I Became the Male Lead’s Adopted Daughter

Even at her young age, Flomus had already met Ferio three times.
The first had been while out in town with her father.
The second, at a tea party hosted at her own home.
And now, this was the third.

Despite having encountered the Duke of the North—Ferio Voreoti—three times over the past few months, Flomus was still terrified of him.
The overwhelming fear refused to let her adjust. It pressed down on her little body, and if she didn’t run away immediately, she felt like she’d wet her undergarments.
“H-Hello…”

But Flomus, even while trembling, held back her fear and greeted him with watery eyes and a trembling voice.
It was a feat only made possible because she’d met him twice before.
“Th-thank you for… the, the invitation…”

It was already an improvement over last time, when she hadn’t even been able to speak.
Ferio silently waited for Flomus to finish.
He was used to children shrieking or freezing in fear at the sight of him, so he didn't mind anymore.

On the contrary, he found it rather admirable that Flomus was trying so hard to overcome her fear and greet him properly, so he watched her quietly.
From Ferio’s perspective, he was watching her with fondness—but to Flomus, it felt like she was being judged harshly for not greeting him perfectly.
“Welcome.”

Only after Flomus had finished her greeting and taken a breath did Ferio turn to greet the Viscount Kerata family.
The viscount couple returned the gesture and thanked him for the invitation.
“To you as well, young lady.”

Ferio knelt on one knee to meet Flomus at eye level.
“Thank you for coming to the tea party.”
Startled, Flomus hiccupped—loudly enough that her whole body jolted.

Ferio dipped his head slightly at the sound.
A soft smile tugged at his lips.
‘Guess I’ve really become a dad now.’
He found himself instinctively fond of children around Leonia’s age.

Like sweet Flomus here, or the young squires of the knight order.
It was a strange feeling—one he’d never had before. But he didn’t mind it. In fact, he rather liked it.
This change in him felt… good.

Ferio led the viscount couple toward the banquet hall where the tea party was being held.
“Escort the young lady to Leonia’s room.”
Flomus, now alone, was carried gently in the arms of a Voreoti maid as they headed to Leonia’s quarters.

Only then did the real Flomus start to come out of her shell, gazing in wonder at the Voreoti estate.
Her frightened green eyes now sparkled with curiosity.
The Voreoti mansion had seemed big and scary from the outside—

But inside, it was magnificent.
A chandelier shimmered beneath the high, arching ceiling. Soft rugs stretched endlessly down every staircase and corridor, muffling every footstep.
The walls were lined with dazzling paintings.

Vases overflowed with flowers that were undoubtedly expensive, even if she didn’t know their names.
Even the air brushing her fingertips felt warm.
“Flomo!”

Leonia greeted her friend joyfully as she arrived.
“Welcome! Was it cold outside?”
“H-Hello…”

“You’re wearing such a pretty outfit today.”
Flomus blushed shyly under the compliment, flustered but happy.
“Thank you for inviting me.”

“It was my dad who sent the invitation.”
“Still.”
Flomus believed it was all thanks to Leonia.

She knew that Ferio only viewed her favorably because she had grown close to his daughter.
Leonia smiled with satisfaction.
“Aww, you’re adorable.”

She fluttered her hands in the air as if patting Flomus’s bottom.

“Young lady…”
The maid beside her swallowed a sigh.

If the Duke heard that tone again, he’d definitely complain that she sounded like a little old woman.
Flomus curiously looked around Leonia’s room—it was her first time seeing it.
It was surprisingly cozy.

Of course, the bed and desk were huge and luxurious at a glance.
But the decorations and overall atmosphere were warm and inviting.
For some reason, it reminded her of Ferio’s gentle smile when he looked at Leonia.

The terrifying Duke of the North, who scared everyone else, turned into a regular father in front of Leonia.
His soft smile—it looked just like this room.
“Leonia.”

Just then, Ufikla came running over. Standing next to Leonia, Ufikla was noticeably taller.
“Who’s this?”
“Whooo is it?”

Pinu popped his head out from behind his sister, asking curiously.
The two siblings stared at Flomus with wide, curious eyes.
Only now did Flomus realize she wasn’t the only guest in the room.

“She’s my best friend.”
Leonia introduced her personally. At those words—my best friend—Flomus’s heart skipped a beat with joy.
Leonia then introduced the Rinne siblings.

Thankfully, the four of them got along surprisingly well.
Pinu was a bit shy and stuck close to Ufikla while watching Flomus, but when their eyes met, he’d squirm bashfully—not out of dislike, but more out of embarrassment.
The four children got along nicely.

They read books, drew pictures, and played board games that were popular in the North.
Before long, the room was filled with laughter.
‘I was a little worried about Ufikla…’

Leonia had been the most concerned about her.
She still felt a bit guilty about their first encounter, and she worried that Ufikla might say something awkward to Flomus.
But Ufikla was surprisingly gentle.

In fact, she seemed quite fond of Flomus.
She even gasped in excitement when she heard that the Kerata estate raised reindeer and showed genuine interest.
“Grown-ups are so lucky…”

Ufikla muttered as she rolled the dice during their game.
“They get to have tea parties.”
She stuck out her lower lip in a pout.

“I wanna go too!”
“Tea parties for grown-ups must be so elegant.”
Flomus agreed softly.

When she said that, Ufikla nodded along emphatically.
The two of them were unexpectedly well-matched.
“Hmph…”

Leonia, however, remained indifferent.
If anything, she looked tired of the subject.
Among the four children, only Leonia knew the truth—that today’s tea party was far from just a pleasant social gathering.

This translation is the intellectual property of .
***
“Thank you for attending, despite the short notice.”

Ferio addressed the nobles gathered for the tea party.
‘Doesn’t look very thankful to me.’
The Marquis of Pardus quietly curled his lips into a smile.

Anyone could see the look of blatant annoyance on Ferio’s face.
His flat tone and expressionless face made him look like a sulky boy dragged here by his parents against his will—clearly wishing he were anywhere else.
Honestly, the very fact that he had arranged this event at all was a miracle.

The Marquis of Pardus was willing to bet his entire fortune that most of the nobles here were thinking the same thing.
“I’ve spent too much time in the capital and neglected the North.”

The Marquis nearly burst out laughing.

“I’ll make up for it by giving it my full attention now.”
And this—this was thrilling.
At the same time, his loyalty toward House Voreoti was surging like never before.

The Voreotis don’t care about the world.
Even if the Imperial family covets and envies them, even if the world gossips behind their backs, they ignore it all.
They simply let things flow. As long as no one disturbs them, they don't interfere.

But it’s precisely that detached attitude that exerts such overwhelming pressure.
And if someone does happen to disturb the Black Beast’s peace—
‘…Chaos will follow.’

The Marquis of Pardus had already gathered enough information to understand the current unrest brewing in the North.
Because of that, he clearly understood Ferio’s hidden intent behind this tea party.
This was a verdict.

An announcement that a bloody storm would soon sweep through the North.
That no matter how anyone tried to cover their crimes later, it would be meaningless. That Ferio would ensure they would shed tears of blood in regret.
Ferio had hidden his death sentence beneath fragrant tea and delicate, sweet-and-savory treats.

But there wasn’t a single noble present who failed to grasp it.
Some, in fact, were trembling so hard they couldn’t even lift their heads.
The Marquis of Pardus clicked his tongue softly. Among those trembling was Count Mereoqa—the very one Ferio had told him to keep an eye on.

Fool. Should’ve known your place.
To dare pull such stunts, only to be too afraid to even lift your head in front of the Duke of Voreoti?
Just looking at him made the tea taste bitter.

“Please enjoy yourselves.”
Ferio was the first to take a sip of his tea.
The other nobles followed.

The tea party had begun.
***
It felt more like a banquet than a tea party.

There was tea instead of alcohol, but soft music played in the background, and guests were free to dance with a partner if the mood struck them.
Regardless of Ferio’s true motives, the event had been impeccably prepared for entertaining guests.
However, most of the nobles remained on edge.

Because of Ferio’s chilling warning, they couldn’t fully enjoy the event.
Some were desperately racking their brains to recall whether they’d done anything recently to provoke the Black Beast.
Especially those who had been summoned during the Lady Kerena Mereoqa incident.

Naturally, the crowd split in two.
Those who had nothing to feel guilty about gradually relaxed and began to enjoy the party.
Laughter blossomed, nobles caught up on each other’s lives and even exchanged jokes.

But those with plenty to hide huddled in the far corners of the hall, trying not to draw attention.
“Your Grace, what a splendid tea party.”
“It’s an honor to have been invited.”

“You must be exhausted after dealing with the monsters.”
“And you’ve just returned from the capital, no?”
The old-guard Northern nobles—those who had long stood beside House Voreoti—approached one by one to make conversation.

Ferio nodded and responded with a polite degree of engagement.
By his ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) side stood Carnis and Abipher as well.
“A fine gathering for such important guests,” one noble remarked with a smile.

Carnis and Abipher were, indeed, special guests.
Not just because they were Ferio’s closest friends.
Count Rinne was a wealthy man who managed a massive trading port and merchant guild in the Empire.

Many Northern houses did business with the Rinne Trading Company.
“We’ve benefited greatly thanks to the Rinne Guild,” said Count Urmariti with a deep chuckle as he stepped forward.
An elderly noble with hair white as snow, laced here and there with ash-gray streaks—his presence was massive, like a boulder.

“Our trade with the Urmariti family has been a great opportunity for us as well.”
Carnis responded with his usual easygoing smile.
Count Urmariti smiled back.

“But do try not to overdo it.”
Your damn success is strangling the Urbespe Guild, which is linked to our family. Take it down a notch, you Western dog.
“Thank you for your concern. But I’m still young enough to manage.”

We’re just thriving because our guild is competent. Why’s this old man picking a fight about it?
The two exchanged cheerful, polite insults wrapped in cordial laughter.