Once the dungeon-related talk was over, the conversation shifted to more relaxed topics.

Things like the state of Riana’s territory, the grandchildren’s situation, and impressions of visiting this town again after a long time.

There was no intention of probing for anything specific — it was just a pure, simple chat.

I answered the questions as they came… Hmm, hmm.

Yeah, this is what a conversation should feel like.

Breaking into a sweat while talking? That’s not quite right.

I’m not exactly a talkative person, but maybe because of the tension from earlier, I found myself chatting away until dinnertime.

◇

Even for something as simple as dinner, for a lord, it also doubles as work, where meetings with people are part of the process.

I couldn’t just casually show up at the dinner table.

So, I had my meal in my room.

After finishing dinner, I was summoned to my father’s room again.

But…

“Huh? This way?”

I thought I’d be heading to my father’s office, but the maid leading the way turned in a different direction.

This way is…

“Yes, the master is waiting in his private room with the lady.”

“Oh…?”

What’s this about?

Well, there were a few things I hadn’t mentioned earlier due to time constraints, so it might be a good opportunity.

Still… this maid is new around here.

Hearing her call me “Sera-sama” in this mansion feels strange.

To her, I must be treated as a complete guest.

Without further conversation, I followed the maid until we reached my father’s private room.

“Then, I shall take my leave.”

After showing me in, the maid departed.

I don’t think I’ll ever get used to this “guest treatment” thing…

“Not quite used to it yet?”

Noticing my reaction, my father spoke.

“Nope, not at all.”

I sighed lightly and glanced around the room.

There was my father, dressed casually, and Lady Minea.

Also present were Luick and Minea’s maid, Gina.

It was a small, intimate gathering.

“Sorry to summon you again, but there’s something I’d like to talk about.”

“Oh, no worries. Actually, I also have something I forgot to mention earlier, so it works out.”

Upon hearing that, my father nodded and gestured toward the sofa, inviting me to sit.

However, as I made my way over, someone grabbed the hem of my clothes.

It was Lady Minea.

“It’s nothing too formal. Sera, make yourself comfortable.”

She pulled me down onto her lap.

Yeah… This happens a lot.

I sat on her lap and activated 【Mira’s Blessing】.

◇

Once greetings were exchanged, I decided to speak first.

“Thank you for the adoption arrangement. I heard from Lady Seriana.”

I bowed slightly in thanks.

I have no desire to become a noble, but considering the future, this is a helpful arrangement.

Unless I planned to stay cooped up in Riana forever, traveling significant distances comes with its challenges.

Besides, having Seriana handle various invitations will be easier with a formal status.

Though I’m not involved with any foreign countries or suspicious organizations, taking in an orphan from the same territory as a foster child has its complications, as Seriana mentioned.

There wasn’t much time, so the usual procedures weren’t followed. It might have caused some inconvenience for my father, and I should properly express my gratitude.

“It’s no trouble. In fact, that’s the reason I called you.”

“Huh?”

Is he going to give me some job in return?

“What exactly did my daughter tell you about it?”

…He means about the adoption, right?

“Well… She said it would make it easier to decline troublesome offers and that travel arrangements would be simpler. She also mentioned that inheritance won’t be an issue, and I won’t have any new responsibilities, so I should just accept it quietly.”

“Hmm…”

Hearing my explanation, my father seemed to ponder something, muttering under his breath.

Hmm?

Did I misinterpret what Seriana said?

While I was tilting my head in confusion, Minea spoke up, still holding me on her lap.

“Perhaps Seriana wanted the message to come directly from you. Sera, did she ever ask if you would become her child?”

“Huh? Oh… Yeah, she did joke about that. When I refused, she asked, ‘Do you hate the idea of becoming my child?’”

Was that more than just a joke?

Minea glanced at my father. “See?”

My father crossed his arms, his expression serious, while Luick and Gina showed no particular reaction.

Minea’s tone wasn’t grave or heavy, but… I’m not good at dealing with these kinds of conversations.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————-

Seria ・【Hideout】 +1 【Prayer】【Mira’s Blessing】【Wind’s Garment】・【Floating Orb】 +1 【Shadow Sword】【Scarlet Bee Needle】【Fairy’s Eye】【Dragon’s Lung】【Amber Sword】【Danrem’s Thread】【Serpent’s Tail】【Ankle Bracelet】【Amber Shield】【Purple Wings】・11 cards

Seriana ・【Area Identification】・【】・28 cards

Elena ・【】・【Green Fang】【Amber Sword】・4 cards

Alec ・【Strong Strike】・【Red Shield】【Fierce Horned Trumpet】・8 cards