"So? How's it going to be?" Natalie finally asked after Kevin left the infirmary wing. "Are you planning to bring them gifts to win their acceptance?"

Emma hummed. "I'm thinking of buying something, but this part of the continent is new to me, so I'll need to rely on William."

Gizel suggested, "What about your clothes? Did you bring something suitable to wear when meeting them?" She had been trained in these matters—how to present oneself before potential future in-laws. That's why she understood how crucial appearance was, especially during the first meeting.

Emma grinned. "Don't worry, I've already taken care of that."

Natalie let out a short laugh. "Look at you—came fully prepared. So you two had already planned this?"

Emma nodded. "We did… just didn't expect it to happen so suddenly and in this way."

She had intended to impress William's father by performing well in the third round—after all, from what she'd heard about the Count, he definitely wouldn't have missed an event where his son was meant to take center stage.

But now that the contest had been cancelled, she needed a different approach—a proper meeting where she had to leave a strong, lasting impression on the only person in William's family he genuinely cared about.

"Emma… I know this is a happy moment, and I shouldn't dampen it, but… are you sure everything will go smoothly like this?" Gizel asked gently.

Emma hummed in question, turning her gaze toward her.

Gizel exhaled. "I mean… no offense, but William comes from a noble family, and his former fiancée was the daughter of a high-ranking noble. Don't you think there could be complications because of that?"

Emma smiled at her concern. "From what I've heard, Count Delimore only cares about his son's happiness. And William's happiness is me—not my family status. So don't worry, it won't be an issue."

What she said was true. Even if she had no background at all, it wouldn't have mattered.

And considering she was the daughter of a Tower Master, that tiny sliver of possible complication vanished entirely.

Natalie patted her shoulder. "I love your confidence. Good luck, Emma."

Not long after, they stepped out of the room, leaving Emma alone.

The silver-haired girl impatiently glanced toward the door, waiting for William to return with whatever surprise he had prepared.

While she waited, her thoughts drifted to the trial they had just gone through.

None of that… was ever mentioned in the novel.

Emma remembered clearly—the second challenge wasn't supposed to be like this. It was meant to be team-focused: two islands assigned to two groups, a bridge acting as the battleground where each team defended their target while trying to destroy the enemy's.

But… none of that happened. The Council had abruptly changed the entire testing format, shifting it toward individual performance.

Why? She would be lying if she claimed she had no idea.

William's presence had changed many things—including the structure of the trials and the level of danger they kept throwing at them.

Surrounding them with real soldiers and hundreds of magical beasts when their vision was practically zero. Then an actual ranked Devil that nearly killed someone. And after that, a notorious criminal whose name had been in the headlines for months.

Yeah, it was completely screwed up.

Yet somehow, they survived it all. And on top of that, they even rescued the child cursed by the Devil—wait.

Emma's brows tightened. She hadn't seen the little girl since waking up.

Just then—

*Tap* *Tap*

Soft, rapid footsteps approached her.

Emma turned quickly and found a smiling Nana running straight toward her.

The little girl's black hair, tied into a ponytail, bounced with each hurried step.

Relief washed over Emma at the sight. She climbed off the bed and crouched down, opening her arms to pick the child up.

"Nana… where were you? I missed you sooo much." Emma rubbed her cheek against the little one's, making Nana giggle softly.

William entered the room, a smile tugging at his lips. "Congratulations—we have a kid now."

Emma blinked, surprised, turning to him. "What do—ah! Can we take her?" Her eyes widened with excitement.

William nodded. "Yeah. I got their permission. I'm her legal guardian now."

Emma's face brightened with pure delight. She looked down at Nana. "Did you hear that? You're coming with us. Aren't you excited?"

Nana couldn't quite understand the words, but she still giggled and wrapped her tiny arms around Emma's neck—only to flinch when her fingers brushed the bandages near Emma's collarbone.

Emma paused, then smiled gently as realization hit. "Oh, this? It's nothing. I don't feel any pain anymore."

Nana's eyes turned a little misty as she quietly rested her head against Emma's chest.

Both William and Emma felt their hearts melt at the sight.

Emma swayed gently from side to side, her hand soothingly stroking Nana's back. "Can we bring her to the Academy?" she asked William.

William sighed. "Unfortunately, no. But we can visit her at my house every weekend."

The Academy didn't allow students to bring relatives or anyone not affiliated with the institution.

And considering how dangerous the forest around it was, keeping Nana there wasn't an option.

More importantly, Nana had suffered through a harsh year. She needed comfort, stability, and people who would stay by her side.

Emma thought for a moment. "Are you sure your family won't object? Your father might agree, but what about the others?"

It wasn't a secret to Emma that William didn't get along with the other three family members. If he suddenly brought a little girl home… Nana's life could become difficult.

However—

"Don't worry about that, Emma. I've got it sorted." William slipped an arm around her shoulder, pulling her a little closer.

From afar, the three of them looked like a small, happy family.

Despite their young age, the warmth between the couple and the natural closeness they shared created an enviable picture of quiet, effortless harmony.

Soon, William told her, "Alright, give her to me and go freshen up. We need to leave soon." He gently took Nana from her arms.

Emma, just to be safe, covered Nana's ears before whispering, "I might actually need your help in the bathroom today. What do you think… want to join me?"

William narrowed his eyes at her. "Ask me that again once you've fully recovered—and see what you bring upon yourself for tempting me."

Emma giggled, stepping back with her hands clasped behind her. "Oh, I will ask again."

William shook his head as he watched her walk away.

°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading. At least not around the child…

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