TFL 07

Chapter 07

So my life in another world begins with childcare, huh.

When other people transmigrate into a romance fantasy novel, they start by wearing beautiful dresses and dating the male lead. Why does my fate have to be like this?

“Wow, I’ve never worn clothes this nice before. Sniff, sniff. They smell good.”

“You’d better brace yourself today. I’m planning to be your Santa Claus.”

“You’re silly, noona. Santa doesn’t exist. There’s no way something like that is real.”

When my eyes met Lakan’s gaze—he was looking at me as if I were pathetic—I couldn’t help but smile.

“You can look forward to it. I’ll make sure you realize that a real-life Santa is even better than the one in storybooks.”

Lenia and Lakan’s first official outing was to the salon she had visited before.

The salon owner was startled by Lenia’s sudden appearance and quickly escorted the two of them to a VIP room.

“W-What brings you here this time? And who is that child…?”

“Oh. There are some circumstances. This child needs clothes and shoes that fit him. If possible, right away.”

Before leaving, Lenia had put a wig and hat on Lakan—just in case someone from the underworld tried to track them down.

In fact, search parties had been spread all over the city to find them, but no one seemed to suspect the two of them.

After all, no one imagined that the person who had turned the underworld upside down overnight could be a noblewoman.

If there was anyone in this city who might suspect such a thing, it was probably the salon owner standing in front of them.

Surely this woman isn’t the one behind last night’s underworld chaos… right?

While measuring Lakan’s clothes, the salon owner glanced at Lenia from time to time. But the moment their eyes met, he quickly turned his head away.

“What? Do you have something to say?”

“N-No! Not at all.”

“Then keep doing your work. Don’t waste time.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

The salon owner sighed inwardly at how intimidated he had become by such a young woman and focused on his work.

If my guess is right… she’s far more dangerous than she looks. Better never get involved with her.

If you wanted to live peacefully, the best thing to do was keep your mouth shut.

That was one of the salon owner’s core business philosophies from years of running a salon for nobles.

Half a day later.

After having several outfits, jackets, and shoes for Lakan delivered to the hotel, Lenia announced that they would soon leave the city.

“Why are we leaving already, noona? Don’t you like it here?”

“We don’t have much time. There’s something we need to do in another city.”

“That’s too bad. I thought I’d get to sleep on that bed for at least one more day.”

“You’ll be able to stay in even better places from now on. We’ll be moving to bigger and more prosperous cities.”

They hadn’t even reached a quarter of the distance to the capital yet.

In the cities ahead, she absolutely had to find someone suitable to become her husband.

After putting Lakan in the carriage, she went to the reception desk to check out.

“Welcome, my lady. Did you have a pleasant stay at our hotel?”

“Thanks to you. My young cousin seemed quite satisfied as well.”

“We’re glad to hear that. Shall I assist you with the payment?”

The neatly dressed employee extended his hand with a professional smile.

Lenia paid the enormous lodging fee in cash and spoke leisurely.

“Here you go. Keep the rest as a tip for the service.”

“Oh… such a large payment. Thank you very much.”

“It’s nothing. Take your time.”

The amount was so large—and she had intentionally mixed in smaller bills—that it took three employees to count it all.

While the reception staff were distracted by the pile of cash, Lenia lightly pressed the handle of the parasol she was holding onto the guest registry.

That should do it.

Her alias written in the ledger instantly changed into another name.

Lenia smiled faintly.

Now it would appear as if Camilla Salaotti had never visited this city.

“Your checkout is complete. If you ever visit our city again, please stay at our hotel.”

“Sure. Though I doubt that will happen.”

“Pardon?”

“It’s nothing. I should be going now.”

Leaving the confused hotel employee behind, Lenia climbed into the four-horse carriage.

The carriage she had arranged beforehand was something even high-ranking noble families coveted—by modern standards, it was equivalent to a top-tier Porsche.

Not long after the carriage departed, the scenery gradually shifted from city streets to forest.

Lakan suddenly shouted excitedly.

“Wow, my heart’s pounding! Where are we going now, Lenia?”

“Before I tell you that, we should probably sort out how you address me. It would be better if you call me Mother and speak politely. Of course, when we’re alone, you can speak comfortably.”

“Okay. Got it, Mom.”

Despite his shabby first impression, Lakan looked like a child raised with care.

Dressed in a crisp white shirt, navy suspenders, and even a bow tie, he looked no less refined than a noble child.

His cute appearance kept making Lenia want to laugh, and she had to hold it in the entire carriage ride.

Of course it’s just an act… but having a son like this might actually feel nice.

In truth, Lenia wasn’t particularly fond of children.

Seeing kids raised in normal families made her feel both envious and sad.

And when she saw abused children like Lakan, she felt overwhelming anger toward the world.

To be honest, it wasn’t about liking or disliking them—children mostly stirred uncomfortable emotions in her.

But watching the little boy chatter beside her all day like glue made her think that becoming someone’s family might not be so bad.

“Our next destination is a port city called Polymers. It’s also famous as a vacation spot. They say the lavender fields stretching along the coastline are breathtaking.”

“A port? Then… does that mean we can see the sea?”

“Of course. If we have time, we can even go swimming.”

“Wow! That’s awesome! Lenia’s the best!”

Overjoyed, Lakan jumped up on the carriage seat before quickly remembering the coachman might see him.

There were still small issues—like how he addressed her and his half-formal speech—but it was probably just part of the adjustment period.

He’ll improve as we spend more time together. He’s a smart kid—he’ll behave properly in front of others.

In truth, Lakan wasn’t the only one excited.

Lenia had spent most of her life in cold, desolate regions, so the thought of visiting a warm coastal resort lifted her spirits as well.

Maybe once they arrived, she could rent a seaside villa with a private beach and take walks with Lakan.

Just imagining it made her happy.

But in reality, she probably wouldn’t have much free time.

There was something she absolutely had to accomplish in this city.