Chapter 12
At her sharp questioning, Istin recited words he had clearly prepared in advance.
“She’s a pitiful child. On the surface, she seems cheerful, so it’s hard to notice at first.”
Throughout his explanation, Regina couldn’t hide her curiosity. Part of it was due to Miela’s unexpectedly tragic background, but more than that, there was another reason.
“To think you could make that kind of expression. As your mother, I’m honestly amazed.”
Who was Istin Valoir? He was the boy nicknamed the cursed, iron-blooded young lord.
Since he was a baby, no one had seen him cry. Smiles were even rarer. He was usually indifferent to most things.
“Even as his mother, I’ve often thought he wouldn’t bleed even if pricked with a needle.”
Yet here he was, speaking passionately for the first time—almost like he was Miela’s spokesperson.
“She lives alone without a guardian. She’s so kind and innocent that even though other children her age bully her, she doesn’t really fight back. Leaving her in that village… I just can’t ignore it.”
He even swallowed dryly a few times, clearly nervous—so very human.
For a moment, Regina almost asked him directly:
“Istin, you’re capable of empathizing with stories like that? Since when?”
After hearing everything, Regina composed herself and answered coolly.
“It’s certainly a sad situation. But Miela isn’t the only one who’s lived a difficult life. What I really want to know is—why does it have to be her?”
“But didn’t you say earlier, Mother, that someone who saved your life deserves proper treatment? I believed this kind of request would be acceptable.”
Istin couldn’t hide his unease. He had expected a simple, “Alright then, go ahead.”
Was it that Miela had truly failed to impress his mother? But then again…
“You definitely smiled faintly when talking to Miela earlier.”
A brief silence followed. In Regina’s calm green eyes, a flicker of conflict passed.
There was a reason she couldn’t grant permission so easily.
“Despite her rough first impression, I liked how genuine her answers were.”
At her young age, Miela’s hard life tugged at her heartstrings. But pity alone wasn’t enough to justify taking her in. A lowborn girl of unclear origin couldn’t be welcomed into the manor so casually.
“But even so… outright rejecting her would be rather cold, wouldn’t it?”
Regina glanced at Istin. His eyes still shone with unwavering sincerity.
“Has that girl really become this precious to you in just a few days?”
This was a first. Istin had never shown such fondness for someone his age—regardless of their status. His naturally prickly personality, worsened by the curse, made him cautious and distrustful.
“To think you could change like this, just like that…”
It was truly astonishing. A sight she might never see again. So after much thought, Regina gave her answer.
“Very well, Istin. I’ll give you two weeks.”
“Two weeks?”
“Yes. Prove in that time that Miela has some usefulness. Then, when you finish your convalescence and return home, I will allow you to bring her with you.”
“…Understood, Mother.”
Istin’s eyes reflected a strong determination to prove himself.
* * *
Afterward, Istin took Miela out for a walk in the rear garden. She looked full and drowsy, like a well-fed squirrel, likely from finishing dessert so thoroughly.
“My head’s a mess. I need to walk this off.”
Though he had readily agreed to his mother’s offer, now that it was time to act, he felt lost.
What does “usefulness” even mean when it comes to a person? He feared this would spiral into a philosophical dilemma…
While he was lost in thought, he felt a quiet gaze beside him. He snapped his head around.
“Miela.”
“Y-yeah? What’s up?”
Startled by the sudden eye contact, Miela fumbled her words and looked away awkwardly.
Her clumsiness made him chuckle. He even forgot the worries that had plagued him moments before.
“Why do you keep sneaking glances at me? Do you have something to say?”
“O-oh, was it that obvious?”
Clearly not expecting to be noticed, Miela laughed sheepishly. Istin shrugged.
“It wasn’t just obvious—you were staring so hard I thought you’d drill a hole through my forehead.”
“S-sorry. It’s just…”
“Go on. It’s okay.”
Urged by Istin, Miela finally confessed honestly.
“The talk you had with Lady Regina earlier—was it something important?”
Ah, so that’s what it was. Normally, she would have been admiring the garden scenery…
But she had kept stealing glances at him instead.
“So she was secretly worried after all.”
From her anxious expression, he guessed she was worried she had somehow caused trouble.
What should he do? Should he just tell her the truth and ask for her help?
He could explain the conditions of his agreement with his mother and suggest they work together to “prove her usefulness.”
“No, that’s not a good idea.”
He quickly gave up the thought. His mother was incredibly perceptive—she would see right through any scheme.
“It might even backfire. And more importantly…”
He didn’t think Miela would like that. She’d probably ask, “Why should I have to prove anything?”
Istin actually agreed with that sentiment.
“Right. Miela is already amazing just as she is.”
At her age, she lived alone with no adult supervision and even helped out around the village.
Despite the hardship, she faced life with a bright, positive attitude.
“She might seem foolish at times, but she’s capable of so much.”
Istin knew he could never have done what she had. Deep down, he admired her.
But instead of saying any of that, he masked his feelings with a casual tone.
“Yeah, it was an important conversation.”
“I-I see…”
It was obvious she wanted to know more, but she hesitated, sensing his firmness and unsure how to press further.
Her thoughts were written all over her face. Istin felt bad pretending not to notice.
Eventually, he gently prodded.
“Why? Are you curious?”
“N-no?”
Startled, she tried to deny it—only to quickly change her mind.
“…Actually, I am curious.”
“I see. But I can’t tell you. The Duchess asked me to keep it a secret.”
Even as he said it, he felt a little mean. If she snapped back, “Then why bring it up in the first place?”—he wouldn’t have had a good answer.
But Miela simply nodded without complaint.
“Mm, if it’s a secret, then I guess it can’t be helped.”
“Sorry.”
Now he felt even guiltier. He felt like he was acting like a jerk.
Then Miela shook her head.
“No, it’s okay. My mom used to say that you shouldn’t pry into other people’s secrets.”
“Your mother must’ve been a wonderful person.”
“Yeah. My mom was amazing, kind, and really cool…”
Her gaze drifted into the distance, as if remembering someone deeply missed.
For a few seconds, her warm brown eyes looked faintly misty.
“…Oh, I stayed too long. I should go now. Titi, thanks again for today.”
Then, Miela smiled—lifting both corners of her eyes.
It was her usual smile, but to Istin, it looked like she was trying to hide her sadness.
And as if trying to keep it hidden, she quickly rattled off a stream of words.
“Um, the food was really good! And… thanks for standing up for me earlier in front of the other kids. I didn’t get to say it then ‘cause I was too embarrassed—sorry. I know I’m older than you, but I feel like I’m always the one getting help…”
“Wait, why don’t you stay a little longer?”
Istin tried to stop her. But she looked a little troubled.
