27 - Adopted by the Villainous Noble Family

Novelpia - A World Dreamed Through Web Novels! - Adopted by a Dark Family The atmosphere in the main parlor of Count Rahaltani's estate was calm and serene. However, occupying the seat of authority was not the master of the Rahaltani family, but his wife. “Is everything being kept secure without any issues?” Rosearia's crimson eyes turned towards Sierra. “Yes. All those with impure intentions have been dealt with.” Bella would never know how many beasts disguised as humans exist in this world. Among them were the vile ones who would approach a young girl, not out of innocence, but with twisted desires. “I’ve taken care of everything, so there's no need to worry.” Blood stained the edge of the dagger concealed within Sierra's cloak, blood from a mysterious someone. “Ah... Bella still doesn’t know just how perilous her looks can be,” Rosearia murmured to herself, resting her chin in hand as if dissatisfied. A girl with eyes as clear as the ocean, skin that shines soft and pale. With delicate features and sky-blue hair cascading like silk over her shoulders, she was renowned even within the empire for her beauty, an extraordinary flower blooming at such a tender age. It might seem like a blessing on the surface. Yet, it only heightened the chance of catching the eye of despicable beings, especially since she lived like a commoner, running a shop. “I’d like to formally introduce Bella to society.” “The young lady would never agree to it.” “Yes, you're right.” Originally, Rosearia intended to officially announce Bella as part of their family to society right after she signed the adoption papers. But Bella's vehement objection forced her to abandon that plan. The image of Bella, pleading with intense earnestness and sweaty desperation, lingered vividly in Rosearia’s mind. She’d said she didn’t want to bring shame to the family with her existence. She promised that someday, when she became an adult and could pull her weight, only then did she wish to be part of the Rahaltani family. “From what I've observed, the young lady is someone who avoids assistance to an extreme degree,” Sierra continued. “Beyond normal levels, almost to the point of appearing pathological.” Rosearia nodded, her eyes darkened with understanding. When Bella had insisted on paying to borrow books from the family library, it left her utterly speechless. Yet she had no choice but to accept the money, seeing Bella on the verge of tears. In the end, she instructed the servant to accept only a nominal amount. “We need to get closer to her as soon as possible.” Rosearia’s heavy voice filled the office, her fingers tapping repeatedly on the desk betraying her deep contemplation. “Your Majesty, may I make a suggestion?” Rosearia raised an eyebrow slightly. “Go ahead.” “While on the way here, I stopped by the enchanted item shop with the young lady.” “And why the enchanted item shop?” “She mentioned there were items she wished to purchase.” “And then?” “By chance, we saw some magical herbs there.” Magical herbs. While rather rare, they didn’t arouse much interest in Rosearia. “And so?” “The young lady seemed to covet those magical herbs quite a bit.” Rosearia’s tapping fingers came to a sudden halt, and her scarlet eyes widened. “Bella... desired the magical herbs?” “Yes, she couldn’t take her eyes off them for quite a while.” The memory of Bella’s disheartened expression when Camilla suggested abandoning magic abruptly surfaced. Come to think of it, Bella had shown interest in magic before. “Hmmm....” A peculiar glint flickered in Rosearia’s eyes, and a sly smile spread slowly across her lips. “Magical herbs, huh....” She stood up and put on her coat with deliberate slowness. “A few thousand of those flowers are nothing if they help win my daughter's heart.” ※ I blinked in disbelief at the incomprehensible scene before me. Amused by my reaction, Rosearia regarded me with a beaming smile. “This, this...?” “Yes, it is.” I pointed a trembling finger at the small vial Rosearia was holding. Was it just my imagination? It looked exactly like the magical herbs I had seen in the enchanted item shop yesterday. No, there was no point denying it. The flower glowing blue before my eyes was undoubtedly the magical herbs. But why on earth was Rosearia holding them? For someone like her or Camilla, who possessed innate magic, the herbs held no significant value. “Why do you have those...?” “I just wanted to see a bit of my daughter’s charm.” With a playful grin, Rosearia extended the magical herbs towards me. Her single remark left me speechless. Could she possibly be offering me the magical herbs? Had she heard about how captivated I was by them yesterday at the shop? Even so, I hadn't anticipated Rosearia buying the herbs herself and presenting them to me. “Did you spend money because of me?” A heavy weight settled in my chest, and I bowed my head, unable to meet her gaze. Helplessness and guilt seeped into my heart. Closing my eyes tightly, I shook my head vigorously. “I’m sorry. I can’t accept this.” Surprisingly, Rosearia accepted my rejection with a composed expression. “That’s why I’m here to suggest a trade.” “…A trade?” With a gentle smile, she mimed stroking my hair. I was becoming accustomed to this gesture by now. “I’m not naive enough to give it for free. I bought it expecting a fair exchange.” “But… I don’t have anything valuable enough to trade for the magical herbs.” “Why do you think that? You possess something far more precious.” Rosearia took hold of my nape and gently guided me towards the sofa. Once I was seated, she placed a brown pouch carefully on the table between us. “Can you show me the process of making the potion here?” Inside the pouch were all the ingredients for my potion, including silver flower herbs. “In exchange, I’ll give you the magical herbs.” “That’s… it doesn’t add up.” Exchanging a mere potion recipe for magical herbs seemed heavily in Rosearia’s favor. I had even considered offering the recipe a few days ago, thinking that if my ability could prevent her from turning dark, it would be worth it. “Indeed, it doesn’t add up,” Rosearia agreed, meeting my eyes with a nod. “Then, what about ten magical herbs?” “What?!” “If that’s still not enough, should we make a contract for one each month?” I was left speechless. I couldn't comprehend why Rosearia was so eager to give me more. “I meant that you would be at a disadvantage, Countess.” “Me?” But it was Rosearia who looked puzzled in response. “Daughter, I don’t think you truly understand how remarkable your herbs are.” She spoke with arms crossed, her gaze sincere and intent. “Even renowned doctors and alchemists hired for hundreds of thousands of Luene couldn’t put me to sleep.” “Hundreds of thousands of Luene…” “It was this potion that finally put me to rest instantly.” Her eyes turned to the silver flower herbs on the table. “If learning the formula only costs a few magical herbs, it’s a priceless deal for me.” “……” “Daughter, I can give you as many magical herbs as you want. Please accept this deal.” Her red eyes held an earnestness that rendered me speechless. I paused, gazing at the magical herbs laid before me. After a lengthy deliberation, I resolved to hold the pouch of herbal ingredients. “One magical herb is enough. It has no value beyond that.” My declaration lit up Rosearia’s face with a bright smile. “Thank you. I’ll ensure this isn’t leaked anywhere.” “…Actually, it wasn’t fear of it leaking that kept me from sharing.” “Hmm?” Rosearia tilted her head, confused. “I’ll show you.” Swallowing the lump in my throat, I began pulling out the ingredients one by one from the brown pouch. Rosearia watched my every action intently. Using sleep moss, I crafted a small circular ring, covering it gently with blue moss, and layered the aromatic herbs in sequence. Lastly, I took out a silver flower herb, its petals shimmering like silver. “Once you place the petals of the silver flower herb in this gap, it’s complete.” “…What?” Rosearia’s face filled with astonishment. She regarded me with eyes full of disbelief. “This is… all of it?” “Well, there is one more thing….” I fidgeted with the silver flower herb delicately in my hand. The fresh scent of foliage subtly drifted to my nose. “What’s that one thing? Can you tell me?” With a deep breath, I slowly nodded. “Actually, I have… a power.” A brief but profound silence filled the office. In Rosearia's eyes, an inexpressible emotion swirled. “…A power. It all makes sense now.” I might have imagined it, but Rosearia’s gaze seemed to deepen as she looked at me. Her persistent curiosity made my face grow warmer. "About that… power…." “Is it related to the silver flower herb?” “Well, um…” My face felt as if it were about to explode from the heat. If I were to look in a mirror right now, I’d see my face more flushed than a tomato. But having decided to reveal this, I couldn’t back down now. “P-please don’t misunderstand…?” Trailing off, I tucked my fallen hair behind my ear. Carefully, I brought the silver flower herb closer to my lips. Gathering saliva in my mouth, I slowly extended my tongue towards the petals of the herb. A thin strand of saliva trickled from my lips, delicately touching the bud. The saliva pooled gently over the petals, then I closed my lips and softly rubbed the blossom with my fingers. I meticulously placed each petal amongst the herb bundle. “N-now it’s truly finished.” My mind had gone blank. Shame and embarrassment washed over me all at once. I cautiously lifted my gaze to meet Rosearia's. She blinked in surprise, staring at the gap in my lips. Faced with her baffled expression, I wished I could disappear from sheer embarrassment. --- **Author's Note** Thank you, Panna, for your support. Today's weather is a bit chilly, so be careful not to catch a cold! And have a great Friday tomorrow! Thank you to our anonymous supporter. I will continue writing diligently so that all readers can enjoy the story. Thank you for your support!! This is the last registered chapter.