The Baby Who Regressed Refuses Childcare - Chapter 4
“You want to adopt Lia?”
To sum it up, that’s how it went.
The bookstore owner, who was deeply impressed by Lia reciting the magic dictionary, told his wife about it.
His wife mentioned it to the regular young man at the library where she worked.
It turned out that the young man had been friends with Longton’s administrative officer at the local academy and had exchanged letters.
“It’s a very curious coincidence, but…”
Ann had no reason to refuse the adoption of Anellia into a prominent noble family like Longton.
“His Excellency has long wished for Anellia to form a special bond with a peer. If the adoption is finalized, we also promise substantial regular support for the Eve Hill Orphanage.”
Ann felt proud.
It wasn’t just that she didn’t have to worry about the orphanage’s finances immediately, there was something more significant.
Until she brought the newborn left in the mountains to this place, she had no idea that Anellia was such an exceptional child.
“Lulu, Lia is a treasure. She’s kind, cute, and the smartest genius in the world.”
Ann squeezed Lulu tightly, and Lulu nodded vigorously.
“Yeah! All my friends know! Lia is a genius!”
Indeed, Lia was undoubtedly a genius.
Look at her now.
Even someone as remarkable as Duke Longton came personally to fetch her.
Even in the midst of the Avner estate, the smallest and most remote Evehill Orphanage!
Ann gently placed Lulu back on the ground, then looked around at the children with a proud smile.
“All right, is everyone ready to go greet our guests?”
“Yes!!”
It was finally time to welcome the guests.
***
“Welcome, Your Grace.”
I secretly observed the people bustling in the orphanage garden.
Someone among them greeted Miss Ann.
“It’s an honor to meet you. It’s just as beautiful as you described in the letter.”
He was the steward of the Longton family, someone I knew quite well.
And next to him was…
“We can skip the formalities. Where are the children?”
A polite yet imposing voice filled the air.
The man who had been my adoptive father in a previous life.
The sight of Lambert Longton made my heart skip a beat.
I huddled even lower behind the barn.
Duke Longton appeared younger than my last memory of him.
Since I’ve come back in time, perhaps it was only natural.
Miss Ann answered politely, “The children are inside.”
“And is that child inside as well?”
“Well, actually…”
Miss Ann hesitated and her words trailed off. The distance was significant, so I couldn’t catch the rest of her words.
Curious, I tilted my head and tried to listen more closely.
“Why is that child not coming?”
Duke Longton asked gravely, “Is the child anxious?”
“Yes, she’s been a little…”
His forehead furrowed noticeably.
After some contemplation, he said, “I see. If she’s as precocious as mentioned, a change of environment might make her anxious.”
He glanced at the administrators surrounding him, as if expecting them to be ready.
The administrators began inspecting the surroundings as if they had been waiting.
I held my breath, clutching the bag under my sleeve.
Cold sweat had already formed in my palm.
“Why, why…”
It should be the right time.
“Why isn’t she coming?”
