TGHB 42

Chapter – 42

“W-Well, whether she’s really his granddaughter—”

The gruff voice cut off abruptly.

“…Harabudi?”

The reason was the child’s face that had popped into his mind.

Those round eyes looking up at him.

Soft, purple irises.

Fluffy, cotton-candy-white hair.

Pale cheeks that looked so squishy they practically begged to be poked.

If you pressed them—

poof—they’d sink right in like dough.

“Still, whether she’s truly your granddaughter is something we should verify carefully, isn’t it?”

The one who interrupted his thoughts was Count Selton, seated across from him.

“There’s no harm in being cautious about matters like this. Don’t you agree, Sir Carlos?”

“Khmm. Well, that’s true, but…”

Then why did he feel so damn irritated?

Carlos crossed his arms tightly and leaned back in his chair.

Two deep wrinkles formed sharply between his brows.

Seeing this, Count Bontino clicked his tongue.

Honestly, he’s exactly like my son.

That stubbornness. That inability to be honest. That surly attitude.

Anyone could tell—the old man was clearly fond of his newly acquired granddaughter.

The elderly noble, cursed with such a hardheaded friend, shook his head.

Not long after—

Thud. Thud. Thud.

“The Duke has arrived!”

With the knight’s booming announcement, the doors swung open.

And through them appeared Contie.

A tall figure with perfectly balanced proportions.

A breathtakingly beautiful face, like that of an angel.

And—

“Long time no see. So, what kind of useless agenda have you brought today? I’m looking forward to it.”

That dazzlingly rude tongue of his.

A flawless main character entrance.

The meeting proceeded as usual.

Reports on businesses and territorial management from each attendee.

And then—

“Have you lost your mind? You didn’t seriously bring this and call it a business proposal, did you?”

“Exactly! This is a waste of paper. You should go around apologizing to trees from now on!”

The Duke and the former Duke’s relentless verbal lashing.

Clinging to what little sanity they had left, the retainers let out heavy sighs.

“A sigh? Are you dissatisfied with what I just said?”

Of course, Carlos shut that down instantly.

Damn father and son.

They fight all the time, but their personalities are identical.

I want to go home.

The retainers covered their mouths with their fists, desperately suppressing their sighs.

Then, at last, that topic came up.

“Your Grace, we’ve heard the news. It seems you’ve gained an adorable daughter.”

It was Count Bontino who spoke.

“Wouldn’t it be about time you introduced her to us?”

“Oh?”

Contie chuckled, lifting an eyebrow.

“So word of my daughter’s cuteness has spread that far?”

“Words without legs travel the farthest, after all.”

What a sly old fox.

Still—

No wonder he survived so long beside that ill-tempered father of his.

Smiling faintly, Contie rested his chin on his hand.

“Well, fine. No reason to hide her.”

He had planned to show Meloni today anyway.

The retainers needed to know exactly whose head they were supposed to bow to.

He wouldn’t tolerate another incident like Count Speldia’s.

“Bring the child.”

He quietly instructed Hudson, who stood behind him.

Left hand, right foot.

Right hand, left foot.

Good. Much more natural now.

Following Hudson step by step, we arrived in front of a massive door.

I’ve never been here before.

“You’ve never been here, have you?”

Hudson spoke as if he’d read my thoughts.

I cautiously grabbed the hem of his clothes and nodded.

“Mm. First time. Daddy’s in there?”

“Yes. The former Duke is inside as well.”

“O-Oh… I see.”

Well, the former Duke was the real power of Panteive.

Of course he’d be inside.

My tiny hand grew damp with sweat.

We’ve gotten a bit closer, but I still haven’t secured full approval…

Will I be okay?

I didn’t even have time to dwell on it.

Hudson said something to the knight guarding the door, and the knight knocked.

Knock knock knock.

“Lady Meloni has arrived!”

The doors swung open.

The sheer size of them was overwhelming.

And—

Why are there so many people…?

There were far more people than I’d expected.

I hesitated, unable to step inside.
My legs trembled and refused to move.

W-What do I do…

I blinked helplessly—and suddenly, my body floated up.

A moment later, I landed somewhere very familiar.

“Welcome, Marshmallow.”

The Duke’s lap.

As soon as I settled there, the doors slammed shut.

But all eyes in the chamber remained fixed on me.

Dozens of gazes staring unblinkingly.

Cold sweat trickled down.

I need to greet them…

That’s when it happened.

Before I could gather my thoughts, the Duke’s hands slid under my arms.

And—

“Everyone, open your eyes and take a good look.”

My view shot upward, revealing a sea of shocked faces.

“My daughter. Cute, right?”

Dangle.

My short legs hanging helplessly in the air felt utterly tragic.

This is so embarrassing I might actually die.

After the toddler’s appearance, the retainers found themselves doubting their eyes—repeatedly.

First—

That child is the Duke’s illegitimate daughter?

She was far too adorable.

Second—

The Duke is letting her sit on his lap?

A man who hated physical contact—allowing someone on his lap? Unthinkable.

Third—

…That’s a bit much.

The child dangling in midair by both armpits looked strangely pitiful.

As a result, the retainers—who had been wary of the “suddenly appearing illegitimate child”—swiftly changed their minds.

Having him as a father… that poor kid must be exhausted.

Thus, suspicion and negativity were completely replaced by sympathy.

Dangling in the air, the child squeezed her eyes shut—then slowly opened them.

Beneath trembling lashes, her purple eyes gleamed with determination.

Then—

“H-Hello. I’m f-four years old, Meloni…”

Her arms stretched straight forward, short and stubby.

The four fingers she held up looked like plump little sausages.

“I’m the Duke’s d-daughter. Please take care of me.”

A collective gasp filled the room.

Polite children were beloved—especially by elderly adults.

And she was unbearably cute.

Snow-white hair.

Rosy pale cheeks.

A yellow dress that suited her perfectly.

Even the wings on her back.

“Oh, and um… I brought sacred items too.”

“You brought gifts?”

“Yes!”

At her energetic reply, the Duke finally returned her to his lap.

“You didn’t need to do that. You don’t have to impress anyone.”

“No. Everyone’s Panteive family, so I wanted to give sacred items.”

How could she be this sweet?!

After enduring endless scolding all meeting long, even this small kindness melted the retainers’ hearts.

“Hup—ngh!”

She tugged the teddy-bear bag from her side to her front.

When her tiny hands opened it, colorful round candies spilled into view.

“These are candies! Meloni’s favorites! Super sweet and yummy!”

“Haha, you’re sharing something precious with us, Lady Meloni?”

“Yes. Sacred items should be good things.”

“H-Haha! Thank you, Lady Meloni.”

“I do love candy.”

“Truly the finest gift.”

Before anyone noticed, every face was beaming.

As voices piled on, the child giggled shyly.

At that moment, a single thought filled their minds.

I want a daughter!

I want a granddaughter!

Thus, the retainers’ family plans were decided.

However—

Idiots, getting fooled by a single piece of candy.

Not everyone shared the same thoughts.