Chapter 021
Luna’s expression twisted in disbelief, but what stood out more to me than her face was the terrified Theo.
“…Both of you. Let’s talk outside,” I said firmly.
“No one has the right to kick me out! Not even His Grace’s orders can force me to leave! The late Duchess entrusted me with her authority—”
“Do I look like I’m asking for your permission?”
The nanny flinched at my cold words.
Until now, I had gone out of my way to be overly kind to everyone, trying to distance myself from the shadow of the original Charlotte. I used polite speech and constantly expressed my gratitude, perhaps even coming across as overly accommodating. Maybe this made people feel an even bigger gap between me and the old Charlotte.
With Theo behind me, I turned to meet the nanny’s gaze directly. My resolute expression startled Luna.
“Leave. Now.”
Luna grabbed the nanny’s wrist and forcibly led her out of the room. I let out a sigh and turned back to Theo.
“Theo, are you okay?”
Theo nodded quietly, his face downcast, before gripping my hand tightly.
“…The nanny didn’t do anything wrong. She’s only trying to help me…”
“I understand, Theo. But will you hold my hand for a moment?”
Hesitant, Theo eventually took my hand.
“We agreed to keep our little secret, right?”
Theo quickly nodded.
“It’s our promise, then.”
“Good boy.”
I stroked his hair gently. The moment our skin touched, I felt a sharp drain on my divine power. I clenched my teeth and stifled a groan, unwilling to worry the child.
I stayed silent for a moment, catching my breath. Only after the intense exhaustion subsided did I speak again.
“Theo.”
“…Yes?”
I smiled warmly at him, wanting to reassure him that everything was okay and none of this was his fault.
“I was thinking, how about we make a giant soap bubble today?”
“A…giant soap bubble?”
“Yes. We’ll do that, read a book, and practice some words too.”
I had already planned an exciting day for us. Seeing Theo smile made me want to do even more for him.
At that moment, the door opened, and the nanny entered. Her face was flushed red, clearly after having a heated argument with Luna.
“Nanny, I was thinking—” Theo started, but the nanny stepped between us and pushed me aside with her body.
“Unfortunately, the young master won’t be able to go outside today,” she declared firmly.
“What? Why? Is he unwell?”
“No, but it’s time for him to start his studies. Now that he’s recovering, he must begin his proper education as a member of the duke’s household.”
Her tone was rigid, and her demeanor carried an air of superiority as if she were some noble lady herself. She glared at me coldly.
“I’d appreciate it if you stopped teaching the young master some strange things. Yesterday’s activities were unsuitable for someone of his stature. Early education is critical, and from now on, please refrain from doing anything with him without my approval.”
Her words were sharp, as she had a possessiveness over Theo.
What was this woman’s deal?
In the original story, she had been a supportive ally to the heroine.
“Do you understand?” she pressed.
“I refuse,” I said coldly.
If she was the one who had made Theo look so distressed, I had no reason to hold back.
“Luna, take Theo outside. I need to speak with the nanny.”
“Yes, Duchess!”
Luna quickly entered, taking Theo out of the room. I didn’t want to fight in front of the child—he’d already endured enough.
“You’re crossing the line,” I said, turning to the nanny.
“Do you really think Theo is your child?”
“The late Duchess entrusted me with his care!”
“But I doubt she gave you permission to overstep your bounds.”
The nanny trembled, her lipstick distorted as she ground her teeth.
“This is my responsibility. Stay out of it!” Nanny said.
“Why should I? You have no authority here. That’s mine.” Charlatte said.
“…You don’t understand. Everything I do is for the young master…” Nanny said.
The nanny’s teeth clenched in frustration.
“You seem busy lately and can’t watch over Theo. I’ll handle his affairs myself from now on,” I declared.
“That’s impossible! Let me remind you—everything regarding the young master was entrusted to me by the late Duchess!” Nanny said.
“Let Theo decide.”
I walked to the door and opened it wide. Theo stood there, his head bowed, looking dejected.
“Theo, lift your head. Look at me,” I said gently.
Hesitant, Theo raised his gaze to meet mine. I shifted slightly, shielding him from the nanny’s piercing stare.
Why was she glaring at him like that?
What had this child done wrong? And what kind of studies was she pushing on him? He wasn’t even fully recovered yet.
I had largely ignored the nanny’s behavior up until now, but it seemed I needed to start paying attention.
Meeting Theo’s eyes, I saw his lips quiver as though he were about to cry.
“What do you want to do, Theo? Do you want to stay here and study? Or go outside, make soap bubbles, plant a tree, and read books?” “Plant a tree?” “Yes. I got permission from Cassius yesterday. This morning, before leaving for work, he told the gardener to prepare saplings for us.”
“And we’ll read books too.”
Theo glanced nervously behind me. I blocked that immediately. No child should have to worry about an adult’s reactions.
Today, I wanted to know what had happened to Theo.
The cheerful, bold child from yesterday now seemed as fragile as a withering leaf.
Theo whispered, his voice barely audible.
“What if the nanny gets angry?”
“I’ve never been angry, young master,” the nanny quickly interjected.
“You heard that, Theo? No matter what you do, the nanny won’t get angry. So, do you want to come outside with me?”
“…Yes.”
Theo nodded, standing straighter but turned to meet the nanny’s gaze nervously. The nanny, pale-faced, glared at me.
“Theo, why don’t you get ready? You’ll need more comfortable clothes for planting trees. Luna will help you.”
“Yes, young master,” Luna replied promptly.
Theo nodded again. Taking advantage of the moment, I grabbed the nanny’s wrist and guided her out of the room. The moment we stepped outside, she yanked her arm away.
To be fair, maybe I was overstepping. Perhaps the late duchess approved of the nanny’s strict methods. The original story did mention she had been caring for the duke’s children for years.
But I didn’t care, right is right, and wrong is wrong.
In my childhood, no one had stood up for me. I’d had to protect myself even when I was little.
As soon as I realized Theo was looking to the nanny for approval, my anger surged.
“I’ll report this to the duke,” the nanny said firmly.
“I’ll speak to Cassius first, and I’ll make sure to tell him every single thing in detail.”
Her face twisted in frustration. She didn’t seem like the type to truly care for Theo. It felt like she was treating him as a possession.
“There’s one thing you should keep in mind,” I said.
I’d seen people like her before, especially the head of my old orphanage.
The orphanage director was skilled at elegant manipulation, and I had witnessed it many times—especially when I was growing up.
“Without Theo, what value do you have in this family?”
I raised one side of my lip in a cold smile.
It was a clear warning: without Theo, she’d be nothing.
The nanny’s face twisted in realization, as she understood the meaning of my words.
