Rebirth Of The Duke's Daughter

Chapter 77

"Now that Leo is married, I don't have to worry about your future anymore," Mila teased, a playful grin spreading across her face. "I'll be expecting kids from you both soon. I'll be a very happy aunt when that happens." Her words made Leo glare at her, while Luce's face turned bright red at the thought, her blush deepening as Mila giggled at their reactions.

"Mila... when did you become so bold?" Leo asked, still taken aback by her newfound confidence. She was so much more outspoken than before, and while he admired it, he also worried about what trouble her frankness might bring if she ever spoke out of turn in front of the wrong people, especially within the royal family.

"Hmm... I don't know. It's probably just instinct," Mila replied with a smile, noticing how much more expressive Leo had become. It was a change she appreciated, considering how he used to struggle with showing his emotions.

As the carriage rolled on, Cotton and Net soon drifted off to sleep, curled up together for warmth. Seeing them doze so peacefully, Leo's curiosity was piqued. "Who are these beasts?" he asked, pointing to the two small creatures slumbering beside Mila. He wasn't sure if they were the ones she had been searching for.

"They're my new friends," Mila explained, reaching out to gently pet them. "The Cottontail Raccoon is Cotton, and the Newt is Net. But they aren't my beasts through a contract, which I'm sure you've noticed. They chose to be with me, and I didn't force them into any contract. They're beloved friends." As Mila scratched behind Cotton's ear, the little raccoon kicked her feet in delight, making Mila smile at how childlike and spoiled she still was.

Luce watched with amusement, giggling softly. "It's wonderful that you have these beasts with you. Are you sure they aren't in a contract with you?"

"No, they just decided to join me on their own," Mila said. "I never intended to bind them to me, and they chose their path."

"That's unusual," Luce remarked, surprised. "It's rare to see beasts follow someone without a contract."

Mila simply nodded, keeping to herself the secret of her ability to communicate with beasts without a contract. She had made it clear to her companions that this ability should remain hidden, as revealing it could attract unwanted attention and put her in even greater danger, especially from those like the Mana Hunters.

As the carriage came to a stop, Mila's heart swelled with excitement at the sight of her home. Her father was waiting for her, and she couldn't wait to see him after so long. "Let's go meet Father!" she exclaimed, hopping out of the carriage with Cotton and Net waking up to chase after her.

'I wonder if we'll still be able to stay with Mila,' Cotton mused as she looked over at Net, who hopped onto her head to hitch a ride, knowing she could run faster.

'I'm pretty sure we can,' Net replied confidently. 'Mila would never abandon us. She's been with us for three years—she wouldn't just toss us aside now.'

'You're right! Let's see if we can check out her room or even get some snacks here!' Cotton laughed, her spirits lifting as she imagined the treats they might find. Net joined in, eager for the adventure ahead.

"She's such a lively and talented child," Luce said softly as she took Leo's hand, stepping down from the carriage with his support. "If only I had met her sooner."

"You wouldn't believe how different she was before," Leo responded, guiding Luce toward the entrance of their home. He knew he would have to explain everything to his father, including his sudden marriage to Luce.

It was evening, and the household was gathered for dinner, including Mila's half-siblings and stepmothers. Mila's excitement bubbled over as she rushed through the halls, eager to see her father again after such a long time apart.