She's Not Our Daughter! Ch 70

Hanael Has a Plan for Everything

[Maids] "Wow......!"

Naturally, the maids within the Duke's estate heard rumors of Hanael's genius. However, they lacked exact knowledge of her specific abilities. Disclosing extensive information about Hanael raised minor concerns, especially since the doctors of the Hippo Kingdom still verified her traits alongside the paternity test.

Most people who know Hanael is a genius probably think she simply possesses high intelligence rather than special mana. After all, not everyone can possess special mana.

Whatever that intruder intends, I will play along for now.

At this exact moment, Sierra brewed a chemical reagent to identify forged letters, leaving her unable to determine if someone had forged the document or who played games.

Hanael placed a hand over her mouth and giggled.

[Hanael] "Then, I understand! Now I will dress you up to be the most beautiful person in the world!"

The moment her theatrical declaration ended, footsteps echoed from the hallway. Hanael perked up her ears and sprinted toward the doorway before anyone could stop her, acting as if she already knew who approached.

[Sierra] "Hanael!"

Hearing her shout, Hanael merely giggled. Her remarkably happy smile caused Sierra to gasp.

[Hanael] "Silly mister is here!"

She flung the door open without hesitation.

[Cassius] "Hello, Hanael."

Cassius stood at the doorway. Sierra's eyes widened as she stared at him. Although he still maintained a stiff posture, a completely different detail captured her attention.

Did he seriously dress up for an aristocratic party?

His appearance struck a dangerous blow to her heart, causing it to pound wildly. Sierra quickly averted her gaze, refusing to look at his face.

This is madness. My face turned bright red again.

While exposing her feelings brought deep embarrassment, Sierra refused to fall any deeper for Cassius. A clear social divide separated them. Furthermore, how could she indulge in romance when her sister's fate remained completely unknown?

Calm down for now, Sierra.

Oblivious to everything, Hanael wore a massive smile as she tugged tightly on Sierra's sleeve.

[Hanael] "Isn't the mister handsome?"

[Sierra] "Huh?"

[Hanael] "He said he dressed up beautifully to impress you!"

[Cassius] "That is correct."

While she kept her gaze lowered, he stepped closer. She flinched. The previously odorless space suddenly filled with a fragrance intense enough to sting the nose.

[Sierra] "Did you...... apply perfume?"

An unfounded suspicion arose that he used a pheromone perfume. He whispered near her ear.

[Cassius] "Yes."

The moment he drew near, a sweet scent overwhelmed her senses, leaving her dizzy. But an entirely separate issue emerged.

[Cassius] "I applied perfume."

A strange sensuality laced his voice, drifting into her ear. His breath tickled her earlobe, causing Sierra to gasp. Enduring his breath near her ear proved difficult enough, yet his fingertips lightly brushed her neck.

[Cassius] "There is some dust here."

Dust had apparently clung to her neck from rolling around with Hanael earlier. However, dusty hair posed no real concern. The current problem lay in her malfunctioning senses; a feeling like a soft feather tickling her entire body overwhelmed her. She stepped back to create distance.

[Sierra] "Th...... thank you."

She rolled her eyes and muttered, taking a hesitant step backward.

[Sierra] "But what brings you here...... dressed like this?"

Yes, this was the core question.

The little rascal Hanael demanded a party, and Cassius arrived wearing a formal tailcoat.

I have a strong suspicion about this.......

She scanned Hanael and Cassius with a highly suspicious gaze.

The events that drove him to apply perfume, don his formal uniform, and visit her room unfolded as follows.

He received word regarding the 'Hanael Genius Party' even before Sierra did. While handling knight business in his study, Hanael visited him.

[Cassius] "Hanael?"

[Hanael] "Are you busy, mister?"

Business consumed him. However, he had previously ordered that the study remain open to Sierra and Hanael under any circumstances. Thanks to that order, he immediately welcomed Hanael's visit despite processing urgent documents.

Hanael walked in diligently on legs that resembled fluffy potatoes. Watching her brought him joy, yet thoughts of Sierra suddenly surfaced.

Sierra rarely opened that door to enter.......

Today proved no exception; Hanael flung the door open and walked in. Yet her presence brought comfort.

Staring at Hanael's beaming expression and her short, chubby body approaching relentlessly, Cassius stood up. He set down his dip pen and neatly cleared away the parchment documents on the table. Meanwhile, Hanael marched confidently until she stood right before him.

[Cassius] "Come here."

[Hanael] "Mm! Hug me!"

Lifting her easily, he carried her to the sofa in the center of the study. She burst into a bright laugh.

[Cassius] "What is the matter, Hanael?"

Sitting side-by-side on the sofa, they locked eyes. Unlike her confident entrance, she hesitated, prompting him to nod calmly.

[Cassius] "Shall we have some chocolate first?"

Without waiting for an answer, he habitually reached to pull the bell pull near the sofa. However, Hanael firmly grabbed his hand with her tiny fingers.

[Hanael] "Mm, Hanael doesn't need chocolate! We are going to discuss something critical today."

[Cassius] "Something critical?"

She crossed her arms proudly over her chest. Staring at her tiny, chubby arms, Cassius tilted his head and studied the child. She whispered in a low tone, like a soldier declaring a solemn strategy.

[Hanael] "I thought about it, and you two are far too soft. Like a soft peach, Sierra."

He addressed Hanael strictly.

[Cassius] "You must not speak of Sierra that way."

Hanael pouted but nodded. She desired to bring Sierra and Cassius together successfully, not to become an insolent child. Therefore, she naturally conceded.

[Hanael] "Mm! Hanael made a mistake!"

Cassius flinched. By nature, he lacked a gentle disposition. Most assessments labeled him heartless, and he viewed himself as cold and blunt.

I have no experience handling children, so I have no idea what to do in this situation.

He had reviewed parenting journals while interacting with Hanael, but reading books differed entirely from real practice.

[Cassius] "Hanael."

Did she feel disheartened? Feeling strangely anxious, he stared at her as the child leaned against the sofa.

[Hanael] "Mm?"

Green eyes mirroring Sierra's fixed firmly onto his gaze. Cassius possessed even less experience with children Hanael's age. This meant handling a mature child who readily admitted, "I was wrong," posed a significant challenge. Therefore, he chose the standard approach: sitting down to match Hanael's eye level and listening to the toddler's opinion.

She must have a definitive reason for seeking me out to speak.

[Cassius] "Why do you think we are soft?"

Seizing the correct approach, his words caused her mouth to widen into a massive grin.

[Hanael] "No matter how much Hanael thinks about it, Sierra likes you, mister."

Cassius smiled bitterly.

The issue of her avoiding me over the intruder incident faded away without resolution, but.......

One detail regarding Sierra remained absolute.

Sierra doesn't like me.

He had to acknowledge that painful reality.

The child might not know, but Sierra had been avoiding him recently. Their relationship had clearly deteriorated. Because he had no experience with romance, he barely managed to suppress the impulses of obsession and possessiveness surging from within. Yet Hanael suddenly offered completely unexpected words.

[Hanael] "It's true."

He stared deep into her eyes. Hanael flinched in surprise but didn't avert her gaze. At that exact moment, realization struck him.

She spoke with absolute sincerity.

To think Hanael believed Sierra liked him.

Those words can't possibly be true.

Hanael resembled a baby angel, yet she could be cruel. Forcing him to hope once more regarding Sierra's feelings felt criminal. Nevertheless, he suppressed the chaotic emotions threatening to break out and offered a smile to Hanael.

[Cassius] "Right. So it seems you have something you want to say, Hanael."

Concluding that she had reached the core matter, Hanael flashed a mischievous smile.

[Hanael] "You see, I will arrange a date for you two!"

[Cassius] "A date?"

[Hanael] "Yes!"

He only watched the proudly speaking toddler.

Facing Cassius, who watched her with an affectionate look, Hanael adopted a terrifying expression that resembled a hard peach.

[Hanael] "Trust and follow me!"

[Cassius] "Mm, how should I trust and follow you? How can we go on a date, Hanael?"

She clenched her chubby hands tightly and hopped down from the sofa. Cassius silently watched her wiggle as she moved. Exerting all her effort, she opened the door again.

[Hanael] "Come inside quickly!"

The Head Maid, who had been waiting in the hallway, entered with a solemn posture.

[Lexel] "As commanded, I have prepared the cravat, cuffs, handkerchief, and uniform shirt."

That was not all. Tailors and clothing racks flooded through the door in an endless wave. Hanael flashed a satisfied smile like a mischievous rogue.

---

[Sierra] "Wait, Hanael prepared the party outfits in advance?"

[Cassius] "Yes, the Head Maid is waiting outside the door right now."

[Sierra] "Why is the Head Maid....... wait, don't tell me."

He shrugged lightly.

[Cassius] "Yes, to assist with your dress change."

[Sierra] "......Huh?"

Watching the thoroughly bewildered Sierra, Hanael flashed a mischievous smile.

[Hanael] "Heheh, my celebration party combined with a date!"

[Sierra] "......A date?! Hanael!"

Sierra's cheeks flushed rosy pink. Watching her expression quietly, Cassius reflected. At this exact moment, the complexion Sierra displayed looked unusually tender. This tiny trace of tenderness forced him to place his hopes on Sierra once more.

While he quietly studied Sierra's flushed cheeks, a knock echoed, and the door opened. The Head Maid appeared, bringing along dozens of clothing racks and tailors.

[Lexel] "I have prepared the jewelry and dresses."

Staring at the countless clothing racks, a faint smile touched Cassius' indifferent features. A sweet, happy expectation that their relationship might progress further after today's date rippled through his chest.

[Cassius] "Please assist her with changing in the powder room."

Sierra's gaze met the Head Maid's halfway.

Fortunately, selecting a dress required little time. Hanael strongly recommended a frilly dress as cute as a baby chick. Sierra also wore the beautiful ornaments selected by the Head Maid.

All preparations stood complete.

Except for the fact that Cassius stared at Sierra with a brilliantly glowing, intense gaze when she emerged in the dress.

Except for the fact that he whispered in sincere admiration, "Beautiful, Sierra."

And except for the fact that his gaze repeatedly landed on her exposed neckline.

Everything went perfectly well.

Overcoming a few minor hurdles, Sierra and Cassius smoothly participated in the party—or rather, the date—arranged by Hanael and the maids.

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