Merlin Monochoria had been handsome and dashing in his youth, charming and romantic. Combined with his status as a count, he had been the dream lover of nearly half the women in the entire Shadowflame Grand Duchy.
Even after losing his wife in middle age, many noble ladies had still longed for Count Merlin.
Of course, Madam Meryl knew her father's character. He would never casually fool around with promiscuous noblewomen.
Still, Roland's teasing eased much of her anxiety—perhaps her father had not suffered these past years after all, and perhaps she did not need to worry about him so much... Besides, he had even been rumored to be involved with Princess Anxia.
"Eat!" She rolled her eyes at Roland.
But she soon started nagging again. "Russell, have you prepared a birthday gift for your grandfather? Reading Glasses won't do. Your grandfather is a Wyvern Knight; he will never become farsighted in his life... It would be best to prepare something thoughtful."
"Uh, Mother, it's hard for me to choose a thoughtful gift... Grandfather has everything." Russell had a headache over it too.
"What matters isn't how valuable the gift is, but the thought behind it," Madam Meryl said.
Russell turned to look at his elder brother, Roland. "Big Brother, what gift did you prepare?"
"A manuscript—the author's original manuscript of Snowflake Rhapsody. I found it in Furious Wind City." Roland spoke smugly. "Grandfather loves musical theater, and Snowflake Rhapsody is his favorite!"
Madam Meryl praised him, "This gift will definitely delight your grandfather, especially since you prepared it for him half a year in advance."
Baron Roman twisted his lips, seeming somewhat dismissive and perhaps a little jealous.
When it was his birthday, Roland had merely sent him a hand-carved seal, one that had not even been made by