In the end, although she wasn’t able to achieve her objective, at least Karin didn’t look at Charlotte as she did before.

(Well, despite being that frightened, she was actually a good teacher. To be able to teach so efficiently like that while in that mental condition, I really underestimated their mentality.)

But, thanks to their guidance, she was able to understand the parts that she couldn’t while alone. Especially concerning magic. Even while she was frightened, whenever Charlotte earnestly asked something, Professor Karin would explain it in such an easy to understand way.

(It really was such a waste with that block head)

After their lessons, Charlotte had free time yet again. She was just about to slip out to practice when Lia knocked on her door.

“What is it?”

“My lady, the master has returned.”

““I see. Thank you for notifying me. I will come down as soon as I can.” Is what she replied.” Lia repeated her words to Duke Adrian who had a frown on his face.

“Good work. Is there anything else that was unusual that happened?”

“No, I have already told you everything that happened.”

“Hmm then you are dismissed.”

Lia carefully left the room, and soon after, Charlotte arrived.

“Father, welcome home.”

Just as Lia had said, she wore plain clothes, no make-up no perfume and she was smiling earnestly. The corner of his mouth slightly twitched. There was something definitely wrong with his daughter.

“I’m back, Lotte.”

Although he found it strange, he greeted her back nonetheless.

As for what he was expecting, it would be something like “Father! You have returned! Did you bring any presents!?”

Or “Father! How did the arrangement for my marriage with the prince go!?”

But not an earnest “Welcome home, father.”

Was it sad for a parent to think like that of their own child?

Charlotte’s eyes were as sharp as ever. That slight reaction didn’t go unnoticed by her.

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Although he had thought that she had been behaving strange the last time he saw her, he had thought that it was because of the shock that day and didn’t think much of it.

However, the head maid and butler had frequently sent report. At first, he didn’t belief them, that was until now.

“Lotte, about your marriage with the crown prince…”

“What about it?”

“The meeting date has been rescheduled for three weeks later.”

“….I see.”

(Damn I forgot it was just delayed!)

“Is there anything else?”

“I heard that you have improved quite a lot with your studies as well. I am glad to hear that.”

“It is only natural that I would know the basic knowledge of the kingdom that father protects.”

“…how are the two beastkin girls that you took doing?”

“Iris and Lilly seem to have improved a lot. It is all thanks to everyone’s help.”

“Hmmmn…”

Why does he feel like he’s talking to someone completely different from the daughter he knew 9 years? The daughter he knew was definitely not like this. Her replies were polite and didn’t sound like a child’s at all!

In her defense, she was already an adult, mentally . To her, knowing that much was like second nature.

“Oh yes, since your birthday is coming next month, is there anything in particular that you would like?”

To get rid of the strange atmosphere that was beginning to form, Adrian swiftly changed subjects.

(My birthday…or actually, Charlotte’s birthday huh.)

“Nothing in particular….although, if it’s not too much trouble, I had always wanted a pendant made of garnet in the shape of a tear. Would that be acceptable?”

Charlotte or actually Kana had been born in the month of January. She had always disliked jewels, but when it came to her birth stone, she had always dreamed of having one for herself one day. Well, with the price of the stone alone, she couldn’t afford it at that time with her budget.

But now, with Charlotte who actually bought clothes far more expensive than diamonds as if she was just buying groceries, she wasn’t that greedy for asking this much, right?

Charlotte stared with sparkling eyes full of expectation, that even if he couldn’t afford it, he would have been unable to refuse her. But unexpectedly, she had just asked for jewelry. For a moment there, he had almost thought that she was going to ask him something like a mansion of her own!

“Are you sure that that’s all you want?”

She nodded her head vigorously.

Again, was it a sad for him to think that his daughter was laying a trap for him?

But no matter how long he waited, the words never came out of her mouth. He decided that he was starting to get paranoid.

“Well then, father must be tired after the journey. I will excuse myself then.”

“Yes, good night Lotte.”

“Night father.”

Charlotte left shortly after. Inside, the duke let out a long sigh.

“Hmm~ hmmn~ hmnm~” in a good mood, charlotte started humming as she skipped her way back to her room.

It was already quite late and the hallway was dark. There weren’t any servants around as they probably also went to bed.

It was quiet. The only sound that could be heard was Charlotte’s humming sounds and her footsteps.

She also didn’t sense anyone else besides her there, that’s why, when  she felt a cold chill blow pass her even though all the doors and windows were locked, she abruptly turned around.

But, there was no one behind her.

(No, I definitely felt someone or something behind me…)

-swish~

Again!

She turned around, this time; a black lump of SOMETHING was floating right in front of her face.

She didn’t scream. She couldn’t scream as that was how she was trained to behave.

That black lump came closer until it almost touched her nose. She wanted to run away, but her body felt heavy for some reason and she couldn’t even move. Even breathing felt extremely difficult.