Chapter 33: 33

It was frustrating to eat one by one, so I put in three at the same time. My father’s eyes widened at my bulging cheeks, so I popped one into his mouth too. Seeing me vigorously chomping onto the pulp and equally vigorously spitting out the seeds one by one, my father smiled.

These days, I’ve come to appreciate such small moments of happiness. I kept swinging my feet back and forth restlessly.

“How did it go, returning to work after so long?”

“I didn’t overdo it as I promised. How about Aren? You were left alone at home after so long.”

“I had Mrs. Marie, so I wasn’t alone. I studied hard today.”

Actually, I was a little worried about my father returning to work after a long time, so I couldn’t concentrate. But I said that I studied earnestly so that he wouldn’t worry.

At this, my father reached out and stroked my hair. I stayed still since I knew that this was how he expressed his pride and affection. How I wish we could stay together like this every day.

“You don’t have class tomorrow, do you?”

“No.”

I replied and put another cherry into my mouth, but then almost choked on it at my father’s next words.

“I’ll send around a carriage tomorrow evening, so take it to the Grand Duke’s mansion. His Grace has invited us to have dinner together.”

It had been a most pleasant day. If only I hadn’t received an invitation from the devil at the end of it.

***

“Haaaa…”

“My, my, why do you sigh like that, Arendine? You’re going to the Grand Duke’s mansion in pretty clothes to have nice food.”

As she tied my curly hair and neatly arranged it, I felt like sighing again at Mrs. Marie’s words. Going to the mansion was the problem.

It was obvious from my father’s attitude yesterday that there was no way I could refuse the invitation.

First of all, I should clearly explain my current situation.

I was born within the Duchy of Rheinfont, which is a part of the Loftan Empire, the largest empire in this world.

The former emperor of the Loftan empire bestowed some territory upon his younger brother and recognized his right to independent control over it. This then developed into the current Duchy of Rheinfont.

Though technically an independent province, it had operated more like a duchy of the empire in its initial years. So even now, the Lord of Rheinfont was widely referred to as the Grand Duke, but he was actually the ruler of an independent country.

Moreover, since the blood of the royal family of the Loftan empire flows through their veins, the death of the royal family would put the Duke of Rheinfont first in line to the throne.

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And finally, this is the family my father has devoted his life and loyalty to. In other words, I might have to flee the empire itself if I want to escape the clutches of evil Kirsec.

To tell the truth, I never expected Kirsec’s interest in me to persist so long. Children quickly gain interest in new things and just as quickly loses it. Even a new toy will be readily discarded once its novelty wears off and a newer toy comes along.

But even that passing interest was so scary that I started worrying about the long run.

After being in his company for a few days, I have this feeling that Kirsec has a more terrible personality than I have seen till now. If he is left to his own devices, will he suddenly come to his senses as if struck by lightning once he reaches adulthood?

Obviously not! I have no doubt he will grow to be a rude, indifferent, selfish man on a power trip. It was disturbing to even imagine the presence of such a man in my vicinity.

If it was Kirsec who had invited me, I would’ve somehow avoided going, but it is beyond my power to refuse the Grand Duke.

“What’s wrong? Don’t you want to go?”

Mrs. Marie had finished tying my hair and noticed the vexation I was failing to hide. It has only been three days since we’ve been together, but Mrs. Marie took care of me very diligently. The atmosphere between us was comfortable, like we’ve known each other for much longer.

I felt tempted to confess that I didn’t want to go to the mansion, but then I would also have to explain the reason. I didn’t want to complicate the situation and make my father worry, so I shook my head.

“No, it’s okay.”

Mrs. Marie was still looking at me uncertainly when the Duke’s carriage pulled up. I waved to Mrs. Marie and got into the carriage.

Who knows, since it was the Grand Duke who had invited me, I might not even meet Kirsec. And even if we did, we will have the adults around us during the meal.

But my hopeful thoughts were shattered as soon as I arrived at the mansion and got off the carriage.

“Welcome, Miss Aide. There is still time before the meal starts. The Grand Duke wishes you to have a light tea with the young master in the meantime.”

The owner of this mansion, the Grand Duke, is someone really good at stabbing people in the back.

Just call me when it’s time for the meal! Why are you making tea time appointments with other people at will!

Since the meeting with the devil was now inevitable, I pressed down hard on my chest to calm myself and followed the butler.

I was already dreading this meeting. Knowing he would not let me be if caught, I had openly avoided Kirsec until just before I left the Duke’s mansion.

This means I can no longer pull through by acting innocent.

Now that I’m cornered, I shudder to think about what that little devil would do.

Although my “father-shield” is close by, even a child can be frighteningly savage with sneaky tricks. If he starts to secretly harass me, they would only find me after I’m six feet under.

I nervously entered the room to find Kirsec already present and seated.

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