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Is this a childcare story? Chapter : 12
At her questioning, Istin recited the words he had already prepared, as if he had been waiting for this moment.
“She is a pitiful child. On the surface she looks bright, so she’s not easy to notice.”
Regina could not hide her interest while listening to him. Part of it was because Miela’s circumstances were more tragic than expected, but there was another, greater reason.
“So you can make that kind of expression too. I really am surprised.”
Istin Valoire—who was he? A boy known as the “Cursed Iron-Blooded Young Lord.”
Since infancy, no one had seen him shed tears. Smiling was even rarer, and he tended to react indifferently to most things.
“He is my son, but I’ve thought more than once that even if you pricked him with a needle, not a single drop of blood would come out.”
That very Istin was now speaking with unusual passion, as if he were the girl’s spokesperson.
“She is living alone without a guardian. She’s so kind and naive that even when she’s bullied by other children, she cannot really fight back. Leaving her in this village… it concerns me.”
Perhaps because he was nervous, he swallowed dry saliva several times while speaking, making him seem very human.
For a moment, Regina almost questioned him without thinking.
Istin, since when were you capable of empathizing with stories like that?
Finally, after hearing everything, Regina composed her expression and answered calmly.
“It is indeed a pitiful story. But she is not the only one living such a difficult life. What I truly wonder is—why must it be Miela?”
“But didn’t you say earlier, Mother? That a life-saver should be properly rewarded… I believed you would gladly accept a request of this level.”
Istin could not hide his flustered expression. He had expected a simple “fine, do as you wish.”
Was Miela not to his mother’s liking to that extent? But it didn’t quite seem that way…
She clearly showed a faint smile when speaking with Miela earlier.
A brief silence fell. A flicker of conflict passed through Regina’s calm green eyes.
There was a reason she could not easily give approval.
Unlike her rough first impression, she gave sincere answers. That was quite likable.
Even at a young age, Miela’s life seemed pitiful, which tugged at her heart. But that alone was not enough reason to take her in. She could not casually bring an unknown commoner child into the manor.
But rejecting her outright would also be difficult.
Regina glanced at Istin. He still had that desperate look in his eyes.
Has that child become so important to you in just a few days?
It was the first time. Istin had never shown interest in a peer like this before. With his naturally sharp personality and the added curse, he had always been wary and distrustful of others.
And yet you changed like this in an instant…
It was truly astonishing. Perhaps it was a scene she might never see again.
After a long pause, Regina finally spoke.
“Very well, Istin. I will give you two weeks.”
“Two weeks?”
“Yes. During that time, prove what use Miela can provide. Then, when you finish your recuperation and return to the main estate, I will allow you to bring her with you.”
“…Understood, Mother.”
Determination to prove himself shone in Istin’s eyes.
Afterwards, Istin took Miela for a walk in the garden. Perhaps because of dessert as well, she looked like a drowsy little squirrel—full and relaxed.
My mind is complicated. I need to walk.
He had confidently agreed to his mother’s condition, but now that he actually faced it, it felt overwhelming.
What exactly did “usefulness” mean for a person? It felt like it could spiral into philosophical 고민…
While he was lost in thought, he suddenly felt a silent gaze from the side and turned his head.
“Miela.”
“Y-yes? W-what is it?”
Startled by their sudden eye contact, Miela stammered and looked away.
At her awkward reaction, Istin couldn’t help but let out a small laugh. Even his headache-inducing worries disappeared.
“Why do you keep sneaking glances at me like that? Do you have something to say?”
“Ah! Was I that obvious?”
As if she had never imagined he would notice, Miela gave an embarrassed smile. Istin shrugged.
“It wasn’t just obvious. It was so obvious I thought you were trying to bore a hole through my forehead.”
“S-sorry. It’s just that…”
“Say it. It’s fine.”
At his urging, Miela finally spoke honestly.
“What you talked about with Lady Regina earlier… was it important?”
Ah, so that’s it.
Normally she would have been admiring the garden scenery, but instead she kept checking his mood.
So she wasn’t acting like she didn’t care after all.
Seeing her anxious expression, it seemed she might be worried she had done something wrong.
What should he do? Should he tell her the truth and ask for her cooperation?
Explain his mother’s condition and try to build “usefulness” together.
No, that’s not a good idea.
Istin quickly dismissed it. His mother was someone who saw through everything.
Lies would never work on her.
It might even backfire. And more importantly…
Miela probably wouldn’t like it either. She would likely ask why she had to do such a thing.
And honestly, Istin agreed with that too.
Yes. Miela is already amazing as she is.
She was living alone at such a young age without any adults, helping the villagers, and maintaining a bright, positive outlook despite everything.
She might seem silly, but she can do so many things.
He himself could never have done that. He even felt a sense of respect for her.
Hiding those thoughts, he said calmly:
“Yes. It was important.”
“Oh… I see…”
It was obvious she wanted to know more. But when he cut her off firmly, she couldn’t bring herself to ask further.
It was all written on her face, which made him feel slightly guilty. In the end, he asked casually:
“Why? Are you curious?”
“N-no?”
She panicked and denied it, then immediately changed her answer.
“…Actually, I am curious.”
“I see. But I can’t tell you. The Duchess told me to keep it secret.”
Even as he said it, he thought it sounded a bit annoying. If she had snapped back, “Then why did you even ask?” he wouldn’t have had a comeback.
But Miela simply nodded.
“Mm, if it’s a secret, then it can’t be helped.”
“Sorry.”
Now he felt even more apologetic. He felt like he was being needlessly mean.
Miela shook her head.
“No, my mother used to say you shouldn’t pry into others’ secrets.”
“Your mother sounds like a wonderful person.”
“Yes. My mom was really wonderful… amazing, and kind…”
Miela’s gaze drifted into the distance, as if recalling someone she missed deeply.
After a few seconds, her brown eyes seemed to glisten slightly.
“…Ah, I stayed too long. I should go now. Titi. Thanks for today.”
Then she smiled widely, closing her eyes.
It was her usual smile—but for some reason, Istin felt it was hiding sadness.
As if not wanting that to be noticed, Miela quickly rattled off more words.
“The food was really delicious. And thank you for defending me and saying I wasn’t a liar in front of the other kids. I was too embarrassed to say it earlier, sorry. Even though I’m technically older, I feel like I’m the one always being helped by you…”
“Wait, why don’t you stay a bit longer?”
Istin tried to stop her—but she already looked troubled.
