Chapter 56
Nataniel’s Ability
Soon, the priests and paladins would arrive suspiciously early.
Marianne would be the one leading people to help, of course.
I couldn’t just watch the temple and the empress get praised for everything.
So I told Branden, and he looked very surprised, his eyes wide.
I was worried that Nataniel might still be weak from the curse and the removal of divine power. He had partial memory loss, too, so I wasn’t sure how he’d react.
But I had to find a way to keep him safe.
I couldn’t let anyone force Nataniel into a fight—he was already physically and mentally broken. That would be cruel.
Even so, I felt responsible for him.
“Dia.”
“Hmm… there’s nothing I can do for now.”
“Ugh…”
“Dia?”
At the moment, there was no solution. I couldn’t break a proxy contract unless the contractor died.
I had to be extremely careful with demon contracts from now on.
I clenched my fists and focused.
Branden’s worried face caught my eyes.
“Ah, I have to go now.”
“Dia, are you very sleepy?”
“Mm… no, I’m fine.”
I glanced at the clock. Quite some time had passed.
Beside Branden was Abel, equally concerned about me.
Even with my physical enhancements, a child’s body couldn’t go without proper rest.
No matter how strong my body is, skipping sleep is dangerous.
“Ilness, like I said before…”
“…We have to go…”
“Hmm?”
“Can’t we stay a bit longer?”
The nights had been getting shorter because of Nataniel. Today, it was finally time to go out.
Unfortunately, the Duke of Winston was busy, and Veronica was tied up with her divorce trial against Cedric.
Even now, Nataniel grabbed my sleeve, not wanting me to leave. His gesture was so pitiful I couldn’t push him away.
Vincent and Henrietta felt the same way.
The direct descendants had stayed worried about me for a while but eventually had to go. I felt strangely relieved—I could handle Branden more easily than the others.
I hesitated to answer because if I chose my outfit, he’d probably insist I change immediately.
“Uncle…”
I paused, and Abel spoke for me.
“Hm?”
“Dia is sleepy.”
“Dia looks good in bright clothes because of her pale skin.”
“Yes, I’ll carry you, then.”
“Mm.”
Branden, with a silly, wide smile, received me from Sophia and held me in his arms.
He pointed to a summer dress. The light, watery-blue dress looked cool and comfortable.
Even on the expensive carriage, the ride would be shaky, but in Branden’s arms, I felt safe.
The capital was warm, though not quite summer yet. Still, it was good to have a dress ready.
“Dia, do you like this one?”
“Mm.”
“We’ve arrived.”
“Then this one, and…”
“Wow.”
Branden started choosing all the clothes I looked at because I didn’t answer quickly enough.
After a good sleep, the capital seemed like a whole new world.
Seeing so many options made me anxious. I had been stuck in the mansion, so I hadn’t realized how dazzling and bustling the city was.
“Stop here for now. Have them tailor these to your size and send them later.”
Branden carried me out of the carriage. Countless eyes were on us.
“Yes, thank you as always.”
“Look, it’s the carriage of the Winston family.”
“Is that… Master Branden? Is that the little noble girl?”
“Is she trying clothes on?”
Branden only led me forward. People whispered, but I didn’t care.
I tilted my head in curiosity and followed Branden into a shop. I was surprised that Branden seemed familiar with such places, even though he probably spent his life as an academy professor.
“Why, Dia?”
“Welcome, Master Branden.”
“Uncle, aren’t you going to try them on?”
“We came to see the child’s clothes.”
“Huh? Why try them? Dia would look good in anything.”
“Yes, everything’s prepared.”
A lady, dressed as beautifully as the women at a ball, smiled and guided us.
The Winston descendants were such doting fools—they hadn’t changed.
The staff quickly brought out all the children’s clothes. I couldn’t help but admire them.
Abel kept nodding seriously beside me.
I looked at all the colors and patterns with interest.
After buying an enormous amount of clothes, shoes, and matching accessories, we entered a spacious and fancy café.
Were we really going to try all of this on?
It seemed mostly nobles were here. Everyone was well-dressed and moving elegantly.
The clothes were beautiful and unique, but there were so many that it felt overwhelming.
At first glance, there were dozens of outfits. Even trying them once each would take forever.
“Master Branden, I’ll guide you to your table.”
“All right.”
A staff member met us, making sure we were in a private space.
Branden, satisfied, asked me: “Dia, which outfit do you like best?”
I wasn’t sure why we even came out. It felt no different from eating dessert in the mansion.
