TVDML 16

Chapter 16

…Huh?

This wasn’t in the novel.

Lyla never learned magic from the Master of the Magic Tower.

This was a total deviation from the original side character role.

“Lyla, you can make your own choice, right? You’re a smart kid.”

Dad soothed me.

Of course, Dad! Trust me.

I couldn’t say anything because my mouth was full of cookies, so I just nodded enthusiastically.

That seemed to make Mom anxious.

“Smart, huh… I wonder who she takes after to be so sly.”

Mom, I heard that just now.

I pouted.

Noticing something was wrong, Baldwin held my hand tightly.

And then he looked at me with those eyes…

Oh no, our baby kitty! You’re worried about your sister, aren’t you?

“Where are you going?”

I chewed the last remaining cookie and swallowed it.

Then I shook my head.

“Hm? I’m not going anywhere.”

Where would I go, Baldwin, leaving you behind?

I’m someone who’s happy in this life just obsessing over you!

Every time my chubby cheeks wobbled, they tugged at hearts everywhere.

And when his scarlet eyes flickered, my heart fluttered too.

You’re the only one who shakes me like this, Didi.

“I’m not going anywhere without you, Didi.”

I linked our pinkies and made a promise.

“…Keep your promise. You’re always lying.”

“Okay, okay.”

My credibility hit rock bottom because I’d told a few harmless lies just to tease Baldwin sometimes.

As I smiled brightly, Mom let out a deep sigh.

“Lyla, so what do you think is best?”

“What’s the benefit of learning magic from the Magic Tower Master?”

First of all, when you sign a contract, you have to read it thoroughly.

I’ve seen too many people go bankrupt from signing the wrong thing.

“You’d gain access to the Magic Tower’s knowledge. You’d be able to learn much more magic than you could on your own. And once you’ve grown strong enough to protect yourself, not even the imperial family will be able to touch you.”

Wow, my mom is so honest.

The attached bonuses weren’t bad either.

The imperial family wouldn’t be able to touch me, huh…

I glanced over at Baldwin.

Actually, even though Baldwin used the Winchester family name, he had royal blood.

Even if the imperial family didn’t acknowledge it, he had a claim to the throne.

In the novel, that was what caused Baldwin to be tossed around a lot.

He really suffered because of it.

If I gained that kind of power, it would definitely help Baldwin too.

“Mom, I want to learn!”

I’ll become the ruler of this world!

For my precious baby kitty!

Mom looked worried.

“Lyla…”

“I won’t cause any trouble!”

“The sage of the Magic Tower doesn’t have the best personality… If you don’t listen…”

“They’ll scold me!”

Mom sighed and rubbed her forehead.

Baldwin tugged at my hand with a troubled face.

“Keep your promise.”

“I said I would.”

This is all part of a bigger plan… for you.

My precious boy.

*

The sage of the Magic Tower visited Lorobante the very next day.

Flutter flutter—

Whoa.

A translucent blue bird flew in, spinning around.

And then with a burst of flame, a person appeared.

Mom had cleared the largest guest room in the mansion.

She held my hand tightly, while Baldwin clung to my other hand.

“Lyla. Absolutely no causing trouble.”

They kept reminding me.

Honestly, these people are too cute.

Did I mention that I’m really, really happy to be here?

The figure gradually became clearer, and a woman with pure golden hair tied high on her head appeared.

She opened her lips expressionlessly.

“I am Aldis Hawade. A humble person who governs the Magic Tower.”

“It’s been a while, Aldis.”

“It has, Robelia.”

Seems they already knew each other.

Aldis was originally Endia’s teacher.

Endia didn’t appear much in the novel, but she was portrayed as an ordinary girl.

She loved praise from Robelia more than anything and would do whatever Robelia wished.

And Endia remained that kind of child her whole life.

Because Empress Caitlyn wanted her to.

To Endia, the Empress was the absolute standard.

And Aldis Hawade was portrayed as someone who quietly stayed on her own path.

She didn’t help Endia, but she didn’t support the imperial family either.

Nor did she stop them.

She just stood by as they used the Magic Tower’s power for Fidelio.

So what kind of reaction would Aldis Hawade have toward me?

“This is the daughter I told you about.”

“…Hello, I’m Lyla Lorobante.”

There was something oddly intimidating.

Her gaze wasn’t sharp or anything…

Maybe it was because there was no emotion at all?

Oh, this isn’t going to be easy.

Mom, can I use the restroom for a moment? I don’t think I’m mentally ready yet.

…Not that such an internal protest would make a difference.

No, Lyla.

You decided to do this.

I steeled myself once more.

Aldis Hawade was silently staring at me.

Then Mom spoke to her.

“Make yourself comfortable, Aldis. We didn’t have time to prepare a proper space.”

“No need. This is more than enough.”

As Mom and Aldis exchanged greetings, I reviewed everything I knew about the Magic Tower.

Aldis Hawade had deep attachment to the Tower.

She was quiet most of the time, but if provoked, she’d bite.

Woof woof!

The Tower’s retaliation against the imperial family was mentioned in the novel too.

They cut off the electricity.

That’s basically like cutting off Wi-Fi for a modern person.

So cruel!

Aldis Hawade had one clear purpose.

To elevate the authority of the Magic Tower.

So when dealing with her, just don’t belittle that authority.

Got it. Data loaded.

“Anyway, Aldis. What I want to ask is for you to train my daughter. I don’t think I can handle it on my own.”

Aldis studied me closely.

To shield me from her detached gaze, Baldwin stepped between us.

“It’s okay, Didi.”

I gently pushed aside the cute kitten and faced Aldis boldly.

“She’s still young.”

“But ten is an age where one can make decisions. Just like we did. The child has the right to decide whether she’ll go to the Tower with me or stay in the mansion.”

Aldis spoke calmly.

“Robelia wanted to return to the mansion, and I chose to remain at the Tower. We were ten.”

Mom looked like she wanted to say something but shut her mouth tight.

I see.

Mom and Aldis must be polar opposites.

It felt like sharp swords were clashing between the two adults.

Uh, excuse me. May I say something too?

I tried to raise my hand, but Didi caught it.

“…You’re not going, right?”

His whisper was so soft.

Oh no. My poor baby kitty…

If it were just the two of us, I wouldn’t be able to leave those cheeks alone.

I restrained my urge to snuggle and kiss him and tightly held Baldwin’s hand.

“Okay. I’ll stay home with Didi. Really.”

“Even if she offers you money?”

“Of course!”

“Even candy?”

“Absolutely!”

“Even pretty dresses?”

“Definitely!”

Look at this kid. You don’t even know how old your big sis is.

I squeezed Baldwin’s hand back.

Only then did he look relieved and nod.

While we talked, the adults seemed to have finished their mental battle too.

Seriously, Mom.

Trust me.

“First, let me tell you what we can offer Miss Lyla. If she decides to live in the Tower, she’ll be treated better than Emperor Laigos of the Empire.”

It didn’t sound like she was trying to tempt me—it was more like she was just stating facts.

Aldis’s expression never changed.

“And?”

I replied coolly.

“…You’ll be able to put the entire continent beneath your feet. The Tower holds that kind of power.”

“I’m sorry.”

I smiled as brightly as I could.

Sage, you’ve got the wrong person.

“I’m not interested in things like that.”

I shrugged.

My wish is very simple.

To live a cozy life with bunny-like kids.

And all I need is a foxy husband.

My modest dream didn’t include anything like ruling the continent.

What would I even do with that?

The worst thing is having to take on everything yourself.

Ruling the continent? That just means having way more responsibilities.

I hate that kind of thing.

I just want to play with Baldwin and enjoy my time with Mom and Dad.

The reason I don’t regret coming to this world is because of them.

I’m so glad I was born as the daughter of Mom and Dad, as Lyla Lorobante.

Of course!

It’s good to leave a door open—especially for Baldwin’s bright future.

What if bad people try to hurt our baby?

Then big sis has to beat them up, right?

“Of course, if Miss Aldis ever needs help, I’ll help her. Mom taught me we should help those in need.”

I heard Mom chuckle quietly beside me.

“‘In need,’ Lyla?”

“Then… someone asking for help?”

“She’s always like this, Aldis.”

Tsk.

I was being sincere, though.

I really meant that if the Magic Tower was ever in trouble, I wouldn’t turn away.