She's Not Our Daughter! Ch 5

Does a Paternity Test Exist?

[Abel] "The only way to clear up this misunderstanding is a paternity test."

He suggested a single solution: a paternity test kit from the Hippo Kingdom, a land famous for its medical skills.

The medical team of the Hippo Kingdom created the first paternity test kit, causing a stir. This revolutionary kit identifies illegitimate noble children in just three months.

[Sierra] "Wow, a paternity test kit exists. The world has changed for the better."

Joy filled her as she read the scrapbook Abel handed her. This was exactly what she needed.

[Abel] "Yes! Won't this prove your innocence, Noona?"

[Sierra] "Will it work?"

[Abel] "Yes. I looked into the birth records, but proving anything is hard because Hanael's registration was late."

Because her sister, Amille, had vanished suddenly and left Hanael behind, the girl was currently registered as Sierra’s daughter.

Amille said she would request a change later, and I agreed. I never thought things would turn out like this……

Submitting the birth certificate would only give Cassius more reason to misunderstand.

Abel lightly tapped her slumped shoulders and continued.

[Abel] "But this paternity kit will prove the truth without any problems."

[Sierra] "How do I request one?"

[Abel] "Well, that is…… I don't know if it's because they only care about noble bloodlines or if the kit is still in a testing phase, but……"

A bad feeling took hold.

[Abel] "They don't accept orders from commoners in small villages. The test only happens if a noble family requests it and the estate staff watches the process."

It made sense. Doctors from the Hippo Kingdom were high-level professionals; they would pick their clients carefully. But for Sierra, this was bad luck. Every solution brought a new obstacle.

She froze as she read the newspaper again.

[Sierra] "They even invite the kingdom’s doctors to the mansion for three months? The couple and the child stay under close watch while they take blood and hair samples."

She kicked the air and ruffled her blonde hair.

Is the only way to go to the Duke's mansion and take the test there?

Startled, Abel pushed his chair back. The wood screeched against the floor, but Sierra ignored it. She pushed her bangs aside, her eyes shining with determination.

[Abel] "Noona, there is one more problem."

[Sierra] "A problem?"

[Abel] "It is about the Great Archmage."

He meant Sierra's older sister—the woman who left her own daughter with her sister and never showed her face. Amille was a total hippie.

He spoke with a troubled face.

[Abel] "The stealth magic the Great Archmage cast has expired. Strange people have started appearing in the village."

No wonder Abel had been running around restlessly for a week. He couldn't appear when she needed him because he was busy. The puzzle pieces finally fit. Things had been far too peaceful for too long.

[Sierra] "Right. The stealth magic lasted five years, didn't it?"

[Abel] "Yes. She swore she would return within five years. But I have tried to contact her for a week, and she doesn't answer my letters."

Amille had not appeared before Abel or Sierra.

Sierra sighed deeply, messing up her hair again.

[Sierra] "Just wait until I see her!"

She stomped and whispered curses. Abel spoke up cautiously.

[Abel] "I have one piece of good news. I saw it on my way here."

Sierra signaled for him to continue.

[Abel] "The knights from House Ideos are guarding the area near the house. For now, we are safe."

[Sierra] "That is a relief, but……"

Cassius only protected her because he believed Hanael was his daughter. If that misunderstanding vanished, the protection would vanish too.

[Sierra] "That is why I thought about something, Noona."

She met his eyes. The wolf shapeshifter and the pharmacist shared the same thought.

[Sierra] "You want me to get the paternity test at the castle, find out why Cassius is confused, and get protection at the same time?"

[Abel] "Yes. It is much safer there for Hanael. Besides, the Duke is famous as a war demon. He will protect her with his life if he thinks she is his child!"

Her heart swayed. She nodded in agreement.

[Sierra] "Fine. That is a better plan."

[Abel] "I will send a message to the Great Archmage about our departure."

[Sierra] "Yes. Let's send it. I hope it reaches her soon. Thanks, Abel."

[Abel] "Of course!"

Sierra grew serious. She looked at her coat rack and pulled a jacket over her cotton dress.

[Abel] "Wait, Noona, where are you going?"

[Sierra] "Strike while the iron is hot."

She headed for the door to find Cassius but paused.

[Sierra] "Abel, there is another problem. Cassius will be too kind to me for three months. What if I get used to that luxury?"

[Abel] "That is……"

[Sierra] "Look at today. It was wonderful."

She had been happy. She felt like Cinderella in a fairy tale.

[Abel] "Well, yes……. But you just have to stay careful, Noona."

She nodded firmly. She had to keep her guard up.

---

Sierra and Cassius met on a small path outside her home.

How should I start?

She cleared her throat to break the silence.

[Sierra] "Ahem."

[Cassius] "Do you have a cold?"

His deep, gentle voice reached her ears. Immediately, a knight rushed forward and draped a shawl over her shoulders.

Where do they even get these shawls……

This overprotection scared her.

She decided to tell Cassius what he wanted to hear. If she used a friendlier tone, perhaps he would listen.

[Sierra] "Can I go to your castle with you?"

Her reasons were not entirely pure, but the question was real.

Cassius lowered his gaze. He took a long step toward her.

[Cassius] "……Yes."

He let out a heavy sigh that sounded like relief. He slowly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. His touch sent a strange spark through her.

[Cassius] "Let's go right now."

His voice was far too attractive. Sierra cleared her throat again.

[Sierra] "Aren't you curious why I changed my mind?"

[Cassius] "The reason doesn't matter, as long as you are by my side."

He didn't care. This was a serious case of obsession.

[Sierra] "Listen, there is a reason I'm going to the castle."

[Cassius] "Tell me anything."

[Sierra] "The Hippo Kingdom developed a paternity test kit. Three months is enough to find out the truth."

He understood immediately. He grit his teeth.

[Cassius] "You want a paternity test…… between Hanael, you, and me?"

[Sierra] "Yes. Because Hanael is not your daughter."

The test took a while, but it was fine.

[Sierra] "Even if the results show she isn't yours, I trust you won't punish us. I have told you the truth from the start."

This was the most important part. But Cassius only laughed softly. His expression turned cynical, making her flinch.

[Cassius] "That is not important."

Why was he so scary? She forced a smile and tried not to look afraid.

[Cassius] "I will do whatever you ask. So……"

[Sierra] "……"

[Cassius] "Just don't run away from me."

Sierra scratched her forehead, feeling uneasy. She had never actually run away, but since he agreed to her terms, she wouldn't complain.

[Sierra] "Don't worry. I won't leave until the paternity test is over."

She gave him a bright smile. At least, it was bright to her. To others, she looked pitiful and fragile. The knights standing nearby—the sensitive ones—actually pulled out handkerchiefs to wipe away tears.

Cassius seemed equally moved. He clenched his jaw.

[Cassius] "Then, when shall we leave?"

She hadn't planned the schedule yet. She had moved too fast.

[Sierra] "Hmm……. I'm not sure. I need to find a new pharmacist for the shop and pack up the house. It might take some time."

[Sierra] "It would be best to do this as quickly as possible."

Cassius laughed softly at her murmur. Sierra looked confused, not understanding the joke. He leaned down and whispered into her ear.

[Cassius] "Just prepare the things you want to take."

[Sierra] "……"

[Cassius] "Since you said you are coming……"

His tone turned heavy and overwhelming.

[Cassius] "It is only natural that I handle the rest."

He was far too serious about this. What if he cried when the test came back negative?

Sierra imagined things would get even more intense at the Duke's castle.

A feeling of dread washed over her, but she nodded slowly.

Well, whatever. I can say a safe goodbye in three months!

---

If you’re enjoying this novel, please consider leaving a rating or comment on Novel Updates and Naver Series.