SRHNVW 08

chapter 08

“It’s even more embarrassing to regret something later without having expressed your feelings.”

Perhaps because of his classically handsome face, even ordinary words from Erios tended to sound serious.

But putting that aside, what he just said sounded genuinely heartfelt.

‘I thought you might be shaken even a little by my teasing words…’

I didn’t know what expression to make when this kind of answer came back.

“The nanny from the duke’s mansion will arrive tomorrow too. It’ll be good for Artea’s stability.”

“……”

“I’ll do my best for Artea.”

As he said. There were times when Artea’s face would light up when Erios appeared, despite claiming to resent her uncle. Even from a distance, it was noticeable.

She was often spotted on the terrace where the neighboring house was visible.

It seemed she looked calmer than before, perhaps because she was constantly aware of her uncle’s presence.

“But Bellona, why do you switch between formal and informal speech? What’s the standard here?”

“Huh? When did I speak informally?”

“Just now…”

“You must have misheard.”

Failing to pick a fight, I quickly turned away.

It was a ridiculous situation with a runaway niece in the middle. A truly exceptional case.

I was forced to speak, but I had no intention of getting close to that ex-boyfriend.

‘I still have no idea what this guy is thinking.’

• He’s going to break up with me, Bellona.

Until our last meeting, we were laughing and spending time together. Then, suddenly, he announced the breakup.

• I’ll raise Artea as the heir.

The day he saw Artea, orphaned, he didn’t hesitate to step forward.

My sister and brother-in-law had died, and I hesitated even knowing Artea needed care. But he immediately said he would raise her and make her the heir—he’s the same age as me.

How could he even think that?

‘I really want to see what’s inside his head.’

But now, I no longer have to wrack my brain trying to guess his thoughts.

Erios coming next door and causing a stir unexpectedly brought a benefit.

‘Artea was so focused on her musical that she didn’t even notice I took the doll.’

I had wanted to check the cat doll from the start. I had placed protective magic on it for Artea.

Would a self-proclaimed master of magical tools simply give an ordinary doll while saying, “I’ll protect you”? No. I had spent a long time carefully placing protective magic.

‘It’s set to activate in danger. If something had happened to Artea, this would have triggered.’

It was worth the effort to test the doll during her musical practice.

Whirring—

I placed the doll on the magic circle I had drawn in the lab beforehand.

It took exactly one hour and forty-three minutes to verify the magic on the doll.

“Nanya’s gone! My doll!”

“It’s here, Artea. Nanya’s right here.”

The plan, which I had reviewed several times, went off without a hitch. I timed it perfectly for when Artea would look for the cat doll.

There was a gain.

‘The protective magic I placed on the doll activated.’

However, this was not the kind of news to be happy about.

The protective magic had disappeared after activating to protect Artea.

‘Judging by the trace of magic… it seems to be sleep-inducing.’

This fact implied a lot.

First, Artea had been in danger.
Second, the duke’s mansion couldn’t prevent that danger.

Moreover, from what I learned from Artea’s conversation:

Third, someone hates me, according to Artea.
Fourth, Artea had considered running away before.
Fifth, she dislikes living with her uncle.

She seemed shaken after seeing her uncle, but she was just a child.

All the more reason for me, as an adult, to act rationally.

I asked Erios Kiliet for a meeting.

“If we said not to see each other again, why did you come first?”

“I wanted to, but I didn’t know it would turn out like this.”

I bit my lip. Talking too much could get me entangled again. That guy is shameless enough to move next door after saying he’d disappear, so I decided to get straight to the point.

“I won’t take much time. I came to tell you to give up custody.”

As expected, it wasn’t going to be easy.

“Who abandons their niece?”

“In this case, custody goes to the guardian who can raise her better.”

Though he started with seemingly reasonable words, Erios didn’t back down.

Eventually, I said the harsh words I didn’t want to.

“Can someone who doesn’t even notice a child disappearing from their estate really raise her properly?”

“That’s why I plan to raise her better now.”

“Artea had even thought of running away before.”

“Children exaggerate. You can’t believe everything they say. Bellona, can you really raise her if you don’t understand this?”

“Stop distorting the essence. She said she didn’t want to live with you.”

“Have you already forgotten how she hated us separating?”

Wow, changing his attitude in an instant. Last time, he seemed to understand everything and quietly accept it—but he never gave up.

‘Why do people say he’s calm and composed? They’re lying!’

It’s infuriating that I’m the only one who sees this!

“I know Artea better.”

“That’s just your opinion.”

In the end, it was the same childish argument over and over.

I’m Artea’s uncle; she’s my niece. Just by personality, I’d raise her better—what nonsense, can’t he see himself clearly?

“Ha! Even raising Artea, you’re still nitpicking over words?”

“Bellona, can you even understand what the child wants if you’re so oblivious?”

“You didn’t notice her running away because you were so sharp?”

“If you raised her, she would’ve tried to run away when she could walk on her own, just like before when she had tea…”

“Don’t say that!”

This guy knows too much about me!

I took a deep breath. Otherwise, it would just be meaningless repetition.

I sighed seriously and lowered my voice.

“Erios Kiliet.”

My serious expression changed his gaze.

“The protective magic I put on Artea’s doll was broken.”

“……”

“I don’t want to say this, but I can’t return the child to you. Do you understand?”

Regardless of our breakup, regardless of his sudden breakup notice, I am Artea’s uncle.

I wanted to say it nicely. But it had come to this, so there was no choice.

“I can’t trust you. I mean it seriously. Of course, I have my shortcomings too, but I’ll do my best.”

“……”

“She can’t go back to the Kiliet mansion.”

My words had an effect. For the first time, Erios stayed silent before me.

I also said nothing further, giving him time to think.

‘I have no choice. I have to raise Artea.’

This matter had to end here. My heart might hurt now, but if I waver, it would only give him hope…

“Wait a moment.”

“Huh?”

“There’s a way for both of us—no, for Artea too—to be satisfied.”

But Erios didn’t seem willing to back down. A mysterious smile appeared on his pale face.

“Bellona. Last time, you weren’t reassured even when I said I wouldn’t marry someone who hates Artea, right? People’s hearts change; you can’t be certain.”

“Yes, that’s true.”

“I was also worried that it would be hard for you, my ex, to meet Artea.”

Is he trying to make it sound like he understands everything I say?

A creeping sense of dread rose. He’s usually expressionless, and this behavior is ominous.

“Bellona. Marry me.”

And my prediction was correct.

“What?”

“Isn’t this the best way for all of us to raise Artea?”

I thought he would give up custody easily.

“If you don’t want that, then you leave, not Artea.”

“Are you insane?”

This crazy ex-boyfriend is taking my niece hostage and proposing marriage!