Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 529

"Tis. Do you understand what you're saying?"

Tink widened her eyes and raised her voice, while Tis nodded slightly.

"Honestly, there's a lot I don't fully understand. But I do know that I want to carry on Papa's will."

"But, Cross only fulfilled his duty as the vice-captain of the Baldia Knights. Papa didn't fight just to burden you with such a heavy responsibility."

"Yeah, I know. But I'm already a 'knight candidate.' Since Papa risked his life to protect Baldia, I want to do the same. And besides..."

Tis calmly replied to Tink, then turned to face us.

"When I became an adopted daughter of the baldia family, you promised to take care of Claude too, right?"

"Yes, of course. Tink and Claude will always be Tis's real family. Naturally, we intend to provide appropriate support."

"Ridd is right. I can guarantee that as well."

Father nodded at my words and added, "Furthermore..."

"When Claude grows up, we plan to cover his educational expenses. Depending on his talents, whether he becomes a knight, scholar, or researcher, we promise to support him generously, barring any extraordinary circumstances."

Additionally, Tink and Tis, as Cross's surviving family, have already received the Valdia family's bereavement pension for fallen knights.

The support Father and I mentioned is separate from that.

"Mom, I want to carry on Papa's will. Is that... not okay?"

At Tis's question, Tink's expression turned somber.

"You're still young, so you don't fully understand what it means to become an adopted daughter of the Baldia family. Tis, you're about to step onto a thorny path filled with hardships. Once you enter, there's no turning back. As they said, this isn't something you can do on a whim or half-hearted determination."

She spoke gently, as if trying to advise her, then shifted her gaze to us.

"To help my daughter understand, I must ask this directly. While 'support' sounds nice, are my son and I essentially being held as 'hostages'?"

"Eh..."

Tis was taken aback by Tink's sharp words, her eyes widening in surprise.

It was a pointed remark, but I deliberately smiled.

"Yes, you could see it that way."

"...You admit it so openly?"

"We have no intention of treating Tink and Claude as hostages. But no matter how we phrase it, that aspect does exist."

After saying that, I looked directly into Tink's eyes.

"However, our intention is more about protecting you."

"Protecting us?"

Tink furrowed her brow and tilted her head.

"If Tis becomes Amon's official wife, those who oppose her will inevitably look for weaknesses. At that time, you, as her real family, could become her weak point. That's why Valdia needs to take responsibility for protecting you. It's more constructive to think of it that way."

"I... see."

It seemed she understood what I was getting at, as Tink faltered, looking somewhat embarrassed.

"If Tis becomes my adopted sister, she won't just be targeted by the fox tribe. Various imperial nobles might also take aim at her. That's why the Valdia family's support will also serve to protect you and Claude."

I smiled warmly, then turned my gaze to Tis.

"Becoming an adopted daughter of the Valdia family means becoming a noble lady. You'll have to learn so many things, and it's okay if you decline."

I posed the question as a challenge, but she met it with a determined gaze.

"No, I will become an adopted daughter. No matter how difficult it is, I will succeed, just like Papa did."

With such strong resolve, I'm sure she'll be fine.

I exchanged a glance with Father, then looked at Tink.

"Tis has made her decision. What do you think?"

She pondered for a moment, then shook her head.

"Lord Rainer, Lord Ridd. I apologize, but may I have some time to think it over?"

"Of course, take your time. However, we don't have much time. I'm sorry, but we'll need your answer by the day after tomorrow."

After Father's reply, Tink bowed with a stern expression.

"Understood. Then, we'll take our leave for today."

"Mom..."

Tink stood up and led the anxious Tis out of the room.

Father and I escorted them to the carriage we had prepared.

"Thank you not only for seeing us off but also for preparing the carriage for our return."

"Don't mention it. We're the ones who asked you to come on such short notice."

As they bowed their heads politely, I quickly urged them to raise them.

"Thank you for making time today. Please think it over carefully so you won't have regrets. We'll accept whatever decision you make. Right, Father?"

"Indeed. I apologize for startling you both."

Father then turned a gentle gaze toward Tis.

"I was very happy when you said you wanted to become an adopted daughter. But becoming my daughter means giving up the life of an ordinary citizen and taking on the responsibilities of a noble. It's hard to say if that will lead to your happiness. Please discuss it thoroughly with Tink, your mother, before making a decision. Understood?"

"Yes, I understand."

As she smiled and nodded, Father looked at Tink.

"I feel deeply sorry for bringing this up so soon after Cross's passing. But as Ridd said, this is no ordinary responsibility. Please understand that."

"...Yes, I understand. But my emotions haven't caught up yet. This isn't just about logic."

As she shook her head with a stern expression, Father nodded slowly.

"I understand. That's why whatever decision you make is fine. Just make sure it's one you won't regret."

"Thank you for your consideration."

Tink bowed, then boarded the carriage with Tis and left the estate.

Once the carriage carrying them disappeared from sight, I took a deep breath and looked at Father.

"What do you think Tink and Tis will decide?"

"I'm not sure. Tis seems eager, but considering Tink's feelings, it's hard to predict."

Father then adopted a cold, stern expression, a stark contrast to the gentle face he had shown Tis.

"It would be easy to whisper sweet words and make Tis an adopted daughter. But that wouldn't be true kindness, nor would it make her the kind of person we need as Amon's official wife. Without the strength to turn complex emotions into firm resolve, she won't be able to overcome the many challenges ahead. If she declines, we'll have to accept that."

His words sounded cold and harsh, but I could see a gentle light in his eyes.

Few people would be happy to hear such stern words.

But often, behind harsh words lies genuine concern.

People tend to distance themselves from those who point out their flaws because it's uncomfortable.

On the other hand, those who whisper sweet words often have ulterior motives or simply don't care.

If you blindly trust such people and ignore harsh truths, you might end up paying a heavy price someday.

This situation is no different.

As a margrave, Father could have forced Tis to become an adopted daughter.

In fact, in this world, nobles who force such things are more common.

But Father didn't do that.

The reason lies in his kindness, born from knowing the harshness and difficulties of noble society, and his sternness in hinting that once you enter, there's no return to being an ordinary citizen.

"...You're right."

I nodded and smiled faintly.

"But I believe Tis will become my adopted sister. Ah, Mel will be overjoyed when that happens."

The search for an adopted daughter is a confidential matter, so most of the Valdia family, including Mel, don't know about it.

Though, of course, Mother knows.

"Heh, indeed. Then let's trust Tink and Tis and wait."

Father relaxed his expression and turned back toward the estate.

Two days later, Tink and Tis visited Father and me at the estate.

And so, Tis became an adopted daughter of the Valdia family, my adopted sister.

It was also decided that she would become Amon's official wife in the future.