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As soon as I heard that Daniel’s room was ready, I hurried off with her and rushed toward it.
“Wait just a second, Daniel.”
Right in front of the room, I moved behind her and covered her eyes for dramatic effect. Daniel looked slightly confused, but stayed still.
“Okay, now walk slowly.”
With her eyes covered, I carefully led Daniel into the room. Unlike Daniel, I could already see how the room had changed — and my lips curled up in a smile on their own.
“Tada!”
Once Daniel had stepped fully inside, I pulled my hands away and shouted loudly.
The room had soft pink wallpaper suited for a young girl, white-framed windows and doors to match, furniture perfectly sized for a child, white curtains with lace, and even a lace-adorned bed.
It was an adorable, pretty room, perfectly fitting for Daniel — and I couldn’t stop smiling. Surely she’d love it too, right?
“….”
…Or not?
Daniel just stood there blinking, looking blankly around, and I began to panic.
Silly me! Didn’t Sophia say girls this age always love pink? That they go crazy for lace?
“Um, Daniel?”
I called her name carefully. I should’ve asked her favorite color first! Maybe she preferred green or purple. Or maybe she had a unique taste and liked dark brown, ochre, or gray. Even if that were the case, I should’ve decorated the room in colors she liked!
“Do you… not like it?”
In response to my question, Daniel shook her head so hard her platinum hair flew sideways in the air.
“I really love it! I love it so much… so, so much that… it feels strange.”
Tears glistened in Daniel’s eyes as she looked around the room.
“Is this really my room? Are all these pretty things really mine?”
She asked over and over, as if she couldn’t believe it. And I happily nodded each time.
The desk and wardrobe sized just for her were hers. The soft bed wrapped in lace that would gently hold her small frame was hers. The beautiful new clothes were all hers too.
“Of course. Everything is yours, Daniel.”
A child who hadn’t been loved for so long deserved this and so much more.
“Thank you.”
She bowed so deeply that her already small figure looked cut in half. Her forehead nearly touched her knees. It was such an overly formal gesture, I was momentarily stunned.
Sure, I had bought everything — but the money technically belonged to her father, the Earl of Winchester.
“And guess what? Starting next week, a teacher will be coming to tutor you.”
“A teacher?”
“Yup! They said they were really curious about what kind of child you are and wanted to come as soon as possible. Oh! But they hurt their leg and it hasn’t fully healed yet. So you might have to help a little — like bringing them books or opening doors. Think you can do that?”
“Yes! I can do it!”
Daniel answered enthusiastically, clearly thrilled not only to study but also to help the teacher.
That wide smile told me just how much she wanted to learn — and how much she longed for someone’s attention. And how truly happy she was now.
Seeing Daniel so happy made me smile too.
“Thank you so much, Countess of Winchester.”
Daniel said this with a deeply moved expression. It was a heartfelt thank-you — and yet, I found myself speechless.
Countess of Winchester…
That title she used for me oddly stung and made my chest ache.
I had told her to call me whatever felt comfortable. But I assumed it would be something like “Miss Pomorts” or “Sister Neary” — not something as distant and cold as “Countess of Winchester.”
Even worse, it was the same title used by the person who disliked Daniel and told her not to call her “Grandmother,” insisting instead on “Countess of Winchester.”
Pull yourself together. You haven’t known Daniel that long. Just because you gave her some presents, don’t expect too much. She’s just a child.
I tried to quell the surge of disappointment. She was only trying to be polite — it was a good-natured gesture.
I was the one who said she could call me whatever felt comfortable. Besides, I can’t suddenly tell her to call me ‘Mom.’ Yes, I married the Earl of Winchester, but it’s not like I truly love him. Eventually, the story has to follow the original plot — Daniel will meet the sweet male lead and get her happy ending. When the time comes, I need to step aside.
I reminded myself of my role. Right now, things felt like a dream — but they would eventually disappear like one too.
“Well then, Daniel. Should we go have lunch together? And today, let’s go draw in the garden. Since you’ll be busy studying next week, let’s have lots of fun this week!”
“Okay!”
Daniel answered brightly, and I smiled just as brightly back.
“So, about something…”
I cautiously started talking to the Earl of Winchester as he sipped his evening tea. Every night, he drank the tea I prepared and slept soundly. Ironically, it was me who couldn’t sleep because of his presence.
Maybe he’s just an alcoholic?
I had my doubts for days while listening to his steady breathing. But he had no signs — no red nose, no trembling hands. He seemed far too healthy.
“Go on.”
When I paused after bringing it up, he prompted me to continue.
“Could you… spend a little more time with Daniel?”
He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he poured himself another cup of tea from the teapot.
“There are lots of rumors about her. And I think nothing will silence them better than your actions. If people see you spending time with Daniel, those rumors will disappear.”
“Rumors are merely the babble of fools. Do not concern yourself.”
No, no, sir — that might be technically true, but when our child is being hurt by those rumors, a parent needs to step in!
“Of course I don’t care. But Daniel is still a child. How devastated would she be if she hears one day that you’re not her real father?”
Unless I was mistaken, the Earl paused momentarily. Got him, I thought. Maybe I could push this just a little more?
“Her real mother isn’t even around… That’s all the more reason why you should be more attentive to Daniel.”
He froze again — this time when I mentioned “real mother.”
“Since it’s come up… may I ask who Daniel’s biological mother is? Maybe it would be better for her to just know the truth…”
“That is not allowed.”
Before I could even finish my sentence, the Earl cut me off coldly.
“That is not something Miss Neary should concern herself with.”
He placed his teacup down and looked straight at me with an expression as sharp as his tone.
It was that same gaze — the one from when we first met in the hallway. Those icy blue eyes that looked like they could pierce through people now glared coldly at me.
It was a warning. I had crossed a line I wasn’t meant to.
I had trespassed into the Earl’s sanctuary.
“…I’m sorry. I let my concern for Daniel turn into unwarranted interference.”
I quickly apologized. I said it was for Daniel’s sake, but truthfully, part of me had been curious. Caught up in gossip, I’d let my own rudeness slip into a personal question, and I was now thoroughly ashamed of myself.
“I also cannot accept your other request. I have duties, responsibilities, and obligations as both an imperial knight and a count.”
As if telling me not to speak further, the Earl ended the conversation with a firm, unwavering tone.
“….”
So I couldn’t say anything else.
All the things I had planned to say — that he was working too much, that overwork could ruin his health, that taking breaks makes one more effective — circled in my head, but never made it to my lips.
Because his attitude was so incredibly cold.
