Everyone Was Obsessed With Me After I Became the Youngest Princess Favourite - CH 18.1

His smile was strange and surprising, and all I could do was blinked, but suddenly the Duke asked, “So, what about you?”

“Yes?”

“Until now, you have only talked about other people. So I’m asking what you want to do.”

“…!”

The unexpected question surprised me, ‘Me? What do I want to do?’

Has anyone ever asked me something like this?

Until now, I was the only person interested in my future.

“I, I… Next to Diana…”

Speaking involuntarily, I paused, I don’t know, but I heard it’s a great honour for a servant to serve its master close by.

I will have not only a career as a servant but also an honour and a right. As an orphan, it may not be a position I can hope for.

It was then…

“You must have heard from Count Marietta that you have a mana.”

As I was hesitating, the Duke started to speak first.

“The Chief Wizard here at the Castle said that your mana is quite pure and plentiful. I think the healing magic effect was better thanks to that.”

At those words, I finally realized why my scars were gone when I took off my clothes to wash. I thought of going back to ask the Duchess.

“You may not understand well as you are young, but having mana means you have endless possibilities. It’s a waste to work as a maid. Especially, your conditions are better.” The Duke added.

“…”

“But it’s difficult to control it by yourself. You will need help.”

I immediately had a gut feeling about what the Duke would say next.

“There are a lot of skilled wizards in the castle. You can become a wizard if you want, otherwise, you can study other things. I will support you.”

At that moment I could understand a little bit about the Duke and Duchess’ behaviour that I couldn’t understand.

‘Did the Duke bring me here to support me from the beginning?’

However, although it was not common for commoners to be ‘born with mana’, it was not a rare thing in itself.

It was rare only for commoners, but for the aristocrats, it was common.

‘It would be difficult for aristocrats to have the backing of a high noble, who’s more if it’s the Duke.’

As I continued to think about the cause, my head seemed to spin.

“Well, what happens if I refuse? Will I go to another orphanage like other children?”

“What?” The Duke asked.

“I… I just want to work as a maid.”

In the midst of confusion, when he barely spoke, the Duke made an incomprehensible expression.

At first glance, he looked disappointed.

‘Maybe he thinks it’s because I’m young and don’t even know what opportunities I’m kicking.’

But I know that…

How can I refuse an extravagant offer right now? But I had to refuse.

‘Because receiving the support of a noble also means being subordinate to that family.’

An artist is sent to an academy or trained to do other things. The real purpose of support of nobles was to create talented people who would be active in various fields of society, such as legislators and lawyers, and to gain their loyalty.

‘Of course, being a member of the Duke family is a fortune that will never come again…’

It goes against my plan to one day leave this place to live freely. I didn’t want to have a deep relationship with anyone anymore.

I was afraid that I would be betrayed by giving up my heart like a fool again.

Above all, the biggest reason for entering the Duke in the first place was to return Jack to his position.

‘Of course, I’m still young so I thought I’d take care of myself while preparing to stand alone someday…’

Anyway, I couldn’t accept their support right now.

“I can take good care of Diana, no, Lady Diana! I can help out with meals, organize the bedding, and read a book.”

“…”

“I’m good at cleaning, too. I do it every day at the orphanage!”

Dusting, mopping, laundry… I strongly suggest that I could do anything.

Duke Elrad, who had been silently listening to me for a long time, said a moment later, “For now, just do as you please.”

Somehow the answer was a little awkward, but anyway, I got what I wanted, so I nodded and walked out.

My body staggered, perhaps because of the release of tension. My mind was restless for no reason, so I went without looking ahead, but soon I fell to the floor.

Thud—

Looking up, I saw Allen standing there looking distressed.

“Sorry, I’m sorry! Sir… No, Master?”