The Baby Who Regressed Refuses Childcare - Chapter 9
“Anellia.”
I lowered my gaze awkwardly before Miss Ann.
“What the he*l is going on here, huh?”
The surroundings were bustling with Abner soldiers preparing for their return.
They seemed to be getting ready to activate teleportation spells, scrolling even down to their homeland.
“For now, according to what the Duke said, we should be able to see each other again soon. So, take care in the meantime, eat your meals properly…”
“Lia, it will be alright.”
Miss Ann closed her mouth.
“Don’t worry, Miss Ann. Lia is all grown up now.”
It was sincere.
I was always the type of child who could handle things on my own.
After living two lifetimes, I was even more capable, to say the least.
But Miss Ann’s expression still didn’t quite ease.
She eventually let out a deep sigh.
“Miss Ann really doesn’t know you, Lia.”
I widened my eyes.
“Miss Ann knew everything. Lia touched my seal and went through my drawers.”
My mouth fell open reflexively.
Miss Ann had slight wrinkles on her forehead.
“You’re right. Our Lia has grown up. How smart she is, she does everything by herself, even brushing her teeth. But still, Miss Ann…”
Miss Ann carefully released my clenched fist, which she had held tightly.
My palms were in a mess. Numerous blisters and scabs marred the white, delicate skin.
Blisters that had formed from carving the seal had burst and were now scabs again.
Some still oozed a bit of blood and pus.
“What am I going to do with you, huh?”
I quickly pulled my hand away, but Miss Ann was already choking back tears.
“How on earth did you, a four-year-old, steal my seal and a knife?”
After giving Sharon Abner and the Abner soldiers a quick glance, she lowered her voice.
“When did you go into town? You wrote about catching mice in the letter. Why on earth did you suddenly decide to write such a letter, huh?”
My pupils rolled.
“I’m glad the Duke took it lightly, but really, sending instructions on how to catch mice, of all things…”
I shyly avoided Miss Ann’s gaze.
Of course, I was completely engrossed in my own thoughts.
She knows I stole the seal and the knife?
So far, I had considered it a perfect crime.
Why did I believe no one would find out?
But when I thought about it, it was quite obvious.
The seal was always on Miss Ann’s desk right where it should be.
The knife was missing, and it wouldn’t take long for her to realize that.
I pondered seriously. “Is it because I’ve turned into a child that I didn’t realize?” I had never noticed until now that my perfect plan had holes.
I need to be really careful from now on.
In that moment of reflection, a soft voice came from behind,
“We’re ready. We’re leaving now.”
It was the tall knight who had picked me from behind in the barn.
“I’m Wendell Lucian. We’ll be moving to Abner Castle with Miss Anellia.”
Miss Ann hesitated.
“But our Lia has never ridden before…”
Wendell calmly reassured her.
“Don’t worry, ma’am. We will use a transport spell to get there.”
Miss Ann nodded, still somewhat dazed.
It was understandable.
There weren’t many knights addressing the head of an orphanage as “ma’am” in the commoner’s world.
“Of course.”
Wendell’s long and sturdy arms quickly lifted me up.
My view increased in an instant.
Without a chance to say goodbye, he held me, distancing himself from Miss Ann.
From the distance, a poignant voice reached us,
“Lia! Take care!!”
“See you again!”
Other children had gathered near the entrance of the orphanage.
I couldn’t bring myself to wave back, just gazing at them in a daze.
In my previous life, I longed to see their faces so much. I missed them dearly then.
After returning, I was too busy to have a proper conversation with them.
“You might get a little dizzy.”
At Wendell’s words, I finally tore my gaze away from the children at the orphanage.
“Hold onto my arm tightly. If you find it tough, don’t hesitate to tell me. It’ll take about two minutes.”
I nodded, meeting his indifferent brown eyes.
