Rebirth Of The Duke's Daughter

Chapter 23

Mila sat on the grass between her father and Leo, her smile reflecting the warmth she felt inside. The knights, having been granted permission to stay by her father, stood nearby, clearly grateful yet hesitant. Most of them had no families or homes outside of the palace, and the Noble mansion's open dormitories offered them a place to belong. A few had aging parents to care for, but none had wives or children of their own.

As she sat there, a few of the knights approached her, their faces a mix of gratitude and uncertainty. Mila looked up at them, her innocent expression inviting them to speak. "Lady Mila," one of the knights began, his voice laced with hesitation, "we wanted to ask you a question."

Mila nodded encouragingly. "Go ahead and ask," she replied, her smile never faltering. To the knights, she seemed like a beacon of kindness, almost otherworldly in her generosity.

"Why would you let us live?" The knight's voice trembled slightly as he spoke, the weight of their failure heavy on his conscience. "We didn't protect you. We couldn't do our duty, and because of that, you now bear a scar for the rest of your life."

Mila's father and Leo observed her closely, their eyes filled with concern. They wondered how she would respond to the situation, given that there was no particular or personal reason for her decision.

Mila remained silent for a moment, her gaze sweeping over the knights who stood before her. She could sense their unease, their cautiousness as they awaited her response. Finally, she smiled, a gentle expression that carried no trace of anger or resentment. "Because I know it's not anyone's fault," she said softly.

Her words brought a wave of relief to the knights. They could feel the tension in their hearts begin to ease, replaced by a growing desire to protect her with everything they had.

Moved by her kindness, the knights knelt before her once more, their voices strong and unified. "We will forever protect Lady Mila! We pledge our loyalty to you!"

Mila's smile grew brighter as she felt their sincerity. With her father and Leo standing beside her, she knew that this moment would be remembered. "I'll be looking forward to your work and duties! Let's all be good friends! Bring out the snacks and food for us to celebrate our pledge of loyalty to one another!" she declared joyfully.

Sara quickly organized the maids and servants, who began setting up a feast in a large room. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and conversation as the knights, maids, and servants all gathered to celebrate.

As Mila sat at her table with her father and Leo, she could hear the murmurs of admiration from those around her. "You are a strange child," Leo remarked, a hint of affection in his voice.

"Really?" Mila asked, tilting her head slightly. She had often thought of herself as different, especially after returning from the dead, but she had embraced these changes.

"To us, you are," Leo replied, gently ruffling her hair. Mila smiled at the gesture, feeling the warmth of his affection.

Duke Reynard, watching the interaction, noticed something that made his heart swell with pride. Tucked under Mila's arm was the blue teddy bear he had given her on her first birthday. The sight of her still cherishing the gift, even after all these years, touched him deeply.

"Let's go dance!" Mila suddenly exclaimed, grabbing both her father's and Leo's hands. She pulled them to the center of the room, where they began to twirl in a circle. The room filled with applause and cheers as the music played, and soon everyone was dancing, simply enjoying the moment.

The day ended with the knights and servants feeling content and satisfied, their bellies full from the feast. Mila, sensing their happiness, knew that they would serve the Noble family with renewed dedication.