Favored by the Family That Will Become the Strongest! - Chapter 21

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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“This, we really can’t do this. What will other people say……?”
“You’re concerned about Barkan’s reputation?”
At Hasen’s question, the maids nodded urgently.
“Yes? Yes, it does seem that way!”
“It’s fine. As Diena says, Barkan doesn’t care about his reputation one bit. Just pack up and leave the Duke’s Residence as is.”
Yet Hasen replied smoothly, his expression unconcerned.
Diena added to his words.
“Did you hear? And when you return to the families that sent you here, spread the word that Barkan dismissed you. Say he didn’t even write you a letter of introduction—that would be even better. It wouldn’t hurt to mention that he seems likely to keep firing servants who bother him going forward, either.”
At that, Hasen gazed at Diena with admiration.
‘She’s deliberately spreading rumors to warn the noble families not to waste effort sending more servants. Clever.’
For the sake of her goals, she showed no concern whatsoever for Barkan’s honor. The method was strikingly similar to his own.
‘I thought her greedy for taking so much money—a common sort. But she moves without hesitation toward her objectives, unscrupulous about the means. Quite impressive.’
With that thought, a faint smile crossed his lips.
* * *
Hasen worked quickly. The maids were packed and out of the mansion in moments.
Watching their departing figures, still aggrieved to the end, Diena let out a long sigh.
This contempt would likely continue until Bianca awakened her Special Ability. Even with the servants disciplined, the problem wouldn’t end with them alone.
‘There are still the household members to contend with.’
Fortunately, Bianca’s condition had been improving steadily as she spent time with Diena.
If they kept purifying her essence like this, awakening would only be a matter of time.
Yet even so, Diena could find no peace of mind.
Someday the darkness within Bianca’s body would run wild. That was the Side Effect of Darkness Absorption—and the only path toward liberation.
‘I must be there to help her then.’
If she could just endure that moment……
‘By the time of the Winter Ball, I think she’ll be able to awaken her Special Ability.’
Lost in thought, Diena suddenly started. Hasen, whom she’d assumed had gone his own way, was looking at her.
“Hasen? Aren’t you going to see Barkan?”
“Yes—Barkan should learn to spend time alone sometimes. Now then, where were you headed?”
“To see Bianca.”
“Then let’s go together. I have something to report to her as well.”
“Ah? Yes, of course.”
So the two walked down the corridor together. Soon Hasen spoke.
“I noticed from your Employment Contract that today is your birthday.”
“Ah, that’s right. The date has already arrived, hasn’t it?”
Diena was taken aback. Even as she’d written her birthday on the Employment Contract, she hadn’t truly registered it.
When she was with the Kardian Mercenary Group, they would have fussed about her birthday for days beforehand without her even mentioning it.
It had been impossible to forget.
‘This birthday, I hadn’t thought of it at all. Time has passed so quickly.’
She’d been so preoccupied, after all.
And now there was no one left to care for her.
The reality of it struck her anew.
“Is there anything you’d like? The Kardian ensures the welfare of its employees.”
“No, not really. You provide food and wages, and you’ve bought me so many clothes. Enough that I won’t need to buy any for years. Why did you buy so many?”
“It’s the Duke’s Residence welfare. There will likely be many other such benefits in the future.”
“……”
When she asked something that had long puzzled her, Hasen answered as if he’d been waiting.
Of course, such welfare was Diena’s alone. But he saw no need to explain that far.
Once Diena fell silent, he continued in a more earnest tone.
“That’s why I hope you’ll stay here for a long time.”
At this sudden sincerity, Diena felt embarrassed.
She could feel Hasen’s gratitude for her help to his master.
Even in her past life, he’d always seemed playful, but when it mattered, he was solemn and dependable. After Barkan and Malakar, Diena had relied on him most.
“……It does seem like that’s how it will be. Even if Barkan tried to drive me away, I have no intention of leaving willingly.”
“That’s not a bad thought.”
As he smiled, something twisted uncomfortably in Diena’s chest.
Had those maids who treated Bianca so roughly enjoyed such welfare too?
‘To receive so much and yet work so poorly.’
She would receive her share, certainly—but unlike them, she meant to earn every coin.
As she and Hasen walked and talked, they arrived before long at Bianca’s door.
“Bianca, it’s Hasen.”
“Come in.”
Upon entering, Bianca raised one eyebrow.
“You came together?”
“Yes, I came because I have something important to report.”
“I’ll hear the report after I talk with Diena.”
Bianca stared intently at Diena standing behind Hasen, then hesitantly opened her mouth.
“Are you…… hurt anywhere?”
“No, thank you, Bianca. Hasen told me—that it was you who asked him to call Barkan.”
“I-it wasn’t like I was thinking of you specially.”
“Still, I’m grateful.”
At Diena’s immediate acceptance, it was Bianca who seemed flustered. She rushed to continue.
“No, why would you just accept that? Not that I didn’t think of you at all, either. It was because you’re not such a bad person.”
“……”
“And every time I see you, my mood improves for some reason. My body seems to be getting better. And…… what Matilda did to you seemed like it was my fault.”
Bianca rambled on before falling silent. After a long moment, she squeezed her eyes shut and gathered her courage to speak.
“I’m sorry. And thank you.”
Upon hearing this, Diena thought for a moment, then spoke with certainty.
“No. That wasn’t your fault. You simply took a liking to me. So even if you’re grateful to me, there’s no need to apologize.”
At her confident words, Bianca’s eyes widened. Since becoming a noble daughter, no one had ever spoken to her with such directness.
Yet whenever she talked with Diena, as always, she felt neither upset nor displeased.
To Diena’s words that she took a liking to her, Bianca didn’t offer a denial this time. Her ears simply flushed red.
“Y-yes. Then I’ll just be grateful.”
Just then, Hasen stepped forward.
“I came to make a report regarding that very matter.”
“What is it?”
“From now on, Diena will be serving as your personal maid.”
At those words, Bianca’s expression brightened visibly for a moment, but she quickly stifled it with a cough, hiding her true feelings.
“Yes, it’s surprising to see brother actually think of something sensible for once.”
Bianca nodded as if it were obvious. Hasen held out the contract to her.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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