"Here, I brought you another box of tea leaves. I think this will suit you better."

Aerin set down the teapot and tea leaves, then smiled sweetly at Lily and the other two.

"Thank you."

Lily and the others naturally thanked Aerin before refilling their cups with the fresh, hot tea.

"Daddy."

Elan Elur then came to my side and called out.

"How were your lessons? All finished?"

I ruffled both their heads as I asked.

"Of course we finished!"

"Or we wouldn’t be here, right?"

Elan and Elur blinked in unison before answering one after the other.

"Climb up."

I patted my lap. They exchanged a glance, then hopped lightly onto my thighs—one on each side.

My chair had no armrests, but Elan Elur weren’t as delicate as they looked. A small jump was enough. Though they weren’t tiny anymore, they still fit snugly on my lap, leaning against my chest. Any bigger, and this wouldn’t work.

They balanced against my chest, tails swaying gently as they gazed up at me. Beside us, Lily watched them intently, clearly fascinated.

"What did you learn from your teachers today?"

I grinned down at my daughters.

"Morning class: Demon Race History!"

"And Common Tongue!"

"Just finished Magic Lessons!"

They chimed together after listing their classes.

"Hmm~ Show me what you learned in magic."

I beamed, then prompted them further.

At my words, Elan and Elur spread their palms. Moments later, tiny magic circles formed above each hand. Both arrays had over three intricate rings—complex, yet distinctly different from one another.

"Dual casting?!" Lily gasped. Wuluwu gave a silent nod of approval. Ona and Hawthorn stared curiously, clearly lost. Aerin simply smiled, warm and proud.

"Ho ho! Impressive."

Delighted, I scratched their ears. Dual casting was a watershed moment for magical talent—it meant casting two distinct spells simultaneously. (Triple or quadruple casting existed too, but for children this young? Exceptional.)

Lily wasn’t just a sword-swinging brute; her knowledge let her recognize the feat. Wuluwu’s nod confirmed it.

"Reward time…" I pulled milk candies from the fruit basket and placed them in their hands. "Your favorites~"

"Mmm!"

They tore open the wrappers and popped the candies into their mouths with happy little cries.

"Ah! Giving Lan and Lu such sweet things again!" Aerin scolded. "They’ll get cavities!"

"It’s fine—just a few won’t hurt. Not like we do this daily." I grinned at her flushed face. The girls nodded eagerly, having devoured the candies before she could stop them.

"But Mooooom… this is our first time this week…"

"Today’s Monday!"

Elan Elur pleaded, but Aerin shut them down firmly. Gentle as she seemed—and though she claimed not to worry about their upbringing—she was stricter than me when it came to discipline.

"C’mon, they deserve rewards for doing so well. These are premium candies anyway. Don’t fret so much, Aerin."

Her pout softened at my words.

"...Fine. Since you insist. But—no candy before meals! And no more than ten milk candies a week. It’s *too* sweet!"

"Mmm—"

Elan Elur froze, then shot me pitiful, pleading looks.

"No compromises there," I said gently, shaking my head. "No pre-meal sweets. Ten candies max per week… though excellent behavior might earn extras."

I studied their small frames, then turned to Lily.

"Lily—how about teaching Elan Elur swordsmanship?"

"Eh?!" Lily jolted, caught completely off guard. The girls swiveled to stare at her, curious.

"It’s time they started physical training and close combat. Your swordplay is excellent—and suits them. I’d teach them myself, but I’m swamped." I kept scratching their heads as I spoke.

"...You trust me?" Lily blinked.

"Of course. Every girl I choose, I trust." I smiled. "Plenty of my maids specialize in swords, but you’re the right fit—"

"...Just because you trust me?"

"No. Your height matches theirs now. And your strength."

"Grr—" Lily bared her teeth. "Keep teasing me like that, and I *will* get angry!" Her ears flattened as she glared.

"Alright, alright. So—do you accept?" I chuckled.

"...Mmm. Fine. I accept." Lily studied Elan Elur, then nodded. She clearly adored them.

"Perfect. After our meeting—about a month from now—your sword lessons begin."

The girls nodded obediently, no hesitation.

"Settled then…"

"Ah~ How lovely," Ona sighed, propping her chin on her palms with a playful grin. "I wish I could teach something too~"

"You will. Your footwork’s superb—I’ll have you train them later. But for now? My little ones only study magic."

Elan Elur pouted.

"Hmph. Feels like there’s always more to learn…"

"Study hard with your sisters," Aerin murmured, nuzzling their cheeks. "Only then can you grow as strong as Papa. True freedom comes with strength. Understand?"

"...Yes, Mama."

They answered dutifully, though perhaps not fully grasping her words. I understood perfectly.

I’d gathered these maids to strengthen my power—but after Elan Elur came into my life, I refused to waste their potential. I’d chosen the finest among them as the girls’ teachers.

In this world, only strength mattered. And someday, I’d leave them forever. Before that day, I’d arm them with wealth no one could steal: knowledge and power.

With their gifts and these resources, I wouldn’t let weakness doom them to tragedy. I’d build their foundation with everything I had. At least then… when I departed, I could rest easy.

I stroked their heads, lost in thought.