Chapter 21 (2/2)
“Marian came to our mansion holding Elisabeth, who is about to starve to death. It was windy and rainy that day. We accepted her because we thought it would be dangerous to leave it as it is.” (t/n: this is the made up story for eli’s adoption)
“I don’t know if Elisabeth knows much about Father’s devotion.”
Damon said cynically.
“What are you talking about?”
Damon shrugged.
“She was depressed because she was restricted from entering the study without knowing Father’s mind.”
Victoire has become serious. Elisabeth is depressed? He struggled to say.
“Call Marian to the drawing room.”
Marian, who was called in by Victoire, appeared in the drawing room. Her expression was cold.
“What did you call me for, Your Grace?”
“Is Elisabeth shocked by her restricted access to the study?”
The cold face of Marian was replaced by surprise.
“Your Grace knows that?”
“Damon told me.”
“I thought you wouldn’t mind if you knew.”
“Why did you think I would?”
“Because she’s not your real daughter.”
“That’s a little… “
Victoire, who tried to say, ‘She’s sad,’ shut his mouth.
He should not have crossed the line. Elisabeth was not his daughter, but also a Cabezo, a child to be used. How many times has he vowed to stay away from the child?
“Your Grace. I dare say. Please be nicer to the young lady.”
But Marian shattered her pledge. This faithful servant who has never dared to go back from her master’s words.
“You can’t keep her forever anyway. So please, until [that day].”
Marian meant it.
Victoire should have been angry. He had to scold her for becoming emotional in the face of revenge. Strangely, however, Victoire was not displeased. It was rather reassuring. It was reassuring that there was such a kind nanny beside Elisabeth.
“Marian.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“I want you to be Elisabeth’s nanny from now on.”
“Yes? What do you mean?”
Marian asked with a puzzled look.
“No matter how good Elisabeth is, she’s still a nobleman. If she doesn’t have a nanny who raised her since birth, it can be suspected by others.”
“Am I supposed to be young lady Elisabeth’s nanny for a more perfect performance?”
When Victoire nodded, Marian’s face hardened.
“If that’s the case, there are many other employees who can act better.”
“I don’t think anyone can take care of Elisabeth more sincerely than Mrs. Marian.”
“Yes?”
Marian’s face, frozen by what Victoire said, melted like snow.
“I’m sure you’ll be able to protect Elisabeth even more perfectly. Mrs. Marian is the right person for the role. Don’t you think so?”
Victoire was still expressionless, but Marian felt that face somehow looked friendly.
“But I don’t know if I can.”
“There’s no one like Mrs. Marian. Don’t hesitate to accept it.”
“Tha-thank you. Your Grace.”
Marian bowed her head with a thrilled face.
“But where is Elisabeth now?”
“She’s playing hard to get to the study. She’s still a little clumsy.”
Victoire rose from his seat. Marian, whose complexion was revealed, guided Victoire to Elisabeth.
Elisabeth was often hanging around in her own playground built in the garden. Next to the swing was a small fountain, and Elisabeth was circling around the fountain in a pink-colored horse.
Victoire gazed at the figure in the distance delightfully. But the smile was also brief, and Victoire’s expression darkened.
“Why does she keep spinning?”
“Young lady doesn’t know how to play. She has never played before.”
Victoire looked at Elisabeth again. Elisabeth was riding enthusiastically on her horse. Her eyes were full of enthusiasm. Her cheeks were puffy and eager, but she was not enjoying the game, but was doing it like a task.
‘How do the damned Cabezos raise a child?’
His heart became heavy. I thought my emotions were dry, but I was angry at the thought of Elisabeth’s past.
‘It may simply be that.’
The more I see her like that, the more I want to be nice to her. I want to see that kid smile. Maybe it’s simply because of the rage against the Cabezos.
“Hey, what are you doing alone?”
Then suddenly Dylan appeared before Elisabeth.
“I’m playing. So I can go to the study room.”
“If you’re playing then just play, why are you playing to go to the study? Is that fun to you?”
“Umm, more than you think?”
Elisabeth thought seriously and answered.
‘You must be having fun, though.’
Victoire’s face brightened a little while eavesdropping on the conversation between the two children.
“Come here. I’ll push the swing.”
Dylan hugged Elisabeth and sat her on the swing. Then he started pushing from behind.
“Ah, ahh! It’s too fast!”
“It’s alright. You’re not going to fall.”
“It’s too high!”
Elisabeth was screaming and laughing like she was having fun. Victoire nodded as he watched Dylan wrap himself around Elisabeth with an aura to protect her from any possible injury.
‘Pretty good.’
Somehow he was pleased.
“Your Grace, aren’t you going to visit the young lady?”
Marian asked. Victoire shook his head and went back into the mansion. He will continue to distance himself from Elisabeth. Don’t fall too deep into that child.