The Adopted Princess Hopes to Escape the Genre - Chapter 13
“Is this… really the only clause you want?”
“Yes.”
I asked cautiously, surprised by how simple his addition was, but his response was firm and unwavering.
“It overlaps with the first clause I wrote.”
Wondering if he hadn’t read the contract carefully before adding his clause, I pointed it out again.
“What I want isn’t just for you to adapt. Once you become accustomed to living in the Duchy, I hope you’ll eventually consider it your true home.”
“…….”
“And, if possible, find happiness too.”
For a brief moment, the Duke’s expression softened, radiating warmth. It quickly returned to its usual sternness, but the fleeting glimpse left an unexpected ache in my chest.
‘Am I feeling vulnerable because I’ve been thrown into an unfamiliar place on my own?’
A man who still yearns for a wife who passed away long ago, who can’t let go of his lost daughter, and who is so devoted to his family that he would adopt a child who resembles them, that’s the kind of person the Duke was. Watching him stirred a longing for my real parents back in my original world.
At the same time, I recalled the moment I had first returned, the dark alley, the cold sensation of steel, and how my mind had faded into chaos.
I can’t afford to let myself be swayed by trivial kindness or affection. If I do, I’ll lose my head a second time. If I want to return to my original world, I’ll need to steel my heart.
I touched the area near my neck, steeling myself once again.
But as I watched the Duke gathering up the finalized contract, my emotions became restless again.
It felt strange to be adopted somewhere else when I already had real parents. Confusing, even.
Noticing my unease, the Duke spoke as if to settle the matter.
“The adoption papers should be processed by tomorrow.”
“That’s… pretty fast.”
I had assumed, given the medieval setting, that it would take months.
“Ordinarily, it would take quite some time. But if it’s paperwork from the Duke Delphinium Household, things move differently.”
Of course, the higher your status and the more money you have, the better.
“Now, you should meet the other children as well. I’ll arrange a time to introduce you soon.”
Bang-.
Before the Duke could finish speaking, the office door swung open, and someone barged in.
“Father!”
Startled by the sudden entrance, I turned my gaze toward the door to see a boy with light wheat-colored hair and pale violet eyes.
As soon as his eyes met mine, his brows furrowed.
‘What’s his problem? Rude.’
Not one to back down, I returned his intense glare with one of my own.
Trying to assert dominance on a first meeting? Fine, two can play that game.
The boy, apparently unprepared for my reaction, seemed flustered and turned to the Duke.
“Is that the kid you’re bringing in?”
“Yes. Kaiden, come here and greet Lassetia. From today, she is your new sister.”
At those words, the boy named Kaiden slammed the office door shut and stormed out without looking back.
A heavy silence filled the office after Kaiden’s dramatic exit.
The Duke, seemingly embarrassed by his son’s excessive reaction, sighed and rubbed his face.
“My apologies. I thought I’d explained things clearly to him.”
You didn’t just announce it to him out of the blue, did you?
Honestly, if my dad went out and came back saying, “Here’s your new sibling,” while bringing home a random street urchin, I’d be shocked too.
“That’s understandable. By the way, that boy seems close to my age. How old is he?”
“He’s two years older than you. Kaiden is my third son.”
Knock-, knock-.
Who could it be this time?
Unlike Kaiden, this person knocked before entering, at least they had basic manners.
“Father, it’s Lucian.”
“Come in.”
So much for arranging a formal introduction. Looks like everyone’s going to meet me here and now.
“That must be the child you mentioned.”
“Yes. Her name is Lassetia.”
Lucian quickly scanned me from head to toe before extending his hand.
“Hello. I’m your second brother, Lucian. Nice to meet you.”
“Yes, nice to meet you too.”
Lucian greeted me with a kind voice and a warm smile, but his eyes betrayed a coldness that only I seemed to notice.
