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“Say, you didn’t do anything to disrespect the royal family, right?”

While walking down the lengthy cobblestone corridor, Yennis questioned as the weight and heat of his sister overwhelmed his senses. Seletina was surprised by her typically quiet brother’s unexpected comment.

“Of course I didn’t! There’s no way I would be impolite to the royal family… I think…”
“You think? You think?! You should occasionally try to relate with the people who you’re causing problems for!”

Yennis said with a big sigh.

A question suddenly sprung up in Seletina’s mind as she noticed that her brother was visibly fatigued.

“Um… Did something happen?”
“Did something happen? Of course it did. Do you wanna hear? You’ll hear me out, right?”
“I’d rather pass this time…”
“Hear me out for god’s sake! I didn’t know you could be so heartless.”

Seletina smiled gently, feeling quite overjoyed by this peaceful conversation.

“What are you laughing for? Do you know just how hard it was for me while you were out cold?”
“It was?”
“First of all, it was that guard, Caper. On the day of the attack that b̲a̲s̲t̲a̲r̲d̲ went ahead and picked a fight with Prince Elias. Thankfully, the prince didn’t seem to think much of it and hasn’t pushed the matter, but got into a heated argument.”
“Sir Caper did? Why in the world would he?”
“It’s because you ordered Caper to leave you. When he obeyed and got back, the prince scolded him quite harshly. But who can blame him. Considering he’s never seen your swordsmanship it looked like Caper had abandoned you.”
“I see… Well, how should I say it, I guess it isn’t all that surprising. Both of them are good people after all.”

Seletina said with a slight frown. Two good people had gotten into an argument because of her. She couldn’t help but blame herself for it. Seletina decided that she would later go and apologize to both Caper and Elias.

“Just thinking about all the things that happened these past three days gives me a headache. And then there’s the second problem child. Father…”

Seletina was completely taken aback by Yennis’ comment. She found it hard to believe that their Father would have caused trouble for Yennis.

“Father, a problem child? Didn’t you say he’s already gone back home?”
“He sure has. Who do you think kicked his a̲s̲s̲ inside the carriage? He’s got a mountain of work piled up back home yet he insisted that he wouldn’t leave the capital until you and Mother got better.”
“Fufu… That’s Father for you.”
“And that’s what caused me headaches! That burly bear even went ahead and cried to His Majesty about it. He wouldn’t stop begging His Majesty to arrange for him to work in the capital.”
“That’s just… wow…”
“I was on the verge of a nervous meltdown! First Caper and then Father… There would be rumors that the Aldelight’s duty is to pick fights with the royal family. No wonder I shoved Father’s a̲s̲s̲ in that carriage and sent him home.”

Yennis let out a pained sigh as his troubled story came to an end.

Now I see…

Seletina finally understood the deep meaning behind Yennis’ question earlier. If she’d also caused some trouble for the royal family, then she would’ve become problem child number three.

Seletina felt a little depressed after realizing how stressed and worn out Yennis was.

“Thank you for your efforts, Brother.”
“No big deal.”

The siblings’ conversation came to an end just as they reached the room where their mother was.

A guard stood vigilant in front of the room, and that man was none other than Caper. Caper’s eyes sparkled when he saw the two siblings approach.

“Sir Yennis! Lady Seletina!!! You’re finally awake?! I was so worried… I’m glad you’re alright!”
“Sup, problem child number one.”
“What? Problem child one?”
“It doesn’t concern you. Don’t slack on your duties and guard the room.”

Yennis said as he glared at Caper. Seletina couldn’t help but chuckle after seeing her brother like that.

“Sir Caper, I apologize for worrying you. Even though I’m being carried right now, I’m perfectly fine. That aside, is mother inside?”
“She is! Lady Melia is resting inside!”
“In that case we’re going inside to see her. Thank you for your work.”
“You need not praise me, Lady Seletina. I am merely doing my duties.”
“Oh, and one more thing.”
“What is it?”
“I heard that you’d gotten into an argument with Prince Elias because of me… I want to apologize for that. I’ll also extend my apologies to the Prince whenever I get the chance. Sir Caper, in the end you followed my command and did exactly as instructed. I believe you did the right thing.”
“L-Lady Seletina…!!!”

Seletina smiled.
　
In Caper’s eyes she looked like a godly mother straight out of a painting. The emotions overwhelmed him so much that even tears began welling up in his eyes.

“However,” Seletina remarked.
“W-What is it…”
“You shouldn’t pick fights with the princes, alright?”
“U-Undershtood¹!”

Caper was on cloud nine after seeing Seletina’s smiling face. Not seeing his master for three days must have really taken a toll on him. For a short while, he forgot he was being scolded and simply displayed his admiration for Seletina.

“Let’s go, Brother. Sir Caper, we’re leaving the guard duty to you.”
“Make sure you keep your eyes peeled, problem child number one.”

Yennis said as he kicked Caper’s greave.

These two get along surprisingly well.

Seletina chuckled as she thought to herself.

As the siblings entered, Caper closed the door behind them. Inside they felt the wind blow through, carrying a nostalgic smell. Her eyes narrowed slightly.

A Perata’s aroma!

Her mother’s favorite scent tickled Seletina’s nostrils.

1. TL/N: Caper is fumbling his words here. Poor guy got too overwhelmed by his goddess.