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Chapter 9
The intimidating presence pressing down on their shoulders silenced the attendants completely. None dared to even lift their heads. The sole Grand Sword Master of the empire radiated authority that was absolute and unquestionable.
“This isn’t just any child… it’s Leponya. Leponya Crytan. I thought I had sent her name in writing, but it seems no one actually paid attention.”
Duke Crytan muttered through gritted teeth, clenching his hand, the veins standing out in blue beneath the skin. He exhaled sharply.
“I even allowed this sudden visit with a generous heart, without informing you of the arrival of a new master. I thought you came to treat me as if I were your seven-year-old son—perhaps I should have sent you back instead.”
“Duke, despite the risk of appearing disrespectful, we speak because we care deeply for the Crytan family—”
“Those who speak recklessly about the young lady—”
The Duke placed the sword at his waist on the desk.
“Will pay the price.”
Death. That was the intended consequence—repentance through death alone. No further debate was allowed. The attendants pressed their lips together, silent.
At that moment, a knock sounded at the conference room door.
“Didn’t I say no one is to come in?”
Duke Crytan’s frown deepened in irritation. But the door clicked open anyway.
“Have your ears stopped working? I clearly said—ugh!”
The Duke’s irritated shout was cut off as he saw the person entering the room. He covered his mouth in surprise, unable to continue speaking.
The attendants exchanged puzzled glances.
“Your Grace.”
A warm, sweet, and charming voice immediately dissolved the frozen tension. Everyone in the room turned their heads.
There she stood: a girl bearing such a resemblance to the late Duchess that she could have been mistaken for her returned from the grave. The attendants shared knowing glances—this was the Leponya the Duke had adopted.
Suddenly, everything made sense. Why Duke Crytan had acted so decisively, why he had adopted her so abruptly. The attendants’ disapproving eyes fell on Leponya, filled with contempt.
But she didn’t care.
“Hmm. As expected, everyone is glaring at me.”
She accepted the harsh gazes and walked to the Duke’s side.
“Ponya.”
Duke Crytan’s hand pressed to his forehead, his expression harsher than ever.
“Why are you here? I specifically ordered that you not come here.”
He had intended to play father and daughter at a distance, not to show the child he might one day reject. But Leponya saw this as an opportunity and had come anyway.
“Hah. Well, forget that. We are in a meeting—”
“Duke.”
Leponya interrupted with a quiet, calm voice and reached out her tiny hand, grabbing one of the Duke’s massive fingers.
The Duke flinched as if he had been tortured, startled by the strength of her small grip.
“There are too many people who don’t understand,” she muttered softly, as if scolding.
Now she spoke clearly. “I want to stay with you for a while.”
Her voice was bland, but the sweetness of her words was unmistakable. Duke Crytan looked down at her small hand clutching his.
The attendants continued to glare, unhappy with Leponya’s audacity, but the Duke finally spoke.
“Right. I misjudged.”
“Huh?”
“You don’t hide your hostility even when you’re with me, so surely it’s worse when I’m not around.”
He lifted her with one hand, seating her on his knee.
“Yes. Ponya, you are safest and most at ease right here with me.”
Leponya blinked at the shocked attendants, now perched atop the Duke’s leg.
“Everyone, say hello.”
Duke Crytan stroked her hair, acknowledging her presence.
Good, she thought, clenching her tiny fist. Knowing the Duke was the only one aware of her location, she could use this moment to observe him and, if necessary, manipulate a reason to remain nearby.
“Nice to meet you,” she said, eyes scanning each attendant, committing their faces to memory.
“I am Leponya Crytan.”
The attendants had no choice but to respond politely.
After the formalities, one finally stood.
“This is not the place for the discussion of matters, Your Grace. Perhaps we should reconvene later.”
With the room cleared, only the Duke and Leponya remained.
‘Now I can get down…’ she thought, perched awkwardly on his knee for the first time in her life.
Since arriving at the estate, she had grown noticeably, thanks to three full meals a day and two generous snacks.
“You’ve been eating well lately, haven’t you—”
The Duke’s voice made her realize he had noticed her weight gain. She tried to slide off, but his hand held her firmly.
“Is there a problem with the reports being submitted?”
‘Wait, is he saying I’m heavy?’
“Yes… I heard you eat well. But really, how much are you eating?”
Leponya swallowed hard. This wasn’t just a casual question—he had a point. She hesitated, counting carefully with her fingers.
“Three meals a day, with two snacks.”
Her face flushed, worried about being scolded for dessert.
“Insufficient.”
“Huh?”
“Your older brothers ate four meals a day with two snacks at that age, plus midnight meals, and even raided the kitchens at dawn.”
Leponya swallowed her indignation. Compared to her robust brothers, her meals were indeed insufficient. Perhaps the Duke’s sternness was meant to prevent weakness.
“I’ve already eaten all the food in Your Grace’s storehouse.”
“That is commendable.”
Leponya blinked, surprised that this declaration earned praise. The tense aura around him had eased.
I don’t understand, but as long as the danger’s gone… she sighed in relief.
“Anyway, it seems your pronunciation has improved once you started eating properly.”
“Huh?”
“Ponya, children your age often struggle with speech, but you have always paid attention.”
She nodded, feeling reassured by his unexpected support.
“You needn’t worry, Ponya. Just speak comfortably. I will understand.”
It was the first time anyone had told her she didn’t need to worry about being slower or weaker than others. The words felt strangely comforting.
Leponya glanced at him, feeling her unusual new sense of security.
“Ponya. You’ve been wandering the estate lately, haven’t you?”
“Yes…” she murmured.
“That will stop now.”
