I Adopt The Male Lead - Chapter 29

“Duke’s residence? Me?”

Karina couldn’t hide her surprise. It was a plan that she hadn’t thought about at all.

“Of course, I thought I shouldn’t leave the store.”

Of course, Claude never said anything about that.

But what made Karina think so, according to Claude, the mark in her heart shows her location to the caster.

So, wherever she goes, she will put the place in danger.

The Duke was no exception.

“If I go, you’ll be in danger, too.”

“Mrs. Bloe.”

Claude sighed quietly.

“I’m a little shy to say this myself, but the duchy is the safest place in the empire. More than the imperial palace.”

“…….”

Karina frowned.

In the novels I’ve read in my previous life, it should be safer than the Imperial Palace, which has always been invaded by assassins, mages, and traitors.

But Claude was right.

Since the southern part was bordered by the Vega Kingdom, a solid fortress was built in preparation for the invasion of enemies from generation to generation.

Now, in accordance with time, the walls have been torn down and the old castle has been renovated to become a state-of-the-art mansion, but the old impregnable reputation has not gone anywhere.

There was one more reason for Karina to stay at the duke’s residence.

‘If you will not stay there, I will have to send a separate manpower to protect you.

However, if you stay in the duke’s residence, you will be able to defend yourself sufficiently with resident troops.’

Karina’s silence prolonged as she was lost in thought. Claude suddenly spoke.

“Of course, you would be very concerned. People’s attention would be concerning.”

Karina tried not to laugh, but failed.

To worry about people’s interests, she and her children had already become public gossip.

“You’d better not go to school.

If they did a little background investigation, they will know that they are your children, they can be captured as a hostage.”

“…..!”

Karina’s face turned pale.

Claude, unaware of her agitation, continued speaking in a plain tone.

“Instead, until all of this is resolved, the best tutor ………”

“I need to get to the children quickly.”

Karina cut off Claude’s words. As soon as Claude brought up the background investigation, all the other problems disappeared from Karina’s mind.

Even the fact that she hasn’t answered Claude’s suggestion yet.

The fear that the duke’s enemies may be running toward the children dominated Karina.

‘If only they had gone to school, I would have been a little relieved.’

Of all days, today was the day off from school. Karina nervously bit her lips.

‘You might think this is too sudden. Well, it doesn’t matter.’

If Roland or Melissa dies here, she would never forgive herself.

“Okay.”

Fortunately, Claude immediately moved according to Karina’s will.

Claude didn’t seem to think the situation was dangerous for the children, so it was quite unexpected.

“Thank you.”

Karina thanked Claude as he helped her get onto his horse.

“There’s nothing to be thankful for. This is something I must do.”

“Of course, there are many people in the world who do not do what they have to do. There are also many people who do things that they shouldn’t do.”

“But one day they will pay for their actions.”

Finally, they arrived in front of the inn. Karina jumped halfway and ran.

The sound of a bewildered Claude shouting at her only grazed her ears.

Fortunately, the children greeted Karina with a face that was no different from the usual

Karina hugged the delighted children hard.

“That’s a relief.”

Her tears became cold.

“I’m so glad…….”

She felt a sense of relief that she wanted to cry out loud. Karina buried her head in the warm warmth of the children.

“I’m glad the kids are okay.”

“Yes. Really.”

Karina got up from her seat after removing herself from the children.

Roland stared at her and asked what happened, but Claude was a little faster.

“You have confirmed that the children are safe, so, I want you to give me an answer.”

Karina frowned. Now that I’ve confirmed that the children are safe, shouldn’t we all just go to the duke’s residence together?

“What answer do you mean?”

Claude sighed as if he was a little dumbfounded.

“Madam, whether you will go to the Duke’s residence or not.”

Karina opened her eyes wide.

“Was that a question that I could choose?”

“Of course.”

Claude replied as if it was an obvious thing.

“Whether you accept it or not, it’s your freedom to choose.”

“Then I’ll ruin your plan.”

“Do you think I will lock you? Madam is a free woman.”

“But your excellency is the duke.”

A moment of silence passed.

To his dismay, Claude had an astounding look on his face.

Karina pondered over whether her words were rude.

“That’s true…….”

No matter how much she was a free woman, Claude DeViathan Tors was a duke. Naturally, she must obey his words.

“Just because I’m a duke doesn’t mean I can ignore your will and handle it at my will.”

Claude continued to talk a little slower.

“If you don’t want to, you don’t have to go. I’ll make sure Madam is where she wants to be. The children will be protected at the duke’s residence as the Madam wishes.”

“No.”

Suddenly, Melissa burst into tears.

Karina looked down in embarrassment.

Melissa was crying with a red-hot face.

Roland looked up at Karina, who hurriedly hugged Melissa, and opened her mouth.

“Mom will not come with us?”

As soon as she heard Roland’s words, Melissa shook her head and cried.

“No, I’m not going anywhere”.

“Melissa, we’re going to be under the care of the duke for a little while. And Roland, of course Mom will go with you.”

Fortunately, Melissa quickly calmed down and dug into Karina’s arms.

Karina hugged Melissa tightly once, and then got up from her seat and turned toward Claude.

“Your suggestion, I’ll accept it gratefully.”

“It was what I wanted, so I should be grateful.”

Claude answered softly.

As soon as Karina opened her mouth to express her gratitude once more, Melissa pulled her skirt.

“Mom, do we have to go?”

“We have to go.”

Karina said sternly.

“Bad people are trying to catch us, so we have to go.”

“·····!”

Melissa’s eyes opened wide in fear.

The child pursed her lips and stammered.

“Un, uncle, …….”

“Not uncle.”

Karina resolutely cut Melissa’s words.

She was glad that Melissa did not give Lord Renke’s name out.

Sir Renke was only a baron, but he was also a nobleman in the noble’s yearbook.

“Uncle hasn’t found us yet. They’re other bad people.”

“Worse than uncle?”

Fortunately, Melissa did not speak out Lord Renke’s name, as she quickly noticed what Karina intended.

“Well, it’s similar? Now, Melissa. Mom has to pack our luggage now.”

Unfortunately, Melissa shook her head and buried it in Karina’s skirt.

“But I hate it…… I don’t want to go.”

“Oh, my. Melissa.”

Karina sighed and soothed Melissa.

I didn’t know why the child refused to go to the dukes, but I didn’t want to force her to go.

“If we go to the duke’s residence, it will be much wider than here. It’s going to be clean…….”

Claude, who couldn’t see Karina’s face, suddenly intervened in the conversation.

“I’m not bragging, but the chef is quite good at cooking. And I’m confident that there will be anything you like. If you don’t, you don’t have to go.”

“…….”

“Say anything.”

Melissa stared at Claude for a moment.

Karina had an ominous hunch.

Karina reached out to cover the child’s mouth, but it was already late.

Melissa proudly said every word.

“So, is there a princess too?”