Chapter 14

14

"Small things are quick, aren't they?"

He didn't seem particularly displeased.

I just stood at a distance, glaring at Deschar Clown.

"We can't keep her in such a place, so assign a few maids and give her a new room."

"Yes, my lord."

Kant bowed respectfully in response.

The butler approached with a composed gait and extended his hand to me.

If I were to be held in his arms, I wouldn't have to collect anything, at least...

'Their help feels really uncomfortable.'

But it doesn't seem like they want to kill me.

There's nothing I can do right now, and I desperately need someone to clean my pacifier and me.

Yeah, my pacifier is important.

Since I'm not being held by a member of the Clown family, I'll compromise up to this point.

I obediently let myself be held by the butler named Kant.

However, Deschar Clown's expression was strange as he watched me not trying to escape.

'Hmm, being held like this is comfortable.'

Perhaps it was strange that I wasn't screaming, as Sharent Clown was also looking at me.

"Pa!"

Deschar Clown's forehead wrinkles deepened.

"What is he saying?"

"Though I'm not sure, it sounds like he's saying 'Dad'..."

The butler's words made my mouth drop open.

"Pa!"

I tried again, putting all my effort into pronouncing it.

Stupid, stupid!

'Even if you're a baby, your pronunciation can't be this bad!'

I wriggled my whole body, but no one paid attention to me.

Eventually, when I gave up wriggling, a low, muffled laugh came from beside me.

"I don't know how it sounds to you, but to me, it sounds like he's cursing."

"Za!"

Correct!

What's with you? You're right! Don't even think about saying 'Dad.'

I waved my arms up and down vigorously.

Sharent Clown, still smiling, glanced at me and then turned his gaze to Deschar Clown.

"Do you remember her name, Father?"

At Sharent Clown's question, Deschar Clown's lips tightened even more.

Regardless of whether they were lost in thought, I yawned and leaned my heavy head on the butler's shoulder, who was holding me comfortably.

He patted me, making it easier for me to lean on his shoulder.

'Now that I think about it, I don't even know my name.'

I've never been called by a name since I came here.

I thought it didn't matter if I didn't have a name.

"Kant, do you remember?"

"If my memory serves, she is Miss Serina."

I slowly closed my eyes.

Is it because I was surprised today? My eyelids feel so heavy.

With my head comfortably resting, my thoughts began to drift.

As I grew heavier, something fell from my mouth and hit the floor.

Opening my eyes belatedly, I saw the pacifier rolling on the floor.

'No, that can't be...'

That was my last memory.

* * *

"I didn't expect Valian's child to grow like this. Back then, she was just a little bundle of flesh."

"It's been ten months, so it's only natural, Father. Come to think of it, Kai Shan grew up in the blink of an eye too."

Deschar Clown nodded, looking at Sharent Clown, who spoke with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

The two Clowns' gazes turned to Serina, who was making loud noises.

The child, who had been sucking her pacifier, was now sucking her fingers and seemed very comfortable.

Deschar Clown watched Serina for quite a while.

"Still, she's quite smart for her size. She even used her head to avoid starving."

Sharent Clown poked Serina's forehead with his index finger.

The child mumbled and cooed, then turned her head to rest it comfortably on Kant's shoulder again.

"By the way, what do you mean by picking fruits from the garden?"

"Exactly what I said. She boldly entered my garden and picked fruits from the flowers I cultivated."

His long, white fingers elegantly turned the sleeping child's hand.

Held between his index finger and thumb, the tiny hand, no bigger than a handful, was raised.

Serina's hand was covered in scars, as if she had been scratched by rose thorns, and even had some bruises.

Sharent Clown's eyes narrowed silently at the sight.

He gently released the child's hand.

His elegant hand, which looked like it could hold a crystal wine glass, had prominent veins, making it look very strong.

"I thought about making it look like an accident and killing her..."

"Sharent."

"I didn't act on it, Father. Don't speak so frighteningly. It makes my skin crawl."

Sharent Clown lowered his long lashes and spoke softly.

Following the line of his handsome jaw, one could see the corners of his mouth curved into a smile.

"Still, I was curious about what she was doing, and it was quite pitiful to see her running around trying to survive."

This man, who could charm anyone, male or female, with just a word, spoke casually about making his skin crawl.

Sharent Clown withdrew his hand from the child and took out a handkerchief to wipe it.

"Even if she's just half, to be ignored by a mere servant..."

Sharent Clown smiled brightly. His expression seemed gentle, as if he were giving a compliment.

However, the maids who received his gaze began to tremble uncontrollably.

"If a child starves to death in the family, it will tarnish the Clown name again..."

Sharent Clown's gaze slowly moved and finally settled on Kant, who was holding Serina.

"I believe you will manage her well to avoid unnecessary trouble, Head Butler."

"I will keep that in mind, Young Master."

Kant bowed slightly while holding the child.

Sharent Clown nodded lightly.

"I will go see Kai Shan now, Father."

"Yes, she must be shocked, so comfort her well."

"Yes."

Sharent Clown answered with a smile and left the room.

"Also, Kant, handle it as I said and call the doctor to thoroughly examine the child and submit a report."

"...The doctor?"

A slight crease appeared on Kant's usually expressionless forehead.

He asked, unusually puzzled.

"Is there a problem?"

"No, I will proceed as you said, Duke."

Deschar Clown nodded.

He stood there for a while even after finishing his words.

Deschar Clown, who had been staring at the back of Serina's head for a long time, finally turned away from the messy room.