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We’re currently in the lounge on the first floor of the main building.
There’s a lounge in the south wing as well, but this one is mostly used for guests of Liesel, so I rarely join them here.
However—
“My, children really do grow fast, don’t they? In just over a year, Lord Leo has become noticeably bigger and more gallant.”
“Haha, you’re right. Not just physically—he’s started saying simple words recently too… growth really is quick.”
Liesel, responding with a laugh to the artist’s comment, is dressed in formal attire—unlike his usual appearance.
He’s sitting in a chair, holding little Leo in his arms.
Leo, despite being surrounded by adults, isn’t crying. On the contrary, perhaps because Liesel is in a good mood, he seems quite cheerful himself.
Meanwhile, keeping a slight distance from them, the artists’ apprentices are seizing the moment and sketching the scene.
Elsewhere in the room, sitting on a two-seater sofa also dressed formally, Seriana is holding little Rio.
And she, too, is being sketched by the apprentices.
Not to be outdone by Leo, Rio also looks to be in a very good mood.
By the way, Rio is tightly holding onto my hand with her tiny one.
I’m usually floating, so maybe she finds it amusing that I’m within arm’s reach?
She’s been playing with my hand for a while now, clearly having a great time.
“This child’s also in a good mood when you’re around.”
“…Is that so?”
I’ve always had the impression she’s generally cheerful, though…
“Yes. Not as much as you, perhaps, but could it be she’s a little shy around strangers?”
“…I’m not particularly shy, you know?”
“Oh? Then why do you always look a bit drained around people?”
“Nggh…”
Seriana’s immediate comeback leaves me groaning, unable to reply.
One of the surrounding artists, looking apologetic, approaches and speaks up.
“Lady Sera, I’m sorry, but could you please turn this way for a moment?”
“Ah, sure~”
As I turn to face them, the artist’s paused brush begins to move again.
◇
The anticipated start of the war is around the third month of autumn, but Riana’s troops are scheduled to depart at the end of the third month of summer.
It’s almost time.
The route begins by heading to Zelkis, then taking the sea route to the royal capital.
There, after joining up with the various lords, they’ll take about a month to reach the battlefield, using both land and sea routes.
Apparently, the autumn rainy season overlaps with the travel period, making it unavoidable.
That’s probably why the enemy chose this timing… how troublesome.
Anyway, the capital of Riana has already finished its preparations for deployment. Now they’re just spending time seeing the troops off.
The soldiers going to war have been granted special leave.
They’re taking a break from their duties to rest and prepare mentally before departure.
Of course, that includes Alec and Liesel as well. Work is still being done at the estate even now, but it’s all set up to function without them.
And so, with some extra time on their hands, they decided to have a new family portrait painted.
It’s not something done every year, apparently, but since this is Riana’s first war and the eve of their departure, it’s a meaningful moment for the domain’s history. They were advised to have the portrait done, and Liesel accepted.
After hearing from Liesel, Seriana also agreed, and I was in favor of it as well.
Even in my previous life, though it was with photos rather than paintings, there were plenty of similar records. It’s an important thing.
But, man… I’m going to be painted too.
Last time, I was added in later. But this time, I’m all dressed up and included from the start.
Is that really okay…?
For me to be included in the history of House Reselia and the domain of Riana…?
While I was lost in thought, worrying about the future of the lord’s family and their land, Seriana and Liesel were discussing the just-finished sketches with the artists.
During that time, I was tasked with watching the children…
“Sera~”
“Kyaaahhh!”
Today, I’m not wearing any Blessed Items, so this is just my regular self.
Even though they’re toddlers, with both of them together…
“…Uwaaah!? L-Lady Seria—!”
Teresa’s working in the office today, so I can’t ask her for help.
There are nurses and servants in the room, but they, due to their position, prioritize the lord’s children over me.
And so, here I am on the sofa, on the verge of being crushed by the two of them.
The only one who can save me now is Seriana.
With that in mind, I called out for help…
“…Haa.”
She sighed as she looked at me.
And instead, Liesel came rushing over.
“Leo, Rio, settle down. Sorry about that, Sera. Could you keep an eye on them for a bit?”
He then pried the two off me and handed them over to their respective nurses.
Phew… I owe you one.
“You… don’t lose to one-year-olds, come on…”
Finally arriving, Seriana said that to me—but hey, if I got serious, I wouldn’t lose either, you know?
“I can’t have you hurting them though… More importantly, how were the sketches?”
I figured continuing that line of argument wouldn’t get me anywhere, so I changed the subject.
I do have questions about why I’m in it again, but I am curious about how the artwork turned out.
“Ah, not bad at all. Since you’re included this time, I think the final version will turn out better than the last. Thanks to that, I can head to the battlefield with peace of mind.”
“Don’t say things that sound like a death flag. It’ll be finished by the time you’re back, so make sure the real you looks better than the painting, alright?”
Seriana chided Liesel teasingly for his ominous comment.
And she’s right.
If he doesn’t return looking like his portrait, everyone will be in trouble.
Watching the two of them laugh together, I couldn’t help but feel the same.
…I see.
Maybe this is what painting a portrait is really about.
It’s a good thing.
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Sera ・【Hideout】+1【Prayer】【Mira’s Blessing】【Wind’s Garment】・【Floating Orb】+1【Shadow Sword】【Scarlet Bee Needle】【Fairy’s Eye】【Dragon’s Lung】【Amber Sword】【Danrem’s Thread】【Serpent’s Tail】【Ankle Bracelet】【Amber Shield】【Purple Wings】【Red Sword】【Monkey’s Arm】・8 cards
Seriana ・【Area Recognition】・【】・40 cards
Elena ・【】・【Green Fang】【Amber Sword】・4 cards
Alec ・【Strong Strike】・【Red Shield】【Fierce Horned Trumpet】・10 cards
Mnotia[Translator]
Just a guy translating stuff.
Sera, of course it is okay for you to be part of the domain’s history. Even if you weren’t in the painting, you’d still be in the history books.
One-year-olds are powerful enemies.