I adopt the male lead

chapter 28

A bewildered look appeared on Claude’s face.

“Sure. But above all else, the lady’s safety comes first. No matter how much money you receive, if you can’t use it right away, it’s as good as nothing.”

“I’m not asking for riches.”

“It’s not wealth?”

“Yes.”

Karina swallowed dry saliva.

“Please protect my children.”

“…”

If Claude had panicked a while ago, now it was his turn to be astonished. Karina continued without waiting for his answer.

“I can’t go back home. I can’t put my children at risk.”

“I know. I didn’t mean to send the lady home either. And the children… how could I forget.”

Of course, he can’t forget them. Karina thought bitterly. Isn’t he a man who recognizes Roland’s potential and continues to recruit him as a vassal? But now, the only thing she could cling to was the man in front of her.

“The only person I can ask to look after the children is Sir Wilder, but with all due respect he’s also… in a dangerous situation so I’m worried.”

“Of course, I’m against leaving the children with Wilder. He’s not the kind of person who gets along well with children.”

“Is that so?”

Karina wasn’t too surprised. It was hard to imagine a nerdy person like Wilder playing well with children.

“Still, if it’s safe, I can leave them to you. But that’s not it… Can you take care of my children at the Duke’s residence for a while?”

“Is that the reward the lady wants?”

“Yes. It’s okay if you don’t give me money.”

Karina didn’t say she didn’t need wealth at all. Of course, if the children’s safety and money are weighed on the scales, Karina will choose the former. However, if Claude guarantees the children’s safety and gives them money at the same time, there is no need to refuse, right? Instead of answering right away, Claude stared at Karina for a moment then slowly opened his mouth.

“I have to admit. I was really surprised.”

“I know it was off-topic.”

Karina meekly admitted. She rejected Claude’s offer to become the Duke’s vassal twice. There would be no way for the children to become vassals of Claude either. Under such circumstances, asking to take care of the children at the Duke’s residence was an excessive request no matter how much compensation for the accident.

“You seem to be misunderstanding something.”

Karina’s eyes widened.

“I too was going to suggest something similar to what the lady said. So you’d better think of something else as a reward.”

“…!”

Claude glanced at Karina’s startled face and then smiled timidly.

“Is that so surprising?”

“Yes.”

Karina answered without hesitation.

“Your Grace has no obligation to protect my children…”

Karina’s words couldn’t be finished and were cut off. It was because she realized that she was making a big mistake.

‘This person hasn’t given up on Roland yet.’