Lina accompanied Claude as he played in the palace courtyard. She didn't even know when the swings, slides, and other play equipment had been installed there. The courtyard now resembled a playground, seemingly designed especially for her son.
Shortly afterward, Caelis arrived, accompanied by several other adults. Judging by their attire and bearing, Lina could immediately tell that they were members of noble clans.
"Claude," Caelis called softly.
Claude instantly jumped down from the swing and ran toward him excitedly. "Dad!"
Lina had actually told her son to start calling Caelis 'Dad.' She had expected Claude to need some time to adjust, yet the boy showed no confusion at all.
The way Claude addressed Caelis felt completely natural—as if the Grand Duke had always been his biological father. Lina felt relieved that neither of them showed any awkwardness that might arouse suspicion about their kinship.
