Hello, I’m Hikari Wingart, daughter of a count.

Right now, I’m in a really good mood.

“Hikari, Philia, the carriage is ready.”

“Thank you, dear.”

“Thank you, Otooshama!”

That’s because we’re about to head to Aria-chan’s house!

After that, father properly made connections and arranged, “Next time, let’s talk with our wives present.”

And now, the whole family is heading to the Cellite Ducal House!

“Otooshama, Okaashama! Let’s go already!”

My excitement is impossible to contain, and I end up shaking the carriage.

“Hikari, that’s dangerous.”

“I’m sorry.”

Even as she warns me, mother seems to be in a light mood too.

By the way, not only am I excited to go to Aria-chan’s house, but I’m also thrilled about riding a carriage for the first time.

Everything about today is just fun.

Once both father and mother get on, leaving the mansion in the care of Charl and Myuze, we set off for the Cellite Ducal House.

“Otooshama! The carriage is fast!”

“It is, isn’t it Hikari? Amazing, right?”

“Why are you the one bragging about it?”

Honestly, compared to cars from my previous life, it shouldn’t be that fast, but since it’s my first time riding a carriage, it feels like we’re moving at an incredible speed.

“It’s dangerous if you fall, so sit on father’s lap, alright?”

“Yes!”

“Hehe!”

Held by father, patted by mother, smiled at by the driver, we make our way there peacefully.

“To think we’d become close with the Cellite Ducal House…”

“That wouldn’t have happened without Hikari.”

“…Are you not on good terms?”

Was it the Four Great Nobles? Their status is so high, maybe it’s hard for nobles to have a good image of each other.

I don’t like the idea of nobles fighting.

“That’s not true. Thanks to Hikari, we were able to connect with someone I truly respect.”

“Really?”

“That’s right. Thank you, Hikari.”

“Okay!”

As expected, Aria-chan’s family must be really wonderful people!

* * *

“We’re here!”

The Cellite Ducal House.

A mansion and garden nearly the same size as ours.

““Welcome, Count Wingart!””

Several maids and butlers waiting in the garden greet us in unison.

“Okaashama! The maids are so cool! Amazing!”

Being welcomed this perfectly makes a four-year-old’s heart go wild.

“That’s right, it’s impressive. As expected of the servants of a ducal house.”

Mother, holding my hand, sounds a bit stiff—maybe she’s nervous.

“Nice to meet you. I am Oswald Wingart, head of the Wingart Count House.”

“I am Philia Wingart, his wife.”

The two of them give formal yet elegant bows.

But father doesn’t seem very nervous. He probably got quite comfortable with them last time.

“I am Hikari Wingart, their daughter!”

I mimic mother’s bow and sneak a glance at the servants.

'Whoa…'

They’re all smiling warmly.

The power of a little girl is incredible!

“Welcome, Count Wingart. The master and lady have been eagerly awaiting your arrival, so if you would please follow me.”

“We appreciate it.”

Following what seems to be the head butler, we walk through a mansion as large as our own and arrive in front of the reception room.

All that’s left is to knock and enter, but…

“Aria, calm down.”

“Father! I am calm!”

“That’s unladylike, Aria.”

“But! Hikari-chan is about to arrive! I want to see her already!”

“You’ll see her soon enough. You saw the carriage arrive, didn’t you?”

““……””

The sound of a very lively family conversation echoes through.

Wait, Aria-chan wanted to see me that much? That makes me really happy.

The head butler clears his throat lightly and knocks three times.

“Excuse me. Sir, Count Wingart has arrived.”

“Hikari-chan!”

“Aria-chan!”

The moment the door opens, both Aria and I forget all manners and run to each other, grabbing hands.

“It’s been so long! I’ve been waiting for you!”

“Aria-chan, it’s been so long! I wanted to see you too!”

“Aria, greet them properly first.”

“Ah! How improper of me!”

She lets go of my hand, takes a few steps back, lifts her dress, and gives a bow.

“Thank you for coming. I, Aria Cellite, welcome you all!”

“Aria-chan… amazing!”

Unlike before, it wasn’t just imitation—her bow was still childish, but properly refined.