Chapter 6 Carlot's Mistake Of Granbell
My name is Carlot Granbell.
I'm the head of the Count Granbell family.
As a prestigious family of magic, we've stood strong for generations, and I've worked tirelessly to pass that legacy on to the next.
...Or at least, that was the plan.
"Sir, are you tired?"
Startled out of my thoughts, I glanced up. I'd let out a sigh without realizing it, and the maid carrying tea had caught me.
Her name was Lisa, if I remembered correctly. She was supposed to serve Yumie, but lately, she'd been frequenting my study more often than expected.
"No, it's nothing. More importantly, how's Yumie doing?"
Setting aside my own troubles, I asked about my daughter.
Circumstances had brought her into my life unexpectedly. I hadn't even known she existed until I learned her mother had passed away, leaving her to wander the slums alone.
When I found out, I immediately had her brought here. There were two reasons for this:
First, my wife, Riffia, had difficulty conceiving, and the Granbell family desperately needed heirs.
And above all...
I couldn't ignore the fact that my daughter—regardless of her origins—was suffering.
So, I brought her here.
What I hadn't expected was Riffia's fury. She'd been so upset by my decision that she'd distanced herself from me entirely.
"The young lady was playing with the young master today," Lisa reported. "She's been working hard to learn about magic. At this rate, I think she'll grow into a magician worthy of the Granbell name, if not a genius."
"I see... that's good to hear"
I said with a small sigh of relief.
But guilt lingered.
Bringing Yumie here had caused a rift in my family. Riffia was hurt, and Yumie—despite her efforts—was struggling to find her place.
Sometimes, I wondered if it would've been better to leave her at a reputable orphanage within our territory.
But now, with her presence already known, letting her go could invite political misuse by unscrupulous people.
I was caught between my responsibilities as head of the family, my wife and son's feelings, and Yumie's safety.
And so, I had done nothing.
If the situation could resolve itself without my interference, I thought, that would be ideal.
"All of this is thanks to the young lady's efforts."
Lisa's sharp tone snapped me out of my thoughts.
I looked up, surprised. Her gaze was piercing.
"The young lady is doing everything she can to be recognized as a member of the Granbell family," Lisa said. "Do you even realize how hard she works? No matter how many times she's ignored or scolded, she greets Lady Riffia cheerfully every morning. She tries to be a sister Neil can like, asking the maids about his preferences and practicing magic tirelessly just to play with him. Do you know that, sir?"
"..."
I couldn't refute her words.
Ever since my fight with Riffia, I'd buried myself in work, isolating myself in this study.
But Lisa wasn't finished.
"Do you know," she continued, her voice trembling slightly, "that she stays up late studying the history and management of the Granbell territory? She wants to be seen properly as your daughter. She wants to help you."
"Wha...!" I burst out. "I brought Yumie here because I see her as my daughter!"
My voice rose, but Lisa's gaze didn't waver. If anything, her reproach deepened.
Her behavior was bold—enough to warrant dismissal. Yet I could see her words came from genuine concern for Yumie.
"All you did was bring her here," Lisa said, her voice calm but cutting. "Yes, you provide for her, but being a parent is more than that. Even I could do what you're doing."
I wanted to argue but knew it would sound like an excuse. So I stayed silent.
"Please," Lisa pleaded, her voice softening. "Face your daughter. Face your wife and son. No matter how hard Yumie tries, if you don't take action, this family will never come back together."
"......"
Her words struck deep.
I realized then how much I had failed as a father—not just Yumie, but Riffia and Neil as well.
I thought back to the time before Yumie's arrival. It was Riffia who had filled the gaps in my shortcomings as a father.
"Father, are you there? May I come in?"
Yumie's voice came from the other side of the door.
I straightened, startled. "Come in," I said.
The door opened, and Yumie entered with a posture that, while not perfect, was poised and proper—impressive for someone without formal noble education.
"What's the matter?"
I asked, perhaps a bit too curtly.
Yumie hesitated for a moment, then looked up at me with a serious expression.
"I have a request."
"...What is it?"
"Please kick me out of this house."
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