I Became the Male Lead’s Adopted Daughter - Chapter 28

“I did. They met in the square.”

 

The couple thought of their youngest daughter, who by now would have slept soundly and cuddled her reindeer doll.

 

“Flo is nice, but she’s not active enough to lead people.”

 

The Viscountess was concerned whether her introverted daughter would be able to get along well with Lady Voreotti.

 

“Is the wife worried about that?”

 

“Absolutely. After all, she is the daughter of Duke Voreotti.”

 

“What is the title and status in making friends?”

 

“You’re dreaming again…….”

 

The Viscountess yawned slightly. Now it was time for her to go to bed. She blew out the candle Viscount Kerata lit on the side table. The flashing scarlet flame went out. In the darkened bedroom, the couple hugged each other under the duvet.

 

“Wife.”

 

“Yes, honey.”

 

“Actually, that’s not what you need to worry about.”

 

“Yes?”

 

What did that mean? The Viscount raised her head and asked so.

 

“You don’t know who the Duke is.”

 

“The Duke?”

 

“Why was he the black beast?”

 

* * *

 

“Kyaaak-!”

 

“Uwangg! scared!”

 

“Mom! Mooooom!”

 

“Scary! Scary!”

 

“I was wrong! Uwaang-!”

 

The children who were accompanied by their parents to the tea party screamed as soon as they saw Pelliot. One child fell while running, and another hid their face in the width of their mother’s skirt. Some of them shouted loudly, wanting to go home.

 

In the place where the children stayed, the toys and coloring books they had been playing with were scattered all over the place. Near the chaotic mess was a pair of shoes with an unidentified owner. It was a gruesome scene.

 

“…….”

 

Pelliot’s face twisted when he entered the parlor where the tea party was held and all he did was take a breath.

 

‘Wow…….’

 

Pavo, who followed him in uniform as a servant and escort, admired him.

 

‘Are they really running away crying?’

 

It was the first time that he had seen Pelliot’s other powers, which was said to have been greater than the fangs of the beast, which he had only heard from Meles, who had a younger brother the same age as the Lady.

 

It was said that even eye contact with Pelliot makes children cry. As soon as the children really saw Pelliot, they ran away. Pavo, who had taken a step back, somehow felt that Pelliot’s back seemed lonely.

 

“Haha! Dad made them cry!”

 

On the other hand, Leonia, who was in his arms, grabbed her belly and laughed.

 

Pavo admired her courage.

 

‘Then, only the Ladyship doesn’t cry when she sees the Master.’

 

He remembered the testimonies of fellow knights who said the same thing even when they first met at the orphanage. Leonia was probably the only one in the world who can openly tease and laugh at the Duke who was annoyed by the crying of children.

 

“They cried, they cried!”

 

“Is it fun to tease your Dad?”

 

“It is worthwhile to come to the tea party like this.”

 

A light green dress that starts with a loose lace bonnet and full inner skirt. Leonia, who wore white leather shoes as a finale, laughed out loud.

 

“I can’t be the only one suffering.”

 

Connie, Mia, and other employees did their best to decorate their Lady who was going to her first tea party, but it was an evil smile that rendered it useless.

 

“What an ungrateful daughter.”

 

Pelliot clicked his tongue and lowered Leonia to the floor. Still, he reached out to hold her hands, and soon her little hand was clasped tightly.

 

“You, you’re here?”

 

Viscountess Kerata, the master of the tea party, approached.

 

“Greetings, Duke Voreotti, Lord of the North. I am Tragella Kerata, who hosted this tea party. I am sorry to have you in such a small place.”

 

“Thanks to your husband, I found a good place.”

 

“I have heard from my husband.”

 

“I’m sorry I’ve caused you trouble.”

 

Pelliot apologized for the turmoil a while ago.

 

“The children are still very young.”

 

Viscountess Kerata, who couldn’t possibly say it was because he had an evil impression, smiled.

 

“Ah, then this cute little Lady who came with you…….”

 

“She is my daughter.”

 

Leo let go of Pelliot’s hands and bowed her heads to say her greetings.

 

“Hello, Viscountess Kerata.”

 

Leonia greeted by raising the hem of her skirt wide. It was impeccable.

 

“My name is Leonia Voreotti, the daughter of Duke Voreotti. I looked forward to the day I met Viscountess Kerata. Thank you for inviting me to the tea party.”

 

“Oh my.”

 

Viscountess Kerata’s face was dyed with a bright light at the child’s skillful greeting. Leonia, who saw the Viscountess showing her emotions, thought the Viscountess seemed somehow cute. There seemed to be a little bit of an age difference between her and the Viscount Leonia had seen the other day.

 

As she paused her thoughts, the Viscountess also greeted Leonia.

 

“Lady Voreotti, I am also very happy to have met you. My name is Tragella Kerata, who hosted this tea party. I hope you have a great time.”

 

The Viscountess’s smile put the hearts of the beholder at ease. Leonia imposed the Viscount’s face over the Viscountess’ face. Leonia smiled softly. They said that a good couple look alike, and perhaps the couple seemed to be very good.

 

Viscountess Kerata gave a brief description of the tea party.

 

“The children play on the carpet over there, and parents watch over them over tea here.”

 

“Do you have tea parties often?”

 

Pelliot asked as he sat down. Soon the tea in front of him was ready.

 

“The families that interact with each other take turns hosting it.”

 

This time it was the turn of the Kerata family. Every time she holds a tea party for each family, she also organizes a small event for the kids. This time the Viscountess was preparing an experience to watch and ride reindeer.

 

“Are there any issues with the child’s safety?”

 

Pelliot, who was listening to the story, wiggled his eyebrows at the reindeer story. Leonia was seriously injured by a reindeer kicking her, leaving a terrifying imagination.

 

“Reindeer are livestock that obey people. Our family experts will be watching right next to them, and they’ll only be watching outside the fence. All three reindeer were selected only from the ones raised and cared for by the family’s ranch, so there was no parasite infection.”

 

“What about riding the reindeer?”

 

“We give warnings to the kids who want to participate, and if they don’t follow them, they won’t be able to ride.”

 

“I see.”

 

Phew, Viscountess Kerata was secretly sweating. Pelliot was only asking for the safety of his daughter, but the Viscountess was under pressure like reporting vital duties. It was a pressure she had never felt even from her mother-in-law. Pelliot, who wiggled his fingers in the middle of the explanation, was scary.

 

“Leo.”

 

Pelliot put Leonia down on the ground without a sound.

 

“Go and play.”

 

“…… I want to be with Dad.”

 

Leonia twisted her body to and fro and let out a short sound with her tongue.

 

“Leo and Dad, having tea, and yumyums too…….”

 

“Where does this come from?”

 

“Isn’t it okay? It’s cute?”

 

“Is your tongue tied?”

 

Pelliot pressed his finger to the child’s mouth here, telling her not to use a weird tone. Leonia, reluctant at him putting his finger on her mouth, shut her mouth, desperately in denial.

 

‘As expected, I don’t want it!’

 

She somehow made it to the tea party, but the thought of playing there was dizzying.

 

“Dad…….”

 

Leonia, who could not stand to see it, solidified her resolve.

 

“Do you know how old I am?”

 

“A seven-year-old, who looks like a five-year-old.”

 

“Actually, I am over twenty. The day after tomorrow…….”

 

“It is an age full of dreams and hopes.”

 

“Where are you going!”

 

Leonia, who had been holding on to her temper in front of people, finally exploded. The nobles who watched the affectionate appearance of the father and daughter were astonished. People whispered that a Voreotti was Voreotti, as the black beast had appeared.

 

“Don’t be silly and take this.”

 

Pelliot glanced lightly at Pavo behind him. Pavo, who had been holding back his laughter behind, coughed a little and handed a pink velvet bag. Pelliot opened the bag, picked up one of what was inside, and showed it to her. It was a strawberry milk-flavored candy, a snack exclusive to Leonia.

 

“…… Huh?”

 

Leonia looked at the candy and tilted her head.

 

“Share it with your friends.”

 

“Where are my friends here?”

 

Everyone ran away crying seeing her Dad’s face. Leonia countered, pointing to the empty play area.

 

“They will come soon.”

 

At that, the nobles hurriedly sent their children back to the play area.

 

Leonia looked at Pelliot with tired eyes. What he was doing was just too sarcastic and fatal.

 

“Go and make at least one friend.”

 

“What do I do with them ….?”

 

Leonia went to the play area, holding the candy bag that Pelliot had given her in her hand, despite her grumbling annoyance.

 

Pelliot watched Leonia’s back with a relaxed gaze.

 

* * *

 

Flomus stood at the forefront of the crossroads of her life.

 

‘Please take good care of Lady Voreotti.’

 

Before the tea party, the Viscount couple asked Flomus.

 

Leonia, who was much smaller than her and said that Flomus was a baby, was a very strange and curious child. She was surprised by that, but she didn’t hate it. Rather, she was curious. It was the first time Flomus had seen the dark and scary black look so pretty. Leonia’s round eyes and her hair in two ponytails were very cute.

 

But even so, Flomus did not readily answer that she would. It was because she was afraid of Pelliot, who was standing behind Leonia. How could such a small and pretty child be born from such a fearful and overbearing person?

 

Flomus was genuinely curious and asked her brother. Then her brother shrugged his shoulders and said,

 

“Maybe you’re just too scared.”