I stared at the girl with wide eyes, never imagining that such a brainless idiot was actually the daughter of Duke Albad!
"W-what happened?"
Noticing the strange and intense gaze, Isabel appeared very uncomfortable.
"It's...it's nothing..."
Thinking of Duke Albad's father, I instantly understood what was going on. His loud voice, high-pitched tone, and irritable temper—Isabel had learned every single one of them perfectly.
"Children's ability to imitate is truly terrifying."
I couldn't help but sigh, but I just couldn't connect Isabelle with Duke Albad.
"Um……"
However, since the Duke of Albad was mentioned, I was reminded of the somewhat inexplicable things he said to me that day.
Cherish it!
This statement doesn't seem to imply that I'm friends with Katia, since apart from Lilith, no one knows that I won't be staying in the capital for long.
Therefore, he must have anticipated that the Seventh Prince would take action against me. But if that's the case, why did he allow his daughter to be kidnapped?
Moreover, a patriarch who loves children would never stay obediently in his mansion after learning that his granddaughter had been taken away.
At this time, the capital was as usual, without any disturbances of missing noble children. The hot-tempered lord should have caused quite a stir in the capital.
However, in the capital, the only noble family with the surname Albad should be the Duke's family.
"Hmm...this is really suspicious..."
To be honest, I started to have some doubts about the girl's identity, but she had no reason to lie. Besides, her appearance didn't seem like that of an ordinary family's child.
In short, once she's taken home, the whole truth will come to light.
Considering the possibility of encountering similar ambush by kidnappers again, I chose to have Lilith accompany me. After all, magical tools that can disrupt magical energy are truly annoying.
~~~
Led by Isabelle, they came into view of an Elizabethan building, with a familiar front door and a familiar old butler.
However, the entire mansion was not in the panic I had imagined; on the contrary, it was very quiet, if I hadn't come to visit.
Well……
It should be said that Miss Isabelle returned safely; apart from the maids who were working, there was not a single person to be seen in the large courtyard.
"Hmm... Young Master Leon? You've arrived? And who's that beside you?... Miss Isabelle!"
The old butler greeted me first, then noticed Isabel beside me. But it was as if he hadn't seen her in a long time, and he searched through his aged memories for a while before finally speaking as if he had just realized something and said, "Open the door for us."
Isabel remained silent, striding towards the mansion.
"call……"
However, upon entering the mansion, she collapsed weakly to the ground.
It seems that the tension and exhaustion in my heart have finally eased.
To the maid, this young lady was like a stranger. Only after being called by the butler did she put down her work and rush over in a panic.
They reached out to help Isabel, but she pushed them away and stood up, her legs trembling like a fawn that had just been released from its cage.
Immediately afterwards, as if she had made up her mind, Isabel crossed her arms, spread her legs wide, and struck an arrogant pose.
Perhaps once she returned home, her haughty, princess-like demeanor returned.
The maids beside her seemed to remember something as well, and they all stopped what they were doing and stepped behind her, bowing their heads and waiting for orders.
"...What is she doing?"
Not only me, but even Lilith next to me was amused by her appearance. However, she felt it would be impolite to laugh out loud in such a serious occasion, so she could only hold it in, to the point that her body was trembling.
However, what followed was Isabel pointing at me forcefully and shouting at the top of her lungs.
"Because the promise was made before I got home! So now I can speak, right?"
"……promise?"
Then I suddenly remembered the promise I made by the stables that I had to make a deal with her, or else I would leave her there.
Indeed, she remained very quiet throughout the journey, and didn't scream or shout even when she was taken away again. Is that why?
"Yes! That's right! You can talk now, Miss!"
What can I say about her?
"What an absolute idiot!"
After all, the reason I made her promise not to yell and to follow instructions was simply to prevent her from causing me trouble.
But I didn't expect her to take it so seriously. However, hearing her voice like that, I felt helpless.
Could such an experience not change this willful and fierce young lady?
He had even gone out of his way to let her stay in that run-down house for one night, but in the end, he was the only one who suffered.
"I give you special permission to call me Isabelle!"
However, her next statement left me speechless, both amused and exasperated.
Is it a strange definition that because they are commoners, they can only address children from noble families as "Miss"?
"That means you're an exception!"
"Hi, thank you, Miss Isabelle!"
Of course, I have absolutely no interest in such special cases. I'd rather just settle all the huge expenses along the way and put them all on your head.
"Ah...Isabel! You've come!"
Just then, a loud shout came from not far away, startling Lilith and me, and even Isabel was taken aback.
"Grandpa!"
However, after recognizing the person, he responded to them at the same volume.
"..."
Just as I guessed, Isabelle's bad habits are inextricably linked to her so-called grandfather, the head of the Cipriano Albade family.
After our last meeting, I realized that the master is a person who values etiquette very much, even though he always appears to be very easygoing.
"Good afternoon, sir!"
However, having learned from my previous experience, I performed the aristocratic etiquette with great care.
"Hmm...? Not bad, not bad! Not bad at all! You're definitely someone I approve of!"
After looking him up and down, the master would give such an evaluation!
Although it wasn't a complete compliment, it was wonderful to receive his affirmation.
"Hurry up and greet the guests!"
Then, the master roared at the butler.
"Yes, sir!"
Afterwards, the butler led Lily and me into the previous reception room.
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