Chapter 15 - I’ll Protect My Family (2) (1/2)

Knock knock.

That evening, Elena knocked on her father’s door at Mirabelle’s request. Her father would only be at home for only a few days before leaving for the capital again. This time would likely be the same. Her heart was filled with longing for her father who she didn’t see often, but this was the first time she privately visited him since arriving back in the past because she found it difficult to talk to him. Even now, she felt like she couldn’t express her feelings honestly. If only she could a little bit more cute and charming like Mirabelle, or if she could live up to her father’s expectations like her brother…

She clenched and unclenched her hands nervously. The gruff voice of Alphord came from inside the room.

“Come in.”

At his permission, Elena carefully open the door and stepped inside. Alphord was sitting at a large desk with a tall stack of papers to one side. She wasn’t the only one who had been busy. He probably had more paperwork than her since he was always gone for long periods.

He glanced up at Elena, who was standing there silently, then opened his mouth to speak first.

“What is it?”

She tried to recall what she had said to those familiar words, but could not find a greeting for her father. She had taken care of her family since she was young and grew up clever and quick-witted, but Alphord acted rather bluntly towards his family. She often felt mistreated about her father’s and brother’s behaviors, but somehow she ended up as the image of those two.

“I’m apologize if you’re busy. I came to ask you something. I want to take Mirabelle to the tea party hosted by Marchioness Holland.”

“Mirabelle? No matter how well she is doing this days, she may have another seizure if you strain her. Try to attend these social gatherings by yourself.”

As a family of prestigious knights, the Blaises valued power most. They tended to think little of the politics and gossip of society, and to him Elena’s life was merely children’s play. Of course, Elena understood that way of thinking having grown up in a knight’s family, but she did not approve of neglecting this aspect of society. They should never take gossip lightly. The value of it was better understood by Elena, who had already lived through a lifetime once.

“Mirabelle must eventually lead a social life as a countess. She said she wanted to go to the party herself. You know you can’t stop her from going out forever. I’ll bring her back safely, so you can leave her care to me.”

“Mirabelle is not healthy like you. You will put her at risk.”

“I’m worried about Mirabelle’s health too. But no matter how weak she is, you can’t raise her like a bird in a cage. I think you should listen to Mirabelle for once. We’ll be very careful to come back.”

Elena wasn’t careless about her sister’s health. She wasn’t doing this just as a favor to Mirabelle because she was mending her dress, but because it was what her sister really wanted.

Alphord stared silently at Elena as he ruminated over her words, then spoke to her with an inscrutable expression on his face.

“Elena, you’re not talking like yourself. Since when did you start challenging me?”

Elena felt shamed by her father’s scolding. She couldn’t remember what she was like to her father in the past. Did she say things like this to him back then?

“I–”

Elena tried to explain with trembling eyes, but Alphord snapped at her.

“Alright. If you want her to go so much, she can go.”

“Ah…Thank you, Father.”

“If something happens to Mirabelle, you will be held responsible.”

“…”