“A talent for magic…”
Lucas murmured languidly.
“Naming her Eleonore was a wise decision.
If her talent continues to grow like this, she will become your strongest weapon.”
“I see.”
Lucas did not doubt Kun’s words.
“If Eleonore’s abilities awaken, she will serve as the stepping stone for you to set foot in the land of the gods.”
“Hmm.”
Though Lucas’s handsome face remained expressionless, Kun could tell his lord was pleased.
It was astonishing.
Lucas had not shown a single hint of satisfaction ever since ‘that incident.’
Lucas slowly stood up.
“Lead the way.
I must go see it myself.”
* * *
Masha changed Ely out of her chocolate-stained clothes.
A group of maids had gathered around her.
Ever since Ely arrived at the mansion, the maids had made it a daily routine to crowd into the room, cooing and gushing over her.
They claimed that just looking at her face recharged their energy.
Masha couldn’t help but agree.
Ely was, without a doubt, ridiculously adorable.
With her porcelain skin, rosy, chubby cheeks, wide eyes, and brilliantly shining silver hair, she was breathtaking.
Even though Ely wasn’t her own flesh and blood, Masha’s heart fluttered with affection every time she looked at her.
Whenever Ely let out a bright, giggling laugh, Masha and the other maids would practically melt.
Even Debbie, the notoriously strict head maid, made sure to drop by every single day just to catch a glimpse of her.
“The little lady is going to grow up to be absolutely stunning,”
Debbie said solemnly, cradling Ely, who was now dressed in fresh clothes.
The other maids nodded in fervent agreement.
“I know, right?
She’ll easily be the most beautiful girl on the continent.
Honestly, she already is.”
When the young maid, Ann, spoke up, Debbie shook her head.
“No, you’re thinking too small.
She won’t just be the fairest on the continent—she’ll be the most beautiful creature in both the divine and demonic realms.”
“Exactly!”
“Oh my, look!
I think the little lady understands us.
She’s wearing such a pleased little smile.”
“She’s so incredibly bright.
To think she can already understand us.”
“I can’t wait until she starts talking.”
Just as the maids were chattering away,
the door swung open.
There was no knock.
The maids turned their heads casually, only to freeze at the sight of the figure standing in the doorway.
It was Duke Andrian Lucas Brandt.
Snapping out of their daze, the maids hurriedly bowed their heads.
Lucas swept his cold gaze over them before speaking.
“I recall appointing only one nanny for that thing.”
“W-we are terribly sorry, Your Grace.
The little lady was just so lovely that…”
The head maid, who had been holding Ely, quickly handed her back to Masha as she spoke.
“Little lady?”
A deep frown creased Lucas’s brow.
Masha flinched, instinctively pulling Ely closer to her chest.
“That thing is not my child.
Yet you treat it as such?”
The maids turned pale.
There wasn’t a shred of warmth in Lucas’s crimson eyes as he stared down at Ely.
The Duke was displeased.
The maids knew all too well what that meant.
While Lucas was generally a fair master, he became utterly ruthless when angered.
They knew that no one who crossed him ever survived.
But just as Masha was about to drop to her knees to beg for mercy, something unexpected happened.
Ely, cradled in Masha’s arms, reached out both of her tiny hands toward Lucas and babbled.
“Dada.”
In an instant, the icy chill vanished from Lucas’s eyes.
“Did she…”
Lucas asked, his voice noticeably softer than before.
“Did that thing just call me ‘Dada’?”