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“Do I look like my mom?”
“Yes, your mom used to avoid eye contact and laugh when she was at a disadvantage. She smiled so brightly that I couldn’t see her eyes.”
“I see.”
I forced a smile and looked at my dad. Then, Dad smiled and looked at Kayle.
“Dad is a man who can do anything so the High Priest won’t come. If he does, he’ll get kidnapped.”
“Huh…?”
I didn’t know you could say kidnapping so easily.
It was natural for Kayle’s face to harden.
“…I- Can I just pretend to not know?”
“No, you’re kidnapped too. You know what you’re going to do when I get back, do you?”
Dad, you’re crazy.
Those words came out of nowhere. Kayle, who was in front of me, blinked slowly, as if he had the same feeling as me.
“Grand Duke?”
But Dad just laughed and didn’t answer. Then Kayle, who was scratching his head as if thinking about something later, smiled a bit.
“Is it for me?”
“What’s for you?”
“Are you taking care of me so I wouldn’t be told that I’m on the same side as the Grand Duke if this goes wrong?”
I made eye contact with my dad at the unexpected remark.
My dad, who would have said otherwise, shook his head strongly while looking at Kayle and I.
“Nonsense.”
“The more I look at the Grand Duke, the more different he seems to be from the rumors.”
“Stop talking nonsense and get kidnapped.”
“All right. But before that, the Grand Duke’s physical condition doesn’t seem to be good.”
“It’s not that I’m not feeling well. It’s just a bit of blood.”
To say that, he had blood all over his body. Kayle’s eyes looked as he said those obvious words, but my dad ignored him and shook the bell on one side of the room. The servants and knights quickly came inside.
Again, they looked at my dad with astonishment like Cecilia, who had turned pale and clung to the wall when I started attacking earlier.
“Capture the priest. You don’t have to be nice. Just provide decent accommodation and decent meals. And don’t tell anyone about this.”
“Thank you. It’s been a while since I’ve had a break.”
“What’s there to be thankful for? You’ve been kidnapped so be quiet. I made it clear. You’ve been kidnapped.”
“Right.”
Kayle, who was smiling for some reason, was escorted by the knights and attendants and went outside. Meanwhile, the servants and other knights were in a hurry to worry about my dad, trying to get him treated right away.
However, Dad erased that affectionate appearance he had today and spoke firmly towards them.
“Don’t talk nonsense and get out.”
“Y-Yes.”
Eventually, the servants and knights went out quickly at those words. Cecilia came to us, relaxing her stiff face.
“Your Highness, but the treatment…”
“There’s no need for treatment. The child’s powers aren’t dangerous, Cecilia.”
“Yes, I know. That’s why I didn’t go out. However, the treatment…”
“If you keep bothering me, I will tell you to leave.”
Then Cecilia sighed deeply and nodded.
“Then I’ll bring a towel soaked in warm water.”
“Do it on your own.”
Cecilia, who smiled slightly and nodded when her eyes met mine, walked to the bathroom like that. Then, my dad put me back on the bed.
“It can be difficult to explain everything and know everything, but I’m going to do it now because I haven’t done anything before.”
“What are you going to do…? Are you really going to kidnap him?”
“Before that, I will officially announce my wife and child to the High Priest so we can use the power for my wife.”
I just blinked my eyes.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m sure the Emperor will be intrigued by the appearance of the Grand Duchess and new family members. I’m sure he’ll want to see you. Then, Bebe, I’m not going to avoid him and take you to the Emperor.”
“Huh…?!”
My lips quivered at his unexpected words. Was this really okay?
“And then I’ll show you how I’m going to protect you and Adele.”
“But what if we screw it all up? Once he sees me… Daddy, are you really okay?”
“You are my daughter, Bebe. You’re my child regardless whether you’re my real daughter or not, so I’ll keep that promise. You don’t have to be intimidated by the existence of the Emperor forever. I won’t let you and Adele hide like this forever.”
“Daddy…”
Somewhere in my chest became heavy.
“There’s nothing to hide…”
“It’s not yours and Adele’s fault, so trust Daddy. I’m not going to stay still…”