I want to learn sword fighting! I want to be a knight when I grow up.

But Leah

It was time for Sienna to tell Leah, as usual, that Leah was still young and learning sword fight was dangerous.

Okay.

Carl!

Sienna was embarrassed and called his name. But it was after he had already allowed it. Leah exclaimed with joy, YAY!

BUT!

When Carl tried to attach a condition to the word but, Leah held her breath and looked at Carl. She seemed nervous about what conditions he would say. As much as Leah, Sienna waited for what conditions would be thrown out of his mouth.

Sienna thought she had no choice but to teach Leah the sword one day, but it was too early. Swords were hard to deal with even for adults, so it was appalling to think that a child had to handle it. So, Leah, as well as Sharillo, were not allowed to have swordsmanship lessons.

Sienna hoped that Carl would say, I will allow you if you are over 20 years old, or If a dragon appears in the palace, I will make him or her a sword master.

Ill allow you if you pass the history test a month later.

Test?

Test?

Sienna and Leah asked back at the same time. While Siennas question contained a grudge against Carl as if it was too generous to allow Leah to learn sword skill over a history test, Leah was asking what kind of test he was talking about.

Ill tell Mr. Samuel. Ill select questions evenly throughout the whole lessons, so Im sure youll fail the test if you take the class with your current attitude.

Okay!

Leah answered excitedly, and Sienna said. You know how persistent she is. Im sure shell pass the test somehow to get her sword training.

Sharillo continued to eat quietly, as if he had nothing to do with the whole issue.

The same goes for Sharillo, too.

Me?

It wasnt until his name was called that Sharillo looked at Carl with a look of interest.

After Leah, youre going to teach the sword to Sharillo too?

Sienna tried to stop him, but Carl explained first.

Just because its a sword drill doesnt mean they have to carry a real sword. So, dont worry too much. It is necessary for childrens physical fitness.

Sienna said with a face still full of discontent.

I know what swordsmanship is like. Ive been watching my brother get his sword training ever since he was a kid. Just because you dont carry the real sword doesnt mean its not tough.

Thats because the Waters have a particularly intense training. We can have the instructor who will teach the children to adjust to the intensity of the training. Its enough to build up their stamina and stay healthy. I dont want to overtrain my children because Sharillo and Leah wont go to war.

Sienna nodded helplessly at Carls explanation. But she didnt let go of her discontent expression because she didnt fully accept it.

Im going to have a simple lunch and dinner today because of work, so you should eat with the children.

Carl frowned at Siennas notice.

Youre not saying that because Ive allowed the kids a chance to learn swordsmanship, are you? You promised me to teach them when the time came. Besides, its not unconditional permission I attached a clause that they can learn on the condition of Leah passing the history exam.

I still think its too early, but Im not doing that because of that. Im busy with my work these days.

What the hell is keeping you so busy? Orphanages are settled all over the country, and youre almost done building an academy for aristocratic children. Now we just have to wait for the building to be built as planned, but I think youre busier than before. Youve been skipping meals so frequently

Yes, Mother! You are too busy. I want to play with you

Leah stood by, helping Carl, and Sharillo nodded and agreed to their opinion.

Sienna kept the banquet for Carl as a surprise, but she didnt even tell the children because she was worried that they might learn about it and easily tell Carl. As a result, the family seemed to feel alienated.

Unfortunately, she couldnt tell the truth now when the banquet was just around the corner. There has been a lot of trouble, and Sienna wants to see Carl moved by the banquet she prepared. So, shes made up her mind.

Managing the imperial register is always a busy job. And you guys have to study hard to pass the test your father will give. Especially you, Leah! You want to be trained as a knight. Then youd have to study hard.

Leah nodded with a sullen look. Sienna said, patting her head to comfort her.

Shall we go on a picnic to the north garden next week? The flowers are going down now, so there will be so much maqui berry by then. Anna, lets go together.

Okay! Its fun to pick maqui berries! It turns the tip of your fingers purple. Ah! Ill have Anna draw me that finger! And ask her to draw purple-colored lips, and also draw a maqui berry hanging on the tree!

Anna has been learning painting ever since she showed outstanding talent in art classes. She took a small canvas and painted wherever she went outside as if she had as much interest as she had talent.

Leah clung to Anna while she drew anything that came to her mind, as if Leah found it strange and amazing that every time Anna painted a picture it bore a new life. Anna did not refuse what Leah asked for and she drew it. So, there were a lot of paintings Anna had painted in Leahs room.

Sharillo tailed Leah in a gentle voice.

I cant let Anna get in trouble every time because of you. Annas hands were swollen last time when you asked Anna to draw the palace.

But Anna said she was fine.

You know, Anna cant refuse someones request. Remember the last time she ate the Merida fruit you gave her? Even though that makes her body get blotchy rashes.

I didnt know Anna couldnt eat Meridas fruit at the time.

Sharillo said with a nod.

I know. Because you gave it to Anna. I mean, Anna never says no. So you cant ask her to draw too much.

Cant I ask for a single picture?

Sharillo shook his head, saying, No way.

Sienna said, patting Leahs shoulder. You cant ask her to draw every day, but sometimes you can ask for one. Why dont you carry Annas paint and bucket for her instead?

Okay! Im strong, so I can even carry a hundred paints!

So youre going to participate in classes hard until then, right?

Only

Leah nodded vigorously at Siennas words.

Sienna turned to Sharillo and looked at him, saying, Youre going to work hard too, right?

Yes. I will, he replied.

Satisfied with the childrens answers, Sienna looked at Carl this time. Unlike the children who were soothed with her offer to go on a picnic later, Carls discontent seemed to have not been resolved.

Please bear with me until next week, Carl. After that, Ill make it up to you.

Carl didnt answer her. Sienna laughed because he was grumbling like a child.