Published: August 15, 2025
"—Why are there so many of you!?"
In the early summer forest, Marquis Dario Alfonso's scream echoed.
I murmured, "What a nice place."
"Truly," said the attendants in lively agreement.
"Yes, indeed."
"It's rare to see such lush greenery in the cold Dilz. It reminds me of my homeland."
The attendants chimed in cheerfully.
Yes, it really was a wonderful place.
His villa was located at the southeastern edge of the territory of the Dilz Kingdom.
It was a stylish two-story house. Perhaps by instruction of Lord Dario, who was Sphain, or because this land once belonged to Sphain territory, it was built in the Sphain style with white walls and a vivid blue roof. In the cold Dilz, it was unusual to see such a soft, fresh green forest, and the villa stood quietly bathed in dappled sunlight.
There were no other buildings around, yet it didn’t feel lonely. The rustling of leaves and birdsong made my ears constantly happy.
A clear stream flowed nearby, carrying the scent of pure water.
I took a deep breath. Perhaps because of the shade, the air was a little cool for early summer, but that only made it more pleasant.
"It's really lovely. Lord Dario, thank you for inviting us."
"Thank you very much!"
"—I didn’t invite you! I never called for your presence!"
The villa’s owner screamed at a volume that made my skin tingle.
Ignoring him, I cradled Lisa and looked around.
"Oh, a squirrel! How cute."
"Really. It seems a bit different from the ones in the garden of Granado Castle," said Tunic next to me. Thomas peeked from behind and added,
"Ah, that’s one we brought back from the western continent during the age of exploration. They cause serious damage, so in Sphain they’re considered pests."
Wolfgang, who was resting the horses, took over the explanation.
"They’re quite common even in the Dilz royal capital. Because the native species are threatened, the government promotes extermination as soon as they're found."
I responded to them.
"Oh, really? Then shall we set some traps? They’d make perfect food for tonight."
"Lady Marie, didn’t you just say this squirrel was cute?"
"Well, squirrels are delicious. Autumn is the best season to eat them, though. That one is quite fat, so I think it will be satisfying."
Meanwhile, Marquis Dario was stomping his feet in frustration.
"—Who are you all!?"
"Quiet now. You’re ruining this lovely forest bathing experience."
With a swift pinch from behind, someone pulled the restless Marquis by the collar. It wasn’t Lord Cyrus.
It was the Dilz Kingdom’s Third Prince, Ruifeng Sandalqia Dirts.
When Ruifeng pinched him, Marquis Dario shrank back in fear with a “Eek!” The Marquis had been insolent toward Lord Cyrus but clearly felt threatened by royalty. His spirits deflated rapidly, and he became small and silent.
Ruifeng snorted amusedly at the sight.
"Is there something wrong with me being here? The Granado Family is originally a branch of the royal family. Duke Alfred and Cyrus are my relatives — my 'family.'"
"Though the branch is from two hundred years ago, so distant that you can’t even name it," Lord Cyrus added with a smile beside Ruifeng, who also smiled with narrowed eyes.
Cyrus Granado was tall — not just tall, but his broad shoulders and chest muscles were clearly visible even through his clothes. Combined with his emerald green eyes and tanned skin, he radiated the power of a warrior.
Ruifeng was slightly smaller than Lord Cyrus but still quite tall. Although slender at a glance, his dignified posture revealed his well-trained body. His silver-white hair shone brighter than his pale skin, and his ice-blue sharp eyes were like blades of ice that could cut if touched.
Though their coloring was almost opposite, standing side by side with similar smiles, they looked like mirror images.
—A few days before.
Lord Cyrus had shown me an invitation with an unusually serious expression. The sender was Dario Alfonso, and the letter was clearly suspicious.
The "only close family of Lord Cyrus" mentioned probably meant just me and my daughter Lisa, or possibly including Lady Ryuu-Ryuu — a very small group.