Chapter 381: Entrance
Although Armand didn’t want to trap Rachel with his own patched-together surname, because she was attending this banquet as his “adopted daughter,” she still took his surname.
After the guards announced the names Armand Systalia and Evelia Croyelle. They added at the end, Rachel Systalia, Rachel’s full name.
For someone like her, changing names or surnames had never mattered. But right now, when she heard herself being given Armand’s surname, she actually felt a little excited.
She had never been addressed with a surname like this before, and she understood what it meant to be able to carry it.
She had been playing the role of Armand’s daughter all this time, but only now did it feel like she was truly recognized by everyone as his real “daughter.”
She lifted her head to look at Armand, and he noticed the little girl glancing at him from the corner of his eye.
“That’s my surname,” he explained softly after they stepped through the main doors, worried she might not understand.
“Since you’re attending as my daughter, your name needs to use my surname. If you don’t like it… then we can…”
When speaking to Rachel directly, maybe he felt that using the word “adopted daughter” would sound too distant and cold. He was careful, worried that this always-thoughtful girl might not want to accept a surname with so little history or record behind it.
“It’s fine,” Rachel replied almost instantly, so quickly that she answered before he could even take his next breath.
“Since I’m Dad’s daughter, why would I dislike Dad’s surname?”
Saying that even made Rachel herself blush.
For someone her age... well, her real age, it felt strange to be saying something so innocent. But since her appearance was that of a cute, young girl, she could get away with it. No one would fault her for taking advantage of that.
She had to admit… while being in a child’s body could be inconvenient in some situations, in moments that required emotional connection, it was incredibly useful.
If she didn’t still have plans to travel the world later, Rachel might even feel reluctant to give up this “little girl” feeling.
Her past self had been far too withdrawn, but now, just being called a “well-behaved child” was enough to easily earn the affection of others.
It was almost unfair… but she was enjoying it.
“As long as you accept it, that’s good,” Armand said with a smile.
His large hand could hold Rachel’s small hand steady with just two fingers.
Evelia, seeing this, did the same, taking Rachel’s other hand.
Both Armand and Evelia were tall, with long, graceful builds, while Rachel was just an ordinary little child. Even though they had quietly bent down to match her height, she still felt like her feet were almost leaving the ground as they walked.
“Dad, can I eat that cake over there?”
So, the moment they stepped into the main hall, Rachel quickly found an excuse.
Partly because it didn’t look good for them to keep walking around bent over like that, and partly because she wanted to ease the shyness and awkwardness she felt from being so touched.
And she still needed to go to the back garden.
Heading straight there right away would definitely look suspicious, so using this chance to grab a few bites of the royal fancy cakes didn’t seem like a bad idea.
“Mm, of course. Eat as much as you like.”
Armand seemed completely at ease with Rachel.
He didn’t warn her not to run around, nor did he tell her not to do anything inappropriate while eating sweets in front of the royals. In his mind, Rachel didn’t need those kinds of reminders. Just as he’d said before, he saw her as a “well-behaved, sensible child.”
“Alright then!”
Rachel grinned, looking completely delighted, as if she could almost scatter flowers in the air to brighten the mood.
“Then, Dad, Mom, I’ll go to the dessert table and have a little bit first.”
“Mm, go ahead.”
Letting go of her hands, Evelia and Armand watched Rachel walk away.
Armand knew that if he kept holding onto Rachel, all sorts of people would definitely come over to ask questions or try to start conversations. It was better to let her go enjoy some sweets—she would be happy, and there would be fewer unnecessary problems.
Even after she left, Armand’s eyes followed her. He might not say those nagging, overprotective words, but that didn’t mean he didn’t worry about the little one.
Still, it seemed fine. Rachel wasn’t the type to be scared in an unfamiliar place. Once he confirmed she was quietly sitting at the dessert table, eating all sorts of little cakes, he was able to relax about her, so he could focus on “the other one.”
As for who that other person was, no need to ask. Of course it was Evelia.
The two people he had brought with him were both ones he worried about.
He worried that little Rachel might get picked on by nobles or be asked questions no child her age should have to answer.
And he worried about Evelia, especially since she had told him earlier that the Second Prince had specifically ordered her to attend the party.
Even now, they had no idea what the Second Prince was planning. Evelia hadn’t received any instructions or further information.
“Eve, from now on, stay by my side the entire time.”
At this moment, Armand’s full attention was on Evelia. He didn’t care about the nobles who opposed him glaring from the corners, nor about the mocking comments they might whisper, fully aware he would hear them.
Right now, the only person he wanted to keep within his sight was Evelia.
As the Captain of the Royal Knights, he still had some protective duties here, but tonight he was also a guest. For matters of the royal family, he could afford to relax a little, and that meant he could keep Evelia even closer to him.
No matter what happened, she was not to leave his side. No matter who called for her, she was to stay right here.
“Mm, I understand.”
Evelia could also see Armand’s tension. And in truth, she felt the same.
She held tightly onto Armand’s arm, leaning her body against him.
And there, on the raised platform not far away, stood the Second Prince, right in the middle of the crowd.
His eyes fell on Evelia… and on Armand beside her.
“……”
He swirled the wine in his glass and took a silent sip.