He approached his children and put his knees on the floor. He held his children’s hands as he continued.

“My son, you are the Goddess’s Blessing to this world, but you have no obligation towards anyone and it’s not your fault the world has ended up the way it did in the now past future.” 

He made sure to speak carefully and sincerely.

“Humans betrayed the Goddess so she abandoned them. However, she gave them a second chance with you. Rather than you being obliged to be the savior they claim you to be, THEY should be the ones who ought to do everything they could to make you feel happy. But they didn’t.” 

It was the sad reality of humanity that the Goddess chose to love and believe in. 

If only she hadn’t done that. Then perhaps…these children wouldn't be suffering so much they do now. 

“Instead they harmed you and your sister and caused you two to lead an unhappy life. Your death isn’t your fault, Louis. It was me, and by extension the Holy Empire who failed to protect you, the Holy Empire’s treasure. The tragedy that resulted from your death isn’t your fault either. It is the incompetence of humans that they couldn’t live and survive without you. Through that, they betrayed the Goddess once more. Which is why the fate of the world became like that. However, you are the Goddess’s beloved children. She wants you to be happy, which is why we’re here now. So I hoped that you wouldn’t blame yourself for anything.”

It always seemed like their Father could read their mind. He always knew what they’re thinking and spoke words that they needed to hear the most. Louis found himself crying once again.

“If you needed someone to hate, I’d rather you hate me instead for letting you go through such horrible things. For not being able to protect you time and time again.” 

The Archduke wiped the tears flowing non-stop from his son’s eyes with his hand. He pulled the children to his embrace. And gave them loving pats, trying to console them. 

As he sobbed, Louis told his Father everything that he and sister talked about. The Archduke was then able to understand what had led the children to be in that state. They were both suffering so much. 

As a Father he really failed so much of his duties. He couldn’t protect his son and the same with his daughter. If their Mother had been alive he was sure that she’ll berate him harshly, if she doesn’t kill him herself. 

But it all passed now, and he was filled with regret. However, that regret gave him so many more reasons to make sure he wouldn’t fail this time. He resolved himself to protect his children no matter what, and give them the life of happiness they deserved to have for so long. 

“Shh…You two should go back to sleep now. It’s getting late. Dad will accompany you two so you can rest easy.” 

The Archduke carried his pair of exhausted children into their rooms and laid them down carefully in the bed. Lucena had fallen back asleep earlier, but Louis continued to cling to their Father. 

Honestly, even he thinks it’s childish, but he couldn’t help it and he was too tired to think. 

The Archduke didn’t mind this, however, and gently smiled, giving a few pats on his cute son’s head. 

“Goodnight, my child.” 

He said, and only then did Louis close his eyes. He immediately fell asleep as soon as he did. But it was only when the Archduke confirmed that the children were deeply asleep did he move.

“Hans.” 

He called out towards the darkness. Hans walked out of the shadows and let himself be seen under the moonlight. He bowed towards the Archduke. 

“Help Louis get a change of clothes, but try not to wake him up and…” 

“The Second Imperial Prince should be here soon, Your Highness.” 

He was interrupted, but instead of being angry, he smiled. 

“Thank you. It seems like I will owe that child another one.” 

“I’m sure he wouldn’t mind, Your Highness.” 

“But still, I can't believe that I had no choice but to drag another child into this…” 

The Archduke sighed and lamented. Louis’s tendency to self-harm wasn’t something that could be allowed to be known, which is why they can’t just call any priest to help his son. 

If only medicines produced by the church worked on his children. But only pure Ether worked on their bodies.

He couldn’t wait for his daughter to wake up either, so he had no choice but to ask that child for another favor. 

-Knock

A while later, there was a soft knock on the door. Hans opened the door for him and a child no older or younger than the Archduke’s children came in. 

“I’m here, Uncle.” 

“Thank you for coming, Ansel. It seems like I bothered you again.” 

The Archduke had already bothered this child before, asking him to accompany his son to the academy in his worry. The child readily agreed, but it still bit on his conscience that he had to make use of another child and involve him in their messy situation. 

“I told you, it’s alright Uncle. I don’t mind at all. Besides, Louis is a friend to me too.” 

The boy spoke and approached the bed where they rested. 

“That aside, it seems like Louis is still not okay.” 

Ansel sighed and commanded his Ether, performing Holy Magic and healing the wounds on Louis’s arms.

“Louis is carrying so much burden. Perhaps that’s why.” 

“It seems like being perfect isn’t all that great either.” 

Ansel tried to make the atmosphere lighter but he was met with an apology instead.

“I’m really sorry I have to drag you into this.” 

He couldn’t help but sigh inside. 

“Uncle, your fault is that you apologize so much. No wonder Father and Mother had been so worried about you. I keep saying that it’s fine. I like Louis. And Lucena seems like a good person too. So really, I don’t mind.” 

“Thank you.” 

The Archduke could only express his thanks to this kind boy. 

Perhaps it’s also fate. That this child’s destiny is closely linked to his children. 

***

“My name is Lilian, Your Highness. You may call me Lily. I will be serving you from now on.” 

A young maid greeted politely. It was early in the morning and we hadn't even eaten breakfast yet. 

“Ahem, I almost forgot about this.” 

Father said with a smile, back to the dignified Archduke he was as if he wasn’t so deeply asleep to the point of mumbling as he cuddled us earlier. I wondered what had happened last night. 

“Children, this fine young lady here will serve as Cena’s hand maiden from now on. It’s Her Majesty’s gift.” 

Louis and I glanced at each other, eyes full of uncertainty and distrust. 

“Are you sure this will be alright?” 

I asked Father. He gazed at the servant briefly before breaking into a smile. 

“I have a good feeling it’ll be alright this time.”

I tilted my head at Father’s answer, curious at why he thought that way. The answer made itself known soon enough, when Father addressed the girl. 

“Pardon me for asking, but are you of elven descent?” 

Elves? 

Louis and I perked up at that word, curious about this mysterious race. We only read it in books but Elves live only within forests away from humanity that getting a glimpse of them was rare. They’re also worshippers of nature, and did not follow the faith towards the Goddess Aritia. 

“My Mother was a half-elf, Your Highness.”

Now that we looked at her again, Lilian got green eyes, different from the type of eyes that humans have. Although she didn't have pointy ears, like most Elves do, she emits a faint scent of the forest. 

“I see. I hope you’ll be able to have a good relationship with my children.” 

“It would be my honor to serve, Your Highness.” 

That day, we ended up sharing another meal with the Imperial Family, much to our distaste. But Father promised that we’ll be leaving soon, so we decided to be patient and bear with it in the meantime. 

“You’re leaving already?”

Said the Empress like a little child being left alone. Father, with his amazing patience, just politely smiled. 

“I’m afraid so, Your Majesty.” 

“Alright. I suppose it’s too much for you to stay longer. Before that though, I had one more thing for you.” 

At her cue, a servant came to me, carrying a tray, on top of it was an envelope.

“There’s still a month left before then, but I am planning to host a banquet on the Day of the Holy Birth. It’s your birthday so you probably would rather spend it with just the three of you, but I offered it since I think it will be a good opportunity for you.” 

Inside the envelope carried an invitation to the banquet the Empress mentioned, set to happen exactly on our birthday. 

Louis’s birth was celebrated in the Holy Empire as a festival, and even the commoners would take a break from their work and celebrate. 

None of it mattered to us though, as we preferred to spend our birthdays with the family, but the Empress was right in calling this an opportunity.

“All the nobles in the Holy Empire and even members of the Papacy are invited. It will be a good time for you to reveal your presence. You can’t hide from the eyes of the people forever, no?” 

She smiled. Louis and I expressed our thanks. 

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” 

“Not at all. I wish you two luck.” 

We then departed the Imperial Palace and went straight to the Estate of the House of Aleister within the Imperial Capital.