Nanny Of The Villain

CHAPTER 7

“Countess Millenn? In what sense now…?”

Unusually, he covered his lips and furrowed his brows. He probably thought he had misheard. However, Sarah’s expression was more serious than ever.

“Specifically, I need Duke Ethan Ambrosia’s time. Once a week, three hours would be ideal.”

“I’m sorry, but since His Majesty announced his abdication, the movements of the nobles have become unusual. At this point, I can’t spare any time.”

“You swore. If I need anything, You will prepare it for me.”

“Do you really need my time?”

“Yes.”

A smile remained on Sarah’s lips.

“…”

Ethan rubbed his forehead, which was beginning to throb.

The current emperor, Kailos de Crombell, was turning 80 this year. It was a remarkable age for a reigning emperor, and he had wielded a powerful rule throughout his reign. Then, he unexpectedly announced his desire to step down and retire to a vegetable garden.

In truth, this situation wasn’t something Ethan Ambrosia needed to concern himself with. Unfortunately, however, the emperor did not designate any of the three princes as his successor, forcing Ethan to step forward.

The nobles were already divided into three factions, each fiercely vying for succession. 

Amid the turbulent struggle, the Duke of Ambrosia was the only one maintaining a neutral stance, refraining from aligning with any faction.

As the empire’s stabilizing force, his neutrality ensured the nobles were cautious not to overstep their boundaries.

However, this balance would soon reach its limit.

‘I have a headache,’ Ethan thought, glancing at Claude, who sat quietly in Sarah’s arms.

Sarah Millenn was absolutely essential for that child.

The curse afflicting the Ambrosia family was gradually taking root in his body. The only ones capable of controlling this power were mages skilled in magic.

 The Ambrosia power closely resembled magic, making it possible for them to suppress it.

‘There will come a day when you need my strength. I will send you an artifact to prove it—send it to Dielin. Until then, please take care of Dielin and the child.’

Ethan touched the ring on his index finger, recalling the letter Sarah had sent him six years ago. The artifact had arrived alongside the letter, and it was the only thing that allowed him to control the surging and fluctuating power within him.

For the first time in his life, he felt freed from the weight of his family’s power.

“Are you in trouble?”

“…”

Thus, he could not refuse Sarah’s proposal.

The terrible power, uncontrollable even with heirlooms passed down for generations, had claimed his father—the previous Duke—who succumbed to its influence and perished.

‘For Claude’s sake, she is necessary.’

Not long ago, the power of Ambrosia had manifested in the child. 

Furthermore, Ethan’s own power, which he had been suppressing with the artifact, began to seep back, resonating with Claude’s growing abilities. 

The ring Sarah sent was gradually losing its effectiveness. With the curse now affecting Claude as well, Ethan was quickly running out of patience.

Sarah Millenn had disappeared after Dielin’s death following Claude’s birth. 

Countess Millenn, in response, had closed the family estate and severed all communication.

Ethan had considered searching for the Duchess, who had vanished with her younger brother Hugel six years ago.

Had Sarah not sent the letter just in time, Ethan would have pursued that course of action.

In her letter, she requested to visit the duke’s residence as Claude’s nanny, directly mentioning the Ambrosia curse.

‘Perhaps she can break the curse that has plagued the Ambrosia family for generations.’

The power to break the cycle of despair that had persisted for so long—Ethan Ambrosia needed it. 

No matter what, he had to seize this opportunity.

After calculating the risks and rewards, Ethan looked at Sarah with a gentle smile. 

Seeing that he was leaning toward agreement, Sarah smiled back at him.

“If three hours is too much, let’s reduce it to two hours. How about that?”

Once a week, two hours.

In Ethan’s mind, countless schedules were rearranged. There was no need to weigh the pros and cons—Sarah Millenn had what he needed, and pledging his time to secure it was a small price to pay.

“Instead, for reducing it to two hours, I have another condition.”

“I’ll listen.”

“From now on, you will have breakfast with Claude.”

Ethan’s eyes trembled at the unexpected condition.

Claude, nestled quietly in Sarah’s arms, reacted the same way.

“…!”

The child looked at Sarah with wide eyes in surprise.

Aside from formal invitations with other nobles, Claude had never dined with his father—especially alone. 

Everyone around him insisted that he shouldn’t disturb his busy father, and Claude had accepted it as the norm.

He glanced between Sarah and Ethan, unsure.

Sarah gazed into the child’s trembling eyes, which held a glimmer of hope. The sight nearly brought an innocent smile to her lips.

“I heard you always have simple meals in your room?”

“You know about that.”

Ethan narrowed his eyes.

A woman who had been absent for six years somehow knew about the duke’s private affairs. 

However, Sarah was the first to understand the Ambrosia power—something known only to the imperial family for generations.

Knowing a small detail like this wasn’t surprising.

‘You’re a mage…’

Ethan looked at Sarah Millenn with newfound recognition.

She had once been regarded as the treasured jewel of Count Millenn, a prestigious family with a long-standing tradition. 

Beautiful, virtuous, and wise—she was admired as the perfect lady of high society.

She had never been involved in scandalous relationships with men, earning her the rare title of “Countess of Millenn” on her own merit. 

To many aristocratic men, she was a fascinating subject.

But to him, she had never been of any real interest—until now.

Now, standing before him, Sarah Millenn radiated an entirely different presence. Her soft smile carried an enigmatic strength.

“So, will you accept my offer?”

Her voice was soft yet firm, and her eyes told him she knew he couldn’t refuse. 

The overwhelming aura she exuded made it clear.

‘I have no choice but to comply with her pace.’

Ethan whispered to her in a low, subdued voice.

“If I allow it, how do you plan to spend my time?”

As Ethan conceded, the atmosphere lightened almost instantly. 

Sarah responded with a bright, cheerful laugh.

“It will be a fun time to play.”

“…?”

At her unexpected reply, both Ethan and Claude tilted their heads in confusion.

Even the servants exchanged puzzled glances.

Realizing her explanation had been lacking, Sarah quickly added, “Actually, the Duke and Claude will be spending time together. It will be enjoyable—a time to play and bond.”

Claude’s eyes widened in astonishment.

He instinctively understood Sarah’s intentions—she was trying to create time for him and his father. His cheeks flushed with an uncontrollable sense of anticipation.

“What do you think, Claude?”

At Sarah’s gentle question, the child looked at his father hesitantly.

Seeing the gentle smile still on the Duke’s face, Claude nodded slightly.

“I…I like it.”

Hearing the child’s response, Sarah’s smile grew even brighter.

Her radiant smile captivated not only Claude but also Ethan Ambrosia.

Flustered, the boy’s cheeks turned red.

“Since both of you agreed, let’s start when I officially join the household.”

“Alright.”

Duke Ethan Ambrosia nodded in agreement.

At that moment, someone rushed in, breathing heavily through the open door.