HWWRC Chapter 16

Chapter 16 

She brought Aria in just to take care of her temporarily. The plan was to look after her until her parents could be found and send her back to her family. But she wasn’t from an orphanage, and no missing child report had been filed.

She even wondered if someone had lost her while passing through the North, but the place where Aria was found was deep in the heart of the northern region—too far for an accident like that.

Judging by the situation, it was clear Aria had been abandoned.

Then… what should she do with her now?

“Can I take some time to think and contact you later?”

“Of course. I’m not pressuring you. The reason I brought up adoption is because a noble couple recently contacted the orphanage, saying they’re looking for a child. They’re a viscount couple who’ve been childless for a long time. They have plenty of wealth and land. They live a bit far away, but I’ve heard they’re warm and kind people.”

Baroness Bebel handed Charlotte a letter. It was from the Kenis Viscounty. Charlotte had heard of them before—once, when an old artifact was found at her family estate, her father sold it and donated the money to support orphans through the temple.

She remembered seeing the name “Kenis” at the top of the donor list back then.

‘Baroness Bebel is right. Maybe it really would be better for Aria to be adopted into a good household. Aria is such a sweet and lovely child—wherever she goes, she’ll be loved.’

Of course, deciding now would be too rushed. Still, if it’s for Aria’s happiness, it felt like the right thing to do. So why did it still make her feel a bit heavy inside? Had she already grown attached?

Charlotte gently tucked the letter from Baroness Bebel into her sleeve.

“I’ve received so much help from you, Baroness. I wish I could repay the favor.”

“No need. It’s truly fine. Aria was so adorable… the moment I saw her, I just wanted to help.”

Did Baroness Bebel know that whenever she spoke about children, she unconsciously stroked her lower stomach?

Anna told Charlotte more about the baroness. She liked horseback riding, and when her husband was posted to the North, he felt sorry for her.

But she had actually looked forward to it—she had always wanted to ride horses through the snowy mountains.

She enjoyed her newlywed life in the North, and around that time, she began wanting a child.

Charlotte hadn’t known this at the last salon gathering, but it turned out the baroness had lost both her parents when she was young and was raised by her maternal uncle’s family, where she was treated unfairly. Because of that, she vowed to be a good parent to her own child one day… not knowing that she was infertile.

People usually considered infertility in women a flaw, but those who knew her pain couldn’t help but feel sympathy instead of judgment.

Eventually, she even gave up horseback riding—although she had been born infertile, she blamed herself, thinking that riding may have made things worse.

Over time, her desire for children turned into helping care for them. It started when an orphanage was built in the Nostri estate.

At first, Baron Bebel worried that this might make her feel worse, but instead, it helped her heal, so he supported her work. He just wanted her to feel better.

Now that Charlotte knew the whole story, she wondered how she could ever repay Baroness Bebel in a way that would truly make her happy.

***

“Mom!”

“Aria.”

While Charlotte was deep in thought, Aria came running into the parlor. Her cheeks were rosy—she had just bathed. She ran up and clung to Charlotte’s legs, asking to be picked up. Charlotte gently patted her, now used to this routine.

Baroness Bebel watched the scene, her hands covering her mouth and her eyes sparkling.

“Aria, greet the baroness. This is Baroness Bebel.”

“Hello, Baroness Bebel!”

“Hello, Aria. Oh my, you’re so cute. Like a little cotton candy!”

Clearly fond of children, Baroness Bebel looked at Aria as if she were the most precious thing in the world. Aria must’ve sensed her kindness too, because she ran over and hugged the baroness’s skirt.

“Aria is like cotton candy?”

“Yes. You’re truly adorable and lovable.”

Baroness Bebel trembled slightly, unsure if she should pat Aria’s head. But Aria leaned into her, giving her no choice. She smiled warmly and gently stroked Aria’s hair.

Aria was sociable and lovable. As Charlotte watched Aria smile brightly at the baroness, the word “adoption” came to her mind again. And she gave a bittersweet smile.

***

“Honey!”

“My dear, you’ll trip.”

Baron Bebel stretched out his arms as his wife came running, holding her skirt. To him, she was like a rabbit living in a winter forest—sweet and lovable. She looked happier than usual today. He pulled her into a hug, then held her hand like always.

“I met Lady Charlotte Blanché today. I also saw Aria.”

Charlotte Blanché. Baron Bebel’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“Aria? She’s not her daughter, right?”

“She’s a child they found crying in the forest. Lady Charlotte is looking after her for now.”

Baron Bebel flinched slightly at that, but he kept a gentle smile. As her husband, he knew how deeply his wife longed for a child. She seemed cheerful now, but he knew she could fall into sadness again at any time—even waking up at night crying. He had seen it many times.

“She was so precious. I’ve never seen such a lovely child.”

“I see…”

“We’re going to meet again for tea. Do you think Lady Charlotte will bring Aria again?”

“You’re meeting again?”

“Yes! I gave her an invitation. It’s a tea party by the winter lake.”

Baroness Bebel blushed and laughed softly. Baron Bebel kissed her forehead and whispered,

“Then… I’ll make time to stop by too.”

“But won’t you be busy?”

“It’s fine.”

Perhaps it was because of their deep affection, but Baroness Bebel was delighted to hear her husband would come along. She had no idea he had another reason. Leaning her head on his shoulder, he looked at her lovingly and thought quietly to himself:

‘Charlotte Blanché… daughter of Sir Ronan, the Holy Knight Commander.’

***

Back at the mansion, Aria had fallen asleep in Charlotte’s arms after being affectionate with the baroness. Charlotte gently carried her to the bedroom, laid her down, and returned to the study.

She had a letter she hadn’t finished writing.

She thought about mentioning Aria and considered whether to write about the monster that appeared the other day. She had heard from the mountain scouts to keep it quiet, and Ash’s condition still wasn’t good. She decided not to say directly that a monster appeared, but still wanted advice for Ash’s recovery.

But the letter was gone.

Her desk was spotless—too clean, as if someone had tidied it on purpose.

Panicking, Charlotte called out for Anna.

“Anna, have you seen the letter I left here?”

“The letter?”

“Yes. I wasn’t finished with it.”

“What?!”

Anna’s eyes widened. She looked around nervously, sweating.

“M-Miss, I’m so sorry! I thought you finished it, so I sent it!”

“Oh? No, it’s fine. It was almost done anyway…”

But Charlotte trailed off mid-sentence. One particular line she meant to revise flashed through her mind.

And then—Charlotte let out a very high-pitched scream.

She had to.

‘I have written that I got pregnant after coming here.’

Her grandfather would definitely misunderstand. A terrible, terrible misunderstanding.

***

Meanwhile, the Marquess Blanché returned from an outing, smiling. His expression alone showed he had heard good news. The butler sighed in relief. Ever since meeting the Saintess at the temple, the marquess had seemed troubled, but now, thanks to today’s news, his mood had clearly improved. And on top of that, a letter had arrived from Charlotte.

“Theodore will return soon, correct?”

“Yes, sir.”

The marquess’s smile deepened.

“Where is he now?”

“He just crossed the border. It’ll take about two more days. Everyone’s already excited about the hero’s return.”

“Of course. Even High Priest Silbert has completed preparations.”

It had taken five years to reclaim and purify one of the strongholds corrupted by dark magic. That alone was a feat. It made Theodore a true hero.

They hadn’t announced his return earlier for security reasons—there was always the threat of dark mages. But now that he had crossed the border safely, the temple planned a grand blessing ceremony led by the High Priest.

The Empire was full of activity. Even more than when they won the war, people had cheered when Leopold’s death was confirmed. And now, with a holy knight returning from that cursed land, the admiration only grew stronger.

People were already lining up near the temple to get a good view. Young noble ladies rushed to dressmakers, hoping to catch a knight’s eye. Stores prepared extra stock. Cafés and rooftops were already fully booked.

“When Ronan said he’d train Theodore as a knight, I couldn’t see the potential in such a small boy. I must be getting old. I couldn’t recognize a true talent right away.”

It was Ronan who had taught Theodore swordsmanship, holy power, theology, manners—everything. And though the marquess had seemed hesitant at first, he had grown fond of him.

And now, seeing Theodore’s name praised everywhere made him proud.

“Marquess, a letter from your granddaughter has arrived.”

The butler finally took the chance to hand him Charlotte’s letter.