My Adorable Daughter Can't Be A Villainess

The northern side of the continent was under the control of Duke Moriamar. Within his territory lay the jurisdiction of Count Blackwood.

These two rulers served as the administrators of the eastern side of the Empire.

The eastern lands were mainly known for farming, mining, and the presence of monster lairs.

Surrounded by greenery and towering mountains, the region was a paradise for artists and home to countless species.

The academy was located in the southern region, far from the bustle of most cities, making it an ideal place to train combatants who would one day become the backbone of their people.

Eric’s current destination lay about half a day away, in the northern part of the eastern region of the continent.

The town was called Demonade. It was not very large, but it served as a hub for traders dealing in common goods.

The area held many ruins, most of them still undiscovered due to the dangerous beasts that lived nearby.

However, Eric knew that as long as he remained cautious and avoided certain areas, he could reach his destination without trouble.

“My lord, please brace yourself for the strong winds. There will be heavy buffeting ahead.”

Eric turned his head and slowly lifted the curtain.

Towering mountains rose on both sides of the path.

The town rested in a valley, yet the fierce winds still managed to push through the natural barriers surrounding it.

He lowered the curtain, secured it tightly, and settled back into his seat.

The carriage jolted several times, but thanks to its sturdy build and the strong horses pulling it, Eric barely shifted.

Closing his eyes, he decided to make up for the sleep he had missed over the past few days due to work.

…

“Good morning, my lady.”

Chloe gave a wry smile when she heard the maid greet her that way.

She stepped out of the room and closed the door behind her. “How many times do I have to tell you, Miss Maylie? Please, just call me by my name.”

Maylie smiled gently. “That simply isn’t possible, Madame.”

Chloe panicked. “Don’t call me that!” That title would surely give the wrong impression, as if Chloe were Eric’s official wife. And she wasn’t.

Maylie kept her polite smile. “Then I will continue with ‘my lady.’”

Chloe sighed in defeat. “Yes… that would be better.”

As Chloe moved toward the stairs, Maylie informed her, “Lord Blackwood has gone to Demonade, my lady.”

Chloe hummed. “Demonade? Is there a reason for his sudden trip?” When Eric had come to say goodbye to Charlotte earlier that morning, Chloe had been awake and overheard their conversation.

For a brief moment, when Charlotte suggested waking her as well, Chloe had frozen. She didn’t know how she would react if he did wake her and told her he was leaving.

Truthfully, with how things stood between them now, she often struggled to decide how to behave around him.

Maylie replied, “He didn’t tell me the reason, but it seemed urgent.”

Chloe hummed again and paused at the last step. “By the way… is… um… his family coming over the day after tomorrow?”

Maylie couldn’t stop herself from smiling brightly. Instead of answering right away, she decided to tease her. “For what reason, my lady? Is there some occasion in two days?”

Chloe stared at her blankly. The woman clearly knew what day it was. Still, Chloe had brought it up herself, so there was no backing out now.

“It’s… his birthday,” the silver-haired woman muttered, crossing her arms.

At that moment, a loud and excited voice echoed from upstairs. “Father’s birthday?!”

A familiar girl hurried down the stairs.

“Careful,” Chloe warned, grabbing her daughter’s arm before she could trip on the last step.

Charlotte looked up at her with shining eyes. “Is it Father’s birthday? When is it? Are we doing something? What about the cake?”

Maylie shared her excitement. “Of course we are baking a cake and decorating the house. And young lady, you’ll be helping me.”

Charlotte giggled, already buzzing with excitement as she imagined making the day special.

Chloe, however, dampened the mood slightly. “Would he even like it? As far as I remember, he never liked celebrating his birthday.”

Maylie let out a soft sigh. “That hasn’t changed. Because of his reluctance, Master’s parents never visit him on his birthday.”

Charlotte’s shoulders fell as she looked between her mother and Maylie. “So… no cake?”

Maylie smiled again right away. “No, we’re doing everything. Cake, decorations, all of it.”

Charlotte beamed, while Chloe remained quietly worried, not wanting to trouble him.

Noticing her concern, Maylie reassured her. “My lady, ever since he reunited with you and the young lady, I’ve seen changes in him. The Young Master no longer lives only for his work and achievements. He’s enjoying life now and seeing it differently.”

“He’s realized there’s more to life than research papers. That’s why I believe he won’t be upset by this. Instead, he’ll welcome it.”

Chloe sighed and fell silent.

There was no denying she had noticed changes in his behavior as well, and if Maylie was right, those changes were recent.

Charlotte suddenly wrapped her arms around her mother and pleaded, “Mom… if Father gets angry, I’ll take the blame. Please, can we celebrate?”

The lingering doubt in Chloe melted under her daughter’s hopeful gaze.

Smiling softly, she patted Charlotte’s head. “Alright. Do whatever you want.”

…

Eric was awakened by the sudden stop of the carriage.

Opening his eyes, he turned to the side and lifted the curtain.

The carriage had halted, and he could faintly hear several men talking.

It seemed they had arrived at the town’s entrance.

Eric sighed and leaned closer to the window.