Favored by the Family That Will Become the Strongest! - Chapter 23

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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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“I learned it from my brother when I was young. He used to give me all sorts of advice back then—things that might help in life. I thought it was annoying at the time, old-fashioned prattle, but lately I find myself missing those words.”
“…….”
“Since I can’t see him anymore, I wish I’d listened more carefully. If I’d known things would turn out like this……”
Regret was written plainly across Bianca’s face.
Diena pressed her lips tight. She understood her feelings all too well.
People rarely grasp the value of those beside them while they’re still there.
Never having been parted, they convince themselves that person will always remain at their side.
Then, when that person finally leaves, comes a searing regret—the kind Diena had known ever since her father departed.
“My dear Diena, this deployment is going to be a long one, I’m afraid. I’m truly sorry.”
“Again? I understand.”
“Call me Father before I go—please!”
“Yes, Father.”
“Sigh…… My daughter is so cold.”
“You must come back safe. Then I’ll call you that.”
She should have just called him Father. If only she’d known he’d never return……
In truth, she’d wanted to stop him then. To tell him to guard his own life instead of spending it saving others, to beg him to simply stay by her side—foolish words she’d longed to speak.
But knowing such words would only wound him, Diena had said nothing.
She could only pray: that her father would return safely, unharmed.
In the end, God had not answered her prayer.
Diena surfaced from her reverie as Bianca gently grasped her hand.
“That’s why I’m trying now to speak what’s in my heart, just as it is.”
As Bianca spoke, she took Diena by the hand and drew her toward the table. Then she seated her slowly beside herself and said:
“……You, you are my friend, aren’t you?”
At Bianca’s question, Diena fell blank for a moment, but soon she nodded.
“Of course.”
At Diena’s answer, Bianca’s eyes widened and she laughed.
“Happy birthday again. And thank you for being my friend.”
Diena felt a sharp ache bloom in her chest. She never thought she’d come back through time and receive birthday wishes like this.
‘And with such sincerity, too.’
The word “friend” stung at the bridge of her nose.
What had begun merely as a task to save Barcan’s sister had circled back like this. Bianca, who had become precious to her somewhere along the way, suddenly looked different.
“Well then, let’s eat before it gets cold.”
Bianca set about eating with a happy face, pausing now and then to place food in front of Diena.
“If you’re not full, you have to tell me. You eat far too little.”
Diena smiled and swallowed her food. The situation felt entirely transformed from just days before.
‘It’s as though Bianca and I have switched places somehow……’
When the meal ended, Bianca’s face flushed as she spoke.
“Everything tastes delicious when I’m with you. Are you full?”
“Yes, I’m quite full.”
“So am I. Which means it’s time for dessert.”
“……?”
“When you’re full, you must eat dessert.”
Bianca said this with a bright smile. Diena studied her.
Over the past few days, she could see her cheeks had filled out noticeably. Her condition was improving day by day.
Thinking that good is good, Diena began eating as Bianca wished, as if under a spell.
A strawberry cream cake and a Chocolate Cake arrived.
Bianca made short work of both.
“The bitter chocolate is delicious, but the soft cream cake has its own charm too.”
Diena nodded silently. Bianca did not stop there.
“There’s still something missing, though, don’t you think?”
“Pardon? You said you were full just a moment ago……”
“I am full, yes. But there’s still an emptiness. Besides, didn’t you say you liked seeing me gain a little weight?”
“I did.”
Bianca’s cheeks reddened as she spoke.
“So I thought I’d try putting on a little weight myself.”
That was good to hear. Diena smiled broadly and was nodding in agreement when—
The butler approached them and spoke.
“Miss Bianca, the Count of Roché House has come to see you.”
At this, Bianca’s eyes widened in surprise and her voice rose.
“Daniel? What brings him here without so much as a word?”
“He arrived carrying a bouquet, I’m told.”
Bianca’s cheeks flushed delicately. It was clear she was trying to hide her excitement.
“I was just having such a nice time with Diena…… Well, we’ve finished eating anyway. Bring him in.”
* * *
Diena followed Bianca into an ornately decorated reception room.
Bianca sat on the sofa and fidgeted with her teacup.
As Diena glanced at her, the door opened and a striking man with red hair stepped through.
“Bianca, it’s been far too long.”
“Daniel!”
The man called Daniel pressed a bouquet into Bianca’s arms. Her cheeks flushed red.
Daniel opened his mouth with a gentle smile.
“I’ve been terribly busy with work. I apologize for not visiting sooner.”
“Well, it has been a while.”
“And who is this?”
Daniel’s gaze turned to Diena. Bianca called out brightly:
“Oh, she’s my new maidservant.”
“Your new maidservant?”
Daniel’s expression stiffened ever so slightly.
“Yes, Diena, say hello.”
“How do you do? My name is Diena.”
The moment his eyes met Bianca’s again, the hardness vanished from his face and he smiled warmly, approaching Diena as though nothing had happened.
“A pleasure to meet you, Miss Diena. I’m Daniel Roché, Bianca’s fiancé.”
Watching Daniel extend such kindness even to her maidservant, Bianca smiled faintly.
Daniel was a man who was courteous to everyone.
Which is precisely why he’d approached even her, a Non-Awakened girl, with such gentleness.
But contrary to Bianca’s thoughts, Diena saw at once that Daniel was wary of her.
Fortunately, he didn’t seem to have recognized her true identity as the Rothwell princess.
‘In moments like this, I’m grateful my uncle never held my Debutante presentation.’
The members of the Five Great Houses do not associate with other houses during childhood. They believe themselves of a different rank.
Only after one’s Ability status is confirmed does serious contact with other houses begin.
Typically, one’s identity is revealed at the Winter Gala, and if Non-Awakened, one spends the rest of one’s life confined to the family estate.
‘It’s actually quite unusual for Miss Bianca to participate in society despite being Non-Awakened.’
Diena, who had never awakened an Ability, had never even attended the Winter Gala.
Because of this, Daniel had no idea that Diena was nobility.
Diena raised one corner of her mouth as she answered.
“……I see.”

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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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