Reina gave a small smile and continued her explanation, "They were Her Majesty the Queen's childhood friends. When they grew up, they fought together to eradicate the crimes that threatened the kingdom. Because of their great contributions, they were granted noble titles and became part of the royal family."
"Wow... that sounds like a fairy tale!" exclaimed the red-haired boy enthusiastically.
"If that's the case, then maybe the rumor about Her Majesty's adopted child is true," said the bespectacled boy, deep in thought.
"Maybe." Reina smiled as she looked at her daughter, who only gave a small smile, choosing to let the topic pass without further explanation.
Suddenly, a deep voice broke the atmosphere. "What's going on here?"
Elexon appeared, drawing everyone's attention. Behind him stood the head butler, Nils, Harzel, and Beile. Their presence immediately silenced the children in awe. However, Reina seemed displeased, something Yosan immediately noticed.
Yosan frowned in confusion. Why did Reina always act like this whenever Elexon appeared?
"Grandpa!" Lia shouted excitedly as she ran up to Elexon and hugged him briefly.
"Grandpa?" The red-haired boy tilted his head, looking confused as he watched Lia hug another man who, in his eyes, didn't look like a grandfather.
Realizing that she also needed to introduce the rest of her family, Lia quickly turned to her friends. With enthusiasm, she began the introductions.
"Ah, let me introduce you! This is my grandpa. Handsome, isn't he?" she said with a wide smile.
Then, she pointed at the head butler. "And this is my beautiful grandma," she added proudly.
Then, with a bit of reluctance, Lia introduced Nils, Harzel, and Beile. "These three are my uncles: Uncle Nils, Uncle Harzel, and Uncle Beile," she added, still upset that she had lost a bet and had to treat them.
"What kind of introduction is that?" Harzel scoffed, glancing at Lia.
The red-haired boy looked confused. He stared at Elexon in surprise. "Is he really a grandpa? Isn't he too young to be called that?" he asked, still having a hard time believing that Elexon looked nothing like a typical grandfather.
The light-brown-haired girl nodded in agreement. "You're right. He even looks way too young and handsome to be called a grandpa," she added.
Hearing that, the head butler standing next to Elexon chuckled. She patted her husband's shoulder and said, "Children do tend to speak the truth."
Elexon only gave a small smile and shook his head slightly, while Lia grinned proudly after introducing her family. Meanwhile, Reina let out a short sigh, trying to suppress a smile.
"Nice to meet you. Grandpa's name is Elexon, and I am Lia's grandfather. By the way, who are you?" Elexon asked kindly.
"Nice to meet you, Grandpa, Grandma, Uncles. We are Lia's friends," the three children answered in unison, giving a polite greeting.
"How sweet. Would you like some candy?" the head butler offered, extending her hand to give them some sweets.
"Wait, what about me?" Lia asked, narrowing her eyes at her grandmother, as if silently questioning whether she was only going to give the sweets to her friends and not to her own granddaughter.
The head butler laughed at her granddaughter's expression. With a playful tone, she said, "Didn't you already eat a lot of sweets earlier? I remember you had candy, chocolates, and other treats. Besides, I also know you've been hiding several jars of candy under your bed. Right? Or should I tell your mother about it?"
The head butler recalled the "treasure" she had found under Lia's bed and in other hiding spots while cleaning her granddaughter's room.
Lia gasped, shocked that her grandmother knew about her secret stash. "Grandma, you're no fun! Don't tell Mom! I'll be in big trouble!"
The head butler chuckled. "Alright, alright. Here you go, my sweet granddaughter." She handed Lia three fruit-flavored candies.
After receiving the candy, Lia and her friends enthusiastically thanked her.
As they enjoyed their sweets, the bespectacled boy suddenly suggested, "How about we play for a bit? It's been a while since we all gathered and played together."
"That's true," the light-brown-haired girl agreed with a nod.
"I don't mind. Besides, my dad is out at sea today, and my mom is helping with the harvest at a friend's field. So, I won't be in trouble if I go home a little late to play with you all. It's better than being stuck at home alone and turning into a lifeless Danbo figure. What about you, Lia? Can you play?" he asked while looking up at the bright sky, enjoying the perfect weather for outdoor activities.
Lia thought for a moment. Her original plan for today was to go out and have fun with her family, but maybe there was no harm in playing with her friends for a while. Still, she had to ask for permission first.
"I don't mind, but I need to ask for permission first," Lia finally replied.
Her three friends nodded in agreement, waiting for her family's decision.
"Grandma, can I play with my friends for a bit?" Lia asked her grandmother.
"I don't mind if you want to play, but you need to ask your mother and father first," the head butler replied.
Lia nodded, then quickly ran toward her parents, who were still chatting with one of her friend's parents. With hopeful eyes, she tugged on her mother's sleeve.
"Mom, Dad, can I play with my friends for a while?" she asked, her eyes sparkling.
Reina turned to her daughter and smiled gently. "Where will you be playing?"
"Not far from here, at the playground where the kids usually gather. Please say yes," Lia said eagerly.
"I promise I won't take too long. There are also guards patrolling the area," she added, trying to convince her parents. She remembered that the last time they played there, some guards were assigned to ensure the children's safety after a past incident where bandits attempted a kidnapping.
A woman who had been listening to Lia's plea laughed. "Why don't we all go there too? That way, we can accompany and watch over the children while continuing our conversation."
"I agree. Talking while standing like this is tiring. Besides, children still need supervision, even in a guarded area," she added.
Yosan and Reina exchanged glances for a moment before nodding in agreement. "We don't mind," Reina finally said.
"Really?" Lia asked, eyes shining with excitement.
Yosan nodded, gently ruffling his daughter's hair. "Of course. So, why don't you show us the place?" he said warmly.
Lia and her friends happily led the way to their usual playground. Meanwhile, Reina, Yosan, and the other parents followed behind, chatting leisurely. Upon arrival, the children immediately ran off to play, while the adults sat on a long bench under the shade of the trees, continuing their conversation.
On the other hand, Nils, Harzel, and Beile were busy accompanying the children. Beile, known for his energy, immediately joined in a game of tag, making the children laugh joyfully.
"Come on, try to catch uncle if you can!" she challenged as she ran to avoid the little hands that were trying to catch her.
Harzel, who was a little calmer, sat near the play area watching the children. Occasionally, she would play with them, especially when they needed help climbing the rope or seesaw.
Nils, on the other hand, just smiles at the active children in front of him. The sight evoked a sense of happiness and pride in his heart, but it also left him with a twinge of envy. Because when he was a child, he was rarely able to enjoy moments like this, unless it was done secretly.
In the past, his surroundings regarded him as a useless man, a burden to others, and could only be squeezed for labor.
"Yeah ... at least they don't have to experience those times, and we're free of them," Nils muttered with a faint smile. He remained standing at the edge of the field, making sure none of the children were hurt or fighting.
"Lia, be careful," he said when he saw Lia running too fast.
"I know, Uncle!" replied Lia with a laugh.