WAYSOWRA

Chapter 23

Wyndert placed a cute sandwich on my plate.

I held it and took a bite while watching the two try to liven the atmosphere.

'They're cute.'

It was cute to see Wyndert, who grasped my hand gently, and Deleign, who was fidgeting, trying tearfully.

Though, I'm not sure what they were trying to talk about.

We shared desserts and played house.

I then made up my mind to make them feel comfortable.

"Brothers, do you have something to say?"

"Huh, uh, was it obvious?"

Deleign, who was bad at hiding his feelings, stuttered in surprise.

He was so embarrassed that he accidentally struck the table and almost spilled a glass of juice.

"What is it?"

I was curious about Deleign's behavior.

"To be honest, I was curious if you really wanted to be our sister..."

"I'm still thinking about that. Is the grand duke pressuring you?"

The grand duke knew what I was worried about, yet he let me think about it myself.

He wanted me to be his daughter, but he didn't have any intention of blackmailing me or adopting me forcefully.

The grand duke didn't force me. I was allowed to choose my own decision.

"Absolutely not! Dad said it's not right to decide if you were forced."

"But we really want you to live with us!"

Wyndert said while Deleign exclaimed excitedly.

"Brothers, I want to continue living here in the grand duchy."

"Then what are you worried about?"

Yes. I want to know why I'm still hesitating about this.

I don't think I had such worries two weeks ago.

I'm worried about my survival right now, but is it possible for me to have a big heart and worry about others?

As I was pondering, I was inclined to say that the grand duke had the heart to adopt me.

"That...my background may affect his reputation badly."

Surprisingly, what I was most worried about was my impact on the grand duke's image.

The moment I noticed this, I realized that I liked them more than I thought.

'I...I'm worried about the safety of these people as much as I'm worried about my own safety.'

I looked at Wyndert and Deleign with shaking eyes.

I don't think I can manage in the grand duchy if I'm alone.

An orphaned lady raised in the slums. It wasn't impossible to become a hot topic called 'The Orphan Lady'.

Besides, the empress was also a problem.

Right now, the empress doesn't want to fight against the grand duke. The grand duke is as powerful as his notoriety.

He would not actively attack the city immediately, but if he adopts me, that attitude would change.

"Affect? Reputation? Don't think about such useless things."

Wyndert said unhappily. Then we left the cabin.