"So, how has your work been going recently?" Sarah asked her husband, as a maid poured her tea into a fine porcelain cup. "You have bags under your eyes, Rudien. Have you been giving yourself enough rest?"

The duke kept his gaze low, his long lashes down-turned as he gracefully lifted the teacup to his lips. "I've been getting enough rest," he spoke nonchalantly, although he did look tired. "Irene's presence is enough to provide me rest even while I work."

Wait... so that's why he's been bringing me over?

Working with me in the room is not rest! And those short ten minute naps don't count either!

Sarah frowned slightly, and Irene could tell she was a little worried. Even though they had been obstinately bickering earlier, Irene's mother was still a caring wife toward her husband.

Meanwhile, Rayvis was still occupied by his cake. It seemed he really enjoyed desserts, which Irene adored about him.

It was then Rudien noticed that his son had made a mess of whipped cream and chocolate all over his face, and sighed. "How clumsy, hasn't your etiquette teacher been instructing you properly?" Rudien asked, as he took a handkerchief and cleaned his son's face.

Irene's watched him keenly. So he has some care towards his son, too. She thought, as Rayvis squirmed at Rudien's touch. It seemed he didn't like the duke very much, even when he demonstrated fatherly acts like these.

But from the look of surprise on Sarah's face, Irene could tell this kind of action was totally new. She wondered about how Rudien had changed over the last few months. Could it be because I brought out a caring side of him?

Much to her surprise, the couple proceeded to converse quite well. They talked about work, about their shared love for Irene, and how cute their daughter was. Especially her habit of biting people's cheeks as a way of showing affection.

Although it was rather embarrassing for her to hear, Irene was simply relieved her parents could actually get along now. Sarah appeared much happier, and although Rayvis was still uncomfortable by his father, he soon distracted himself by playing happily with Irene.

And Rudien's eyes followed his son whenever the two played together. Irene thought he was finally starting to gain interest in Rayvis, too. But instead, he was thinking - Why does Irene smile way more for Rayvis than me?

After this little tea break the family spent together, Sarah asked Rudien if he would be able to do the same thing again. Although he was swarmed with work, Rudien decided to agree for the sake of seeing Irene more often.

But at the same time, his wife's words did sound rather pleasant to hear. "You've been working too hard, Dear." She told him. "You've done well, so no one would blame you if you took a break."

And that was how, Rudien was finally convinced to start taking breaks and spending time with his family. Before, the idea of such a thing would only seem like a nuisance getting in the way of his work. But ever since he had grown attached to Irene, his inner caring side - the part of him he had locked away for years, was finally beginning to reappear.

Over the weeks, the Cherliann family grew gradually closer together. They would meet up on a regular basis to have tea breaks or even dinner collectively in the flower garden. Sarah was always patient with Rudien, who seemed to lack relaxed social skills sometimes. Meanwhile, the duke was finally starting to feel trust towards his wife, who became a source of relaxation for him.

And everyone was starting to notice it too. The duke wasn't as cold or frightening as before. He was gradually getting better in his field of work, and even looking healthier than before. The bags under his eyes had disappeared, and Rudien was seeing his wife alone a little more often, as well.

Irene had heard around one day in her nursery, that one of the maids saw Rudien sleeping on his wife's lap at one point. She didn't know the extent of its truth, but the child did feel happy upon hearing it. I hope it's true that they're getting along a lot better.

Meanwhile, as Rayvis would go and take his sister to play around the garden, Irene took this opportunity of freedom to gradually learn how to walk. He would notice her grabbing onto the edges of the flowerbed walls, and trying to lift her body as she walked along while clinging onto the bricks for support. It was then, he had decided to take her hands, and assist her in strengthening her legs.

Although he was only four, Rayvis was a very smart child. His love for books and constant curiosity always made him a reliable elder brother, despite the fact that he was still young. As Irene held tightly onto her brother's hands, he would walk behind her, providing her guidance and support.

Little by little, as Rayvis' fifth birthday approached, Irene was finally able to walk without her brother's help. In fact, she had skipped straight to running, managing herself steadily and hurrying around her nursery while giggling victoriously.

After ten and a half long months, I've finally conquered this body!

On the day of Rayvis' birthday, the Cherliann family decided to host a small party. Sarah had invited the three other duchesses of Laydel - as well as the two marchionesses that were often seen with the four. They also brought their children, who were similar to Irene and Rayvis in age.

As a gift to her brother, Irene had run across the hall and tackled him with a hug, to thank him for his help and to show her affection. Rayvis was so touched, he started crying, hugging his sister back while exclaiming "I love you too, Rene!"

Meanwhile, a jealous Rudien was trying to suppress his envy in the corner of the hall.

The party was small, but enjoyed by all those who had attended. As Irene and all of the other children played together, she familiarised herself with the young faces - who were also side characters in her original novel.

There were the two sons of House Firventia — twins who would later come to befriend Isabella and Daniel later in the story. They were Haren and Ivan Firventia — a pair who were almost completely identical in their appearance, but opposites in personality. As of now, the twins were three years old, and had grown rather curious of baby Irene as she played with her elder brother.

There was also the daughter of Duke Atlan — Prince Daniel's biological cousin, Freya Venesthesia. The girl was still an infant at the moment. Freya and Irene had originally hated one another in the story, mostly due to the latter's complete lack of respect and kindness. Irene was not initially very likeable as a character, that was for sure.

Now that I think about it, Freya isn't the best character either... I should try to keep my distance from her, since I know what kind of character she's going to become.

Since the duchess of House Einfred was infertile, as of now, she hadn't brought any children to the party. However, once Isabella came to awakening her abilities in a few years time, they would soon be adopting her into their family.

Lady Einfred was always a kind soul, who adored children. While writing about her before, Hanna poured every wonderful aspect of a mother into this character. Becoming close to her wasn't a bad idea. It would later be beneficial for her, to befriend Isabella.

Truthfully, I really can't wait to meet Isabella... Irene thought, rather excitedly. She's the character I admire the most.

As the marchionesses of Drevera and Perchant were both older women, their sons were already in their teen years, and had come to mingle with one another as well as watching over the younger children, or trying to ask Duke Cherliann for advice. Irene recognised them as the successors who would take their parent's place by the time the real novel took place.

There are a lot of people here, but there's still so many characters to come... She thought, as one of the adults picked her up. It was Rudien, who was starting to feel lonely, it seemed. Although the teenaged boys were continuing to ask for his wisdom, Rudien offered his advice, but kept his daughter close to him.

I guess he just felt like carrying me... She thought.

A while after the party had come to its end, the Cherlianns bid farewell to their guests, and Irene fell asleep in her father's arms. She hadn't realised it, but she was exhausted after using up all her energy running around and being doted on by everyone. Rayvis too, had grown tired, and had climbed into his mother's arms.

"You know, Rudien," Sarah smiled, turning to her husband as the two of them took their sleepy children to their rooms. "You've changed a lot since Irene was born."

The duke silently took in these words, a small smile forming on his face. "Is that so..."

As they walked through the long corridors, Sarah stopped at the door to Rayvis' room, and smiled. "You look more like a father everyday," she commented, as a guard opened the door. "I look forward to seeing what the future of our children will bring."

And with that, his wife disappeared into Rayvis' room, to tuck their son into bed. Rudien glanced down at Irene, softly swiping her little white tufts of hair over her face as she slept. The warmth in his chest, which he once had grown totally numb to — finally became a familiar and welcome feeling.

Once he had brought her back into her room, Rudien continued to gaze down at her for a moment. She appeared so sound and peaceful as she slept. This tiny child who was no bigger than a pillow, had taken up such a large portion of his heart.

Not once did Rudien anticipate this feeling. An emotion that came like a warm embrace, similar to the mother who cherished him when he was a child. Those pleasant memories of his hadn't come forth at all, until Irene came into his life.

It's all thanks to you. He thought, bringing his daughter close so he could kiss her forehead. His soft red lips gently pressed onto her skin, as he lovingly tucked her into bed. I still have a long way to go, but I'll do my best to protect you and make you happy, Irene.