Chapter 43

Carren’s eyes widened at Leciel’s answer, as if he hadn’t expected her to respond that way.

He looked briefly disappointed.

In contrast, Kael was smiling broadly.

If Leciel chose Carren, he would be willing to yield. Seeing the two children, who were precious to him, getting along was a pleasing sight for Kael.

However, when Leciel chose him, Kael felt happier than he expected.

“Maybe I wanted the little one to follow me a bit longer.”

After all, he had never been this fond of another child besides Carren in his entire life.

“That’s what she says.”

Kael said in a teasing tone.

“I heard it too.”

Carren said, quickly regaining his composure and speaking with an indifferent expression as if it didn’t matter.

But he couldn’t completely hide the disappointment in his eyes.

“Well, if you really want to hold the little one, I can persuade her.”

Kael said smugly, as if proud that Leciel chose him.

“I only brought it up because I thought it might be difficult for you, Father.”

“Is that so? You seemed disappointed about that.”

Kael teased, knowing that pushing the issue would make his reserved son more determined to hide his feelings.

He knew it was more helpful to let Carren and Leciel get along without interference.

But seeing Carren, who was usually indifferent, unable to hide his emotions when it came to Leciel, Kael couldn’t resist teasing him a bit more.

He thought he should enjoy it while he could.

“It’s a misunderstanding.”

Carren denied firmly, recognizing the teasing in Kael’s voice.

Kael chuckled and started walking.

Before long, the three of them arrived in front of the servants of the Grand Duchy who were waiting for them.

“We greet His Grace and the young master.”

The butler, who had been waiting, bowed in greeting.

The butler, informed of Leciel’s presence through a letter from Kael, was still surprised to see the child in his master’s arms.

‘Even the letter showed how much His Grace cares for the child.’

Meeting him in person, it was clear that Kael cared even more than the butler had imagined.

He wouldn’t hold the child so preciously otherwise.

“You’ve heard from Siron, right?”

Siron was the butler managing the villa.

“Yes, I have. I’ve informed everyone at the residence, so no one will treat the young lady poorly here.”

The butler replied, understanding Kael’s intentions.

“That’s good.”

It would be upsetting if the same thing in the villa happened here as well.

Kael didn’t want Leciel, a child he had brought and cherished, to be mistreated in the Grand Duchy.

He thought that a path of flowers for her would be insufficient, so how could he make her walk a path full of thorns?

He wished for the child to grow up brightly and beautifully, without getting hurt.

“And what about the orders I gave?”

The letter Kael sent to the butler contained more than just information about Leciel.

It was something he could have taken care of himself, but he asked in advance to take care of it as quickly as possible.

It was about the family that had set a trap for him during the monster subjugation and dared to send a monster to the Grand Duchy.

“Those preparations are also complete.”

“Good.”

With all the evidence gathered, including those needed to destroy the family involved, there was only one thing left to do—

‘Execution.’

Kael also needed to warn the emperor not to attempt such a scheme again.

Although the emperor’s attempts to keep him in check were a nuisance, he thought they wouldn’t succeed anyway.

However, he couldn’t overlook such troublesome antics, especially after how dangerous the recent incident had been.

It wasn’t bad because he got to meet this lovely kid, but that was it.

“Let’s go in.”

Since the child was tired, he thought he was going to show her the room where she could rest first.

Kael took a step forward, intending to personally show Leciel to the room where she would stay.

He could have left it to the maid or butler, but he wanted to guide her himself

Realizing Kael’s intent, Carren spoke indifferently.

“You have many things to do; there’s no need for you to personally guide her, Father.”

“She’s the child I brought. Why? Are you disappointed?”

Kael teased, implying Carren wanted to be alone with Leciel.

Carren simply ignored the remark.

Meanwhile, the three of them arrived at Leciel’s room.

“This will be your room from now on.”

“Oh!”

Leciel, who had been lounging with a drowsy expression, lit up when she saw her room.

‘Wow, this is really nice…!’

The room she had stayed in at the villa was impressive, but this one was on another level entirely.

Unlike the simple guest room provided at the villa, this room was decorated specifically for her.

With its pink tones, anyone could tell it was a room meant for a little girl.

“Do you like it?”

“Yes!”@@novelbin@@

“If at any point you don’t like it, let me know. I’ll redecorate it as you wish.”

At the moment, they didn’t know Leciel’s preferences, so they had left it to the butler to decorate it in a way a young girl might like. However, if Leciel wanted something different, they were willing to accommodate her.

“Not at all!”

Who could have known?

Living with monsters in a forest, staying in a hut-like place, she would now be living in such an adorable and beautiful room.

The pink canopy bed looked like something out of a fairy tale princess’s room.

“I’m glad.”

Seeing her eyes, which had been dull with fatigue, now sparkling, it was clear she liked the room very much.

This brought a smile to Kael’s face as well.

“By the way, there’s a room nearby for that guy, so if you’re bored, feel free to visit him and bother him.”

Kael, wanting Leciel to get along with Carren, had arranged Leciel’s room near Carren’s.

“Won’t he dislike it?”

She would welcome anyone to play with her since she usually had nothing to do, but Carren, as the young master of the Grand Duke’s family, would be busy, unlike herself.

Besides, on the second day after coming to the Grand Duke’s villa, Carren had told her himself that he didn’t like being bothered.

“… as long as it’s not too often, it’s fine.”

Carren, not wanting to give a positive answer in front of Kael, reluctantly said this. If he said no, Leciel might really never have come to see him.

If it was only occasionally, it wouldn’t bother him at all. In fact, he might even be happy.

Besides, she was a rare and interesting debate opponent, so spending time arguing with her wouldn’t be bad.

“See, I told you he’s kind.”

Even though he said he didn’t like being bothered, he said it was fine for her.

Leciel’s words made Kael tilt his head slightly, wondering if he had misheard.

His son wasn’t someone who would be described as kind.

In front of him, Carren acted indifferent, but it seemed he had been secretly taking care of Leciel. Otherwise, she wouldn’t say such things.

Leciel was a perceptive child, after all.

“Then, rest well.”

“Yes, you too, uncle. And you too, Brother Carren!”

Seeing the bed, Leciel felt like jumping in immediately and waved her hand quickly.

“So heartless.”

She could at least ask them to stay a bit longer.

“Well, uncle, work hard!”

“… so, the kid gets to rest while I work?”

“That’s the difference between adults and children.”

“Hmph.”

“Why the disappointed look? It’s a valid point.”

Carren added, siding with Leciel.

“Since you’re a child, you should play hard too.”

“At ten, I can play, but not at twelve.”

“Just two years’ difference.”

Kael said incredulously.

“Uncle, you don’t get it. The younger you are, the more precious each year is, and the bigger the difference.”

Leciel seemed to understand Carren’s feelings.

“Alright, as the older one, I’ll get to work. Carren, don’t think about working as soon as you arrive, take at least a day off.”

Knowing Carren’s personality, he would likely try to do something instead of resting.

“I’ll take care of that.”

Carren said indifferently, waving at Leciel before turning around.

“By the way, that is… the house for Mimi or whatever.”

“Oh, it’s really nice.”

Kael had prepared a space for Mimi that was much better than expected, not just a cage with iron bars.

It looked like a doll’s house, even with a soft cushion for Mimi to rest on.

“Then I’ll be going.”

Kael, smiling at Leciel who seemed satisfied, gently patted her head and left the room.

After they left, Leciel, now alone, looked around her room with curiosity.

“Money really does matter.”

She was enjoying luxuries she hadn’t even in Korea, now that she was reincarnated.

Even the wardrobe she opened was filled with so many dresses it was hard to count.

The dresses were adorned with the jewels she loved so much.

After exploring every nook and cranny of the room, Leciel finally put Mimi down in the special house.

Mimi, who had been wary of the unfamiliar space, quickly settled in and laid down comfortably.

Leciel, too, pulled her tired body onto the bed.

But she couldn’t sleep immediately.

A maid came to see her shortly after.