Capítulo 12: A duchess’ concern (Ray’s mother POV)
Today, my son is coming home to visit. He hasn't been home in a while as he said he was too busy dealing with all kinds of work for the imperial knights. I understand his new higher position granted him heavier responsibilities, but I'll still scold him for not being much present! After all, family comes first, and I'm very worried about him! Also, aren't I his mother? How dare he not visit me as often as he can, I really miss when he was still a little crybaby that'll cling to my dress all day long…
But really, my son is the cutest in the whole world! I'm not really an overly proud parent, he's just so smart, so polite, so handsome and serious, he's the coolest! Not only is he the imperial knights' captain under his majesty's direct command, he's also the most handsome young man in the palace with a very dignified and elegant aura. No lady can resist his charms, moreover he's not frivolous and is actually very modest, diligent and hardworking making him not only liked by the ladies but also very respected by his male colleagues and subordinates.
Ahh, I'm so proud of my little boy, I can't believe he has grown up to a fine 26 years old young man… yes, 26 years old already… and he doesn't have a single girlfriend, let alone a wife! Women swarm around him whenever he's in sight how come he couldn't get a single one!
Well, I kind of know the reason though… His excessive popularity may not be that much of a blessing considering it actually made him despise all ladies that show unsightly behavior around him. Even the finest young noble women seem to lose their cool in front of him. He also seems to dislike hypocrites, conceited and selfish ladies and uncultured and boring people…
Really, finding him a wife turned out to be a much bigger challenge than I could ever imagine. He was so cute when he was younger, when did he turn into such a cold and impassive person? It's a wonder the women who surround him don't fill the chilling air around him and the cold stares he sends them. Or as I heard, it seems they actually enjoy this side of his character saying it's part of his charm… I don't really understand youngsters anymore, or perhaps do I still see him as my cute little baby?
Oh well, anyhow, I must absolutely find him a suitable partner. His two oldest sisters are already married and blessed with children, and I can't get enough of those little bundles of joy. My third daughter is still a bit young to be married, plus she seems to be perfectly smitten with her beloved brother. Her expectations are too high and she's a little difficult to handle so I won't haste her case... my youngest daughter just turned 4 this year so she's not there yet. But Ray's at the perfect age for a man, and I can't wait to see how cute his little angels will be! Ahh I want to drown in their cuteness already… My reason is indeed selfish, but he must get married nonetheless.
His unwillingness to meet any fiancé candidate is my biggest obstacle right now. No matter how much I scheme to make him meet them, he always rejects my tea party invitations, skillfully dodges 'fateful encounters' I prepare, and ignores all ladies that approach him during his duties. Just how am I supposed to proceed! I've already exhausted all my plans!
-Hello mother, how are you doing today?
-Oh my, Laetitia, I didn't think you would already be done with your lessons for the day? I believe there's a little more time left until lunchtime?
-Yes, I worked as much as I could but I'm already tired, mother. Really, I'm not suited for studying! Why can't I just train as much as I like and be a knight like Onii-sama!
-What nonsense are you spouting again Laetitia, I told you many times over that your brother is a man and you a woman, you can't even compare. Moreover, your brother is very smart and couldn't have become the magnificent knight he sis today if he hadn't properly studied when he was younger.
-Tche.
-And don't click your tongue! Mind your manners young lady, you are the daughter of the most prestigious ducal family that has served the royal family ever since the birth of the country!
-I know, I know. Anyways, I heard Onii-sama would be visiting this afternoon? Is that true?
-Yes, I received a letter this morning saying he would be coming for dinner and staying over the night.
-Perfect! I just happened to progress my sword technique these last few months, I can't wait to practice with Onii-sama, I'm sure he'll be surprised!
-Laetitia… you never listen, do you?
-I'm glad I stopped the lessons earlier, I'll start preparing for this evening's match!
That girl, she didn't even finish her sentence in front of me, really, she's that excited. Well I can't blame her, he hasn't come home in a while.
Haa… what a problematic child, she is very sweet and kindhearted however society will not accept such rough behavior especially coming from a lady of her rank. I wish her sisters were still living with us to teach her how to behave a little, she's at the age where she needs a role model the most. Am I too old to be her idol? No, I guess that's just because her actual role model is Ray, she holds such respect and affection for him it's frightening… I need to find her another tutor, no, a friend that would teach her all she needs to know and actually make her behave properly.
My hands are already full with our troublesome bachelor, but I also need to take care of this tomboy's troublesome manners as soon as possible…
-Mommy, are you sad?
-Oh, Angelica, my dear. Mommy is not sad, I'm just thinking a little.
Ahh, my healing angel has come. Really, with all the problems I'm dealing with right now, she is most welcome.
-So, mommy is happy?
-Yes, mommy is very happy that the sweetest and cutest daughter cares about her! Aww, sometimes I just wish I could gulp you whole!
-Hehehehe, Mommy, that tickles.
-Bear with me, Angelica is too irresistible!
Cuddling time with my youngest daughter is bliss. Ahh, I can already feel all my troubles disappearing one after the other.
-Hello mother, Hello Angelica, Good day to you two. I see you're still as affectionate as ever. (Penny)
-Fufu, mother can't help it, she just loves all cute and fluffy things. I wonder if my son will be able to bear it today? (Gina)
-Penny-Onee-chan! Gina-Onee-chan! (She runs towards them and hugs them tightly)
-Oh my, Penny, Gina, I didn't expect you two until this evening. I'm glad to see you both are doing well. Please take a seat and enjoy the garden with me, the weather is beautiful today I'm thinking we should have a picnic since so many people gathered just in time for lunch.
Ah, I'm exalted! My two eldest daughters are twins, there are my pride and joy. Among society, they are very well known for being the roses of the Steel House. Everything from their speech to every little finger's movement, their manners are perfect! Gracious, elegant, extremely beautiful and loved by everyone for their sweetness and kind hearts.
However… that I true only in society's eyes. Whenever we're among close family members, they become more direct and even a little rough at times. Sigh, I guess that's where Laeticia gets her attitude, it's a shame she didn't copy the whole behavior though.
There are turning 28 this year, but they're still very childish at heart. There is a merely 2 years age difference between them and Ray, but they have completely different degrees of maturity. At times, I wonder who really the eldest child is.
-Ara? I can't seem to find your lovely children anywhere? Might they be playing in the mansion?
-Edward is probably hiding from you, mother. He's turning 10 this year, he now gets embarrassed when showered with that much affection. Also, he's a little upset with me lately, he thinks I'm giving his little baby sister more attention than him.
-As for my daughter, she seems to like Ed very much she won't stop following him. I'm sure they're playing together somewhere in the mansion. But don't worry, Mary may be younger, she's surprisingly very responsible and level-headed.
-Eh.. I see.. (Duchess)
-Don't make such a downhearted expression mother, I'm sure he'll come out eventually. He's just a bit shy. I'm sure he actually enjoys how much you pamper him since he has been impatient to come. Gina happened to stay over at my estate yesterday night, so we were able to depart together just as scheduled, however he kept insisting to come the earlier possible. (Penny)
-I guess he's just a bit bashful as he doesn't know how to reciprocate affection as he's starting to get conscious of his position as a young boy. How cute, I just want to tease him right now. (Gina)
-… I can't say the same about you, Gina. He was very reluctant to travel with you. When I told him you would be coming over and traveling with us, his expression suddenly turned grim, and he only cheered up a little when I mentioned Mary would be coming along. (Penny)
-Oh my? Really? well, I just enjoy seeing his cute expressions, I never meant ill. After all, I'd be sad if he came to hate me. However, it's surprising to see my ever-so-strict nee-chan acting overly protective for her child's sake. (Gina)
-Well, you should just tone down the teasing a bit… also, don't switch your target to me. I'm not an over-bearing parent but seeing him go through such lengths to avoid you is a little worrying. I don't want our family to have any kinds of problems after all. (Penny)
-Fufu, I shall pay more attention to my behavior. As for now, I'm getting pretty hungry. Should we all have lunch? I believe our dear little brother will come early afternoon so we must make preparations to hold a proper dinner. After all, it's been a while since we have last met.
REFLEXIONES DE LOS CREADORES 
Aytise
Aytise Hey guys! I've just realized, but my chapters are kinda long aren't they? Would you prefer shorter chapters for easier reading? let me know!
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