“Sir Gino, I think it’d be best if our house kept Lady Francess in our custody. I was the one who said I wanted to make sure she didn’t try to end her own life, so I believe I have a responsibility to see that through,” Ana said as I worked in the office of the First Palace of the Grand Duchy of Sevensworth.
She had a point. Ana had been the one who stopped her from self-harm, so she would feel terrible and very responsible if she talked her into living only for another family to take her in and treat her horribly. It was true that, out of all the houses that offered to take her in, many were terrible at hiding their greedy intentions. In order to avoid the kindhearted Ana from being hurt, it was best for our house to keep custody of Lady Francess.
“Okay. In that case, we’ll take her into our house as my official aide.”
This was probably better than letting her rot away doing nothing. It would also probably help her get back on her feet. Besides, she was extremely talented. It’d be a waste to not take advantage of her skills.
“I think Lady Francess is very...beautiful. Her golden hair and eyes are so enchanting that even as a woman myself, I find her beautiful. She’s also wise and perfect in her mannerisms and gestures. She’s a very wonderful person...” Ana’s cheeks puffed out and she looked away.
“Ana? Are you angry?” I asked, quickly thinking of a way to improve her mood.
In the Sevensworth territory, there was a famous spot for baby’s breath spirea. At this time of year, they were fully in bloom, and the petals on the breeze looked like snowfall. Ana liked flowers and would often walk through the palace’s garden to admire them. I proposed a stroll there and she perked up immediately as she agreed.
“Umm, if I may voice my selfish thoughts...I’d prefer if Lady Francess was assigned to me, not you.”
“But...”
House Lillard being destroyed was a result of their attack on House Sevensworth. It was possible that she’d want to get revenge on our house. Ana would be in danger if I let Lady Francess stay by her side.
The only time Magic Monarchs were invulnerable was when they activated their sphere of light. She’d be defenseless if she were attacked in her sleep. Of course, I’d given her magic tools to prevent this from happening, but Lady Francess had a magic eye and could easily identify when someone had a magic tool on their person. Someone as smart as her could easily create a situation where Ana would have to take them off and become vulnerable.
Though I tried to push back on Ana’s idea, I ultimately gave in. This was a battle I was never going to win. Looking at Ana, I couldn’t help but wonder what I could really do for the sake of this incredibly cute girl. I guess I don’t have a choice. I’ll just make a more powerful magic tool to defend her with.