I adopt the male lead

chapter 11

Karina's eyes widened.

Because of the chill she had felt a while ago she naturally thought that the Duke's hand was cold, but they were rather warm.

"Wilder will investigate the rest."

"You make me do all the hard work."

Wilder grumbled but didn't refuse.

The Duke put the magic stone in his hand and hurriedly left without saying hello as if he had nothing to do with this little store anymore.

Wilder plopped into his chair with a tired expression on his face.

"We're gonna have to ban that kid from entering..."

"Do I have to go to work here starting tomorrow?"

"Huh? Of course."

Wilder looked at Karina annoyed as if she was asking a lot of questions.

"You did well today. You just have to keep doing that."

Karina was out of her mind but managed to find the courage to ask about magic.

"Well, is magic..."

"I know nothing of magic."

Wilder waved his hand.

"The duke knows a little bit. If you're curious, ask the kid. I won't stop you."

Judging from the way he spoke, the duke seemed to be at a level with knowledge of magic rather than a wizard.

Karina lowered her head.

"...You know I can't do that."

"Then you just have to keep doing what you did before. I mean, don't try to hide what you see. Do you understand?"

"Yes."

Wilder reached out his wrinkled hand toward her.

"Let's do this, Mrs. Bloe."

* * *

A week has passed.

Karina moved to a slightly better inn than the filthy one. It wasn't very satisfying, but it was still an environment that's good enough to be considered a home. The children also liked the new inn more.

Karina bought the children several toys that they could buy for a penny and allowed them to play with children their age nearby.

'I can't let you grow up like me.'

Karina still remembers her childhood.

'My mother didn't care about me at all, and Lord Lenque... Let's not think about it.'

As much as possible, she wanted Roland and Melissa to grow up like the other children she envied as a child.

A life without any worries other than a little worry like having a birthday party even if it's early and who to play with tomorrow.

As she was walking to the inn, the smell of sweet cookies hit the tip of Karina's nose. She looked around and saw a stand selling cookies on the street.

'Should I buy some cookies today?'

The food brought from Lord Lenque's mansion ran out in three days. After that, the children and Karina only ate food for survival.

It didn't seem bad to eat sweet cookies after a while. Karina paid 2 kibrin and bought a bag of cookies.

Ten minutes later.

Karina's body stiffened as she opened the door of the room, which looked nothing like usual, and took a step in.

The cookie bag fell on the floor.