Chapter 48: 48

Hertman’s expression hardened at the Grand Duke’s suggestion who proposed an opportunity to relax.

“Because he doesn’t have any peers, I don’t think he can have proper social skills. And when you see a child as bright as your daughter, you must feel something. Don’t worry. Isn’t it just a light tea time?”

When the Grand Duke even said this, it was even harder for Hertman to refuse. Occasionally refusing to come over and have a cup of tea would seem like an act of showing off power.

He was already very anxious to be left with a wolf who had a high eye despite being young, and had shown good feelings for his daughter. But there was no way he could refuse, so Hertman could not hide his displeasure and nodded his head. The Grand Duke clicked his tongue at Hertman’s stiff action.

Of course, this was for his son. In any case, it would be the daughter of that savvy, stone-like man. It’s that easiness that blushes his face red at the mention of “love” and seems to wag his tail right away. Besides, Hertman’s daughter isn’t interested herself, but he’s not the only one who likes her.

He’s tempting Hertman and his daughter too. His son’s difficult future was already in sight. But what can he do, even if he hates it, he was his son. He should use his hand like this.

“Not often. Bring her in about twice a week so he can watch and learn. Please do me a favor.”

The Grand Duke even politely said ‘please’. In the end, Hertman was stuck and, unless there was a specific reason, he had to bring his daughter to the Grand Duke’s residence. Seeing him nodding his head bluntly, the Grand Duke swallowed a sigh.

“Now, shall we resume the meeting that was paused?”

4. The reason why I hated it

“Aren, you will go to the Grand Duke’s residence in two days.”

No, what kind of lightning in the middle of the day like this?

When I got home, I was enjoying the serenity, thinking that I would no longer have anything to do with Kirsec. Freedom from that little devil! I was hopping with this.

Then, the news my father gave me after work almost grabbed me by the back of the neck.

“Why am I going to the Grand Duke’s residence again?”

“The Grand Duke asked. He said that he would like the Young Master to have friends his age. All you have to do is go have a cup of tea with the Young Master and come.”

“Isn’t it better to be friends with someone other than me?”

“He wants the Young Master to see and learn about your dignity and cleverness. The Grand Duke saw you very well.”

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No, you bloody duke! After rescuing a person from drowning, he gave me weight as well. He helped me at best, and passed it onto the next day.

I didn’t like the task given to me, so that compliment didn’t sound like a compliment. My cheeks bulged out with my sullen heart. Then my father’s hand came down my chin and brushed my hair. My head shook like a puppet with his strength. But I didn’t hate my father’s easy-going and merciless touch, so I stayed still.

“Aren.”

“Yes?”

I lifted my head as my father called, after stroking my hair for a while. Then the hand that was stroking my hair touched my shoulder, and my father knelt down to meet my gaze. It was a very stiff face. As he looked like he had something important to say, I tensed up and looked at my father’s lips.

Does he have anything to say about what happened today? Was I too bold in front of the Grand Duke? Isn’t being too childish a problem? I am not his daughter? Who am I? Maybe I’ll hear something like this?

We’ve only just become close, and we’ve become like family, but when I realized the tickling sensation of my father’s affection, I thought like I was hated.

Then came the regret for what I had done. If I had known it would be like this, I wouldn’t have gone out of my way. I was filled with sadness as if I had become a real child. But no matter what my father said, I clenched my teeth so as not to cry.

“Do you not want to go to the Grand Duke’s residence?”

“Yes?”

I was holding my eyes tight so that I wouldn’t cry, but strange words that came made my head go blank. I was going to answer ‘No! I’m Dad’s daughter! It’s really Arendine!’

“You don’t have to go if you don’t want to.”

Another large hand came up and tapped my head. My dazed mind returned because of that action. And, in a different sense, suddenly, tears welled up.

First of all, I’m glad and awkward that he didn’t ask anything. Second, I’m glad and thankful that I don’t have to go if I don’t want to.

My ears were ticklish and the tip of my nose was tingling with emotion. My heart, frozen with fear, melted like ice in the middle of the day. A sense of relief spread in an instant.

My father has a knack for making people excited in strange places. Unable to hide the unfamiliarity, I rubbed my mouth. In times like these, I am fortunate to have a childish body. It’s okay because I’m too young to be teased like this.

“Let this father know. Do whatever you want.”

When my father first tells me that with a strong gaze, I start to roll my feet without realizing it. I am so happy to have parents who support me. It felt like nothing in the world was scary.

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