Discussion Over Dinner

“Father-in-law and mother-in-law are coming?”

At dinner that night, I told both of them of my parents’ arrival, to which Sasha reacted with astonishment. Noting how cute that surprised expression of hers was, I went on.

“It’s probably because they’ve heard we’re expecting a second… Laurier, the last time you met them was after you were born, so you probably don’t remember, do you?”

“Father’s father?”

“…Yeah. That’s right. Well, you should call them ‘grandparents’, Laurier… they are your grandfather and grandmother.”

It took more willpower than I realized I had not to reach over the table and ruffle her hair as she nodded at me with a big smile. ‘Father’s father’, what kind of expression is that!? It’s too cute! But as my mind raced, I didn’t notice that Sasha looked slightly worried.

“I would like to help prepare for their arrival, but…”

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“Sasha, you shouldn’t do anything that would put your body at risk. This is a really important time, after all?”

“My apologies…”

Sasha looked remorseful as she sat up in bed. I know it’s not exactly good manners, especially for a noble, but… until Sasha’s health had improved, I’d organized to have a low table brought up to her room so that we could still all enjoy having meals together. Well, of course, if Sasha wasn’t feeling well I’d just eat together in the dining room with Laurier, but… I want to be by Sasha’s side as much as I can without burdening her, and it seems like the servants in the mansion are kindly turning a blind eye to our little breach of etiquette.

I brought my self closer to Sasha’s bed and gently brushed my hand through her hair.

“You don’t have to work yourself up so much… is what I would like to say, but I know how hard you’re working for our new family member. So, I’ll do whatever I can for you, Sasha, as well as Laurier… and of course, our new child. It’s only natural to rely on your family when you need to, right?”

“But… I’m always causing you so much trouble, my Lord…”

Mmm… Sasha still looks pretty depressed about this. She even looks beautiful with a solemn expression like that, but… I really can’t afford to let her feel down, especially if she isn’t in the best of health. I gave Sasha my warmest smile as I responded.

“There’s no such thing as trouble when it comes to my dear wife and daughter. If it’s for the sake of my family, I’m willing to do anything after all, so this much is nothing.”

“But… if I’m always relying on you like this, my Lord, I’ll be a burden…”

If everything was normal, words like that would be enough to put Sasha at ease, but… probably because of the pregnancy, it seems like she’s slightly more anxious than usual.

Well now, my daughter is sitting right there and Sasha is in the early stages of pregnancy, so I can’t do anything too flashy… what to do…

‘Let me embrace all your troubles away’ is something I’d usually say, and whisk her away to my bed, but that’s not something I could do even if Laurier wasn’t here, because I don’t want to put the baby or Sasha’s health at risk.

If that’s the case… then, I only have one option.

Cupping her cheek with my hand, I gently leaned in and kissed Sasha on the forehead.

“M-my Lord…”

She mustn’t have expected me to do this in front of our daughter. That look of anxiety from just a few moments ago was blown away as Sasha’s eyes opened wide, her cheeks flushing crimson. As Sasha sat speechlessly, I flashed her an ever so slightly mischievous grin.

“Sorry about that. But Sasha, it’s your fault for being too cute, right…?”

“C-cute? That’s…”

“You know… I really love your cute side, Sasha. No matter what, through thick and thin, I’ll always love you, Sasha. That’s why, if you say something as cute as that again… perhaps I’ll have to seal those lips with a more adult kiss?”

Sasha had no more words as her entire face went red. As relieved as I was that Sasha seemed to finally be calming down a little bit, the moment I let my guard down I felt a soft tug on my sleeve, as I looked down to see Laurier staring up at me with confused eyes.

“Father… what’s an adult kiss?”

…I slipped up. To think that the day has already come where my pure and innocent daughter would ask me such a thing…

Well, I suppose education is also part of a parent’s job. Eventually, Sasha or I will have to teach her about things like this, but… unlike Sasha, who I could simply teach practically, that wasn’t exactly something I could do with Laurier, so… after a bit of thought, I made up something safe on the spot, and thankfully she seemed to believe me.