[Sasha’s pregnant, I see.]

A day has passed after we confirmed Sasha’s pregnancy. I am now currently speaking with my unsurprised Mother who came here all the way from the territory to dote on her grandchildren.

[I have to send my regards to Sasha then.] (Grandma)

[Doesn’t seem like you find it worth celebrating considering how calm you are.] (Calis)

[Looking at you right now, I can hardly be surprised if you and Sasha bear a child once every year. It’s no exaggeration to say you’re in heat regardless it’s summer, spring, winter and autumn, no?] (GM)

[I’m not that vulgar, Mother. There’s no other woman I’d feel passionate about apart from Sasha.] (C)

[Then I better step up and look after my grandchildren, I suppose.] (GM)

[Of course not, Mom. There’s no need as I am more than enough to take care of them.] (C)

[You have to be there for Sasha in addition to the three kids. I wonder where this confidence comes from?] (GM)

[You might not know this but we have splendid servants here in the estate. With their help, there’s nothing for you to worry. I won’t let Sasha nor the kids feel lonely or neglected.] (C)

[Speaking of servants… Basil’s handmaiden is called Yuri, correct?] (GM)

[Oh, right. It seems Basil’s getting closer to her than you, Mother.] (C)

[As if you’re better. It worries me however that child Yuri would aim for Basil in the future.] (GM)

[I don’t think that’s something we should worry about.] (C)

[How can you be certain?] (GM)

I’ve thought of such possibilities myself and already made up my mind on how should I face it.

[Are you serious? We’re talking about a servant here, no?] (GM)

[I don’t really care about their differences in status. Love is blind after all. At the very least, as long as I am Basil’s father, I have an obligation to support him no matter who he falls in love with.] (C)

[Can you say the same for both Laurel and Mint as well?] (GM)

[Of course.] (C)

If Laurel falls to a man of common status rather than the prince, then I’d wholeheartedly support her. The same goes for Mint too. But that is under the assumption that the other person isn’t some hoodlum. As long as that person cherishes and guarantees my daughters’ happiness, then as a parent, I’d have to acquiesce in such relations. Letting go of my daughters won’t be easy, I know. But I have to recognize the fact that someday, they’d be living their lives on their own. When that time comes, as their father, a little push and setting them off with a smile might be my very last role.

[*Sigh* I see. Then I shall not pry any further.] (GM)

[Thanks, Mom. That would be great.] (C)

[However, if that time actually comes, I shall take upon myself to educate that child and ensure she becomes a fitting mistress of the next duke Fall.] (GM)

[Sure, though I still think that such worries are unnecessary.] (C)

I am not really enthusiastic about having the futures of the children decided by grown ups. As long as they grow healthy and satisfied, for me, that’s more than enough. Will there be any more gratifying than growing old with Sasha together with our son and daughters? I don’t think so. That’s why for our three, no, four children, my only wish is for them to grow filled with energy and happiness.

Translator’s Notes: