MDCHC 19

chapter 19

As soon as I heard that Daniel’s room was finished, I hurried to the room with him.

“Wait a moment, Daniel.”

Just in front of the door, I covered the child’s eyes from behind, hoping for a dramatic effect. Daniel seemed a little surprised but stayed still.

“Now, we’ll go in slowly.”

I led him into the room slowly, keeping his eyes covered. Unlike Daniel, I got to see the newly changed room first, and I couldn’t help but smile.

“Ta-da!”

As soon as Daniel stepped fully into the room, I quickly removed my hands from his eyes and exclaimed.

The pink wallpaper fitting for a young girl’s room, the matching white windows and doors, furniture sized perfectly for a child, white curtains with lace, and even a bed.

It was truly a cute and lovely room perfect for Daniel. My smile naturally widened. Surely, Daniel would love it too… right?

“…….”

Ah, maybe not?

I froze, looking at Daniel blinking silently and standing still.

Silly Sophia! Isn’t pink supposed to be every girl’s favorite at this age? Lace would be absolutely irresistible, wasn’t it?

“Um, Daniel?”

I called Daniel cautiously. I should have asked what color she liked first! Maybe Daniel preferred green or purple. Or maybe she had a unique taste and liked dark brown, ochre, or grayish tones. Even if that were the case, I should have made the room in her favorite colors!

“Don’t you like the room?”

Daniel shook her platinum-blonde head so vigorously that her hair floated in the air.

“I really like it! I like it so much, I like it too much… it’s strange.”

Tears glistened in Daniel’s eyes as she looked around the room.

“Is this really my room? Are all these pretty things really mine?”

She asked several times, disbelief in her voice, and I nodded willingly at each question.

The desk and wardrobe perfectly sized for her, the lovely lace-trimmed bed that would gently embrace her small body, and even the new pretty clothes—all were hers.

“Of course. It’s all yours, Daniel.”

After so long without being loved, this child deserved to enjoy all of this.

“Thank you.”

She lowered her head so deeply it seemed her forehead might touch her knees. The gesture was so polite that I was almost embarrassed.

Technically, I had bought these things, but the money came from Daniel’s father, Sir Winchester.

“And, starting next week, a teacher will come to teach you.”
“A teacher?”
“Yes. They were so curious about what kind of child Daniel is that they wanted to come quickly. Ah! The teacher’s leg is still not fully healed, so Daniel might have to help a little—bring books or open doors. Can you do that?”
“Yes! I can do it!”

Daniel’s energy and joy at being able to study, having a teacher come, and even being able to help the teacher were all visible in her bright, enthusiastic response.

Her wide smile showed how much she wanted to learn and how much she craved attention. And, of course, how happy she was right now.

Seeing Daniel happy made me smile too.

“Thank you very much, Lady Countess Winchester.”

With a grateful expression, Daniel bowed. Her words carried all her heart, yet I was left speechless.

“Lady Countess Winchester…”

Hearing Daniel use that title made my chest ache strangely.

I had told her to call me whatever was comfortable for her, but I expected something like ‘Miss Pomots’ or ‘Sister Naery.’ I never expected such a formal title.

Moreover, it was the same type of title that someone who disliked Daniel had insisted on: to call me Lady Countess Winchester instead of ‘Grandmother.’

“Get a grip. How long have you known Daniel? Don’t expect too much just because you gave her a few presents. She’s just a child.”

I forcibly held back the pang of disappointment. She was just a child, and she meant it well.

“I told her to call me whatever she liked. I also can’t suddenly ask her to call me ‘Mom.’ Though I am married to Sir Winchester, I am not truly his loving wife. Later, as the story unfolds, Daniel should meet a kind male lead and have a happy ending. So I must step back at the right time.”

I reminded myself of my place. This happiness was like a dream, but ultimately, it was fleeting.

“All right, Daniel. Shall we have lunch now? Then today, let’s go to the garden and paint. From next week, we’ll study with your teacher, so let’s have fun together until then!”
“Yes!”

Seeing Daniel’s wide smile, I smiled as brightly.

“So, about that…”

I spoke cautiously to Sir Winchester while he drank tea. He had been enjoying the tea I prepared each night and slept very well. Ironically, it was I who couldn’t sleep well because of him.

‘Was he just an alcoholic?’

Listening to Sir Winchester’s even breathing, I had often suspected that. But he didn’t show any signs of being an alcoholic—no red nose, no trembling hands. He looked perfectly normal.

“Go on,” he urged when I paused.

“Could you spend a little more time with Daniel?”

Had he already finished one cup? Instead of answering, he poured more tea from the kettle.

“There are all sorts of rumors about Daniel. I think the best way to silence them is to show through action. If people see you spending time with Daniel, the rumors will die down.”
“Rumors are just nonsense spread by fools. Don’t worry about them.”

No, this man! That may be true, but if our child is being hurt by those rumors, the parent must step in!

“Of course, I wouldn’t mind, but Daniel is still very young. If she later hears that her father is not her biological father, how upset would she be?”

If my eyes didn’t deceive me, Sir Winchester paused briefly. Aha! I thought. With a little more persuasion, he might give in.

“Her real mother isn’t around either, so Sir Winchester, you should pay more attention to Daniel.”

Sir Winchester’s hand paused again—this time at the words ‘real mother’ leaving my mouth.

“Speaking of which, who is Daniel’s biological mother? It would be better to be honest for Daniel’s sake…”
“No.”

Before I could even finish, Sir Winchester cut me off sharply.

“That is not your concern, Miss Naery.”

He set down his teacup and stared at me with a firm expression as resolute as his tone.

Those eyes again—the icy blue ones that seemed to see right through people, the ones I first met in the hallway.

It was a warning. He was clearly pushing me back, showing I had crossed a line I shouldn’t have.

I had intruded on Sir Winchester’s sacred territory.

“…I apologize. I was overstepping, worrying too much about Daniel.”

I quickly apologized. Though I meant it for Daniel’s sake, a small part of me had been curious about her mother. I felt ashamed for being swept up in gossip and questioning his private life.

“Your suggestion is also difficult for me. I have duties and responsibilities as a knight of the empire and a count.”

He cut me off firmly, signaling that the conversation was over.

“….”

So I said nothing. The words I had prepared—about working too hard, needing rest to perform better, or pacing myself—spun through my mind, but I couldn’t bring myself to speak.

Sir Winchester’s demeanor was simply too cold.