Gripping her milk glass tightly, Cecilia glanced at Tantania, wondering if she had more questions. She seemed worried about eating another madeleine, concerned she might not be able to answer properly with a full mouth.

“How does one sponsor an orphan?”

“Count, are you planning to sponsor this child?”

“Yes. I’m considering it. What would you like?”

“Pardon? Me?”

Tantania liked the child’s appearance. She found it appealing how the child answered clearly and how she seemed to understand situations and read the atmosphere.

“Yes. I’d like to keep you close and watch over you. If I become your guardian, I’ll ensure you learn whatever you wish and never go hungry. But I won’t force you if you hate the idea.”

Looking at the child whose colors seemed like muted versions of her own, Tantania rested her chin on her hand and smiled gently.

If there was something bothering her—though ignoring it would be best—Tantania preferred to keep the source of the problem close and resolve it quickly.

“Why would you want someone like me……”

“My, that statement seems to cloud my judgment. Do you perhaps not like me?”

“No! Not at all! Count, you’re beautiful and kind!……”

Tantania laughed out loud at the child whose face had turned red. The child stared blankly at her laughing and then bowed her head deeply.

Cecilia couldn’t believe the good fortune that had come her way. Was she dreaming?

Only the lingering soft butter fragrance and rich milk aroma in her mouth told Cecilia that this was reality.

“But I can’t be of any help to you……”

“Well. I think I’ll enjoy having you around. The life of a woman living alone can be quite boring at times. Some say such women need children. I never understood that saying, but perhaps they meant children like you.”

Her voice was extremely gentle. Marilyn stood silently by Tantania’s side, quietly observing her mistress who was acting unlike her usual self.

It seemed her mistress wanted something from the child.

Her lady, who normally appeared languid and disinterested in everything, occasionally acted seductively like this when she wanted something.

And that seduction was usually quite effective. When her usually relaxed eyes curved gently and she whispered words as sweet as honey, she had a captivating charm.

“I, I’ll work hard for you, Count. Anything!”

Finally, the child clenched her small fists and nodded eagerly.

At this sight, Tantania burst into laughter again and elegantly extended her white hand toward the child.

“Very well. Then I’ll be counting on you. Do you know how to shake hands?”

“Of course!”

A small sense of satisfaction filled Tantania’s heart as she gently grasped and shook the child’s hand extended toward her.

She didn’t know when this small child would grow up and fall in love, but in any case, the Empire would be destroyed if she didn’t find “true” love.

To prevent that possibility, Tantania decided to become Cecilia’s guardian and guide her toward the “right” love.

In Tantania’s mind was the one ending without doom—the ending where Cecilia achieved “true love” with the Grand Duke.

‘I hope it’s simply a dream……’

Well, it would be fine even if what filled her mind was just a delusion.

She had plenty of money and time. Taking in one such child for life would have no more impact on her life than a raindrop falling into the ocean.

Tantania Magellan’s life remained peaceful, and it would continue to be so.

※※※

One week later.

In the Count’s residence, which had been peaceful and languid like its mistress, a rare loud voice echoed.

“Count! What are you saying so suddenly!”

Surprised by the unexpected news, the butler raised his voice without thinking, then immediately regretted it. Before him, Tantania calmly sank back into the sofa.

“Is it so surprising that I want to travel? There’s nothing urgent in the domain right now, Hines. A lady needs occasional rest.”

“My lady, you already spend more than half the day resting.”

“My, what a disrespectful remark.”

Tantania shook her head and pouted her lips.

Hines, the longtime butler of the Magellan residence, barely composed himself seeing that expression. Her innocent-looking face was exasperating. Even knowing it was a fabricated expression, it made him want to apologize.

“Please tell me honestly. What’s the sudden reason for traveling so far?”

“Well, perhaps my parents’ blood hasn’t gone anywhere after all.”

A groan escaped the butler’s lips. It was a flimsy excuse, but when she mentioned bloodlines, there was no way to argue further.

Everyone among the Empire’s nobility knew that the former Marquis and Marchioness of Sove were deeply immersed in world travel. In this society where travel wasn’t commonplace, it was quite a conspicuous pursuit.

“And the Bertmuller grand duchy isn’t even that far. It’s only a three or four-day carriage ride. I can return anytime if there’s an emergency.”

So Tantania naturally thought to use her parents as an excuse. She couldn’t reveal the real reason for her travel.

How could she say it? That the little girl she had taken in was actually the protagonist of a story, and if she didn’t end up with the “real male lead,” the Empire would be destroyed?

And that the “real male lead” was the Grand Duke of Bertmuller thirteen years in the future, so she was going to match Cecilia with the Grand Duke to prevent destruction?

Even thinking about it again made her want to laugh wryly. Yet strangely, this absurdity had been fueling Tantania’s anxiety for nearly a week.

To shake off the uneasiness that continued to coil inside her, she finally had no choice but to take action herself.

Tantania suppressed a sigh and picked up the teacup in front of her.

“Well, that’s true. But still, it’s too sudden……”

The butler, whom she glanced at, still didn’t seem pleased with the travel plans, but he appeared to have calmed down somewhat.

Tantania took a light sip of tea. As always, the chamomile fragrance brought her subtle comfort.

Once this journey was over, her daily life would regain stability.

If only she could confirm whether what was in her mind was merely a delusion or a prophecy with some possibility of truth.

“It’s a good opportunity to get closer to my sponsored child, isn’t it?”

“……The Cecilia matter was equally sudden. Sigh. Count, what’s gotten into you lately?”

“But isn’t that child cute? Even the other servants seem quite taken with her.”

“Well……”

Hines suddenly recalled the spring flower-like little Miss.

Cecilia, who had unexpectedly received Count Magellan’s sponsorship, had completely adapted to the mansion within days.

With proper feeding and clothing, her pale cheeks had softly filled out, and she was a lovely child whose lark-like chattering voice and fluttering light pink hair drew attention.

Having quickly regained her childlike vitality, she had instantly breathed life into the quiet mansion. And the household staff seemed to welcome that vitality, though they pretended not to.

“Ahem. I admit your judgment was excellent.”

“Indeed. But the child is cautious around me, isn’t she? I’m her sponsor. So to get closer to her, hmm? Wouldn’t that be nice?”

“……In truth, you don’t need permission for such things. Sigh. Very well. Tell me your schedule, and I’ll make the preparations.”

When the conversation turned to Cecilia, Hines finally gave his approval. Tantania narrowed her eyes to study him, then quickly composed her expression.

She had already noticed that this stern old butler also acted leniently toward Cecilia.

‘So, she really is the protagonist?’

Tantania tilted her head languidly and wondered if easily winning the love of those around her was a quality of a protagonist.

In the past week, she had become quite accustomed to her thoughts flowing toward the story in her mind.

※※※

The travel preparations took another week.

The Bertmuller grand duchy, which they reached by carriage, welcomed the two with a warm breeze.

The grand duchy was famous for its fertility brought by the warm southern climate. People said the dense forest spreading beyond the plains and the wide, glistening river flowing to one side were beautiful.

Sitting with her chin propped up in a café overlooking that river, Tantania pondered blankly.

‘But how do I identify the Grand Duke……’

She had come on this journey to meet the Grand Duke from thirteen years in the future, Cecilia’s “true love.”

But Tantania didn’t even know if he was currently staying in the grand duchy. Moreover, if he was to be the Grand Duke thirteen years later, he would be the current Grand Duke’s heir, but Tantania had never even heard news of the current Grand Duke being married.

‘……He must have been born by now?’

Cecilia was eight years old this year. Had there been any mention in the story about an age difference between Cecilia and the Grand Duke?

No matter how much she searched her mind, there didn’t seem to be any such information. So who exactly was this future heir to the Grand Duke who should have been born by now?

‘Perhaps I should have sent a letter ahead.’

She had considered making an official visit, but as a widow, she wanted to avoid creating unnecessary rumors……

Tantania, who detested complications, shook her head. To momentarily clear her mind, she looked at Cecilia, and sure enough, the child caught her eye and smiled brightly.

“Count! Thish ish weally delishioush!”

“Is it? Eat plenty, Cecilia.”

Cecilia was cheerfully eating a parfait. Her cheeks bulged as she scooped up and savored the cookies piled high on the cream.

Tantania smiled contentedly as she wiped the cream from the child’s cheek. Cecilia’s face reddened even more.

Cecilia’s heart tickled whenever the Count treated her so kindly. She absolutely loved this feeling, like a bird fluttering in her chest.

Tantania also enjoyed seeing the child blush whenever she lightly touched her.