"Daddy, mommy, we won, we won, right???!"
"That's right, sweetie! We won!"
"Now you can make clothes for anyone you want, Nala. And you too, my baby boy, you can take any books you want to read. No one can tell you anything now."
Rune seemed very happy to hear that, since he couldn't even contain his grin. Though he did bury his head in mom's shoulder out of shyness.
And by now, the courtroom had also begun to empty itself. Of course though, as you'd expect, as everyone slowly made their way out, their eyes were glued to us. Honestly, I couldn't really blame either one of them for glaring at us however. At the end of the day, albeit undeserved and all that stuff, these guys did in fact witness our victory, which they may as well have prayed against.
Surprisingly, it didn't seem like anyone was going to say anything though. I guess even the scum has some kind of pride, huh? Nonetheless, the fact that there are no real sore losers is pretty refreshing. Maybe this Kingdom isn't doomed after all—-
"Tsk… this isn't over, you hear me? You filth disguised as people…"
Nevermind, there it is… a sore loser…
It seems like the livestream ending was his green light or something like that, since even after all the clear humiliation he's been through, he still doesn't seem to be intending on giving up.
We all just ignored it though. Surprisingly or not so surprisingly, it seems like even the twins were more mature than him. His majesty made his way outside while getting completely ignored.
"It really is over, Huh? We're officially not banished nobles anymore."
"What, would you have preferred to remain like that, my dear younger brother?"
"As if… it's just a pretty big change, you know? Only a few months ago our village got destroyed, and now we're moving to the capital as nobles."
"I guess that is a pretty big change when you put it like that. But nonetheless, I personally don't think it's a bad one. Although I will be a lot busier from now on…"
"Both of us will be, dear. Now that I think about it, we once got told by dad, didn't we? 'You'll understand how much work I actually do when it's you'll take over'"
"Unfortunately I'm already well aware of how much work we'll have to do even before we start though… that damn old man was right in the end."
"So both mommy and daddy are going to be very busy now?"
"Yeah, both daddy and mommy will be a lot busier from now on, or at least for a few months before we can go back to normal to some extent."
"We have around 20 years of paperwork to catch up to after all. But don't worry, we'll try our best to leave as much time open as we can for all 4 of you."
"You don't have to worry about that, you two. I'm sure both twins understand as well. You should just focus on your work for the time being. All of you will be staying at my house until the Ashford Villa is built either way, so it's not like I have to do anything in particular that we haven't been doing already."
"We appreciate the help little one, but are you sure? You're just as busy as us, you know?"
"Unlike you two, I don't really have 20 years worth of work waiting for me… so between us, I'd say that I'm the one with more free time. Not to mention, you two are acting like you'll be isolated on a deserted island or something, even though until the Ashford Villa is built you're still going to be working in one of the offices in my house."
"We're well aware of that, but as you just said, we'll be working there, you know? We won't have time to take care of them for a while. For that matter, we'd be lucky if we can even eat together, as much as it hurts to say…"
"We can't help it, dear. From now on, we're the Great Ashford Duke and Duchess after all."
"There's Ivy and Iris to look after them when I'm not home, not to mention my house already has fully employed maids and butlers that can bring you guys food, and clean the house and all that stuff. The only real reason you two have been doing any housework was purely out of your own choice for that matter."
"What about once the new Ashford Villa is fully built though? We'll move out right away-"
"And I'll be helping you move out if you want to. We're neighbors for a reason, aren't we? The kids can stay with me until you two are caught up on your work either way, since as I said, it's really not an issue."
"Not to mention, as I said earlier both twins already have a nanny. Iris can just look over Nala while they make clothes or take her shopping, Ivy can read with Rune or go to a library with him. Of course, I'm sure they'll miss you two a little, but I'm also fairly sure that having 2 gremlins cling to you while you work once in a while won't slow you down too much."
Both dad and mom seemed unable to argue back at this point. Maia's arguments were really strong though, and I honestly agreed with her too. I get that for them it must be a difficult thing, and they may even think of it as neglecting us, and specifically the twins, but it's really not the case. They can just storm into their office if they miss them so much, and continue living like they have been ever since we arrived in the capital, otherwise.
"You two have been taking care of the twins for almost 7 years straight. So what if I look over them for a few months? Sure, I may be busy myself as Mio's Lieutenant, but I still come home almost every night, you know? Not to mention, at the end of the day, I am still Your Eldest Child. I don't see an issue with helping my parents, and looking after my own younger siblings."
Both dad and mom remained silent for a moment. Glancing first at Maia, then me, and lastly, each one of them looking at the twin they were holding.
"Daddy…"
"M-Mommy…"
And with the type of Synchrony you'd only be able to find in twins like themselves…
"'We don't mind staying with Maia, if it'll help you with your work…!'"
"Alright… little ones. We're really sorry for not being able to play with you for a while…"
"But if you're willing to stay with Maia, then that will make things easier for us. Of course though, you can barge in our office whenever you want, or even break the doors if you feel like it."
"No, no, wait a minute… breaking their office doors is fine, but only after you're out of my house…"
"We promise to take you out as soon as we're free though, and of course, we're not forgetting about your birthdays that are really soon either."
"Oi…"
I would've ignored you too if I was in their place honestly, so give it up, my dear older sister.
"Ah! Does that mean we can have big parties for our birthday?!"
"We'll throw the biggest banquettes just for your birthdays! Both me and Isolde will have to regularly attend formal banquets from now on too, so if either one of you wants to come, you can ask us. Though the ones we'll make for you will be better than all of them, hehe."
"Dear… don't get too excited planning their banquets, or you'll be slacking off. We have to start working as soon as tomorrow, you know?"
"I know, I know. But what's the big deal? I'm just happy that now I can show off my kids on their birthdays to the whole Kingdom. I'm sure everyone will be jealous of us too, after all we have the best kids in the entire world."
"Well, I can't disagree there. Both of our boys, and both of our girls, they're definitely the best."
"You two are also the best daddy and mommy in the world!!"
"I-I agree…"
Though they did hug them in synchrony, it's pretty funny to see the contrast between them, no matter how many times I've seen it before. Nala of course energetically hugged dad around his neck, meanwhile Rune just shyly and affectionately rested his head against mom's shoulder, kinda like a baby trying to take a nap. It was cute on both ends though.
"I'm sorry for interrupting your heartwarming family moment…"
A few moments afterwards though, a voice spoke out to us, while 4 distinct footsteps approached from behind. It was a familiar voice, all of us probably having realized who it was as soon as she spoke. But nonetheless, we still turned around, as they stopped walking, only a few steps away from us.
"First off, Congratulations for winning your case, Ashford family."
"It really was one heck of a spectacle, truly. I would've paid at least 1000 gold coins to watch this, had it been a theater show."
"For the first time, I think you're actually undervaluing the potential of a play, mom. I would've paid at least 10000 gold coins to watch something as entertaining as this."
"Hmm, you may be right this time, Rosalie… but you know, there are more factors that come in play than just entertainment when it comes to the value of a theater show-"
"Both of you, can you please not start now?"
They pretty much instantly froze the instant she spoke, their faces even going pale for a few moments there before they replied at the same time.
"'Y-yes Mam…"
"Is there something you need from us, you guys?"
"Hm? Did you forget or something, Maia? You guys. Have to go and meet up with Mio, don't you?"
"Ah, now that you mention it. I guess it's about time we go. Mom, dad, you can leave the twins with them. Me and Mio asked these 4 to babysit the twins while we go ahead and meet up with her, since we couldn't bring Ivy and Iris with us."
"I mean, it's not like we have anything against it, but are you guys sure? Aren't you busy?"
"Bringing the twins with you to a boring meetup with Mio would be pretty inconvenient for everyone involved, no?"
"Not to mention, I'm sure the kiddos are tired by now too. For starters, all 4 of us cleared our schedules for today either way, so you don't have to worry about it."
"And also, who knows how long you guys will be busy with our Mio? It's best to just get the little ones out of here and have some fun, instead of waiting for you guys here."
"Which is exactly why we're here. Their personal caretaker maids couldn't come, and while we could just send a few recruits with them, it's better to be safe than sorry."
"They have a point, dear."
"I can't deny that. Honestly, I was a little worried about what we'd do with the little ones too."
"Right? So don't worry too much about it. There's close to no better guardians than us in the entire continent, you know? Excluding a few certain monsters."
"Oi, Rosalie, do I have to remind you that I approved your day off request last week so you could go to that art exposition without telling Mio? Though she probably did expect it either way…"
"W-what are you talking about, my beloved Boss, Maia??! I have no recollection of such event-"
"No, you really should mind your words at this time, Rosalie. I was the one who had to cover up for your free day, you know?"
"Hah? Isn't that just your duty as my mother? Why're you acting like you did me a favor? If anything, the one I'm grateful towards is obviously Maia-"
"Shut up, both of you… we really have to go already, I'd rather not make Mio wait too long."
The Queen of Nature then interfered, smacking both the fake twins in the head at the same time.
"Sorry about that, Maia. As I said, we'll take over the twins for you guys. We'll also bring them home ourselves, so you guys can take your time."
"Is that so? You can stay over if you get to my house before us then. I don't mind having you guys over for dinner either."
"Let's postpone that for a different time. Either way, a pretty big banquet will be held soon to celebrate your guys' return as nobles, no?"
"I agree with mother here, Maia. Not to mention, it's best if you family members just celebrate among yourselves, especially without those annoying easy to scam rich idiots."
"Mivana…I gifted a special painting I thought you'd like just last month, you know?"
"And I invited both you and Sylara to a theater play last month, but you denied it…"
"That painting was a stolen piece, you know?"
"W-wait, what…? Haha, you must be joking, right…?"
"We normally accept you or your mother's invitations, don't we? Why did you two think we rejected it last month…"
"Me and Mivana spent that whole day trying to figure out who the true owner of that painting was… well, we did manage to find them by the end of the day and return it at least though. Coincidentally, we did that while you two "fake twins" were enjoying that theater show."
They both started shaking a little, as sweat visibly piled up on their faces, kinda like in an anime where a character is clearly guilty of something but doesn't have the guts to say it, if you know what I mean. But well, I can't really blame them considering their questionable unintentionally criminal actions.
But given the fact that both the Queen of Nature and Mivana seem to actually like them, I guess they're actually pretty good friends, huh? Maybe this is a more common occurrence than one would expect. But either way, thankfully for the fake twins, Maia ended up saving them.
"Alright, alright. You guys can scold those useless fake twins another time. We really should get going already."
"Y-yeah, Maia's right. We shouldn't make the Commander wait, right, Isolde?"
"That's right dear, we definitely shouldn't. Yep, it's time we all split up and go on our way."
Nice save.
At least we can actually move on from… whatever this is.
"…t-that's right! What's done is done, w-we can't change the past, right, Rosalie?!"
"Y-you're right mother, you're absolutely right!"
"Salary Isolde, you can leave Rune with me and Mivana. There's a pretty special library not too far from here."
"Ah, mom, do you mean?"
"That's right. The little one seems pretty passionate about reading after all."
"That's true, my baby boy does spend most of his time reading. Though sometimes we also read together."
"Then there's no better place than this one. It's a library with access so limited that even most Sentinels are prohibited from entering, you know?"
"What—? Isn't that a really important place then…? Are you sure my baby boy should be allowed in?"
"It's alright, since you're Maia's family. Family members of those who are qualified for entrance are also granted access. Though of course, it's only the case for immediate family."
"Which makes Maia's younger brother more than worthy of entering."
"Alright, I get that, but what even is inside of this library? To begin with, are you sure there's even anything inside that my baby boy will enjoy reading?"
"Normally we aren't allowed to disclose any information about it, but once again, you're all immediate family of Maia, so we can make an exception. Mother, if you will."
"The reason why access is so limited, is because there are both copies and originals of every single book ever created in this Kingdom, or at least any that have been created since… well, a really long time. Fantasy, politics, records of history. If it's a book made inside of this Kingdom, then it's there, whether it's a copy or it's original. That also includes originals for the record, like books that got discontinued or never publicly released."
"Every Kingdom in the continent has a branch of this library. Which is why, besides myself, mother, Maia or Mio, not even other Sentinels can enter a branch from a Kingdom other than their own. Though we can't go into details regarding why me and mother are exceptions, so sorry about that."
No, no, this isn't something a simple sorry can cover up…
This is like a completely different level of elite access, isn't it? If I'm not mistaken, earth also had something similar, although with way more accessibility and its existence made completely public. I'm talking about that one library inside the Vatican City of course. And though I don't really remember the exact rules or contents within it, I'm pretty sure you had to make a formal request to go inside that thing and only for specific books, in a library that was a few kilometers in size…
Though of course, I have absolutely no idea of the size of this specific library, its contents seem substantially more elite to begin with. The fact that I also have access to that immediate family is giving me mixed feelings about it honestly. If there's either the original or a copy of every single book ever created in this Kingdom since God knows how long, then that definitely includes the shady stuff that was probably written either by someone who may as well have been possessed by some mysterious entity, or just high on every single drug on the market at the same time.
The fact that not only one but 7 of those exist in this continent, and their access is so restricted that besides the literal Commander and her Lieutenant, only other 2 people have direct access to all of them is beyond insane. Granted, I'm obviously not going to ask any questions since it's clearly not my call, but a "sorry, but we can't tell you" is kinda disappointing, or rather, scary even, within this context. Sometimes it's astonishing to see the difference between an individual's personality and their power…
Though I guess I can't really speak on that, when my strawberry addicted gorilla of a sister is the second strongest and most powerful person in the entire continent, huh?
"It's alright, you two. Honestly, we can't really comment much on it either at this point."
"Granted, we also technically have access from what you guys said, it is still a little shocking that our little one can just go in with you… but after Maia became The Commander's Lieutenant, I personally kinda got desensitized to these kind of plot twists too, so I honestly can't even think of any reason to be against it…"
"I agree, dear… the fact that the Queen of Nature herself is offering to be our boy's nanny alongside her daughter is enough of a shocking turn of events. We don't have any reason to not trust them either, so if you're sure about it, I'll leave my boy in your care."
"Hahaha, there's no need to be so humble. Maia is a dear friend to all the Sentinels after all. Her family is just as important to us as she is, so we'd appreciate it if you could be more casual with us. For that matter, she's been calling us by our names all this time too, so if her parents don't do the same, it does feel a little off. Please, feel free to call me Sylara."
"Even if you say that… it's a lot easier said than done, you know?"
"I see no reason for you two to feel any reason to be polite with me. Contrary, I'm no noble even in the Elfen Kingdom, you know? So that makes you two, the Great Ashford Duke and Duchess superior to me in rank, at least within this Kingdom."
"She sure is persistent, huh?…"
"It doesn't really seem like we have a choice here, dear…"
"Alright, alright. Then, Isolde, we'll leave Rune in Sylara's care for the time being."
Mom nodded, while The Queen- wait, actually, if the whole family is gonna use her name, it is a little weird for me to use her nickname, ain't it? So let's just forget that I guess. Sylara opened her arms after approaching mom and Rune, and surprisingly enough he actually willingly went in her arms.
"He really reminds me of Mivana when she was little… ahhh, maybe I should ask my husband for another child-"
"Mom… you have no time for pregnancies anymore. Although I agree that Rune is very cute, I think you're a little too old to have a baby fever. Not to mention, I already have 3 younger siblings, just like Maia… are you trying to one up Lady Isolde or something?"
"Come on! No need to be so negative about it, Mivana. I get it, I really do, you know? As the Eldest, you don't wanna share your mother's love with more than 3 siblings that you already have, but it's alright! I love all of you equally, so what's the big deal with having a 5th—…I'm sorry."
Are we sure that she's the mother here?! All it took was one glare from Mivana to silence her up…
"Well, putting aside my mother's outburst of baby fever, please also feel free to call me Mivana. That of course, Including all of you, not just the Grand Duke and Duchess."
"I got it! Mivana, I'll call you by your name from now on!"
"Haha, I'm glad that you're so eager, Nala. Do you think you could make something like a dress for me sometime, if you have time of course."
"He-he…! There's no way I can't do that! I'll make you a dress that will make everyone stare at you! You're already really pretty too, so it won't be hard either, Mivana."
"…maybe another younger sibling wouldn't be too bad after all."
"Hmph—"
After letting out a surprisingly satisfying to hear smug hmph, Mivana instantly turned her head around to glare at her, but while maintaining her grin and head turned, she just ignored it, as she then turned around and began walking slowly towards the exit.
"Well then, let's get going, Mivana. If we drag this on for too long, Mio may get impatient waiting for them after all."
"Wait, mom… seriously, don't just start going without me like that."
"We'll bring him home and wait for your return before going on our way, so you don't have to worry about anything, Ashford family."
"Don't ignore me like that…"
But well, she kinda still did, as all 3 of them walked outside the courtroom.
"They sure have an interesting dynamic, huh?"
"It reminds me of you and Maia to some extent, dear. Although Maia does seem to have the upper hand 90% of the time."
"Of course she does, she's just as scary as you, but could actually burn me to ashes… Nala is my only true Angel in this family!—"
But before he could actually finish it, or rather, the microsecond he finished his sentence, Nala instantly jumped off his arms, and ran towards the fake twins, hugging Evelyn's legs.
"Then does that mean???!!"
"N-Nala… you could've just told your daddy if you wanted to get down…."
"Yep, that's right, Nala. We agreed on those 2 taking Rune to a library, while me and Rosalie…"
"Take you shopping! Isn't that exciting?! And of course, we'll pay for everything!"
"Really?!! Yuppie, can we go already?! Can we?!"
"N-Nala…"
"Give it up, dear. Even your "only angel" is bound to stop being daddy's girl one day."
"That's right dad, it's a natural outcome… give it up."
What harsh words said with a benevolent smile and tone… the women in our family really are scary.
Though coincidentally, they were also patting his back and all, and of course, deep down there was no offense intended in their words. Overall, I think it may be a fairly questionable love language, but besides its tsundere nature, it's surprisingly healthy in the grand picture. Of course, dad was joking when saying Nala was his only Angel, and both Maia and mom simply kept the same energy while teasing him a little.
Questionable approach? Sure, but at the very least effective. Do we still have a very healthy and loving family regardless of our twisted personalities and love language? Also yes, so I don't really see any issues with it. Albeit, those two are still scary sometimes…
"But still, you two really don't have to pay for everything, you know? My little Angel is a pretty big spender."
"It's a bit late to tell us that after we bought an entire store because of her, Sir Bartholomew. We're well aware of her seemingly boundless spending passion."
"But either way, it's really not an issue. Money is the last of our concerns after all."
"Ah, now that you mention it, I did hear that you two are the richest Captain and Lieutenant respectively."
"That's true, if you take out Mio and Maia, that is. Both your daughter and her best friend have pretty much an infinite amount of money."
"Are you really that rich, my dear daughter?"
He somehow asked that in the most unsurprised tone a human could possibly have, by the way. Although once again, I can't say I don't understand it. By this point, nothing regarding Maia can really surprise us.
"I guess that's one way to put it. But either way, both of the fake twins outdo both me and Mio in terms of wealth outside of our Sentinel salaries and resources that me and Mio have as the Commander and Lieutenant. Though it may not look like it, these two aren't just the richest Captain and Lieutenant. They are… the 2 richest people in the entire continent, based on personal wealth alone."
"Was the "it may not look like it" part necessary, Maia?"
"How many actors did you try to buy to privately perform at your house just because you liked their theater play once, then forgot about them, never even had them play but still keep paying to this day, because you realized you prefer live theater plays, instead of private ones… this month?"
"T-that's…"
Holy…! rich people's problems really are in a completely different league.
That's like hiring Tom Holland because you liked his acting in Spider- man, paying millions for a private acting agreement, forgetting he exists, while still paying millions every salary, just because you forgot he can't climb walls outside of a movie.
"And you, Rosalie, how many "sculptures" did you buy this month that are oddly similar to completely regular objects? Like for example, that "sculpture" of a porcelain cup you bought for 1000 gold coins and told us all about, at our last meeting?"
"H-huh…? What are you talking about, it was obviously a sculpture!"
"Do you have any idea how Porcelain stuff is made?"
"Of course I do! It's a well appreciated type of clay work after all! You shape the clay then bake…it…"
"And what's the difference between a supposedly sculpted porcelain cup, and the completely normal and standard porcelain production method?"
"T-that's…! O-one is a sculpture—"
"And what's the difference between a "sculpted" porcelain cup, and a regular one?"
"I-… did I get scammed again?"
"Though at the very least, it is a pretty decent porcelain cup, you know? Albeit a completely normal one."
"Dang it… alright, I get what you meant now. We don't get scammed that often though!"
"Are you gonna take my sister or not? It's really about time we go, unless you want me to tell Mio how you two slowed us."
"No, that's not necessary… anyway! Say, Nala, me and Rosalie have a bunch of really nice stores nearby here that we're interested in. How about a nice dress up show? We'll buy you any clothes you like!"
"Any?! Even if I want the entire store again?!!"
"Of course! We're going to bring you to stores that we already considered buying anyway, so if you feel like one, or all of them are worth buying, then we trust your insight, and we'll get them."
"You two really don't care about spending money, huh?"
"Can you blame us though, Lady Isolde? You have such a cute little girl, we can't help but want to dress her up in as many cute clothes as possible. If you want to, we can also take pictures and show them to you guys, you know?"
"We'll leave her in your care!"
That was a pretty drastic change of mood, huh, old man?
Understandable from his point of view though, considering that Nala is definitely a really good model for trying on clothes. Well, not that he cares about whether she's a good model or not, since he just wants to see his daughter in cute clothes, but still. I can relate to that at least.
"Pleasure doing business with you! Let's go, Nala. We have a lot of clothes to try on."
Taking one hand from each of them, they happily walked out of the courtroom as well, leaving just the 4 of us behind.
"She said "pleasure doing business with you!" Didn't she? Now that I think about it, it did kinda feel like a transaction… or is it just me?"
"No, surprisingly enough I also feel like I unwillingly made business with them, dear."
"Moreover, it somehow feels like we just sold Nala as a model in exchange for the pictures, doesn't it?"
"… They are the richest people on the continent after all…"
We all kinda just remained there for about a minute or so, in pure silence, feeling as if we somehow made a deal against our will, yet still having lost nothing in particular. It's a little insane how even though Maia was making fun of them, of course in a joking matter, they still managed to close a deal without any of us realizing. Rich people that are also smart… are scary.