“What does that mean?”

Carren could not easily understand his father’s words. What did the matter that monsters didn’t attack people have to do with Leciel?

Come to think of it…

Suddenly, an event from a few days ago came to Carren’s mind.

The day they were attacked by the monster.

It wasn’t just that the monster didn’t attack her. The moment Leciel told it to stop, the monster’s attack ceased.

He hadn’t noticed it at the time, but hearing his father’s words now, he remembered that fact.

“Does Lessie… have the ability to control monsters?”

Otherwise, there was no way the monster would have stopped attacking at her command back then.

Also, his father’s words that the monster would not attack others as long as she was there…

“It seems so.”

Considering what he saw in the monster forest, it seemed possible to give complex commands, starting from simple ones like <don’t attack>.

“I never imagined that there would be a human capable of controlling monsters.”

Carren was greatly surprised by this unexpected fact.

He had thought it was simply that the monster didn’t attack her.

He did think Leciel was special, but he never imagined she would have such an ability.

So, he became even more curious.

What exactly was her true identity?

It seemed Leciel herself didn’t know why she had such an ability either.

But for now…

“Even so, we can’t be completely at ease.”

“Yes, you are right. So, if a problem arises in the future, we will have to kill that thing, even if it means apologizing to the little one.”

“Of course, we will have to.”

No matter how precious Leciel was, they couldn’t leave something that could be a problem for the Grand Duchy alone.

“Also, even if its identity is revealed, we will claim ignorance.”

Of course, they would have to hide the fact that Leciel brought it.

Otherwise, Leciel would be in trouble. No, it would be more than just trouble; it would be dangerous.

“That would be the better choice.”

The best choice would be to get rid of it, which could be the source of the problem, but his father didn’t seem to have that intention.

So, they could only hope that its identity would not be revealed.

“Today, I unintentionally learned many surprising facts about Lessie.”

“The little one’s special ability is not just that.”

“It sounds like there’s more than what you just mentioned.”

“You will naturally find out as you spend time together.”

What other special abilities did Leciel have? How special was she?

“Is that so?”

“Yes, that’s the main reason I brought the little one. And… she will become a precious treasure for the Grand Duchy.”

Not just because she had special abilities, but because he cherished her enough to want to make her part of the family.

“I look forward to it.”

If his father said that much, there must be something as special and amazing as the ability to control monsters.

“However.”

Just as the conversation seemed to be ending naturally, Carren spoke again, causing Kael to look at him.

“I haven’t heard the reason why you allowed that thing to stay in the Grand Duchy.”

So far, the explanation was just about how its existence wouldn’t be dangerous, not the reason for allowing Leciel’s request.

“… I couldn’t refuse when that cute little thing looked at me with those bright eyes.”

Kael said honestly, without a trace of a lie.

“… what?”

Did he really allow it for such a reason?

Carren had an incredulous expression.

“You will understand someday.”

How hard it was to refuse that little one’s requests.

Leciel was a very cunning little one for that reason.

Even if she was cute, she should be moderately cute, but how could she have such pretty and clear eyes that made it impossible to refuse her requests?

It made him worried about the future.

He felt like not only he but also his son might fall for her, possibly even passing away the family to her.

‘But come to think of it, that might not be so bad.’

A couple was said to be of one mind, so what belonged to the husband belonged to the wife, and the husband’s family was the wife’s family.

With that thought, Kael erased his worries.

In the meantime, Carren had a strange, indescribable expression.

He thought he didn’t understand his father’s actions, but now he felt like he might understand a little.

Somehow, he felt that he wouldn’t be able to refuse Leciel’s requests either.

 

* * *

 

After a long journey, the carriage carrying Leciel finally arrived at the Grand Duke’s residence in the capital.

It had been three days.

And during that time, Leciel, who had to endure the arduous journey in the carriage, was completely exhausted.

Although she had slept enough and had been well-fed, she felt like all her energy was drained.

It seemed that riding in the carriage for such a long time for the first time had taken a greater toll on her body than she had expected.

In that sense, she couldn’t help but be amazed at how Kael and Carren seemed completely fine in comparison.

‘Are they not human?’

She felt nauseous and like her body wasn’t her own.

“Are you alright?”

Kael asked worriedly, looking at Leciel, who was slumped weakly.

He had expected her to struggle, but it was worse than he thought.

“… I’m not alright. Breathing is hard for me right now.”

She was so confused that she couldn’t tell whether she was breathing in or out.

Kael, who was still worried by Leciel’s words, gave a slight smile.

Apart from feeling sorry for her, he found her weakly waving hands to be cute.

Apparently, Carren felt the same way, as the corners of his mouth slightly lifted on his otherwise indifferent face.

“Since walking seems difficult, I’ll carry you.”

“… just for today, I’ll allow it.”

She didn’t even have the strength to sit, so walking was out of the question.

Just like when she first arrived at the Grand Duke’s villa, Leciel appeared in Kael’s arms this time as well.

“Wow, is this the Grand Duke’s mansion?”

Leciel’s eyes widened as she finally got off the carriage and saw the mansion of the Grand Duke.

Even the villa was grand, but the mansion in the capital was incomparable.

“Yes. Welcome to the Grand Duke’s estate.”

Seeing Leciel, who was curiously looking around despite having been so lethargic moments ago, Kael smiled faintly.

“But isn’t this actually a castle?”

“Does it look like one?”

“Yes, so I’m quite worried.”

“What are you worried about?”

“This wasn’t originally an imperial castle that you took over, right?”

Leciel asked, thinking that it looked believable to be an imperial castle.

“If you’re interested in an imperial castle, it might be a bit complicated, but I could bring one over.”

His aide would probably be up in arms if he knew about this, as the method wouldn’t be a typical one.

“No, I didn’t mean it that way.”

She had to prevent Kael’s rebellion to avoid the original ending, so she couldn’t let that happen.

“That’s a relief. It would be a bit difficult for me too.”

But it wasn’t something he couldn’t do for Leciel.

“I pray for your safety.”

Only then could she achieve her desired happy ending.

Even if she survived, it wouldn’t be a happy ending if Kael met a bad fate.

How could it be a happy ending if she lost someone precious to her?

Kael, who had been special to her from the start, became more and more precious as time passed.

Leciel couldn’t bear to lose this precious person and the warmth he gave her.

“That makes me very happy.”

“It’s my wish too.”

“Then your wish will surely come true. I have no intention of leaving you behind.”

How could he leave this precious child behind? A child who made him want to give her everything.

Especially since he had promised to take care of her until she became an adult. To keep that promise, Kael intended to stay firm in his position.

“… me too.”

Leciel had no intention of letting Kael leave her behind either.

“How cute.”

How could she say such sweet things?

It made him a little sad too. If his beloved wife were still alive, she would have given even more love to the child than he did.

Especially since she had wanted a daughter more than anyone else.

And it wouldn’t be bad for Leciel to have a mother-like figure.

“How long are you going to stand there like that?”

Carren, who didn’t like the affectionate atmosphere between Kael and Leciel, said grumpily.

“So impatient.”

“Aren’t you tired?”

“Tired of what?”

“Aren’t you old? If you’re tired, I can carry Lessie instead.”

“Ha…”

Kael made an incredulous face at Carren’s words.

He was only in his mid-thirties, but Carren called him old. He was in the prime of his life.

But that was only for a moment.

He realized that Carren said that because he wanted to carry Leciel himself.

“I’m not that old.”

“I was just concerned.”

Carren said with an indifferent expression, as if that was all.

“You’re not being honest.”

He should just honestly say he wanted to carry Leciel.

Then he would tease him a bit, but he would let his son do what he wanted.

“Little one.”

“Yes?”

“You choose. Will you come with me or go to him?”

Leciel seriously pondered Kael’s question.

It was not an easy choice.

Kael’s arms were very comfortable and cozy, but there was a slight drawback.

He had a bad habit of poking her cheeks or teasing her whenever he got the chance, which was annoying.

If she went to Carren, at least he wouldn’t tease or annoy her like Kael. But the ride would be a bit uncomfortable.

And she felt a little sorry too.

Kael was an adult, but Carren was only two years older than her.

A child carrying a child.

So, she had no choice.

“I think it would be better if you carry me.”