NOVEL NEXT Chapter 8 - Nisha's Happiness Comes First
“Nisha is the Marquis family’s heir. I’m determined to adopt her. In order to do that, I need to get married. That’s why I’m arranging this fake marriage and seeking someone to become Nisha’s stepmother.”
“But why did you choose me?”
Diarmid answered with a serious expression.
“It’s because Nisha called you ‘Mom.’ Nisha has rejected all adoption offers so far, and he’s also afraid of me. Even if I tried to adopt him officially, I’m sure he’d refuse.”
“I see.”
“Then I learned that you were considering adopting Nisha and even tried to protect him from me with all your might. That’s when I realized you were the right person to be Nisha’s mother.”
Diarmid’s satisfaction was evident as he recalled that moment. Brigid’s deep love for Nisha made her stand up to the Marquis for the sake of an orphan, something he deeply admired.
Moreover, when Brigid subdued Diarmid and touched him, he felt a sensation he had never experienced before.
Typically, when a person undergoes the Sacrament of Adulthood, the distinctive features of their beast-like traits, such as ears, tails, or feathers, disappear. Their animalistic nature weakens, and they become more rational.
However, Diarmid still retained a strong animalistic nature. Even though the Sacrament of Adulthood could remove the physical traits, it couldn’t erase his instinctual tendencies to repel anyone who came into contact with him or his aggressiveness toward others.
This nature was suitable for a soldier but not for a family man.
It was a well-kept secret that, despite receiving the Sacrament of Adulthood, Diarmid’s animalistic nature remained strong. He received medicine from the bishop in secret to suppress this aspect of himself, and in return, he offered unwavering loyalty to the church.
However, Brigid did not trigger those aggressive urges; instead, she made him feel content.
(Why is that? I need to investigate this phenomenon.)
Diarmid thought to himself.
On the other hand, Brigid, unaware of the situation, was simply happy.
(This person might make Nisha happy!)
She believed that Diarmid, too, prioritized Nisha’s happiness.
“Understood. I accept your request humbly. But I have one request for Your Excellency.”
“What is it?”
“For the sake of the child’s well-being, there should be no conflicts among the adults around him. Please, act as if you are on good terms when you are with Nisha.”
“Agreed.”
“Please, do not mistreat me in front of Nisha. Even if I make a mistake, please refrain from using formal titles with me.”
“Alright, Brigid.”
“Very well, sir.”
In her governess-like manner, Brigid even instructed Diarmid to praise children. To her surprise, Diarmid agreed willingly.
There was no one who dared to speak to Diarmid, a stern soldier and iron-willed marquis, in such a manner.
“Brigid, you can call me by my first name as well.”
When Diarmid suggested this, Brigid tensed up. She had little experience calling men, especially those of noble status, by their first names.
“Uh, um, Di, Dear…mido…?”
Brigid hesitated but attempted to call him.
“That’s just fine.”
Diarmid smiled in response.
“Ah…!”
Brigid was taken aback. Diarmid’s smile was a rare sight, and it bore a slight resemblance to her beloved Nisha. This unexpected resemblance left Brigid momentarily stunned.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, Diarmid. You and Nisha-kun really do look alike.”
“Except for the hair and eyes,” Diarmid added with a chuckle. He had a complex about his black hair because it was a longstanding tradition for the Marquis Hrozevitnir family heirs to have silver hair and blue eyes.
“You both have the same smile,” Brigid remarked.
Diarmid’s heart inexplicably felt lighter upon hearing those words.
“Do I really resemble Nisha?”
Brigid nodded.
“Alright then, let’s first meet Brigid’s mother, submit the marriage contract to the church, and then go pick up Nisha.”
Upon hearing Diarmid’s words, Brigid rose from her seat and saluted.
“Humble Brigid will do her best for Nisha-kun!”
Seeing her enthusiasm, Diarmid couldn’t help but smile.
“Which unit are you a part of?”
“Nisha-kun, this is the SS unit!”
Brigid proudly responded.
Diarmid burst into laughter.
The knights also watched with amused expressions as Diarmid laughed heartily.