Reading the contract that reeked of an obsession with Siren Viscountess Yeongae, Dran became uneasy.

In Dran’s eyes, this was undoubtedly an unfair contract.

‘You can’t divorce unless there is a natural disaster?’

As a powerful means of restraint that she would never be able to escape from Icar in the future, this contract would undoubtedly come in handy.

Dran pitied Reneve inwardly.

‘So, I told her to run away when she could…’

But the one who ignored my advice was Reneve. Dran had many things to say about the unfair contract, but he decided not to.

“Shall we proceed with the contract like this?”

“Of course.”

Dran asked while holding the contract, and Icar nodded with a face that seemed very pleased.

“Understood, Your Majesty…”

In the end, Dran left the office with the unfair contract in his hands.

The carriage stopped in front of the Croft Viscount’s mansion on the outskirts of Paradisium.

Soon, a lady with brown hair got off the carriage.

Following her, Yeongae, with wavy and abundant pink hair, got off the carriage.

‘So, this is the Croft Viscount’s mansion.’

Eshika glanced at the exterior of the mansion for a moment.

The behavior of Croft Viscount’s wife at the coffee house was somewhat tolerable.

So, she had some expectations, but when she saw the shabby exterior of the mansion, her forehead naturally wrinkled.

But Eshika didn’t lose her smile.

‘Anyway, I just need to stay here until the dance at the imperial palace…’

By leaving the Basuker Palace as if fleeing, she could live luxuriously in Paradisium for a while with the jewelry she brought.

However, as the income became zero, the gold coins quickly ran out.

Just at that time, she happened to hear the concerns of Croft Viscountess.

She declared that she would stop her efforts to have a successor.

It might have been unfortunate for Croft Viscountess not to have a child.

But at least for Eshika, it was fortunate. Now, she said she would adopt an adult.

As soon as she heard the conversation between the noble ladies, Eshika headed to the adoption facility.

At first, the director, who was a little surprised to see Eshika, soon willingly accepted her.

‘With this appearance, she can enter as the wife of a wealthy nobleman. If she does well, she might even aim for a noble family that wants adult adoption.’

As Eshika expected, it didn’t take long for Croft Viscountess to come to the adoption facility.

‘I know it’s rude to ask this, but it’s better to know in advance before becoming a family.’

Croft Viscountess asked about Eshika’s past.
After a brief hesitation, Eshika answered with a cold expression.

‘Actually, I am a fallen noble from Basuker.’

“Ah…”

Croft Viscountess inhaled sharply, starting to imagine Eshika’s tumultuous and difficult past on her own.

Eshika, without affirming or denying any of her assumptions, merely held a faint smile.

As a result, Eshika became the adopted daughter of Croft Viscount.

“Welcome. Madam.”

As they entered the Croft Viscount’s mansion, a maid bowed courteously.

“Hilda, this is Eshika Yang, who will be staying with our Croft family from today.”

Introducing Eshika to the maid, Croft Viscountess spoke. Eshika, with her characteristic innocent and lovely smile, said,

“Nice to meet you, Hilda. Please take good care of me from now on.”

“I sincerely ask for your care, Miss Eshika.”

Watching the two exchanging greetings, Croft Viscountess spoke.

“Yes, Eshika. Now, consider this Croft Viscount Mansion as your home and live comfortably.”

Eshika looked at her adoptive mother with eyes full of gratitude. In response, Croft Viscountess smiled.

“Hilda, guide Eshika to her place.”

“Yes, Madam. This way, please, Miss.”

Walking through the corridor following Hilda, Eshika, who looked around the mansion, felt someone’s gaze and turned around.

Croft Viscountess was still standing there, looking in their direction. Eshika politely nodded to her and then continued walking.

‘The exterior is shabby, and the interior is even worse…’

It seemed that the financial situation of the Croft Viscount’s family was not good, even worse than Eshika expected.

Not long ago, Eshika had lived as a princess in the Basuker Empire’s palace.

Compared to the luxurious inn she had stayed in since coming to Paradisium, the Croft Viscount’s mansion was undoubtedly shabby.

Eshika, who pursed her lips, swallowed a sigh inwardly.

‘Well, it’s still better than being a maid like in the Duglick Manor.’

Although the situation was not very satisfactory, Eshika comforted herself in that way.

“Here is the bedroom you will be using from today.”

Wow.

That was Eshika’s impression as soon as she saw the room she would be using.

Even if she would leave the Croft Viscount’s mansion as a strategic marriage partner, the so-called noble daughter’s bedroom was too modest.

“Hilda, thank you for guiding me.”

“Feel free to say anything, Miss.”

“Well… it’s the first day today. I’ll speak more comfortably once I get to know Hilda a little better.”

“Yes. Please speak comfortably whenever you feel at ease, Miss.”

“Thank you for guiding me. If I need anything, I will call.”

“Yes. Rest comfortably, Miss.”

Eshika briefly watched the maid’s back, then looked around her bedroom.

“Wow… What should I do with this?”

As a madam who frequented upscale coffee houses, she thought she would be a bit wealthier.

However, she realized it was a complete misunderstanding. It wasn’t too late to regret now, but there was still an opportunity.

She would have a successful debut dance at the upcoming palace ball. And she would capture Lucius’s heart at once.

If it followed the original work, she could rise to an even higher position than when she was in Basuker.