♡ Chapter 7 ♡
“Still, it’s only right that the person who is the princess’s father gives her a name.”
I emphasized the word ‘father’ on purpose.
“You are this baby’s father. Not a future lover candidate—her father. Even if you’re not related by blood, a father is still a father.”
With that meaning in mind, I looked straight at Duke Cromwell.
The Duke glanced at me once, then looked back at the baby.
It would have been perfect if the princess smiled right now.
If she gave that “daddy’s girl” smile, I wouldn’t wish for anything more.
But the baby, whose vision was still unclear, only stared blankly at Duke Cromwell.
‘Well, at least she’s not crying.’
Not crying was already good enough.
A baby is naturally cute just by existing—and the protagonist of a game is even cuter than other babies.
“……”
Contrary to my expectation that he would just pick any random pretty name, Duke Cromwell thought for a long time.
‘That’s a good sign.’
It really was—but…
‘His expression is scary.’
His red eyes, deep in thought, became dark, almost giving the illusion that he could tear someone apart.
Still, the fact that he was thinking this much was something.
I tried to stay positive.
‘I’m looking forward to it.’
What kind of name would Duke Cromwell give his daughter?
The more I played the game, the weirder the names became.
So I felt a bit excited thinking she might finally get a normal name.
Would he choose something that suits her?
“Ann.”
“….”
Oh my god.
One of the most common maid names in romance fantasy had appeared.
Still, this is the heroine’s name—no, his daughter’s name—so shouldn’t it be something special…
I know I’m the one who asked him to name her, but isn’t “Ann” a bit too careless?
“My mother’s name. Everyone called Anastasia ‘Ann’ for short.”
It was actually a meaningful and beautiful name.
There’s always a reason why a name is popular.
It just feels common because it’s used too often.
‘So is her name Ann or Anastasia?’
Was he going to name her Anastasia and call her Ann, or was everything just Ann?
“Anastasia Cromwell.”
Thankfully, the Duke made it clear.
‘Why do I feel like he’s kind just for doing something this basic…’
♡SYSTEM♡
The princess’s name has been decided!
♡SYSTEM♡
[Anastasia Cromwell’s Profile Window] has been unlocked.
As soon as the name was decided, the system made its presence known.
♡PROFILE♡
Name: Anastasia Cromwell
Age: 0
Princess Evaluation: Not available in Hidden Mode
I tried my best not to look like I was reading something in the air.
“Lady Anastasia, hello.”
I quickly turned my gaze to the baby.
‘She finally has a name.’
And not one given by a stranger—but by her father.
“His Grace gave you such a beautiful name, didn’t he?”
The princess just stared blankly at me.
If I call her name often, she’ll recognize it as hers.
Even though naming is a small act, since he did it himself, it should make him realize—
“This is my daughter.”
At least, I hope so.
‘If he named her, then they’re family.’
I truly hoped this moment would become a turning point—
From a baby he picked up on the battlefield… to his daughter.
It felt like a warm scene, so I looked up, hoping he might be pleased watching it.
“……”
But as if to crush my expectations, he showed no interest at all.
“Is that all?”
“Huh?”
His eyes clearly said, Do you not understand even this?
‘Get it together, Lorelei.’
I still had more to ask.
Naming her was just the beginning of building a bond between father and daughter.
“There’s more.”
His “Is that all?” clearly meant leave.
It wasn’t a question—it was a full stop.
But I had to keep pushing.
Maybe that’s why he looked a bit taken aback.
His expression didn’t look good…
‘Or maybe it always looks like that?’
He was always expressionless.
Even in the game, he never showed anything but that cold face.
“…Could you spend some time with the princess?”
I had already started, so I kept going.
I was betting on the possibility that there might be warmth behind that cold face.
“I’m not asking you to spend the whole day…! Even just breakfast together would be good.”
Asking this so humbly felt sad.
“Why do I have to beg like this for a father to do his duty?”
“If the father is involved even a little, it will be good for her growth.”
I wasn’t even sure if that was true.
I didn’t know if the Duke cared about her growth either.
I had never raised a child before.
What mattered was that it sounded convincing—
And that even a short time together could plant one idea in his mind:
“This baby is my daughter.”
He still didn’t answer.
So I hurriedly added,
“Of course I’ll do my best to raise her… but it would be nice if she knew she has family in this mansion.”
Was it my imagination?
When I mentioned “family,” his shoulder seemed to move slightly.
‘No… probably not.’
He didn’t react.
Just as I was about to continue persuading him—
“Seven o’clock. Dining room.”
As if he realized I wouldn’t leave until he agreed, he answered.
“Ah… yes!”
He didn’t ask, “Anything else?”
…Did he realize I had endless requests?
‘Well, I’ll have more chances later anyway.’
Even if I couldn’t say everything now, it’s not like I’ll never get another chance.
We’ll be having breakfast together every day, so I can say it later.
✧ʚ .·:¨༺♡༻¨:·. ɞ✧
Looking at my balance made me smile.
After being stressed about money for over a week, this reaction was natural.
‘Maybe being rich isn’t so bad…’
Failure Penalty: ???
But the moment I thought about the penalty, that thought disappeared.
‘It’s not like 6 billion just falls from the sky.’
Being extremely rich is way better than being a salaried worker.
‘I miss YouTube and Netflix…’
Family… I’ll skip that.
Anyway, I need to focus and make sure Anastasia never marries her father.
After checking my money, I immediately tried to go shopping for baby items—
“……”
—but the shop only unlocks after the tutorial ends.
‘For now, keeping her alive is what matters.’
For a newborn, feeding and sleep are enough.
‘At least money isn’t a problem anymore.’
Reporting Miriam Lynch’s embezzlement—
That never happened in the game.
And the Duke having breakfast with Anastasia was also new.
“So many things have changed.”
If they spend more time as father and daughter, they’ll grow further apart from that terrible future.
“Lady Anastasia, I will raise you well.”
I didn’t want to fill her mind with strange ideas like marrying her father or becoming empress.
If I just raise her properly, things will turn out well.
“Tomorrow is the real beginning.”
The so-called “Make Him a Doting Father Project.”
Tomorrow’s breakfast is the first step toward that future.
♡ I Have to Stop the Princess from Marrying Her Dad
: Day 10 of Possession, Tutorial Day 9
Today is the day.
Mrs. Lester, who heard in advance, prepared the baby bottle.
After checking my stamina and mental stats, I carefully picked up Anastasia.
“Good morning, Lady Anastasia.”
As if she knew today was important, she blinked her eyes.
I headed to the dining room with her.
Thankfully, Duke Cromwell may be cruel—but he keeps his word.
‘Still handsome as ever.’
I looked at him sitting at the head of the table.
His silver hair looked soft enough to touch.
‘Nope. Do you want your wrist cut off?’
I corrected myself and greeted him.
“Greetings, Your Grace.”
After greeting him—
‘Where should I sit?’
There were seven more chairs at the table.
The princess should sit next to him.
But as a maid, sitting beside a noble would break etiquette.
As I stood there awkwardly, his calm ruby-like eyes moved from his documents to me.
“Sit.”
He slightly nodded—telling me to sit beside him.
“Thank you.”
I quickly sat down.
Even though he agreed, he showed no interest in Anastasia during the meal.
I wanted him to naturally pay attention to her, but…
‘What’s the point if he doesn’t even look at her?’
He didn’t even glance at her once.
His attention was completely on his documents.
What a frustrating man.
No matter how busy these romance fantasy fathers are—
“At least talk to your daughter.”
‘What if every breakfast is like this?’
If it continues like this—
Anastasia will be the one who feels uncomfortable, not me.
Mealtime should be peaceful, not feel like torture.
That must not happen.
While feeding Anastasia milk, I looked at her father.
“Do you have something to say?”
It seemed my restless gaze was bothering him, so he asked.
