Chapter 69 Becoming A Noble'S Adopted Child And Receiving Land
At Mercury-san's house, there are Duke Graham's wife, Dianne-san, and their daughter, Priscilla-san.
They're offering me a noble title because of everything I've done, but honestly, I don't need it.
"But Leaf-san, you might get involved in some really troublesome things from now on."
"Troublesome things?"
Duke's daughter, Priscilla-san, explains to me.
"If Leaf-sama continues to be active, soon... some clever people will notice Leaf-sama's existence and try to involve you."
"Is that so?"
"That's true," Mercury-san nods solemnly.
"You've already achieved quite a lot, and even the king might consider making you a noble to prevent other nobles from trying to recruit you."
"The king probably thought of making Leaf-sama a noble to keep you from being recruited by other nobles."
Eileen-san tells Mercury-san to follow her.
Hmm, sounds like a hassle.
Quickly, Dianne-san comes up with a proposal.
"So, Leaf-chan, how about becoming my child~♡"
"Your child?"
"You and Priscilla-chan are getting married~♡"
Huh? Wha-what!? W-wait a minute!?
"""Wait a moment!"""
Mercury-san, Eileen-san, and Tai-chan (in human form) interrupted.
"Why are you trying to recruit him so quickly?"
"...Please don't involve Leaf-sama in noble affairs."
"My lord. It's better to quit being a noble. Let's endure it together as us."
Yeah, yeah, all three of them nod.
Hmm, but still...
"It's a bit much to refuse without hearing the whole story."
"Thank you, Leaf-chan~♡. If you marry Priscilla-chan, you can become the next head of the Graham family. The Graham family is one of the top three noble families in this country. This way, other nobles won't mess with you."
Top three noble families...?
"Graham, Carlisle, Pendrago. Those are the three big noble families in this country."
Eileen-san explained. But wait, something's odd.
"Pendrago? What's your last name, Mercury-san?"
Mercury-san turned away awkwardly and said,
"I forgot~★"
"Oh, okay."
I have a feeling Mercury-san's last name might be Pendrago, but if she doesn't want to say, then I won't press her on it.
"Well, joining the Graham family could be a good thing. They have a high rank. But it also means you'll have to take on noble duties eventually, right?"
Oh, I see.
Becoming the head means you have to inherit the family, huh. Hmm, well, about that.
"So, how about becoming our adopted child~♡?"
"Adopted child?"
Dianne-san nodded with a smile.
"You'll become the adopted son of my husband and me. That means you'll be Priscilla's stepbrother. That way, you won't have to inherit the family~"
"I see...! That sounds... great!"
If I can be protected by the Graham family and not become a noble, that's the best!
Priscilla-san seems somewhat dissatisfied, but Dianne-san whispers to her.
"...We'll start by subtly undermining her bit by bit. And you know? If you're step-siblings, you can get married too~♡"
"...Understood, Mother!"
With another smile, Dianne-san says to me.
"So, what do you say, Leaf-chan~♡? Will you become our adopted child?"
"Yes, please! Let's do it!"
Well, I guess being an adopted child wouldn't be too bad... After all, I wouldn't get involved in unnecessary things. I'd rather be with the Graham family than join some unknown noble faction.
They're not bad people, you know.
"Then, you'll become our adopted child."
"Thank you so much!"
Priscilla-san looks really happy. She takes my hand with a smile.
"I look forward to being with you from now on~♡"
"Yes, big sister."
"Big sister...♡ Ahh... that sounds so nice!"
And so, it's decided that I'll become an adopted child of a noble family.
"Then let's head back to the Graham house right away!"
"Well, actually..."
"Huh!? Why not!?"
Well, you see...
"I'm causing trouble for Mercury-san, so becoming an adopted child is purely for my own benefit."
It's fine as long as I'm officially adopted on paper, I don't necessarily have to live with them.
"I actually like living here."
"I-I see..."
Priscilla-neechan looks downcast. But then, Mother Dianne gently pats her back and says, "Keep up the good work."
Keep up the good work?
"Okay, Leaf-chan~♡ Then, you can continue living with Mercury-chan. But it would make me happy if you visited home occasionally~♡."
"Okay."
We both live in the same capital city, so it's easy to go back and forth.
"Oh, and His Majesty said he would give you some land."
"Land?"
"Yeah, the Votslak territory."
Oh, that.
Well... honestly, I don't really need it.
"Since Leaf-chan joined our family, the land will be under the Graham name, but I still want you to have it as a reward for your hard work."
"But I don't know anything about managing land..."
That's when Eileen-san raises her hand.
"I'll do it! I'll be the acting lord for you!"
"Come to think of it, Eileen-dono was Orokan's deputy all this time, right?"
In response to Tai-chan's question, Eileen-san nods.
"Since everything's been going smoothly, I would be honored if you appointed me as the acting lord!"
"Um, then... please."
It's reassuring for the people living in that area to be governed by someone they know well.
I can trust Eileen-san with this responsibility.
And so, I became an adopted noble and was given land.
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