Chapter 30 – Full English Translation
Of all people, it had to be Xyn. Of course, there was no doubt about Xyn’s abilities—she was one of the most skilled members of the 1st Order of Knights. But she had one critical flaw.
As Duke Spes hesitated, Noah chimed in with his opinion.
“Honestly, the biggest threat to the young lady and the baby right now is the First Prince, isn’t it? If the knight is from a noble family, they might hesitate or hold back when dealing with royalty. Only someone like Xyn can protect them without second thoughts.”
It was a very persuasive argument. If that was the reason, the flaw might be worth enduring.
“You have a point. Fine. We’ll go with Xyn. If the children feel uncomfortable, we’ll reconsider.”
“Yes. I’ll make the arrangements. Also, when you and the young lady go out, I’ll assign two additional knights from the 1st Order as escorts.”
After a moment of thought, Duke Spes revised the plan.
“Make it four.”
It seemed like an excessive number, but Noah replied without hesitation.
“Yes, sir.”
“What about the tutor?”
“They’ll be visiting the mansion tomorrow. We took academic credentials, personality, and reputation into consideration.”
“Good. Make sure the children’s schedule isn’t too demanding.”
“Of course. The young lady’s and the baby’s health are our top priority. Also, what should we do with the gifts sent for them?”
Duke Spes tapped his fingers lightly on the desk.
“Have some families already sent things?”
“Nearly every noble family has. Nothing extravagant—just small gestures hoping they’ll quickly adapt to the Spes family. The letters say more or less the same thing.”
“Handle it as usual.”
“Yes, I’ll return all of them politely.”
“Keep a list of the families who sent them.”
“Yes. Um, also…”
Noah hesitated for a moment before carefully speaking.
“What about the marriage proposals?”
A chill slipped through Duke Spes’s lips.
“There have already been proposals?”
“By now, most noble families probably know the young lady has been officially adopted. And that she has alchemical abilities.”
That was fast.
“Burn them. And make a report listing which families sent them.”
“Yes. I’ll report immediately if any family makes advances toward the young lady again.”
Duke Spes turned away from the window. His desk was stacked high with documents. As he sat down to work through the backlog accumulated during his days in the imperial capital, he felt a presence approaching.
Sensing someone at the door, he looked toward it. When a clear knock followed, his expression softened.
“Come in.”
The door opened carefully.
Eluana stepped inside, took a deep breath, and slowly exhaled. The moment Duke Spes and Noah turned their eyes toward her, she felt a bit nervous.
“I have something to say,” she began, her expression full of resolve. Even the flutter of her lashes reminded Duke Spes of Stella, and his features naturally softened.
“Sit down. I was about to call for you anyway.”
Following his gesture, Eluana sat in the chair before him. Noah discreetly stepped back.
“Shall I bring some tea?”
“No, thank you,” Eluana declined.
Duke Spes was the first to speak.
“Are you comfortable here?”
“Everyone treats me well.”
After Regis left, the maids’ attitudes changed. Before, they had been polite but distant. Now, they were eager to talk to her, even if just briefly. The news that Eluana and Louis were officially part of the Spes family had spread through the estate like a storm.
“I’m glad. If you ever need anything, talk to Noah or Dave.”
“Yes.”
Seeing her fidget awkwardly, Duke Spes decided to bring up another topic.
“We’re preparing Ron Vita’s funeral. We’ll say the knights found his body. It would be best to hold the funeral in Arden, right? You didn’t even get to say goodbye. I’m sure there are things to settle.”
“Thank you for taking care of it.”
“I also finalized your and Louis’s adoption. It took some time, but now you can officially use the Spes surname.”
“Yes.”
“Think about what you’d like your middle name to be.”
She had never imagined she’d have a middle name—something reserved for high-ranking nobility like marquises or higher.
“How is it usually decided?”
“Usually, it’s the mother’s name or surname. Sometimes it’s the godmother’s.”
She couldn’t use her mother’s name or surname. But there was one name she wanted to use. Still, she felt hesitant and awkward asking. But it was a name she’d carry for life—she didn’t want to give up on it.
Cautiously, Eluana asked,
“Could I use ‘Vita’?”
“Go ahead.”
Duke Spes’s voice held a touch of bitterness.
“Thank you.”
And just like that, “Eluana Vita” became “Eluana Vita Spes.”
“Ask Louis what he wants too. Starting tomorrow, a private tutor will teach both of you. We’ve also appointed personal guards. They’ll be with you 24/7. It might feel inconvenient, but I hope you understand it’s necessary.”
“Yes.”
If it meant safety, she could endure a little inconvenience. She never wanted her life to be threatened again.
“There won’t be another day like today. If the First Prince tries to meet you again, you can refuse.”
“Yes. That’s actually what I came to say.”
Eluana took a deep breath before continuing.
“I know I’m lacking. I’ll learn and work hard. If you haven’t changed your mind… I’d like to become your heir.”
At first, she had hesitated. Becoming a duke for the sake of safety felt like too heavy a burden. But she also realized—there was no reason she couldn’t become one. Even someone like Regis was aiming to become emperor. If she didn’t know something, she could learn it.
All that resolve and determination was reflected in her eyes.
“I’ll make sure you won’t regret that decision,” Duke Spes replied with a languid smile.
“I realized that to protect myself and Louis, I need power. I want to rise to a place the First Prince can’t look down on. And I’ll take responsibility for it too.”
“I’ll give you the power to protect everything you care about. I swear it on my name.”
“Thank you… Father.”
Eluana expressed her gratitude sincerely. But Duke Spes still felt something missing.
“Could you call me ‘Father’?”
“…Father?”
“I understand it might still feel strange. But I’d like a chance to be your father.”
Eluana’s heart grew heavy. She knew he was her biological father. She also knew he had done so much for her and Louis. She had even cleared up the misunderstanding that he had abandoned her and her mother.
But still… why was it so hard to say the word?
“It still feels a little awkward. Maybe once I get used to it.”
“I’ll wait.”
His voice was firm, but to Eluana, every word felt warm.
“Then I’ll go now.”
After Eluana left, Duke Spes stared at the empty chair she had sat in for a while before slowly turning his head.
“We’ll need to restock the lavender room’s wardrobe. Summon the tailor and the jeweler. How’s Louis’s room coming along?”
“The custom furniture takes time, but we should have it delivered in two days. We’re converting the connecting study into a playroom. I’ll summon the tailor and jeweler from the capital.”
“Good.”
Satisfied, Duke Spes opened a drawer from his desk and pulled out a sheet of fine cotton paper with the family seal.
“What are you planning to do?”
“I need to write a letter to His Majesty.”
‘Is that a letter or a threat?’ Noah wondered silently, slipping out of the office.
‘I can’t believe I’ve come to the imperial palace.’
Cindy could hardly contain herself as she stepped out of the carriage. The enormous rose garden stretched before her, beckoning. The overwhelming fragrance made her dizzy. The lavender garden at the duke’s mansion was beautiful—but nothing compared to this.
There was something suffocatingly beautiful about this place.
“Stop gawking and follow me.”
At the lady-in-waiting’s command, Cindy quickly lowered her head and followed. She kept her gaze down until they reached a door, not daring to step too boldly on the pristine marble floor.
“Mind your manners.”
At the cold voice, she stole a glance upward—and saw a stern face watching her. Cindy gulped and nodded.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“You’re about to meet people far above your station.”
“Yes.”
Cindy obediently replayed the woman’s words in her mind. She had said “people”—plural. Who could it be?
“Can I ask who I’ll be meeting?”
At her timid question, the maid scoffed and answered,
“Her Majesty the Empress and Lady Pegimule, the marquis’s daughter. Don’t mess up.”
“Gasp. Yes, ma’am.”
This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Cindy.
Having been kicked out of the Spes estate, even working in another noble house as a maid was no longer likely. She was determined to prove her worth here.
The heavy doors opened softly, and the fragrant scent of roses floated out. Unlike the dizzying scent outside, this was a rich, alluring perfume. Cindy looked up, almost entranced.
In the middle of the parlor, two women were seated. As soon as their eyes met, Cindy quickly lowered her head again and stood where the maid indicated.
Her heart pounded in her chest.
“You’re the one who used to serve Eluana Vita?”
The chillingly enchanting voice sent a shiver down Cindy’s spine. She replied respectfully,
“Yes. I was her personal maid.”
“I see. Raise your head. Go on. It’s fine.”
Slowly, Cindy lifted her head. The first thing she saw was hair as red as rose petals. Even the woman’s eyes were the same shade—and her green dress only added to the impression of a rose in full bloom. There was no need to explain—she had to be the Empress.
Which meant the lavender-haired woman beside her was Lady Pegimule. She looked a year or two older than Cindy—pure and ethereal in appearance.
The Empress spoke.
“You’re a cute one. I’d like to ask you a few things.”
“I’ll tell you anything I know.”
Cindy answered with all the grace she could muster.
“Good. There are rumors that Eluana Vita has alchemical abilities. Are they true?”
