<‘Dragon Slayer Sylvester’ proudly states that he has always considered you as Crescent and has been watching over you.>
<‘Yuri-loving Druid Gabriella’ declares that she likes you even more than the original Crescent from the story.>

‘Changing your tune, are we….’

<‘From Maid to Saintess—Astina’ playfully asks who dared make our Crescent feel upset!>

‘Ack, enough!’

Feeling a bit overwhelmed by Astina’s antics, I dismissed the status window.

Right now, I stood at a crucial crossroads—whether I would be accepted as the ward of the Pluto Ducal House or not.

“You’re such a kind child. What’s your name?”

“It’s Crescent.”

“My goodness, even your name is so radiant….”

At that moment, Eva approached with a delighted smile.

“Marchioness Pluto, Crescent is truly a kind and gentle child. All the children at the orphanage adore and love her. Crescent is also very thoughtful toward her friends. Just a few days ago, she collected leftover apple seeds to plant them in the ground.”

“…Is that so? How warm-hearted.”

Replying softly, Lady Rearwin turned to Eva with a question.

“Director Eva, would it be possible for me to have a moment to speak privately with this child?”

“Oh? Of course, of course! Crescent, would that be alright with you?”

“Yes!”

I answered cheerfully, showing I had no objections.

The idea of having a private conversation with Lady Rearwin filled me with a good feeling.

Lady Rearwin smiled, her expression brighter than the sunlight.

***

“I come from the North, from the Pluto Ducal House. Have you heard of it?”

As we began to stroll through the forest together, Lady Rearwin asked the question while keeping her gaze fixed on me.

‘She’s so adorable… her head is as round as an apple… Is she really not a doll? Look at that peach-fuzz on her cheeks… It’s so cute I could die…!’

Everything about the child seemed to put her heart at risk. Could someone’s heart actually stop from an overdose of cuteness?

Crescent smiled sweetly up at her.

“Yes! I adore it!”

“Oh? You adore our family?”

The girl nodded enthusiastically.

“Yes! My favorite fairy tale is about the Holy Knight Baldwin Pluto defeating the Great Demon King Baal. The Pluto Ducal House is the strongest Holy Knight family ever!”

“…Ah, yes, that story does exist. Now that I think about it, it would be odd if you didn’t know it.”

“Hehe.”

“Hohoho….”

Small bursts of laughter blossomed between Lady Rearwin and Crescent.

Lady Rearwin felt as if a warm spring breeze had passed through her chest. What an unbelievably heartwarming sensation.

It was the first time she had ever felt this way.

She was talking to a child she had just met, yet her heart swelled with emotion.

‘And this child… she resembles me. Her nose… her nose looks like mine.’

The small, rounded, elegantly sculpted nose.

The world often called her nose a “masterpiece,” praising how it radiated a unique sense of nobility and elegance unmatched by anyone.

And Crescent had that very same nose.

“…Little one.”

“Yes?”

Without realizing it, Lady Rearwin called Crescent softly, standing seriously before her.

“The truth is, I came here for a reason. I’ve been searching for a child to bring to my estate, to live with me as their guardian. If I could adopt a daughter, that would be ideal… but unfortunately, I can’t. Instead, I want to do my best to love and cherish the child as their guardian.”

“…Huh?”

The girl’s large eyes wavered slightly.

Lady Rearwin continued, trying to make her words sound as gentle as possible.

“That’s why I’ve been looking for a child who resembles me. I can’t have daughters of my own, and I’ve always wanted to see someone who could feel like a daughter to me. But as you might guess… I’m quite… exceptional in appearance.”

“That’s true! You’re so radiant!”

“Oh? Thank you, hohoho….”

Lady Rearwin chuckled at the unexpected compliment. Composing herself, she spoke again with sincerity.

“I’m glad you think so. Maybe that’s why it’s been so difficult to find someone who looks like me. But Crescent…”

“….”

“…You’ve appeared. Especially your nose… That rounded little nose looks just like mine.”

“….”

The girl stared at her silently.

Lady Rearwin gazed back at Crescent with a soft, affectionate expression.

It was time to make the offer—to ask Crescent if she would like to become the ward of the Pluto Ducal House and come live with her.

But Lady Rearwin hesitated.

‘What if she says no? She seems happy here at the orphanage… What if I scare her by asking her to come to a strange place with someone she doesn’t know? What if she cries…?’

She was so nervous!

Yet she couldn’t bear the thought of letting this child go.

She wanted to be a supportive roof over this angelic girl who seemed to have been crafted with care by the heavens themselves.

She wanted to be a guardian who could act as a mother figure, someone who could cherish her as a beloved younger sister to her sons.

If she could take this child with her, she felt certain she would never again long for a daughter of her own.

But there was one issue.

“Well… The Pluto territory is a dangerous place. It’s the only region where Magi still appear. Thankfully, many Holy Knights live there, so there’s nothing to worry about. Still, if you’re okay with it… I’d like to take you under my care as my ward. What do you think?”

“…Huh?”

Crescent’s eyes widened.

Her sweet, round eyes growing larger made it look like light was pouring out of them.

The girl asked with surprise.

“Magi? There are still places where Magi appear?”

“…Sadly, yes. But don’t worry. It’s so rare that I’ve never even seen one myself. As you know, it’s been 500 years since the Great Demon King Baal disappeared. Our territory in the North remains connected to the Demon Realm, which is why weak Magi occasionally appear. Even so, they’re just low-tier Magi….”

“I see….”

“There’s truly nothing to fear. I’ll guarantee your safety. The Ebony Orphanage seems like such a warm and wonderful place. But at the Pluto estate, you could have a big, beautiful room all to yourself. You could have nicer clothes every day, the best food in the world, and pursue anything you want to learn or do.”

“Ah….”

The girl seemed at a loss for words.

Of course, it must be shocking and unexpected.

“If you need time to think—”

“Would I be able to see Holy Knights defeating Magi?”

“Pardon?”

Lady Rearwin was momentarily taken aback by the child’s sudden, enthusiastic question.

Crescent’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

Recovering quickly, Lady Rearwin replied.

“Well, yes. You wouldn’t see it often, but if you live in the Pluto territory, you’d eventually get the chance.”

“Wow….”

“Huh?”

Could it be… that she wanted to see Magi?

What about the nice room and delicious food?

Was she that fascinated by the fairy tale about the Great Demon King Baal?

‘Whatever it is, this is my chance!’

Seeing the child’s interest, Lady Rearwin seized the moment.

“Watching Holy Knights train with their Divine Power is equally impressive! My sons train very diligently as well! Would you like to come with me?”

“Yes! I’d love to go!”

“Really? Truly?”

“Yes. I think it would be so much fun!”

“Oh my goodness! That’s wonderful!”

Without thinking, Lady Rearwin scooped the girl into her arms. She spun her around lightly on the spot before holding her close.

That she had come to her so willingly filled her with gratitude.

As they smiled at each other, Crescent let out a bright, bubbly laugh.

She looked every bit like an angel.