"Aunt Grace."
"Huh?" I responded when my sweet niece called me.
"What are you thinking about?"
I looked at the beautiful girl standing in front of me, who couldn't read my thoughts from the pensive expression on my face.
Ruby had invited me to have tea in the gazebo that afternoon, but I couldn't concentrate because I was thinking about the upcoming coming-of-age ceremony.
"Nothing," I smiled distractedly. "I was just thinking about how much you've grown."
Her delicate eyebrows furrowed.
"Are you at it again?" the main villain asked. "Do you still think of me as a child?"
I froze.
"Of course not!" I corrected myself. "How could I think that when you're about to turn eighteen?"
After my answer, Ruby calmed down a little but continued to stare intently at me. Lately, she had been looking at me strangely.
Or maybe I had only just noticed it now...?
In any case, it didn't really matter. I was in a state of joyful excitement, knowing that very soon the main purpose of my existence in this world would be fulfilled.
Rubiella Weinstein would cease to be just my sweet niece and would enter society. Next month, after her coming-of-age ceremony, she would inherit the title of duchess, and our paths would diverge.
After eight years of working as a nanny, I planned to take a well-deserved vacation — traveling throughout the empire and enjoying complete freedom. Meanwhile, Ruby would have to take care of family affairs, because at such a young age, a heavy burden would fall on her shoulders.
I believed that over the years I had made every effort to raise the main villain into a decent person.
The only thing I regretted was that I couldn't find a good uncle for Ruby. I wanted the girl to have an example of a complete family in front of her eyes, one she could rely on in the future. However, for some reason, nothing ever worked out.
All the decent men who showed interest in me disappeared after a few days of dating. And when they reappeared, they avoided me and were even afraid to say hello.
I couldn't understand what was going on. Could it be that these aristocrats were so afraid of a woman with a child...?
I sighed.
I hoped Ruby didn't blame me too much for taking care of her alone, despite her high birth. After all, I tried to give her the best of everything to ensure she had a happy childhood. Maybe I even spoiled her a little.
"Auntie, is something bothering you?"
Noticing my downcast expression, Ruby touched my cheek. I had long been accustomed to such tactility and paid no attention to it. Besides, when Ruby was little, I often hugged her myself.
Meanwhile, I was touched that this child was so concerned about me.
"Just a little. I was just imagining what I would do when you leave this house."
Perhaps I didn't express myself quite correctly, because the girl's expression immediately darkened.
But even with a shadow of sadness, she remained an irresistible beauty. After all, she was the most attractive character in the novel, second only to the main character. I stared into her amethyst eyes.
"Auntie, do you want me to leave as soon as possible?" Her tone was tinged with unbearable sadness.
"That's not it!" I hastened to object. "It's just... This day was bound to come someday, right? You're an adult now, and you have to start your own life."
"But I don't want to leave here."
My words obviously upset her.
But what could I do? Rubiella had to return to the family estate after the ceremony to inherit the title of duchess. That was when the main stage of the game began.
Even if I wanted to, I couldn't afford to leave her here. Although it was hard for me to part with her. After all, I had raised Ruby for so many years — after her parents had abandoned her.
During that time, we had become a real family, and I hoped that I had left her with only good memories.
My little niece would soon be entering the adult world!
I couldn't help but shed a tear of pride as I realized this moment.
However, Ruby was still feeling down, so I decided to cheer her up.
I needed to change the subject to something more positive.
"Since this is your last birthday at this estate, I will definitely prepare the best gift for you!" I announced with a smile. "What would you like?"
Her face instantly brightened.
"A gift?"
I smiled. After all, no matter how old she was, Ruby was still a child at heart. She was so happy when I mentioned the gift.
"Yes. I'll give you anything you want."
"Really? Anything?"
I nodded and chuckled, bringing the cup of tea to my lips.
"Of course."
Rubiella was my favorite niece, and I was truly willing to do a lot for her. Even if she wanted a star from the sky, I would have gotten it for her.
But her answer was not quite what I expected.
Ruby paused for a moment, thinking about my offer for a few seconds. Suddenly, her expression changed to that of a hungry predator.
"Then I want you, Aunt Grace."
The cup in my hands trembled.
When did I make such a mistake...?!