After a moment’s hesitation, Theodore spoke.

“I hope our child doesn’t take after me too much…”

“Why not?”

I asked with a chuckle, and Theodore paused briefly before replying with a slightly embarrassed look.

“Well, I tend to be overly sensitive…”

“Another way to say that is you’re perceptive.”

“I overthink things and worry about every little detail—”

“Which means you’re thorough, right?”

“…Anyway, it’s a personality that can exhaust both myself and others.”

I laughed out loud as I watched Theodore’s self-awareness. He joined in with a hearty laugh, perhaps pleased to see me happy.

“I can’t wait to meet our child.”

“Me too.”

I firmly grasped Theodore’s hand that reached out from behind me. The realization that I had someone to be with forever filled my heart with emotion once again.

The happiness that had once felt like a strange dream had now become familiar. No longer did I fear that it was just a fleeting daydream.

“Let’s make sure we live a long and happy life together.”

“Of course, we will.”

Theodore pressed his lips gently against my cheek as he smiled softly.

* * *

Children are truly remarkable beings.

They make us reflect on our past and consider how we can create a better future.

“Lumiere, come here. We need to get going soon.”

Lumiere turned away from watching the birds in the garden at my call. Her face was just like mine, framed by silver-white hair. Her left eye matched my green, but her right was a deep blue, exactly like Theodore’s.

And her personality…

“Mom, the baby bird is so cute. Can we take one home to raise?”

According to Theodore, she resembles Camillus Valentino, though I’m not sure about that.

From what I sense, there are times she reminds me of the little light. However, Lumiere has no memories of being the little light. Perhaps it’s better that way. Sometimes I wonder if it would be better for her to remember when she’s older. But for now, I think it’s best that she grows up free-spirited and carefree.

“At the beach, you can see even more birds. Some really big ones too.”

“Albatross? I can’t wait to see them!”

“Right, so let’s get in the carriage, shall we?”

“Yes!”

Lumiere hurried over and Theodore lifted her up effortlessly. He spun around playfully, and Lumiere laughed joyfully. Theodore’s face bloomed with a smile as he showered her with kisses, causing Lumiere to squirm from the tickles.

“Only one kiss a day!”

“What? Who says?”

Theodore was taken aback. Lumiere puffed her cheeks and stared at Theodore as she continued.

“Lumiere is six now, so I am a young lady. I would say no more kisses, but since Dad might cry, just one a day.”

“How about three?”

“Two.”

“Alright, two it is.”

Watching Theodore and Lumiere seriously negotiating made me chuckle. They really get along so well.

“Ah, but Mom can kiss me all she wants!”

Just as Lumiere climbed into the carriage, she seemed to remember to add that. Theodore paused, looking hurt. He firmly held the child who was trying to reach me and pretended to be sad.

“My daughter, why can’t Dad kiss you all I want?”

“Because you’re Dad.”

“And why is that?”

“Ung, Lumiere likes Mommy more.”

Lumiere wriggled free from Theodore’s grasp and stretched her arms out towards me. Clearly, she wanted to be hugged. I obliged. Lumiere rubbed her cheek against my dress, giggling.

“Mom’s smell.”

“Mom wore perfume today.”

“It smells like flowers.”

“What kind of flowers do you think?”

“Hmm… lily of the valley!”

“Correct~.”

I planted a quick kiss on her cheek, and Lumiere giggled in delight. Theodore, sitting opposite us, watched enviously.

“I like that perfume. The one with the lily of the valley decoration.”

“Mom will give it to you as a present for your debut.”

“The same perfume as Mom! I love it!”

Lumiere bounced in her seat and wrapped her arms around my neck. I never thought I’d be using the phrase ‘bunny-like daughter’, but whenever I see Lumiere, the words just seem to leap out. She truly is a bunny-like daughter.

“Lumiere, do you know where we are going now?”

“Yes. To the beach.”

“Which beach?”

“To the beach in Dornak. Uncle Zen said he has a gift for Lumiere.”

__