My Adorable Daughter Can't Be A Villainess - Chapter 51 - Family

Eric made his way upstairs, leaving Chloe and his father in the reception hall.

Since Chloe did not seem uncomfortable around the Count, he had not asked her to bring Charlotte along.

Eagerly, he climbed the stairs and reached her room.

Knock Knock

The door flew open almost instantly, revealing a worried Charlotte. The moment she saw who stood there, her face lit up.

“Father,” she breathed, stepping forward and wrapping her arms around his waist.

Eric’s shoulders relaxed as he hugged his sweet daughter, her warmth filling his heart with relief.

In a gentle voice, he asked, “How have you been, Charlotte?”

“Not very well,” she complained. “I missed you.”

His heart melted at her words. Was there any better homecoming gift than knowing your child had missed you?

Eric smiled softly. “I missed you too. I’m sorry I’m late.” He pulled back slightly and added, “I brought you gifts as well. They’re in the carriage.”

Charlotte’s eyes sparkled at the mention of gifts, but then her expression faltered. “What about Mom? Where is she?”

Eric gently cupped her cheek and said, “She’s downstairs, talking to your grandfather.”

Charlotte lowered her head. “Is he also… mad at Mom?”

Eric let out a quiet breath before reassuring her. “No, he isn’t. And I promise you, no one will ever be angry at your mother.”

Charlotte’s lips curved into a small smile before she said, “We were actually planning a surprise for your birthday, but then…”

Eric chuckled. “I saw the decorations. Were the frills your idea?”

Charlotte giggled. “Yes. Do you like them?”

“Of course,” he replied warmly. “They’re adorable, just like my sweet cupcake.”

Charlotte blushed faintly. “Father… I’m not a child anymore. You don’t need to give me nicknames like that.”

Eric laughed softly. “To me, you’ll always be my little one.” Then he added, “Now, if you’re alright with it, would you like to meet your grandfather?”

Charlotte stiffened. “Me? Are you sure?”

Eric reassured her, “If you don’t want to, that’s fine too.”

She shook her head. “It’s not that I don’t want to… but what if I do something wrong?”

Charlotte had not met many nobles in her life. While she understood basic etiquette, she was not sure she was ready to face a Count.

Eric rested his hand on her head and said calmly, “Just be yourself, dear. Your usual self is the sweetest.”

Charlotte lowered her head, the warmth of her father’s touch easing her nerves. After a moment, she gave two small nods.

…

Back in the reception hall, after Eric had left, Aiden asked his daughter-in-law, “I remember you were a brilliant warrior back then. Did you not pursue the dream you shared at the time?”

Chloe looked surprised. “You remember it?”

Aiden chuckled. “I may forget names and faces, but I remember talent, Chloe. And when I saw you in the arena, I saw a warrior with great potential.”

Chloe felt honored by his words, a faint smile touching her lips. Then she lowered her gaze and said softly, “I… was infected by a parasite soon after Charlotte was born. And with caring for her as well, balancing the household and my condition left me with very little time for myself.”

Did she sound pitiful? Chloe hoped not. She had no reason to lie to him. That was all.

Aiden’s shoulders slumped, his tone tinged with grief. “Truly… a woman can be the bravest of warriors. You handled everything on your own, even after your family abandoned you.”

He rested a hand on his chest and continued, “To be honest, when I imagine myself in that position, I feel nothing but anxiety and helplessness. How did you manage to hold everything together without breaking down?”

Chloe smiled faintly. “It’s the same reason you refused to give up on the battlefield so many times.” She looked up at him and added softly, “The love for your child.”

Aiden sighed and leaned back in his seat.

Not only was she a good mother, but a good person as well, he thought.

Just then, two figures entered the reception hall.

Aiden’s eyes lit up as he saw a little girl hesitantly walking beside Eric.

She kept glancing at her mother, one hand clutching her father’s sleeve.

A wave of relief and joy washed over him, a feeling unlike anything he had ever experienced.

Eric leaned down and whispered softly, “Go on.”

Encouraged by her father, Charlotte finally turned toward the older man, who sat there with a gentle smile.

“Come here, child. I am your grandpa.”

Charlotte took a few careful steps forward before giving a small bow. “Hello, Grandfather. My name is Charlotte.”

Aiden laughed warmly, took her hand, and gently pulled her to sit beside him.

Resting his hand on her head, he said softly, “Don’t be so formal with your grandpa.”

Charlotte smiled shyly. “Mm… okay, Grandpa.”

The man laughed again and gently rubbed her head. “Eric… can I take her with me? She is so adorable.”

Charlotte flinched and glanced nervously at her father.

Eric, seeing her reaction, had no intention of letting anyone take his daughter away. “Sorry, Dad. At least for a few years, I’m not letting her out of my sight.”

Aiden groaned. “How heartless. This is your first child, and you’re already like this.”

Eric chuckled. “First or not, I’m not letting you take her.”

Chloe’s lips curved into a warm smile as she looked at her daughter. “I can’t live without her either.”

Charlotte felt a mix of embarrassment and happiness as both of her parents fussed over her.

Aiden sighed and shook his head. “What can I say, my child? Your parents are quite heartless.”

Charlotte giggled. “Don’t worry, Grandpa. You can come visit me here more often.”

Aiden grinned. “That… I will definitely do from now on.”

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