The child’s lips twitched as if he knew his name.

“Uu-uung.”

“Sister.”

Carlo placed a hand on Abella’s shoulder.

“Carlo. How are you feeling?” Abella asked something she had never asked before.

“What does it feel like to be a father? What are you thinking?”

Abella grinned as she spat out the questions in a row.

“How did it feel to become an adult before this sister?”

“Oh, Sister!”

Carlo quickly turned his blushing face. He now noticed that Abella was making fun of him.

“When did the bed-wetter Carlo grow so big? Congratulations, Brother.”

“Don’t say that again, Sister.?Bed-wetter. Simon will hear!”

“They all grow up like that. Carlo, next time.....”

Abella messed up Carlo’s hair as she clouded her words. She had to tiptoe because of the height difference, but this would be the last time. Because her younger brother has surpassed Abella to become an adult. Carlo grunted and turned his head to fix his hair.

“What next time?”

“Next time, you’d better have a daughter. If she looks like your wife, she’ll be really pretty. Now that you have a son, shouldn’t it be fair to have a daughter next?”

“What do you mean by that!” Carlo burst out laughing.

“I’m speaking in your interest, Carlo.”

Abella stabbed Carlo in the chest with her index finger.

“For me?”

“Yes. Simon will only be on his mother’s side? So, shouldn’t you also have at least one of yours?”

“.... I have Sister.”

Carlo murmured in a grouchy voice. When she saw him with this kind of image, he was like a childish child, but already demonstrating his abilities as the head of the family. Was there anything as useful as the passage of time? Abella said playfully.

“Who said that? That I’ll be on your side.”

“Sister?”

“I’m on Simon side. Then I’ll be on your wife’s side.”

“.... Haa. That’s unfair.”

Carlo and Abella burst out laughing at the same time. Startled by the sound of the grown-ups’ laughter, Simon whined and reached out his hand. Ellowen, who was watching the child, cuddled the baby. As she held the baby in her arms, the sound of her calling out Simon’s name, and whispers of baby-soothing fell into Abella’s ears.

This was the scene Abella had dreamed of. She had thought that she would enjoy this kind of happiness until she found out about Carlo’s death.

Duke Amerigo, intrigued by the joy of seeing the baby, opened the door and entered. The person who had previously shouted, ‘My daughter, Abella!’ was now shouting Simon’s name.

“Simon! Simon!”

“It’s not such a tender name, Dad!”

Carlo protested. However, Abella knew he would soon whisper Simon’s name with a melted face. That was also the case in the letters he sent her to her. He used to say he didn’t like the soft name of Simon, and yet he sent her such letters like ‘My Simon did a flip today, sister.’.

“This punk. Stop disturbing us and go away.”

Duke Amerigo clicked his tongue and pushed Carlo’s forehead away. Carlo, who had a dissatisfied face, made a face that could not be helped. In front of Duke Amerigo, the child’s father or the head of the family was of no use.

And so was Abella.

It seemed that all of the past she had lived in was scattered like a bubble. Abella loved the scenery she had created. And the choice that gave her courage.

*

“I want to be a father too.”

“What?”

Abella had a surprised face at Cade’s sudden announcement. Cade, who had rolled over the bed, embracing her, buried his face in the pillow. He didn’t look like a stranger who had invaded Abella’s bedroom over the walls of Duchy Amerigo.

“I want to have a daughter just like you, Abella.”

“.... Simon is not a girl.”

Abella shook her head, knowing what Cade was talking about. Cade pursed his lips and pulled Abella’s hand. Cade bit her fingers in revenge, sighing and laying her straight on her back.

“You don’t want to?”

“What. Were you serious? Are you telling an unmarried lady you want to have a child.....”

Cade pulled on Abella.

“The head of the temple will change soon. Skellus will be freed from his false accusations and will return as a legitimate god again. A memorial service will be held nationwide for the children of Skellus who died. To comfort the bereaved families who have fallen victim to political games.”