Comment by Introvert on I Became The Male Lead’S Adopted Daughter - Chapter 169

Varya asked Phileo and Leo what was really in the northern mountains. She felt that the imperial family’s interest in the North was strange. They had attacked Ardea’s research room, were obsessed with gates, and seemed determined to reach the northern mountains. Varya believed there had to be something much more important there than simple mines.

Phileo and Leo exchanged looks before finally explaining. They told Varya about an old northern legend. According to the story, a god lives in the northern mountains. At first, Varya was shocked and thought it sounded like a foolish folktale. She couldn't believe the Emperor would risk so much over an unproven legend. However, after remembering that she herself had died and somehow returned to life, she realized that strange things could be real. Phileo explained that ordinary people could not even approach the northern mountains, let alone see the god. While gently running his fingers through Varya’s hair, he made it clear that the Emperor’s plans were doomed to fail. Varya realized that if the legend was true, the Emperor’s greed would only lead to disaster. Thinking about her past life, Varya felt bitter. She had worked so hard to stop her family’s plans before her death, yet now it seemed that everything would have failed anyway. She wondered if all her sacrifices had been meaningless.

Leo tells Upicleia that she has to return to the North because winter is coming, and everyone must prepare to hunt monsters. Upicleia becomes sad because she doesn't want Leo to leave. Leo cheers her up by giving her a cookie, and Pinu also asks for one. Soon, Ploemus says she will also be leaving because her father is worried about the deer in their land. Upicleia and Pinu are disappointed that both of their friends are leaving. The four children spend time talking about simple things like their favorite snacks and games. Then Upicleia suddenly asks if Duke Borreoti's girlfriend is staying at the mansion. She admits that she once had a crush on the duke, making everyone laugh. Ploemus and the others become curious and ask if they can meet the duke's girlfriend. Leo happily agrees and goes to bring Varya. When Varya arrives, the children are amazed by how beautiful and gentle she is. They ask her many embarrassing questions about Duke Borreoti such as how they met, why she likes him, and when they will get married. Blushing, Varya honestly says that the first thing she liked about Phileo was his muscles. Leo proudly says that she was the one who made Varya appreciate muscles. The children laugh and start sharing the things they like, such as deer, swords, money, and muscles. Varya gets along with them very naturally, and Leo is relieved to see everyone becoming friends. After the children leave, Leo tells Varya that she is very good with kids. Varya sadly says she used to have a younger sister, Lota, but feels their relationship was one-sided because she always gave everything to her while receiving little love in return. Leo says that the real problem was their parents, who spoiled Lota and never taught her right from wrong. Varya quietly admits that her parents were not good at raising their children. Leo then comforts Varya by saying that the Borreoti family truly cares about her.