Chapter 3
If only she at least looked similar to the Werner family, it would have been easier to understand.
But there were too many differences between them and Silvia.
And the power of water?
Julia had just said she felt the power of water from Silvia, but Silvia had never heard of such a thing before.
That meant the only proof that she was Vivian Werner was Julia’s testimony.
There was no reason for Julia to lie, but it was still better to be careful.
Mistakes always existed in the world.
Just like Silvia’s parents who abandoned her, and the Werner family who lost Vivian.
…But am I really in a position to worry about that? Even if it’s a mistake, it’s not my mistake.
Right now, she had to worry about the money she had to give to the orphanage director, and take care of the children who were like her siblings.
For that, she needed money.
More money than what she earned at the café.
That was why she had been waiting for Ed since morning.
“Do you really think I am Vivian Werner? Even though I’m this different? What if it turns out I’m not?”
Her question carried her worries.
The Duke of Werner understood that.
“It cannot be otherwise, but even if it isn’t true, nothing you fear will happen.”
At his calm and reassuring voice, Silvia swallowed dryly.
Going with them still made her uneasy.
And if she stayed at the ducal house, she wouldn’t be able to work. During that time, the director might hurt the children again.
Many thoughts passed through her mind in a short moment.
And she came to one conclusion.
If she didn’t know the result, then she should at least try.
“If you truly think of me as your daughter…”
“Yes. Just say it.”
Unable to hide his impatience, the Duke urged her.
After hesitating, Silvia finally spoke what she had been thinking.
“Could you… just support me with money instead?”
Silence fell over the room.
…Maybe I shouldn’t have said that.
Silvia bit her tongue slightly and glanced at the Duke and Julia.
Unlike Julia, who looked shocked, the Duke’s expression was serious.
“Is it because of the orphanage you are staying in?”
Silvia’s eyes widened.
She hadn’t expected him to mention the orphanage.
Seeing her reaction, the Duke nodded with a firm expression.
“I see. Then you don’t need to worry about that. The director of that place has already been reported for continuously embezzling funds from the temple.”
“Reported? The director?”
Silvia was shocked.
The director had seemed completely normal even this morning.
It seemed the Duke had already investigated and taken action while searching for her.
But Silvia had another concern.
“Then what will happen to the children living there?”
The reason she needed money in the first place was because of them.
It was good that they would be freed from the director, but what would happen to them after that?
“You don’t need to worry about that either. The children from that orphanage will be taken in by another orphanage supported by our family.”
“Ah…”
Without her knowing, the Duke had already prepared everything.
Silvia felt relieved, but then suddenly paused.
Even if he had taken care of everything, she couldn’t accept his kindness as something completely pure.
He did all of this because he believed she was his lost daughter, Vivian.
To fully accept his help, she also had to respond to his expectations in some way.
Even if his actions were purely out of anger toward the orphanage, Silvia didn’t feel right staying silent.
After a moment of silence, she spoke again.
“If later it is proven that I am not Vivian… then I won’t be harmed in any way, right?”
“Yes. If necessary, I will even write a contract.”
Seeing how firmly he agreed, Silvia nodded.
“Then… may I ask you to do that? I’m just too scared to go without it.”
“Of course. Robert, bring paper.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
The paper was brought immediately, as if they had expected this.
Taking out a pen, the Duke began writing something on the blank paper.
Silvia glanced at what he wrote.
It stated that even if she was later proven not to be Vivian Werner, she would suffer no harm.
And more than that—
If that happened, he would pay her 10,000 gold as compensation.
After writing the same content on another paper, the Duke signed both.
Then he handed one to Silvia.
“I wrote it myself. Check it and tell me.”
Since she had watched him write it, there was no need to check.
Silvia took the document and bowed her head.
“…Thank you.”
“No. Your concerns are natural. I understand.”
His gentle voice carried deep longing for his daughter.
And Silvia knew exactly what that longing meant.
“Then… may I stay with you for just three months?”
The Duke’s eyes widened.
Then his face slowly twisted with emotion.
“Of course. Why wouldn’t that be allowed?”
Seeing tears finally fall from his eyes, Silvia gave an awkward smile.
After the Duke had calmed down, they were finally able to leave.
“I’m sorry for leaving so suddenly. You’ve helped me so much, but I feel like I’m leaving without repaying you.”
Silvia felt very sorry toward the manager.
Even though she had received many job offers before, she had stayed because he had always taken care of her.
But now, it felt like she was abandoning that kindness.
However, the manager smiled gently and patted her shoulder.
“No. I always thought you would leave someday. Seeing you leave with such a good opportunity makes me happy.”
“Thank you for saying that.”
“Take care of your health, and live well.”
“You too, manager. Please stay healthy. And drink a little less.”
“Alright, you little rascal.”
Only after hearing his laughter did Silvia feel at ease.
She turned and walked toward the Duke, who was waiting for her.
“He seems like a good person.”
As she approached, the Duke said while looking at the manager.
“Yes. He is someone I’m very grateful to.”
“That’s good. I’m glad someone like that was by your side.”
Silvia smiled silently.
The Duke didn’t bring up the manager again.
Instead, he held out his hand as she was about to get into the carriage.
After a brief hesitation, Silvia placed her hand in his.
He gently helped her into the carriage.
Once she was seated, the Duke also got in.
She thought Julia would join them, but instead, the carriage carrying just the two of them slowly began to move.
“What about Julia?”
Silvia asked, surprised.
The Duke chuckled softly.
“She had something to do at the temple. Perhaps she left to give us some time together.”
Silvia nodded in understanding.
As the carriage moved along the clean road, it swayed gently.
“Since when did you start working at the café?”
The Duke’s voice finally broke the silence.
“I started when I was seventeen. I needed money, and while I was looking for work, the manager offered me a job.”
Silvia smiled faintly, as if remembering that time.
“At first, I worked as a waitress. But it turned out I was good at making tea.”
The Duke slowly looked at Silvia’s smiling face.
As if trying to remember that smile forever.
