Chapter 37

I thought that considering Lady Eva's personality and the status of both families, this adoption proposal would be firmly rejected, but for some reason, Lady Eva's words were a gentle refusal.

"Baron Hanson, Nonna is quite an active child. I don't think it would be possible to raise her in the manner of a noble."

"No, no, Lady Anderson, please leave that to us. If she stays with us for a week, I'm sure she will change her mind."

(But I'm the one raising Nonna. Why are my opinions and existence being ignored?)

I was naturally angry and decided to firmly refuse.

"I will say it again, I am..."

"Seven nights? Or six?"

I was taken aback by Nonna's words. The baron and his wife were beaming.

"Six nights. Seven is fine too. You're smart."

"I'm happy, Nonna."

I was stunned as I looked at Nonna's composed profile, wanting to ask, (Why? We were getting along well, right? We were living happily, right?)

But... now wasn't the time to sound like a woman who had just been dumped by a man.

"Nonna? Why..."

"Can I stay for six nights and then refuse if I don't like it?"

"Of course."

"Then, shall we start tonight?"

"Sure, okay."

Wait, tonight?

"Your Excellency, please wait. Nonna hasn't brought any clothes or anything."

"Victoria, there's no need for clothes. We will provide everything. Oh, we can buy her dresses. You must be thrilled."

"That's right. We can buy as many as she likes on the way back."

And just like that, Nonna disappeared from in front of me, as if being taken away. I watched her board the carriage and leave, feeling confused.

"Teacher! Why did Nonna get into that family's carriage?"

"Mr. Clark. Well, why do you think?"

"Huh? Teacher?"

"I'm sorry, but I'm going home."

I walked and felt endlessly dejected. As I walked through the gate of Mrs. Yolana's mansion and trudged along, Mrs. Yolana, who was tending to the flower beds, called out to me.

"Oh, Victoria, what happened to Nonna?"

"Nonna is staying at the baron's house for a week."

Mrs. Yolana's face turned serious, perhaps because my behavior seemed suspicious.

"What happened?"

Reluctantly, I told her what had just happened.

"So, if Nonna likes the noble lifestyle, she will become their adopted daughter, right?"

"Probably."

"Hmm, I see. What's the baron's name?"

"Baron Hanson."

"Hanson... Ah, I see. They must be planning to replace their deceased child."

"That seems to be the case. I'm sorry, Mrs. Yolana, but I'm a bit confused, so I'm going back to my room."

I started walking, trying not to stagger, and Mrs. Yolana called out to me from behind.

"I'm sure that won't work out. If my eyes aren't clouded, Nonna will refuse and come back."

"I hope so."

The evening sky grew darker and darker. I sat in a chair, unable to do anything, and it turned pitch black, but I couldn't stand up. I didn't expect Nonna to agree so easily. I thought she would refuse on the spot. I had assumed Nonna would always be by my side. Thinking of her aloof words and the radiant smile when she successfully performed a somersault made me want to cry.

The empty room was cold and bleak. The thought of living like this in the future made me feel drained. Up until I left the organization, there were always people around me, and since coming to this country, Nonna had been with me. I never thought I would end up truly living alone after experiencing a happy, human life.

Suddenly, the door was knocked on violently.

"Victoria! Are you there?"

It was the leader's voice. Not wanting to show my dejected face, I didn't answer, but the voice came again.

"Are you there? If you don't open the door, I'll kick it down!"

Please don't. It will cost money to repair.

"The door is unlocked."

"Ah, right."

The door was forcefully opened, and the leader came in. He stood still for a moment in the dark room, then went to the small table where the lamp was always placed, lit it, and lit the other lamps one by one.

"I was worried because it was so dark. Mrs. Yolana told me to come quickly because she was worried about you."

"Is that so?"

"Nonna went to a noble's house, right?"

"...What?"

"What? What?"

The leader asked me again.

"I didn't expect this to happen. I thought Nonna, being a child, would always be by my side. She has the right to decide her own life, though."

"Victoria."

The leader stood next to me, still sitting in the chair, and placed his hand on my back.

"Nonna must have had a reason for going."

"Yes, I think so too. She's a smart child. But if I were a third party, I would think this adoption is the best possible arrangement."

The leader listened silently.

"Being raised by a foreigner like me is not as advantageous, safe, or happy for her as becoming a noble's adopted daughter in this country."

The warm hand on my back stopped.

"Don't talk about yourself like that. You're a strong, independent woman. And I'm sure Nonna will come back. I believe that."

"It would be painful if it's better for her not to come back."

"Victoria... Nonna will decide what makes her happy. I'm sure she'll be fine and choose to come back to you."

The deep, gentle voice resonated in my chest. The large, warm hand on my back made me feel a little stronger, even though everything seemed meaningless.

"If she comes back, I'll sew button covers on her clothes to make her happy."

"That's a good idea. Doing something with your hands might help you feel better."

I slowly stood up and bowed to the leader.

"Thank you. I'm okay. I think I'll make some food. Have you eaten dinner?"

"No. I was just about to when I got the message from Mrs. Yolana."

"Then, I'll make something for you to eat."

"Is that okay? You'll be putting in a lot of effort."

I made a vegetable soup with the ingredients I had at home, seasoned the pork with spices, and cooked it slowly. Usually, I make mild dishes, but tonight, I made a spicier, more adult-flavored meal. I also had some slightly hardened bread from yesterday.

"That's all I have."

"It's enough. It looks delicious."

Will Nonna come back?

The leader is right. Even at six years old, it's better for Nonna to decide her own happiness. If her life is unhappy because it was forced upon her, it would be unbearable, but if she chose it herself, she should be able to endure any difficulties. She is strong and smart.

"I think Nonna will come back, but if you don't like it, you don't have to hesitate. You can go to the baron's house to bring her back. If you feel lonely, I'll go with you."

I thought for a moment and shook my head.

"I want to consider Nonna's feelings first, so I'll wait."

"Alright. If you change your mind, contact me anytime. I'll go with you."

The leader stayed for a while after finishing his meal, looking worried, but then said, "You should get some sleep," and left.