"He sure has been working hard." Irene sighed softly to herself, the soles of her shoes tapping against the concrete pathway, as she strolled lonesomely through the resplendent spring gardens of House Cherliann. Her tea-length gown was decorated with lovely floral patterns and silk frills at the hem - perfectly matching the white of her hair.

She was returning inside after another failed attempt at getting Mikael to spend time with her. Ever since he started taking lessons with Rayvis in sword mastery, Irene realised the two boys would practise even in their free time - and they were starting to get along with each other as a result. She felt content with the fact that they were friends now, although they wouldn't admit it. But a part of her felt slightly bored, being the only one left out.

"I'm happy to see Rayvis and Mikael get along and all, but don't you think they spend too much time together?" Irene asked Snow, who was flying along beside her as she took a walk down the pathway outside in the gardens. Myriads of white spring blossoms dappled across tree branches. "It's as if he's so caught up with training, Mikael's forgotten about me."

"Oh? I think you're just jealous." Snow teased, glancing at her with beady golden eyes, before perching on her shoulder.

She shot him a glare, tilting her head up to face her feathery companion. "It's not that! I just feel at a loss. Here's there, working really hard, and I'm here doing nothing but talking to a bird." She sighed, which elicited a look of offence on the bird's face.

"Hey! You insulted me just now didn't you?" He squawked, and Irene chuckled softly as Snow gently pecked at her head in retaliation.

As she tried to pry him off, the phoenix flapped his wings and gently landed on a nearby branch. His majestic feathers and lean body appeared elegant, noble and strong. The way he gazed at her in that moment felt different from usual.

"Why don't you try working hard at something you like?" He suggested, and Irene titled her head in surprise. "I've noticed those notebooks you'd write in every night, for fun. And you're always browsing for books in the library. Just do that?"

He noticed my bookworm habits? Irene smiled sheepishly, averting her gaze. Truthfully, she never did stop writing. Ever since she was able to read and understand the language of this world, Irene would fill notebooks full of ideas and stories - ones she imagined and even those of her favourite books from her previous life - so that she'd never forget the stories. This pastime was just something she did out of habit, though.

This world wasn't one that seemed to use books as a pastime. The only fiction stories that existed were directed to children, and even then - the cost of knowledge was high, so only nobles had access to books and information. Not many people immersed in the worlds of imagination like she did - which was something Irene wished was different about this world.

I mostly write for myself, but it was my dream to become a fully-published author. I even used to take part in competitions as a teenager... She thought, reminiscing about her previous life. Her passion was an uncommon one in a world like this - but that didn't mean she would fan out the flames.

It wouldn't hurt to keep pursuing it, right? After all - Irene Cherliann's life was no longer the same as when she wrote of it in her previous life.

Sarah was alive, Rudien became a doting father, Mikael and Irene got along, and even the original heroine - Isabella was her friend. Things were happening a little too peacefully, causing her to let down her guard.

During the peaceful moments... I guess it wouldn't hurt to continue doing what I enjoy.

"Well, maybe I'll give it a shot," she then said, smiling up at her phoenix companion. "Thanks for the idea, Snow."

"...Who are you talking to?"

Just then, the deep, honey-like voice of a man called out to her, a hint of amusement trickling from his words. At first, it was familiar yet unrecognisable — as if she knew she heard the smooth timbres of the words before, but couldn't put a finger on where.

It had been so long since she heard it, that her mind froze for a brief moment. But the moment the man behind her spoke up again, all her memories resurfaced in her mind.

"...You've grown so much since I last saw you, Irene."

That voice... I'm sure of it...

It belongs to...

Irene swivelled around on her heel, turning to face the man who stood several metres behind her. Her heart was racing, her mind a hurricane of thoughts. But the moment her eyes met with those familiar ruby irises, and watched those strands of silver hair sway around his handsome face, everything stopped for her, in that moment.

Rudien Alpheus Cherliann, was standing right in front of her. The cold-hearted duke she once despised for being a man who ignored his family. The frightening man who picked up an interest in her as a baby, but gradually grew to care about her as his child.

His body was as tall, lean and regal as the day he left. A gentle breeze swept from his direction and caused Irene's short hair to flutter, it carried with it the scent of winter mountains.

"What—" Irene's eyes were locked onto him in a mix of awe and disbelief. "I'm not hallucinating, am I?"

Rudien chuckled softly, tilting his head. He was still as beautiful as the day they last saw one another. Seeing the man before her now, Irene realised she had almost forgotten just how handsome the Duke of Cherliann really was.

It was then that he lifted both his arms, and kneeled down to the floor. As he opened himself up for a hug, his crimson eyes focused solely on his daughter.

"Why not come see for yourself? Whether I'm a hallucination or not."

And with those words - Irene didn't hesitate to run toward him at full speed. She jumped right into his arms, eyes blurring with tears. When she hugged him, all of the emotions came crashing at once - and even the adult inside the little girl found herself crying in joy. The man she had been relentlessly worried for, was finally back.

"You came back!" She cried, wrapping her little arms around his neck as his strong arms held her closely. Rudien's silver hair brushed against her face as he kissed her head. At last, the daughter he missed so dearly, was in his arms again.

Irene buried her face into Rudien's chest, as he chuckled softly at her words. "I made you a promise to return, did I not?" He was so big compared to her, she felt so cosy and safe in his arms.

I guess I've become as weak toward this father of mine as he is to his daughter.

"I've dreamt of this day for three years," he whispered. "Seeing you grow makes me sad I wasn't here to watch it..."

It was then that Rudien gently placed an arm beneath Irene's legs, and scooped her up from the floor with a single motion. As he carried her, Irene felt she was sitting on top of a tower. He was so tall, the world around them felt different.

So much time passed since her father picked her up like this. Back then - her little legs made her slow so she preferred getting a free ride. Though, now it was rather embarrassing. But Irene decided to stay like this just for a little while.

It was then she realised the fact that Rudien was here meant the war really was over at last. Izadel was totally defeated, and the army was to return to Laydel after cleaning up the mess, and allowing their soldiers to recover.

Rudien's presence here made Irene begin to wonder - is the whole army back from war? Isn't there supposed to be a celebration on the day they return?

"Father, did you come home early?" Irene asked.

"Yes. The rest of the knights will come back in time for the celebrations," Rudien told her, but his expression then changed slightly. She noticed his gaze becoming slightly disappointed. "By the way... Why are you calling me that? It sounds too distant. You should address me how you used to."

... Is he serious? Irene couldn't help but laugh, despite having cried just a few moments ago. Rudien hadn't changed - the needy parent was still alive and well inside him. His doting fatherly side was refreshing for her to see.

I guess I'll spoil him again since it's been so long.

"Papa!" She exclaimed, hugging him tightly around his neck. "Like that?"

As he gazed at her radiant smile, the grown man couldn't help but give in to his daughter's cuteness. "Yes, just like that." He smiled wistfully, carrying her in one arm whilst caressing her head with the other. It was then he turned back toward the manor, and started to head inside with Irene still in his embrace.

"Now let's go meet with the others in the foyer. I have a lot of gifts for you waiting there." He said, his tone becoming as neutral and nonchalant as it always was. Although Rudien was still as stoic and regal as ever, he let his guard down when it came to Irene. Even as they walked past the servants, who all greeted him upon his return, he didn't let down his daughter even for a second.

"Umm, Papa... You can put me down now..." Irene whispered, starting to get embarrassed from the way all the servants were silently giggling and watching in admiration. "I can walk myself..."

"No." Was his only response, leaving his daughter sighing internally. He's still as stubborn as a mule.

Once they reached the front hall of the manor, Irene smiled at the sight of Sarah waiting there too. The front doors were wide open, and there was a buzz of servants and soldiers, bringing forth some giant crates which were stored inside the wagons outside. From the looks of it, a small group of knights had accompanied Rudien - because Irene noticed some familiar faces among the men.

"Now you're finally back to take my precious daughter away from me again, are you?" Sarah joked, as Rudien carried Irene over to where she was standing. The little girl chuckled softly, remembering her parents' constant bickering back when she first entered this world. Rudien only scoffed, leaning his head toward his wife.

"Didn't we agree to share?" He smirked, and Sarah turned away, blushing faintly from his closeness.

"You're still unfair." She huffed, and Irene took this opportunity to wriggle out of Rudien's grasp and climb down his chest to the ground. It was a little awkward watching her own parents act like teenaged lovers, but it was better than seeing them be distant from one another.

It's good to see this couple getting along, as usual. Irene wanted to sigh, as Rudien leaned in to kiss his wife. They had gotten pretty romantic before the duke left for war, and it seemed that didn't change even after three whole years.

I guess they'll be sleeping in the same room tonight.

As Irene turned her attention toward the giant crates being unloaded, she was amazed to see many luxuries and opulent treasures hidden inside. She surmised these were gifts and riches Rudien brought back after the war ended. The servants who were unloading everything prepared to distribute the new valuables around the manor, in the places they were meant for.

Irene then glanced toward the knights who simultaneously made eye contact with her. Cherliann's men were certainly fierce and filled with vigour, so it was a little weird for Irene to watch grown men becoming weak at the sight of her. Memories of when she was swarmed by their attention during her visits to the training ground resurfaced, and a cold sweat ran down her spine.

"Little Miss!!" One of the knights exclaimed, approaching her. "Do you remember me? You've grown so much!"

"Wow, she's becoming so much prettier!" Another one chimed. "As expected of the Princess of Cherliann!"

"Guys, stop crowding around her." A female knight then heaved a sigh, bonking one of the men on the head and causing him to glance toward her with a whine.

"Hey! Nasriel, that was uncalled for!" The knight protested.

Irene gazed up at the woman, who was rather familiar. With long, bright crimson hair tied into a loose ponytail- she was a pretty young lady Irene often saw training with the knights a few years ago.

"I apologise about these idiots, My Lady. Just ignore them, they're all giant puppies, I assure you." Nasriel joked, and Irene nodded her head with a chuckle.

Just then, a pair of young boys entered the foyer from the same direction Irene and Rudien came in. The little girl glanced over to see Rayvis and Mikael breathlessly entering the room, as if they ran all the way over from the training grounds.

Rayvis' eyes instantly locked onto Rudien's, and the father and son stared wordlessly at each other for a moment. When all of a sudden — with two fast strides — the heir cut through the air toward his father and swiftly lifted a wooden sword in motion to land a hit on him.

Almost everyone in the room gasped in complete shock, including Irene — who's body practically turned white. Is he serious?!!

This is how he wants to greet his father?!

But before Rayvis could land a hit on the duke, Rudien briskly shifted his body and caught his son's wrist, forcing it into a lock - causing the boy to wince and drop his weapon. At this motion, Rudien smiled faintly, amusement in his crimson eyes.

"It's good to see you too," Rudien ruffled Rayvis' hair. "You've grown stronger, but still ten years too young."

Rayvis only tried to pry himself away with a look of exuberance on his expression. "Well, I did surprise you, right?"

Rudien crossed his arms in contemplation. "Yes... Your expression definitely looked like someone out for blood."

Irene heaved a sigh when she realised this was just their way of reuniting. Perhaps there was a gene that made the men of Cherliann a little bit crazy. At least she and Sarah were normal - her poor mother looked so frightened she was practically shaking, as she went and hugged Rayvis, telling him not to do that again. Irene laughed as her older brother almost suffocated in her hug, giving in to her plea.

It was then her eyes glanced over to Mikael, who awkwardly stood a little bit away from the family. He was watching them keenly - gazing specifically at Rudien. Irene realised he must have been feeling out of the loop, since this was his first time meeting the Duke of Cherliann. And so, she decided to go over and comfort him.

Even though she was a little bit salty about him ignoring her lately.

Rudien noticed Irene head towards the boy - who felt all too familiar, despite them meeting for the first time. Strands of flowing blonde hair and eyes as deep and blue as an ocean at midnight. A wave of recognition instantly washed over him, as Rudien stepped toward the Prince, who was now talking to his daughter.

"You must be Prince Mikael," Rudien gazed down at him, crimson eyes roving over the boy who was equally observing the man before him. He kneeled down, bowing courteously to the Prince. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I hope you've been comfortable during your stay here."

Mikael searched for Irene's hand, seizing it tightly. She could feel the cold sweat from his touch, and the girl smiled softly to herself when she realised he was a little intimidated by the man. How cute.

This little gesture didn't escape Rudien's vision - and he felt a strong wave of envy clutch his chest. He's touching my daughter, this little—

Ugh... I'll let him get away with it just this once, since he looks so much like my old friend.

"This is my father, Mikael!" Irene chimed, helping the Prince to relax with her radiant and warm smile. "I know he looks scary, but he's actually a big soft man."

Rudien raised an eyebrow at his daughter's words but decided not to question it. As Mikael continued to gaze at him, he noticed the features of his face which Irene had inherited. They definitely look alike...

Mikael didn't say a word. Irene could tell he was uncomfortable, but she didn't know how to make him any more comfortable. As she glanced at her father, Rudien only smiled. "As I thought, you are much like your father," the duke said, and those words caused Mikael to glance up at him in confusion. "You're the spitting image of Theodore."

The smile that was displayed across the duke's face revealed no hint of malice or desire to kill him. Instead, it was as if Rudien were looking back on his past memories - a sense of wistfulness visible through his smile.

Irene blinked, remembering that name. Theodore Asterious Laydel was the father of Daniel and Mikael - and the late emperor who died a year before her birth. It was then she recalled that Rudien was a very loyal friend of the previous ruler, having served as a close aide while Theodore was a prince. And when the emperor died, Rudien felt the most pain from it than all the other dukes - since their friendship existed since early childhood.

"Ah, that's right," Rudien smiled, as though remembering something important. He gently reached into the inner pocket of his clothes, before smoothly taking out two small boxes, and handing them over to the children in front of him. "I have many gifts that I brought back, but I wanted to give you these myself."

Irene blinked, watching as he handed them a box each. They were two different sizes - and Irene's one looked a little more flat. She wondered what could be inside. As she gently unfurled the pink ribbon tied around her gift, she pulled off the lid of the box, to see a beautiful diamond glistening in a pool of silver. A beautiful necklace that looked almost a bit too expensive, but elegant and sweet at the same time.

"I love this, thank you, Father!" She beamed, and her reaction made Rudien's heart soar.

As Mikael noticed her reaction, he also wondered what was inside the box in his little white hands. It was smooth and felt light in his hands, but he could feel the weight of something inside. It was his first time receiving a gift like this, so he couldn't help but feel curious about it.

Mikael gently took the lid off the box, eyes widening upon revealing its content. A beautiful blue brooch, with a smooth gemstone akin to a blue ocean sparkling under the moon's white glow. It's deep, royal colour perfectly matched the shade of Mikael's eyes.

"It's a rare piece with only one of its kind. I thought the blue would match your eyes, since Theodore's were the same colour," Rudien told him, smiling softly. "I hope you like it."

Liking it was an understatement. Mikael didn't know why, but this jewel had swallowed him whole - leaving him mesmerised by its smooth, gentle sheen. Never did he receive a gift so beautiful and fitting of only him. Although he was sure that the duke had Mikael's father in mind when buying this, it felt like it belonged in his own little hands.

"It's beautiful," Irene commented, placing a hand on Mikael's shoulder. "Take good care of it, it really suits you."

The prince nodded his head, gazing at the large jewel as he held it up between his fingers, before facing Rudien. "...Thank you for the gift. I'll treasure this."