“How strange. Not long ago, a gentleman came to see Margaret.”

The director of the orphanage guided us to the reception room. I gave a curious look and asked.

“A gentleman?”

“Yes, he said he was a vassal from some noble family… He didn’t go into details. Anyway, he seemed interested in taking Margaret with him.”

“I see. We might not be nobles, but we have a lot of money. We can support Margaret’s upbringing just like any other Miss in a wealthy household.”

“Hahaha, that’s fortunate. I always hope that the children from our orphanage find good homes. Of course, the child’s wishes come first…”

The director stopped and opened the old wooden door. Theodore and I exchanged a glance and stepped inside.

Inside the reception room, a young girl was standing somewhat nervously, waiting for us.

Her platinum hair, almost white, was neatly braided and she was wearing a dark blue dress. The clothes looked old but clean. She seemed a little thin, but her face was rosy, and her expression was bright, indicating that she was doing fairly well here.

“Hi?”

“He, hello!”

The girl greeted us a beat late and bowed her head. Her eyes were a light purple. Indeed, it was clear why the Everett family had taken an interest in this child.

Although she seemed a bit unsure of herself, her posture was correct, and above all, she was a remarkable beauty. With her clear voice, Duke Everett would surely be very pleased.

… She was a perfect fit to become the second Lily Everett. No, perhaps she could even surpass me.

“….Margaret, right?”

“Yes, I’m Margaret Eloise.”

As I asked her somewhat casually, the girl confidently placed both her hands on her torso.

‘Eloise’ was the name of the director of this orphanage, and the children abandoned here with unknown parents were given that name as their surname.

“How old are you?”

“I turned fifteen this year.”

“Fifteen… I see.”

It seemed clear what would happen if Duke Everett took this child with him. He would undoubtedly educate her for about three years and then present her in the marriage market. Although getting married at the age of eighteen was considered early, it was not uncommon in some cases.

“Ah, look at this. I have to go check on something. You two can chat with Margaret.”

The director bid us farewell in a busy manner and left the reception room. I motioned for Margaret to sit down and took a seat on the sofa.

Theodore sat beside me, and only then did Margaret cautiously take a seat across from us. She seemed rather uncomfortable, left with unfamiliar people.

“I brought some snacks that I thought you might like. Here you go.”

I took out a box of snacks from my bag and handed it to Margaret. Glancing at us, Margaret politely accepted the box. ….Somehow, her manner reminded me of myself.

“I heard that a noble family wanted to adopt you earlier.”

“Yes… Are you two… traders?”

Instead of immediately responding to her, I exchanged a glance with Theodore. He nodded slightly.

I spoke in a voice soft enough not to leak out.

“In reality, we are not traders. We were just pretending because of certain circumstances.”

“What…?”

Margaret blinked her eyes in confusion. I pointed to Theodore with one hand and continued.

“This person here is Duke Valentino, and I am… his wife.”

…Even though we were planning to divorce soon. But there was no need to mention that.

Margaret’s eyes widened like full moons in surprise. After hesitating to respond for a moment, she looked back and forth between Theodore and me, stuttering.

“Re, really…”

“Yes, it’s true.”

Margaret seemed extremely confused. Well, it was understandable. One day the Duke and Duchess suddenly came to find her, an orphan…

“Why… do you want to take me with you? I… honestly don’t have any outstanding qualities except for my face…”

Margaret spoke hesitantly, keeping her gaze lowered. I felt a strange sensation as if I was facing my past self again.

I used to think the same way when I was young.

Why would the Duke want to adopt me just because my face was slightly pretty? I also believed the straightforward advice from those around me, saying, ‘Since you received the Duke’s favor, be obedient.’

Soon, I came to know of Duke Everett’s true intentions, though.

“Margaret, I’m going to tell you something very important from now on. It could change your life.”

I lowered my voice. Sensing the tense atmosphere, Margaret gulped hard. Her violet eyes were trembling slightly.

“The person who came to meet you earlier is a vassal of Duke Everett. And I am the adopted child of that Duke Everett.”

I told Margaret everything, mixing truth and lies to create a convincing story for her.
.
.
.
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“The, then, I am…”

Some time later, Margaret, who had listened to the whole story, spoke hesitantly. She looked clearly shocked.

I spoke firmly yet gently to Margaret.

“You have two paths to choose from. Either you will be adopted by Duke Everett and follow my footsteps, or you will leave this place with us today and hide from Duke Everett’s eyes.”

“…”

“I won’t force any decision on you. Even though you are young, your life… should be decided by yourself.”

I wanted to persuade her not to enter the hellish Duchy Everett.

But if I tried to control someone according to my will… I would be no different from Duke Everett or Owen.

So, I had no choice but to leave the decision to the person involved.

“I’ll wait until you make up your mind. Take your time to think it over.”

At my words, Theodore looked at me with a worried face. He was probably concerned that my health might deteriorate if I continued like this.

Indeed, despite the fire in the fireplace, the reception room was as cold as the outside, with drafts coming in from somewhere.

“…..Lily, here…”

Theodore took off his overcoat and gently wrapped it around my shoulders. I just mouthed a ‘thank you’ without looking at him. It had been difficult for me to meet his eyes ever since I learned about my mother’s death.

Why did his eyes have to be blue…

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