The Obsessive Male Leads Want to Eat Me Alive

Episode 49: Plan B (V)

「Forest Special Level 1,

Request for adoption of Heinrich.

―Gerard von Axelferion―」

‘He’s trying to take Heinrich hostage.’

It was somewhat expected.

That was why, my mind and heart somewhat calmed down.

He must have already heard about our friendship through Madam Mimosa, and he must have understood that I cherished Heinrich.

Besides, Gerard told me this.

[It has to be you. I’m not interested in other kids.]

I would remember that, Gerard knew.

Under this circumstance, the reason for ordering Heinrich’s adoption papers to be shown to me first was obvious.

‘Either to intimidate or to ask for a deal.’

[I will probably be the worst kind of father who abuses children.]

He was asking if I wanted to send my beloved friend to the worst kind of father.

And in the rulebook of the Forest, there was something like this.

[If the adoptee withdraws his/her intention to adopt, re-adoption is not possible. (However, except for cases where the Tree side requests for adoption again.) ]

He was asking me to voluntarily request for adoption.

Or my friend would be abused.

–That’s right.

‘Did the author focus only on his ‘despicable’ stats when creating this character?’

I thought that Gerard had as much goodness as a rotten cabbage leaf, but at this level, it was time for a downward revaluation.

“Annette, you’re not as upset as I thought.”

At Madam Mimosa’s words, I shook my head and raised it.

Then I blinked and answered calmly as usual.

“I thought that something like this would happen.”

“…Huh, I see.”

Perhaps my answer was interesting, as Madam Mimosa’s golden eyes lit up.

She spoke to me in her usual cold, polite voice.

“Annette, I know how much you care for Heinrich. But nothing is more important than your own future. You know that, don’t you?”

“……”

“Send Heinrich, if you don’t want to be adopted.”

From Madam Mimosa’s point of view, it seemed to be sincere advice.

“You can stay and look after Sislin.”

“……”

“Anyway, you have to make a choice.”

Yes, I had to make a choice anyway.

‘But my options aren’t among the ones that damn bastard gave me.’

Heinrich, or me – there was no such option as to push either one of us into the abyss of misery.

“Shall we decide on Heinrich’s adoption?”

“No, Madam.”

I answered with my eyes wide open.

‘I will save Heinrich, and I will save myself.’