Only a small number of people knew what Leticia’s ability was, but word spread that good things happened when around her, so the cookies she made began to sell quickly.
She was happy when a lot of unexpected money arrived in a short time, but she also wondered if she deserved it. After some consideration, Leticia donated all of the money, except for a reasonable amount for her living expenses, and some money to give to the people around her. Most of the donations went to the residents of the Achilles territory, who had suffered from the drought.
‘Come to think of it, it’s been quiet lately.
Leticia was on her way back to the Achilles’ mansion after organizing her schedule with the owner of Pegasus. Her days had been so hectic that she hadn’t even noticed that her ex-family had stopped visiting.
It was comfortable because they didn’t show up to beg her to return, but she was also feeling nervous because they didn’t come.
At that moment, she felt a strange chill run down her back. As she was about to turn around, a white hand landed on Leticia’s shoulder.
“What confidence is it that lets you walk around alone?”
While it sounded like a question asked out of curiosity, it came out more like a criticism. Leticia immediately knew who it was, and couldn’t hide her surprise as she looked up.
“Keena?”
“You’re walking around fearlessly without knowing how dangerous the world is.”
Keena shook her head, and lightly poked Leticia’s cheek. At the annoying poke, Leticia pushed her hand away.
“Didn’t you say you wouldn’t appear again?”
“You looked like you were in danger. Should I have just watched?”
“It looked dangerous?”
When she blinked in confusion, a frustrated Keena said.
“You didn’t even realize that someone was following you?”
“I really didn’t know.”
“Your family is trying to take you back home. What were you thinking about going around alone?”
“Strictly speaking, I’m not alone. I have escorts with me too.”
Just a few days ago, Enoch posted a few guards to Leticia just in case.
Keena jerked her chin back without a word. In the direction she was pointing, Leticia’s escorts were lying on the ground.
“What happened?”
“What happened?! It’s because the people who tried to kidnap you knocked out your guards.”
“Who are those people?”
Leticia asked as belatedly found some different men lying down near her escorts.
Keena shrugged her shoulders and calmly replied.
“I knocked out the men who tried to kidnap you.”
“You helped me?”
“If it wasn’t me, who was going to help?”
Keena clicked her tongue, and acted as if it was a matter of course.
Perhaps because of her past behaviour, Leticia didn’t feel there were any good intentions on her part and had a hard time feeling gratitude.
“If you were following me because you were worried I would go back to my family, you don’t have to. I told you last time, I don’t want to go back and I’ve stated clearly to them that I won’t.”
“You’re saying that to someone who was genuinely worried about you and helped you?”
“….”
Keena frowned in displeasure and glared at Leticia. It was obvious that she was upset, so Leticia stayed quiet for a while, then sighed.
“I thought it was because you always saw me as a means to an end.”
“It’s…”
“….”
“Not anymore… It’s not like that anymore.”
Her loud voice suddenly lost it’s strength and sagged. Leticia, who was watching Keena silently, smiled slightly.
“Thank you for protecting me, and not ignoring what was happening.”
Keena turned her head, and touched the back of her neck in embarrassment.
“Who wants to hear thank you?”
“But I have to say it.”
As expected, she suddenly thought that she couldn’t be a completely bad person. Without looking at Leticia properly, a sheepish Keena said.
“Anyways, don’t make me worry about you. I don’t want to care, but it bothered me.”
It sounded strangely warm, even though it sounded like she was blaming Leticia.
“Will you help me next time?”
The words might have sounded brazen, but Keena answered firmly, without any sign of displeasure.
“No, I’m not going to protect you. I won’t visit you either.”
“Then why did you help this time?”
“That…”
She was obviously embarrassed by Leticia’s curiosity, but Keena replied with a sigh.
“I just happened to be there. Don’t put too much meaning onto it.”
“Keena.”
“You know nothing good comes from getting close to me.”
As soon as she tried to turn away, Leticia’s voice grabbed her attention.
“Still… Thank you.”
Keena, who paused at her heartfelt appreciation, turned away without answering and moved away.
After that day, Leticia didn’t see Keena for a long time.
***
Rumors began to circulate that the Leroy family might be on the verge of ruin because of the harmful substances in the Rose Velvet that caused the nobles to collapse. On the other hand, the Achilles family had another chance at revival.
“Did you see the report from the mine manager?”
Elle, who’d been reading the letter seriously, rushed to Enoch and handed it over to him. The report said that the pink diamonds were flowing out, and inquiries were flooding in.
Upon hearing the news that pink diamonds had a detoxifying effect, the nobles were eagerly trying to get their hands on some. Thanks to this, they were able to pay off the rest of their remaining debts. It felt even more meaningful because it was a long standing desire.
If you are interested in Hellbound with you. You can read it on the baby Raising A Devil novels second episode in below ?
During such happy days, Count Aster and his wife made a suggestion to Leticia.
“We should have a party where we officially introduce you as our daughter. What do you think, Leticia?”
The Emperor had already recognized Leticia as the daughter of Count and Countess Aster, and not Marquis Leroy’s. However, there were still some people that called her ‘Miss Leroy’. It seemed that the Count and Countess wanted to remind people that she was a daughter of the Aster family.
“I think it’s a good idea.”
Regardless of their intentions, she was nervous and excited to think about a party being held just for her.
The party was scheduled to be hosted by Count Aster at his mansion. Enoch, who’d heard the news from the Aster couple, suggested that they attend together, and Leticia excitedly waited for the day.
As time passed, the day of the party arrived. Leticia carefully changed into the clothing in front of her. It was the dress that Count and Countess Aster had sent to her the day before, along with a letter asking her to wear it if she wanted.
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