and rearing, but just a single smile from their little angel, and all the fatigue fades away. It was almost magical how powerful love is. Truly mysterious, indeed.
"Well, if worse comes to worst, I could always ask His Majesty for a favor. I'm sure he'll extend our leave if I ask enough." ［Vanessa］
"Dear, whatever happens, please don't do that, alright?" ［Ranzel］
"Hm? Why not? His Majesty is quite understanding, you know?" ［Vanessa］
"No, just please don't think about it, okay?" ［Ranzel］
Nor just Ranzel, but Grey and Yuna got goosebumps as they listened to Vanessa's idea. Though it was good that she was thinking of ways to spend more time with their daughter, her way of thinking was just way too off and troublesome.
It might just be because she is not her usual self, but thankfully, Ranzel managed to convince Vanessa to never think of doing such things again. Not only Kurt, but the whole Kingdom would suffer a loss if such a High-ranking military officer leaves their post suddenly. It must be avoided at all costs.
And as their conversation went on, the topics jumped from one to another, shifting from a casual exchange about updates in their daily lives, all the way to making proud declarations about how adorable their new little angel is.
"And, you know, just the other day, Anne hugged my hand. She was so small and cute! I love her!" ［Vanessa］
Vanessa was especially chatty about the topic. She had carried her for nine months, after all. And now that she can finally hold her, she couldn't stop going on and on about how adorable her daughter is. She is bound to be another doting parent.
"I wonder when Anne will start talking? I really want to hear it!" ［Vanessa］
"Dear, it's still too early for that. Anne isn't even a month old yet." ［Ranzel］
"I know! But just imagine her reaching her hands towards us and calling us 'Mama' and 'Papa'! Wouldn't that be lovely?" ［Vanessa］
"That...! That would be best!" ［Ranzel］
"Right～!" ［Vanessa］
Well, it's not like Ranzel was any better. Just imagining what the future holds was enough to make them smile from ear to ear, exchanging their little wishes as they thought about how exciting each and every tomorrow is going to be.
In fact, they were so excited that they went off to their own worlds, leaving Grey and Yuna on their own. Not that the latter minded it. Rather, they were happy to see that the two had regained their energy, glowing brighter by the moment.
"Still, no matter how much we love Anne, it still takes a lot of effort to raise her. It's really exhausting, to be honest." ［Vanessa］
"Haha... Tell me about it. Especially when she wakes up, she immediately starts crying. And it takes so much effort to lull her back to sleep." ［Ranzel］
"Hm? Just like that?" ［Yuna］
"Yes. Just like... Huh?" ［Ranzel］
But happiness never lasts long. As Yuna pointed, all eyes followed her finger and there they saw Anne's crib. The little angel had started to move and her face had started to frown, opening her mouth soon after.
"Waah! Uwaaaah! Waaahh!" ［Antoinette］
Before long, the sharp and resounding cries of a little baby echoed throughout the whole bedroom, sending Vanessa and Ranzel into panic as they quickly approached her. Their mind had been conditioned to react as fast as they could.
Gently and softly, Vanessa lifted Antionette from her crib and carried her in her arms. She then started patting her legs gently, a subtle rhythm dancing in the air along with her soft and soothing hums.
"There, there, Mama's here. There's no need to cry." ［Vanessa］
"Uuu... Waaah... Uwaah..." ［Antoinette］
"It's okay. It's okay now. Mama's always here for you." ［Vanessa］
As Vanessa lulled the little angel back to sleep, Antoinette's voice grew softer and softer as she slowly stopped crying. She snuggled in the warmth of her mother's arms, listening to the calming sound of her heartbeats.
And as Vanessa cradled Antoinette, Ranzel grabbed a couple baby toys and some pieces of cloth just in case they needed them. Before long, he reunited with his wife and daughter, helping Vanessa as much as he could.
"Is she hungry again?" ［Ranzel］
"No... She was probably having nightmares..." ［Vanessa］
"I see... Is there anything I can do?" ［Ranzel］
"Umm... Can you get me my rocking chair, please?" ［Vanessa］
"Alright. Got it." ［Ranzel］
Gentle and careful. Compared to her usual self, Vanessa was a really caring mother. She was cradling Antoinette as gently as she could, singing soft lullabies as she patted her to sleep, watching each and every movement as carefully as she could.
Before long, the little angel was finally back to sleep, silent snores drifting in the wind. Vanessa and Ranzel slowly took some steps back, letting their shoulders loose as they heaved a lengthy sigh of relief.
"Fufufu! You really looked like a mother back there, Big Sis Vanessa." ［Yuna］
"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" ［Vanessa］
"Nothing really. Nothing at all... Would you like some more chocolates, Big Sis Vanessa?" ［Yuna］
"Mmn... Changing the topic now, are we?" ［Vanessa］
"Teehee!" ［Yuna］
A mildly sulking Vanessa, a cheerfully smiling Yuna, and a sleeping little angel. The room was peaceful as one can be, the winds blowing the flowery scents from the gardens and the curtains dancing to their tunes.
Yet another wonderful day to remember.
CHAPTER 253 END