Chapter 33
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Wjin
Chapter: 33
Chapter Title: New Training Gear
-----------------------------------------------------------------
She was essentially a young lady who had stepped onto the training grounds for the first time just yesterday. She'd even dug out some ancient martial robe to wear.
"That outfit is the one you wore yesterday, so take it off. I figured you'd be looking for comfortable clothes again today, so I went ahead and ordered a few sets."
The clothes Betty brought out were a striking red martial robe that suited Charlotte perfectly. Embroidered across the chest in golden thread was the Setia House's signature great bear emblem.
Charlotte's eyes widened in surprise at the fact that such an outfit had been prepared in just one day.
"Yesterday and today... good things just keep piling up."
Betty felt a pang in her heart as she watched Charlotte hesitantly touch the embroidery on the robe.
For someone of Charlotte's status, a mere martial robe was nothing special. Nobles often had new dresses custom-made after wearing them just once, never to touch them again.
Yet seeing her so delighted over a decorated room and a few new outfits tugged at Betty's heartstrings.
"Come on, don't just stand there—try it on. We need to check the fit."
Only after Betty's urging did Charlotte shed the Great Bear Knight Order trainee uniform from yesterday and don the new martial robe.
Charlotte picked up some small, cotton-like bundles that lay atop the robe and examined them curiously. They seemed to be accessories meant to be worn with the outfit, but she had no idea what for.
"What's this?"
"Oh, those are knee and elbow pads. Here, let me help you with them."
Charlotte fiddled with the soft, cotton-stuffed fabric pouches. Seeing the straps attached, she figured Betty was right—they could be tied around the knees.
She tilted her head, face full of confusion.
"Around the knees? Why?"
"In case you get hurt. You need protective gear. I didn't have time to prepare any yesterday, but..."
"P-Protective gear? Ahaha. Protective gear. Hahaha!"
Charlotte burst into laughter, clutching her stomach.
She could well imagine how Betty, her nanny, must see her.
Even at Mount Hua Sect, some trainees wore protective gear—but for a five-year-old? Hardly.
Still, amid the laughter, she felt warmth bloom in her chest. In the Setia House, where growing stronger was the sole imperative, injuries during training were no big deal. To be fussed over like this was incredibly touching.
As Charlotte kept laughing, Betty unwittingly puffed up her cheeks and planted her hands on her hips.
"Safety is important."
Charlotte nodded, but that didn't mean she intended to wear the pads.
"Sorry. I'll appreciate the thought. Hehe."
"...I even matched the color to your new robe."
"I'll wear them if I get hurt next time."
"They're made to prevent injuries, not treat them after!"
"Betty, you're such a good person."
Betty sighed helplessly as Charlotte patted her reassuringly.
"Fine. But if you come back with even one injury, you wear these—no excuses."
"Got it, got it."
Still giggling so hard tears gathered at the corners of her eyes, Charlotte bounded happily to the mirror and admired her reflection.
The robe fit her beautifully. It was the perfect length for her still-short limbs.
"Whoa... I look like a total master already."
"I hope so."
Betty chuckled, assuming it was just childish bravado, but Charlotte spun in place and shot her a cheeky wink.
"Yeah. Just you wait."
Betty brushed off the confident claim—as if becoming a master was a given—and braided Charlotte's hair, then slathered on some sunscreen to protect her from the sun.
Charlotte, who had been waiting impatiently, flung the door open the moment Betty gave the okay.
"Where are you rushing off to?"
A familiar voice dropped from above her head.
Charlotte skidded to a halt, startled by the tall shadow looming before her.
"...Father?"
"How's the room? Hmm, hmm. Like it?"
Jerome swept back his short golden hair and jerked his chin toward the interior. Curiosity lit up his sharp, angular features.
People are like that.
They can be utterly indifferent one moment, but once they do something for someone, they can't help but wonder how it was received.
Jerome was no different.
It had been around the third mark on the sundial yesterday.
Suddenly, Russell had burst in, complaining that Charlotte's room needed a proper makeover. At first, Jerome had brushed it off as nonsense. But upon reflection, he realized it was indeed embarrassing.
He recalled how, when Charlotte collapsed last time, the third prince, Ben, and Isaac had all gathered in that shabby room—and he'd unconsciously thought how pitiful it looked.
Lately, Charlotte had been nothing like her old self. No mischief, just obedient compliance. She followed his orders to stay confined, even started meditating when she never had before...
So Jerome decided to spruce up her room, just as Russell suggested.
He hadn't issued a direct command, but once he spoke, things moved like clockwork.
The steward and Betty ordered furniture and decor to suit the room, and merchants in the Cheiker Kingdom scrambled to fulfill the Setia Ducal House's requests—no power could rival theirs.
He hadn't started it expecting her reaction, but once underway, he grew curious. Enough to visit her room this early in the morning.
Charlotte didn't mind Jerome's sudden interest.
If anything, she wasn't sure how to respond.
Feeling her cheeks heat up unusually, she pressed the backs of her hands to them to cool off. Then, looking up at him, she answered honestly.
"...I've never had anything like this before... I love it."
Seeing the usually bold Charlotte act bashful was honestly cute. Very cute, even.
Jerome blinked at her a few times.
He hadn't expected her to be this thrilled.
Curious as he was, he'd assumed she'd take it for granted.
A girl who spoke her mind fearlessly before the house lord, now delighted over mere basics befitting a ducal child. It felt strange.
Self-reproach crept in—had he deprived her so much all this time? And yet...
'What is this? Pride? Seeing her so happy makes me want to do more...'
It was a feeling he'd never had with his stoic sons, no matter what he gave them.
"Good?"
"Yes, so... so thankful."
"Anything else you want?"
"...Huh?"
Charlotte's head snapped up in shock.
She knew full well Jerome wasn't the doting type.
She never imagined he'd ask that.
"...Something I want?"
"Yeah."
She tilted her head thoughtfully.
Her heart fluttered with genuine emotion, but this chance also confirmed how whimsically emotional her father could be.
He'd shown zero interest in her life before, yet now a whim had him offering the world. It was almost comical.
She racked her brain for requests but drew a blank.
Well, one thing came to mind.
To bring up training with Joseph, she laid humble groundwork.
"Not sleeping on the cold hard floor is happiness enough for me, Father. Thank you for caring. You're the best."
Half of that was play-acting humility, but the other half was sincere.
Back at Mount Hua Sect, she'd often dozed off on the floor when usable bedding was scarce.
Jerome ran a knight order himself. Not easily swayed by words, the impassive man was startled by her sincerity, eyes widening.
'...The floor?'
Her room had indeed been dismal.
But happiness from not sleeping on the floor?
It seemed Charlotte had lost even the desire for the dignity due a ducal child.
Plus, Betty—her nanny—was hearing this. How incompetent would he look as a father?
Without thinking, Jerome pressed her earnestly again.
"Don't hold back. Tell me anything. Your father will make it happen."
"Anything at all?"
Charlotte replied slowly, as if hesitant.
Jerome nodded vigorously.