Just as the fragrance of tea filled the air and the morning sun cast its gentle warmth, a soft, rhythmic patter of footsteps came from the entrance on the other side of the garden.

TAP, TAP, TAP!

The sound of high heels clicking on the gravel path grew closer, carrying a distinct rhythm.

Leia was the first to notice. She quickly retreated to the edge of the pavilion, lowered her head, and stood solemnly.

First, an older lady-in-waiting in a dark gray uniform with impeccably styled hair appeared at the turn of the path. She stepped to the side, clearing the way and bowing her head respectfully.

Only then did Margaret’s figure emerge gracefully from behind the rose bushes.

Today, Duke Temeris’s attire differed from the solemn outfits she wore when discussing matters of state.

Time seemed to have stopped for her. She still possessed the figure and face of a young girl, looking no older than fifteen or sixteen. Her skin was as smooth as jade, glowing softly in the morning light.

She wore a long, dark-green velvet dress. Its style was simple yet exquisitely tailored, perfectly hugging her curves.

Her jet-black hair was not arranged in an intricate bun as usual. Instead, it was loosely gathered at the back of her head with a silver hairpin inlaid with amethysts. A few strands fell naturally, softening her usual air of authority.

Her gaze first fell on the father and daughter in the pavilion, lingering for a moment before the corners of her lips curved into a smile.

It was a gentle smile, but her eyes swirled with a deep, unreadable glint that Murphy knew well.

"It seems I’ve arrived at just the right time." Margaret’s voice was gentle, with the characteristic, elegant accent of the Southern Nobility. "Morning light, fragrant tea, and... a family reunion."

As she strolled toward the pavilion, her chief lady-in-waiting, Annabelle—a woman in her forties—silently gestured for Leia to bring a chair.

Annabelle personally checked the chair for cleanliness, then retreated to a position two steps behind Margaret, her hands folded respectfully before her.

"Mother." Eleanor looked up from her teacup, her jet-black eyes brightening.

Murphy gave a slight nod. He did not rise, but simply placed his teacup back on the table.

Margaret sat down beside him, her posture elegant and natural, as if the seat had been reserved just for her.

"Discussing anything interesting?" Margaret’s gaze swept over the ancient tome by her daughter’s side before returning to Eleanor’s face. "I saw from a distance that you two were deep in conversation."

"Father was telling me about talent." Eleanor’s reply was direct, her voice holding a child’s candor. "He said I might have a Wizard’s talent, for prophecy." 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

The tip of Margaret’s eyebrow twitched imperceptibly. She turned to Murphy, a flicker of inquiry in her eyes, but it was quickly masked by a smile.

"Is that so?" Her voice remained gentle. "Our Little Eleanor is showing such promise so early?"

She reached out and gently brushed her fingertips over the crown of her daughter’s head.

"It’s only a preliminary sense," Murphy said, his voice perfectly even. "It will take time to observe its specific tendencies and strength."

"Naturally, it requires observation," Margaret said, drawing back her hand and tapping a finger on her knee. "A talent is a gift, but it is also a responsibility. To define it too early is not necessarily a good thing."

She paused, then deftly changed the subject. "But today, our little birthday girl shouldn’t be troubled by such serious topics."

She looked at Eleanor with a smile. "Tomorrow is your birthday, my dear. Five years old is a very important age. I’ve personally overseen the preparations for the celebration. Would you like to hear about the schedule?"

As expected, Eleanor’s eyes lit up, her childlike excitement temporarily eclipsing her curiosity about her talent.

She sat up a little straighter and nodded earnestly.

Margaret began to explain, her voice like a pleasant melody, "In the morning, there will be a formal blessing ceremony in the White Rose Hall, presided over by Archbishop Fernandez himself. At noon, there will be a family luncheon—just us, along with a few especially close family elders."

She deliberately omitted any mention of the "Royal Envoy," her tone kept light. "In the afternoon, in the Central Garden, I’ve hired the Flame Circus for you. They have the finest acrobats in the Southern Territory, a dog that can do math, a canary that speaks three languages, and a lion that jumps through flaming hoops. In the evening..."

She smiled, a mysterious glint in her eyes. "In the evening, at the Observatory, there’s a special surprise."

Eleanor listened, enraptured, her little face filled with anticipation.

Murphy listened in silence, his gaze shifting slowly between the mother and daughter.

"Mother," Eleanor asked suddenly, full of childish curiosity, "the surprise for this evening... can you give me a little hint?"

Margaret let out a light laugh, a sound as clear and crisp as a silver bell.

"I can’t do that," she said, pretending to look stern, though her eyes were full of mirth. "It wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you. But..."

She leaned forward and lowered her voice as if sharing a momentous secret. "I can tell you this: it has to do with the stars. Don’t you love watching the stars and hearing stories about the constellations?"

Eleanor nodded vigorously, her jet-black eyes seeming to reflect starlight itself.

Satisfied, Margaret sat up straight. Her gaze swept over the simple refreshments on the table. Instead of giving a direct order, she just inclined her head and cast a meaningful glance at Annabelle, who stood behind her.

The lady-in-waiting understood at once. She gave a slight bow and instructed Leia, who stood in attendance, in a steady voice, "Go have the kitchen send up some fresh fruit tarts and almond crisps, freshly baked. Also, bring a pot of honeyed lemon tea with fresh mint leaves."

"Yes, Madam," Leia replied in a low voice and swiftly withdrew.

Margaret then turned to Eleanor. "My dear, although the adults are handling the celebration, the little guest of honor also needs to make her own preparations, you know."