Chapter 57
Nataniel Arrives at Winston
Not long ago, I felt sympathy for Nataniel and promised myself I would take good care of him.
But now, the moment I thought he could be useful, I immediately considered using him. I felt like a terrible, selfish person.
“Dia, what’s wrong?”
“Hm?”
“Should I… not use my holy power?”
Maybe it was because I had a dark expression and said nothing.
Nataniel watched me closely, like a little pet checking its master’s mood.
“No, you can use it as you like.”
“Mm.”
“But it’s a precious ability, so don’t waste it on just anyone. Okay?”
“Mm.”
Nataniel nodded obediently. Seeing him so gentle made my conscience ache even more.
For now… I’ll just focus on taking good care of Nataniel.
I couldn’t leave him in this place forever. The room had been neglected for so long that it was dusty and filthy. I’d need to ask the Winston family to protect him soon.
Wait… if I play this right, I could naturally make Nataniel visible to the Winston family.
I tilted my head at the thought and looked at Nataniel, who smiled innocently.
“Hey, Nataniel.”
“Mm?”
“Can you act… a little?”
Nataniel just blinked at me. He probably didn’t understand what I meant by acting.
“Sorry, just asking.”
“Mm.”
What could I even do with someone like him? I felt a little hopeless.
[What are you worrying about? Just go for it.]
What if it fails? Maybe he’s just… too naive?
[Well, it’ll work out somehow.]
“Ugh…”
Desmond spoke casually, like it wasn’t his problem. I shook my head and noticed a small box I’d forgotten.
It looked a little off-putting at first. A dark pound cake, coated black, with little chunks embedded in it—people might hesitate at first glance.
I and others knew it was tasty, so it didn’t feel strange when we ate it. Nataniel, however… might be different.
“Oh, right. I brought you a gift, Nataniel.”
“A gift?”
“Mm!”
“This is really delicious. Trust me and try it, okay?”
“Mm.”
I offered it again, and Nataniel, unable to refuse, reached out.
Inside the box were small pound cakes. I didn’t know Nataniel’s preferences, so I chose safe flavors.
There were three small cakes: lemon, chocolate, and salty caramel.
“The dessert trio: sour, sweet, and salty! This should tell me his taste.”
Nataniel tasted a bit of the chocolate pound cake and his eyes widened in surprise.
I still knew so little about him. Even choosing desserts to feed him required careful thought.
Soon, he greedily ate the rest. Fortunately, he seemed to like it this time.
“Try one of each first.”
“Mm.”
Chocolate seemed okay.
He couldn’t take his eyes off the small, cute pound cakes. He didn’t show extreme happiness—just curiosity and slight caution about the unfamiliar food.
Anyone would like these flavors, child or adult. I nodded to myself.
Because I had brought them, he couldn’t refuse and reached out. He picked the lemon pound cake first.
“Now try this last one.”
Lemon was a safe choice.
Nataniel’s expression changed from before. He looked at the remaining salty caramel cake with quiet anticipation.
Lemon alone isn’t great, but in a dessert, its sweet and sour balance awakens the taste buds.
He picked it up, eyes slightly gray, curious but cautious. I liked that too.
He took a big bite, more confidently than before.
“How is it?”
“How is it?”
“….”
With the lemon in his mouth, Nataniel stayed silent. Unlike with the chocolate, his expression returned to blank.
His jaw moved slowly, crushing the cake. His face twisted slightly—similar to his first reaction to the lemon. He seemed puzzled by the flavor.
Maybe the taste is unfamiliar…
Lemon can taste strange at first, but once he gets used to it, he’ll like it.
“Next time, I’ll just bring chocolate.”
“Mm? Mm.”
Even after finishing, Nataniel didn’t show much reaction, only tilting his head. But at least I learned his taste. I smiled, gently patting his head.
“Try this too, Nataniel.”
“…”
The next day, newspapers were full of stories about Apocrypha’s terrorism.
This time, I brought the classic chocolate pound cake. Nataniel carefully inspected it, wary as ever.
Unlike in the original story, where the temple and Marianne were praised endlessly, this time the focus shifted.
[The Winston family quickly ends the terror under their leadership]
[The emperor praises the Winston family’s response]
[Saint Marianne treats the injured]
“Uncle, you worked hard.”
“Dia, I really did my best.”
“Mm mm.”
Of course, Marianne and the temple were mentioned, but compared to the original story that focused only on them, this was a positive change.
I held Branden’s hand, shaking it happily before looking away.
Thanks to the Winston family acting fast—preventing larger attacks and helping wounded nobles—witnesses now praised Winston more than anyone else.
Behind the family stood a familiar young boy. I pretended not to notice and asked:
“Who’s that kid?”
“Hehe, perfect. Very good.”
Reading the newspaper, I nodded with satisfaction.
That boy was none other than Nataniel. He desperately avoided looking at me, trying not to acknowledge me.
When Sophia approached, he quickly put the paper down and pretended not to notice.
I smiled inwardly, satisfied.
“You were looking at the newspaper again, little master?”
“Mm.”
“This time, no handsome people like the emperor, though.”
Sophia chuckled and set some cocoa next to me. I looked at it carefully.
Chocolate cocoa tastes similar to the chocolate cake—I bet Nataniel would like this too.
Now, it was about time for him to show interest. I kept glancing at the main entrance where people were coming in.
“Dia, grandfather is back.”
“Mm!”
At Veronica’s words, I eagerly got up. Today, she wore a neat outfit and took my hand to go downstairs.
“Dia! Berry!”
“Grandfather!”
I ran down the stairs and leapt toward Winston.
Laughing, he lifted me up.
“Our Dia, have you been well without your grandpa?”
“Yes!”
“Haha, you should say no at times like this.”
“Nooo.”
“Hahaha.”
Winston patted my head, smiling. Even though he was older, his face was smooth. But tiredness showed—probably from staying up all night handling the terror.
Behind him, Vincent and Branden looked exhausted too.
Still, thanks to their effort, the Winston family’s reputation had risen. I patted the shoulders of the family members who had been crying.
