I’m The Real Daughter, But I Don’t Want To Go Back To The Duke’s Estate - Chapter 97

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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‘Do I really only think of Rudrick as a teacher?’

Back when we played games in the Four Seasons Garden.

When he brushed the grass from my hair, my heart raced like crazy.

How I secretly paid attention to his every little action.

…And even when dealing with the First Prince, how disappointed I felt when I noticed he was using me.

Looking back, it definitely wasn’t just simple emotions.

“More than that, why are you asking me such things? Could it be…”

I found myself asking defensively without realizing it.

Cecilia tilted her head.

“Could it be?”

“No, it’s nothing.”

I hurriedly shook my head and blamed myself.

‘Really, what was I even trying to ask?’

Those two are the original female and male protagonists.

It’s only natural for them to fall in love fatefully.

Yet the reason I was trying to confirm Cecilia’s feelings…

‘Could it be that I’m hoping Cecilia doesn’t like Rudrick?’

My heart suddenly sank.

I clenched my fists tightly.

Cecilia quietly watched me with unreadable eyes.

That calm blue-green gaze… felt strangely overwhelming.

* * *

Peaceful times continued.

Having meals with Mother, strolling through the garden, and sometimes the three of us would gather to chat over tea.

Personally, I was encouraged that Mother and Cecilia had grown quite close.

However, I hadn’t seen Rudrick even once since the first day.

It seemed the Mage Tower Branch work was keeping him busy.

And so, currently.

I was lost in deep thought, looking down at the bracelet in my hand.

‘I really shouldn’t give this to him.’

Rudrick is the male protagonist of this world who will be with Cecilia in the future.

And I… am just a villainess with unrequited love for Rudrick.

If I act on my greed and ruin our current amicable relationship…

My heart was as tangled as a ball of yarn.

“Sigh.”

Just as I was sighing.

Tap tap.

I heard the sound of something lightly tapping from the balcony.

When I turned around absentmindedly, my eyes widened.

“Teacher?!”

Somehow having arrived, Rudrick stood on the balcony with his index finger pressed long against his lips.

‘Shh.’

Then he tapped the glass door installed on the balcony once more.

I hurriedly opened the glass door.

As wind rushed in, the white, translucent curtains gently fluttered into the room.

For a moment, I was mesmerized.

…Rudrick, with the bright blue sky above his head, smiling brilliantly, was so dazzling.

“It’s been a while, Princess Milena.”

“Why didn’t you come through the front door…?!”

Startled, I raised my voice.

Then Rudrick spoke teasingly, as if for me to hear.

“It seems I’ve gotten on Princess Cecilia’s bad side lately.”

“You, Teacher? Why?”

“Well, probably…”

Rudrick, who had been trailing off, shrugged his shoulders and replied playfully.

“Maybe it’s because I’ve been showing too obviously that I like Princess Milena?”

“…”

What does that mean?

My mind went completely blank.

At the same time, Rudrick casually added.

“Though it’s perfectly natural for a teacher to care for their student.”

…What, so that’s what it was?

My mood instantly plummeted.

I secretly gripped the bracelet in my hand tightly and hid it so Rudrick couldn’t see it.

Somehow I felt like I was committing a crime.

The feeling of harboring emotions I shouldn’t have for someone I shouldn’t.

Completely oblivious to my low spirits, Rudrick cheerfully continued.

“Anyway, the reason I came to find you like this is…”

Rudrick, who had paused briefly, carefully gauged my reaction.

“If it’s alright with you, could you go out with me?”

“Go out?”

“Yes. There’s something I really want to show you.”

Should I go?

Honestly, my first thought was, ‘I shouldn’t go.’

‘I think I’ve been paying too much attention to Rudrick lately.’

My role in the original story is the villainess who interferes with Cecilia’s romantic prospects.

If I end up becoming that kind of villainess…

“It’s also part of our magic lessons. A kind of practical training.”

Meanwhile, as if noticing my hesitation, Rudrick immediately provided a convincing excuse.

I bit my lower lip gently.

When he put it that way, it was hard to refuse further.

Most of all.

‘I want to go.’

I couldn’t help but be greedy.

I too… wanted to spend time with Rudrick.

“It really is for lessons, right?”

“Of course.”

Rudrick quickly nodded.

After hesitating, I carefully extended my hand.

“Then, alright.”

Rudrick, smiling brightly, grabbed my hand firmly.

Then, as if playfully looking into my eyes.

“From now on, this is a magic demonstration. Understood?”

With those words, Rudrick pulled me into his arms like a princess.

Then he ran smoothly toward the balcony railing without hesitation.

Startled, I reflexively grabbed onto Rudrick’s neck tightly.

“Kyaa!”

Rudrick drew a large arc through the air.

Then he gently comforted me as I clung tightly to him.

“It’s okay. Look down for a moment.”

“If, if I fall…”

“Don’t worry, I absolutely won’t let you fall.”

At that voice mixed with laughter, I gently lifted my eyelids.

Immediately, an exclamation burst from between my lips.

“Wow, amazing.”

Below our feet, the colorful scenery of the city spread out.

The city bathed in the clear afternoon sunlight was as beautiful as an illustration drawn in a fairy tale book.

I opened my eyes wide and looked down at the city scenery as if enchanted.

“Do you like it?”

“Yes, very much!”

I answered brightly but suddenly hesitated.

Right in front of me, Rudrick was gazing at me affectionately.

That gaze fixed solely on me, as if only I existed in this world…

“Did you want to show me this scenery?”

“No? I was just trying to demonstrate magic.”

That cheeky answer was brief.

Rudrick smiled shyly and murmured softly.

“Actually… when I saw this scenery, I thought of you, Princess.”

Me?

I blinked my eyes blankly.

Rudrick continued with an embarrassed voice.

“This might sound strange… but when I see beautiful scenery, I want to see it with you, Princess, and when I eat delicious food, I want to let you taste it.”

“…”

My heart felt warm.

Perhaps my gaze toward him was a bit embarrassing, as Rudrick quietly turned his eyes away.

“Now, we’re going down. Don’t be surprised.”

With those words.

The magic power Rudrick controlled wrapped around our bodies like a gentle breeze.

Our bodies began to descend softly downward.

Thud.

Finally, my feet touched the ground.

We were now standing in a deserted alley.

‘What should I do?’

I swallowed my dry saliva.

Was it because of what Rudrick had just said?

I keep becoming conscious of Rudrick…

‘I shouldn’t act awkward.’

Then I should bring up the most safe topic that Rudrick and I share.

Having made that decision, I opened my mouth with sincerity.

“You were really amazing today, Teacher.”

It wasn’t empty words.

Being a fellow mage, I couldn’t help but know even better.

How can he control magic power so smoothly like that?

I wouldn’t have even dared to try it.

“So, is the magic demonstration over now?”

“Hmm, I’m not sure about that yet… but there’s still something I want to show you, Princess.”

What?

My eyes widened.

Rudrick pointed behind me with his eyes.

“Look behind you.”

When I casually turned around, I instantly forgot even to breathe.

The blue sea was spread out before me.

Waves rolling in with splashing sounds licked the long stretch of sandbar, leaving white foam.

Beyond the distant horizon, white clouds drifted slowly like a flock of sheep.

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