Suddenly there was something pressing on me, but I struggled to put up with it. Should I just throw the handkerchief at him and run?
It was a gift from me, but I hated my dad, who stood there without another word or reply. Bastard. I would have you payback for this humiliation one day.
At that moment the shadow in front of me had suddenly turned smaller. Huh? No, the shadow wasnât getting smaller. It was Caitel whoâs getting close to me.
âYou have to tie it on me yourself.â
Huh� Huh?
Itâs Dad. My eyes widened. My dad was back!
âAre you not going to tie it for me?â
Where was he all this time!? He was so in trouble now! Just where was this nice Caitel all this time? Heâs not the same person from yesterday. His face and body, the way he looked at me were different. The man I was gazing at the moment was really my dad.
I was very emotional for a moment, but I forced myself to hold back my tears and move my small hands. I tied the handkerchief Serira gave me to his arm. Even though my hands were small and clumsy and slow, Caitel waited patiently.
I tied it all up and when I lifted my eyes, I faced his crimson eyes again. It wasnât that cold look yesterday, but it seemed a little empty. I liked it anyway. Itâs his eyes; the eyes that I know. When I stretched out my arms, Caitel held me like he used to. I felt like I was about to cry.
Yeah, heâs already accustomed to me. Itâs not just me! Heâs already my slave! Itâs clear because itâs already so natural for him. Didnât he think so? I was proud and sad. Frankly speaking, it was an unknown feeling and a strange emotion.
âWas it 3 months?â
Huh? What three months?
I opened my eyes wide and Caitel smiled.
âFine, Iâll end it.â
Caitel put his hand on my head. The warmth of his large hand was most pleasing.
âJust wait 3 months. You hear me?â
What about waiting�
Oh, was he talking about how children could only remember for three months? However, three months? Serira said I wouldnât be able to see him for at least six months.
âPapa!â
When I called Caitel as he rode his horse, he looked back at me, following my voice.
That bastard, if he would be like this I could forget about how cold he was to me yesterday. Now I couldnât hate him even if I wanted to. I must have grown to like him already.
âDonât cause any trouble.â
I was not the one who causes trouble, he did. I shouted as hard as I could, at Caitel as he rode on his horse.
âTake care!â
At the same time, the sound of a horn filled the area. Seeing the ladies crying from one side, I looked back at Caitel. Suddenly, I felt the pressure. I see I wouldnât see him for at least 6 months. With the voices of the people who sent their children and husbands to war, I shouted hard even if he probably couldnât hear me.
âPromise!â
I didnât think heâd hear it, but Caitel suddenly looked back at me. I wanted to show him a smile, but I couldnât; I wanted to send him off with a smile, but I just couldnât. As I frowned, Caitel smiled at me.
His smile at that moment was so dazzling to my eyes.
âFerdel!â
There were only four people in this palace who called him that way. The first was his close friend and superior Caitel, the second is his close friend Assisi, and the third was Dranste, the teacher of Caitel, whom he saw from time to time. The last one was a new blessing born in this imperial palace.
Princess Ariadna.
He didnât get used to her at the beginning, but now he smiled brightly and turned his back to that little childâs voice. As he expected, It was Ariadna, the only princess of Arigent.
âPrincess!â
Sheâs so cute while sheâs running from a distance.
Ferdel swallowed his breath. The child was so cute that everyone would give her a big smile. Sheâs just so adorable that everyone was almost tired of saying how cute she was. Obviously, Ferdel was one of those people drenched in that cuteness.
âMy princess, now youâre running so well!â
âYes. Iâm a little good at running.â
Even that pretentious look was cute. Ferdel wanted to cuddle her and smile at her delightedly. The child was tired of lifting her head, so he lowers his body. Their eyes were now facing at the same level.
âWhat were you doing?â
âI was about to go back now.â
The child nodded at Ferdelâs smile. He then suffered an impulse to pat her head. âI want to pat her so bad.â He stared at the childâs small head.
âI want to pat her, too!â
âWhereâs daddy?â
âOh, Your Majesty?â
Ferdel thought for a moment, calming his hands from shaking to bear the urge to pat her.
âI sent him documents for payment after lunch with him, but Iâm not sure if heâs in the office. The radius of Caitelâs actions is obvious, so itâs probably either his office or drill hall, but heâs probably now in the office since the princess was here.â
âMaybe heâs in the drill hall?â
Ria looks back to ask about the word she didnât know about. Serira, standing behind her, smiled and patted the princess on the head.
âThatâs what I wanted to do!â
His eyes glisten with envy.
âIâm holding back even though I want to do it!â
He didnât hate Serira, but he hated her for doing what he couldnât do right in front of him.
âI canât do it even if I want toâŚâ
No, in fact, he could have done it if he wanted to. He could just close her eyes and pat her head. Pat her hair and run away!