Favored by the Family That Will Become the Strongest! - Chapter 3

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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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At first, Diana had not believed him, but day by day she grew accustomed to his warmth and sincerity.
“You’ll protect me, won’t you, Barcan?”
“Of course, of course. I’m destined to become the strongest.”
Diana knew well enough that his words were meant only to reassure her. No matter how much Darkness accumulated within her body, he would never dream of using her.
When necessity arose, he would extend a helping hand first, then thank her genuinely, and still ask her to prioritize him instead.
It was a happiness she had never felt before—a happiness that made her understand at last.
Her life before meeting him had been wretched.
‘So this is what a real family is.’
* * *
But her happiness, as always, was far too brief. House Rothwell’s people found their hiding place.
Barcan barely managed to flee with Diana alone. His heart felt as though it were being torn to shreds. The last moment of the Kardian Mercenary Unit burned before his eyes.
Hasen, Malacar, and all the others. Everyone was dead. They had barely escaped, but Barcan had sustained a mortal wound. It was the first time.
The first time she had ever seen Barcan look so fragile.
“You must live. Be happy…….”
She answered him with an agreement she knew she could not keep, forcing a smile through the pain.
Only then did Barcan close his eyes, seeming to find some peace.
But Diana’s body too had reached its limit.
‘And yet I died just the same.’
But when she opened her eyes again, she had returned to her childhood. And this time, she was given a chance to meet Barcan far sooner than before.
‘If I’m caught while fleeing, they might discover my Ability and keep me under watch.’
In the past, escaping House Rothwell had been nothing but sheer luck.
‘No matter how well I evade pursuit, I could still be captured.’
There was only one chance.
Diana clenched her fists with fierce determination. By whatever means necessary, she would escape this place with Barcan.
* * *
The Rothwell ducal residence bustled with activity from early morning. Today was the day the guests of the Five Great Houses would gather at the duke’s estate. Hartmann, Volkoff, Castleton, Kardian, and Rothwell.
These five houses had maintained regular meetings for years, and today Rothwell’s household was host.
It had been roughly two years since the new Duke Rothwell took the title. This was the first formal greeting with them all.
Romie stood before the mirror, smiling with satisfaction. Her attire was dazzling.
A silk dress embroidered with pearls and gold thread. Most striking of all was the vivid Red Ribbon fastened near her breast.
“Perfect.”
She was certain she would stand out brilliantly at today’s gathering.
‘That rustic Bianca didn’t even come—I suppose I cowed her enough last time. And the heirs of the other Four Great Houses are all men anyway.’
Edeline, the Duchess of Rothwell, looked at Romie with a satisfied smile.
“You look truly beautiful today, Romie.”
“This is the first formal meeting with the Five Great Houses. This much preparation is only natural.”
Romie’s brother Cain let out a yawn, his expression utterly indifferent.
“Come, everyone’s waiting.”
“The star always arrives fashionably late.”
Romie took Cain’s hand and made her way toward the Reception Hall where the guests had gathered.
Inside the hall, the young lords and ladies of each house were already seated, with their attendants arranged about them. As many eyes turned toward her, Romie’s lips curved in a subtle smile.
The first to catch her attention were people from House Volkoff and House Hartmann. Regrettably, the heirs of each house could not attend.
‘It’s a shame Cassian and Dietrich couldn’t make it. And Duke Castleton’s heir isn’t here either.’
They were a year younger than Romie and were in their final year at the Academy, which was why they were absent.
Ludrik, the heir of House Castleton, could not attend due to poor health.
‘But there’s still at least one important person here.’
Romie’s gaze drifted slowly around the room.
Though mostly the wives were present, Duke Castleton, who had no consort, attended in person.
A woman who had risen to the rank of duke was the most coveted figure among noble ladies.
To catch such a person’s eye was to become the flower of High Society in no time. Romie was confident in that regard.
More than that, she was certain she would be the center of attention in this gathering.
‘Everyone must be envying me.’
Unlike the rustic Bianca of House Kardian, any family would surely wish to take her as their daughter-in-law.
But Romie did not know.
The faces of the noble women had stiffened ever so slightly.
Their gazes were fixed upon the Red Ribbon adorning Romie’s dress.
In high noble society, it was considered a breach of decorum for a young lady who had not yet made her formal debut to wear red.
Romie, who had never taken part in upper-class social activities, was entirely unaware of this.
Duchess Rothwell herself was not of high noble birth, and she had never learned the proper etiquette because the Duke dismissed social matters as women’s business and paid them no mind.
Thus Romie could not fathom why the atmosphere had become so cold.
Just then, Duke Castleton could contain herself no longer and spoke.
“Your dress is quite resplendent, Miss Romie.”
Taking the words as a compliment, Romie blushed and replied.
“Oh, is it?”
Duke Castleton turned away, her expression displeased. Edeline, who had not grasped the situation, cautiously stepped forward and opened her mouth.
“It has been so long. You’ve never met my daughter before, I believe? This is Romie Rothwell.”
At her introduction, Romie summoned her courage, gathered her dress, and offered a greeting.
“I am Romie Rothwell. It is an honor to meet you all.”
After a brief silence, Lady Volkoff, who had connections with the current Duke Rothwell, gently eased the tension.
“He has spoken of you many times. Just as the rumors said—you seem very proper and lovely.”
Lady Hartmann added with a warm smile.
“Indeed, among all the young ladies I’ve seen, you’re unusually striking. Absolutely charming.”
Romie’s cheeks flushed a soft pink. Being of interest to ladies from the empire’s most distinguished houses was quite pleasant.
Then her eye suddenly caught on a man—the person she had deemed most important to impress today.
‘Barcan Kardian.’
Romie harbored a personal attraction to Barcan. His origins were not entirely to her taste, but a man with both an exceptional Ability and handsome features was rare anywhere in the empire.
“Hello, Lord Barcan? This is our first meeting, isn’t it?”
Romie approached him with a bright smile, speaking readily. But Barcan only slightly furrowed his brow, showing no other response.
Caught off guard by his coldness, Romie forced a laugh and tried again.
“Would it be all right if I visited House Kardian sometime soon? I’m acquainted with Miss Bianca, you see.”
Barcan exhaled a faint sigh.
Just as he was about to speak—
Sensing an unfamiliar presence, Barcan’s head turned slowly.
“……Who is that?”
Following his gaze, the noble ladies naturally turned to look as well. Romie’s eyes widened. Duke Castleton drew in a breath, murmuring softly.
“Miss Diana?”
Diana stood in the doorway.
Wearing a faded tan dress worn thin at the seams, her large rabbit-like eyes blinking in stiffness. The shabby attire—the sort no servant would even wear—made the ladies’ faces register surprise.

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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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