Reincarnated From Vanity

Chapter 21 • Compromise & Future | Reincarnated From Vanity

#Gaius's sleeping chamber

"So.... what's this all about?"
"For a royal to come all this way to find a shabby me"
"Prince John"
"This is all too sudden"

"Mister Gaius, please don't be too bothered to be formal"
"For it is I who wishes to give gratitude"
"For caring for miss Niizuma till now"

"Surely it is not of great concern or toll"
"Though it was not my initial decision to bring her under my roof"
"Situation-wise was a wonder"
"A relative from my village, found her deep in the forest during one of her adventures"
"It seems she was either lost or left.... But surely disadvantaged"
"She confess to know not much of her past"
"And we stress her not"
"But it seems she have settled here at least"
"Helping around the kitchen and whatever that's of need"
"An eager child"
".....for.... about a good year"

"Is that so?"

"Yes"

"Her origins are mysterious though I have not doubted her intentions"
"...."
"And now...."
"Can I hear your side of the story?"
"She was lost ever since a commotion days ago"
"I suspect perhaps it may be related?"

"...hmmm"
"Frankly I apologize for being too enthusiastic on your daughter"
"And yes, during the commotion there was a forced scandalous scheme against one of the royal members"
"And your daughter.... She saved my niece"
"The commotion was the city's garrison search party"

".... Thankfully all is alright"

"Yes...."

"And as a token of my appreciation, I volunteered myself to become her godfather"
"As I sees it she excels at wit, she lacks formal education and upbringing"
"Great potential I see in her"

"And by that alone your highness wishes to adopt her?"

"Yes"

"...."
"Though I cannot have much say, I'm not her blood father"
"I trust it be her discernment for what's best for her"
"In fact have yet to claim her my own in any fashion"
"And I'm far too old to give her anything...."

"Worry not, my visit here was not intended for evil"
"In concerns with her freedom, I hinder not her intentions to visit you"
"Your freedom to visit to my estate is much guaranteed, if you wish to visit her that is"
"And...."
*Hands a pouch and a royal emblem
"Bring this to my estate when Mister Gaius wishes to visit"
"Showing this to the guards will guarantee access"
"And compensation for your loss"

"....hmmmm"
"My body is weak and money is of little allure to an aged man"
"Did you think I might be swayed, bought by gold?"
"I wished to confirm your intentions, either sincere or not"

"I'm indeed sincere"
"And think tis not as a bribe but as my appreciation."
"To perhaps amends for my intrusion on your life and hers"

"....hmmm"
"And such interest you bear towards her"
"Surely not of charity'
"A reason why?"
"And what say ye that she be fine?"
"Are you sworn to do her just?"
"And if she was to be on your side what will you plan for her?"

"I promise to treat her well as if my own daughter"
"Education, fulfilling meals, and my inheritance"

"....your inheritance?"
"This is madness?"
"Why?"
"Is your words sincere?"
"That it may be held accountable"
"After all my years have I heard such things to be"

"...."
"...."
"Perhaps out of fear"
"Perhaps out of envy"
"Perhaps out of pity"
"Or genuine love and altruism?"

"....?"
".... Oh"
"Of what candid confession ye make?