Chapter 40 (1/2)

Chapter 40: Chapter 40

When my father returned home, the atmosphere of my house seemed to have changed.

I felt warm and cozy in my house that seemed so empty and lonely before.

He must have been very tired, riding all the day from the faraway borders, but as soon as he changed his clothes, he came to talk with me.

“You look haggard. Did anything happen to you while I was away? ”

“Nope, nothing particular.”

When I looked at his anxious expression, I felt like something was coming up from my heart. However, I didn’t say anything about it. While looking at me silently for a long time, he pulled me into his arms. As if he let out a sigh, I felt his warm breathing on top of my head.

“Are you sure? Anyway, you must have been distressed while I was away.”

“… ”

“I’m sorry I came back late without any notice. I should have realized you were worried. It’s my fault, honey.”

“Dad.”

“Hmmm, let me give the butler a piece of my mind. You look so pale even though nothing has happened to you, which means the butler neglected his duty.”

“No, Daddy…”

Did I really look so pale? In fact, I could hardly eat food because I was on edge for some time. I hesitated for a moment. What should I do? I couldn’t tell him about my situation in detail, but I couldn’t let the butler be taken to task for something beyond his control.

“Tia.”

“Yes, Dad.”

When I was hesitant, my father said, lightly patting my back, “I don’t want to ask. Tell me whenever you feel comfortable enough.”

I was touched by his warm consideration and trust that I felt after a long time. Suddenly, I had a lump in my throat.

“Thanks, Daddy.”

“You’re welcome, honey.”

“How about you, Daddy? Did everything go well? I think you must have had lots of hardship, travelling all over the empire … ”

“As the central government was well prepared, I found the situation was under control. On the way back to the capital, I had some problems, which delayed my arrival here.”

“I see. That’s a relief!”

There was silence for a moment. When I was hesitating because I didn’t want to get out of his cozy arms, he whispered, “Don’t worry too much.”

“… ”

“I didn’t want to mention it anymore, but you look so nervous. It looks like you are nervous because you didn’t solve the issue in a satisfactory manner. But the emperor must have fully understood my intention. So, he won’t be able to take action recklessly. ”

‘Really?’ I trust my father, but can I really feel okay? Given His Majesty’s expression, it looked like he wouldn’t agree easily.

“Tia.”

When I looked up at him, he sighed deeply and hugged me. I felt that my arms were trembling. I was going to ask why, but stopped because it was me, not him.

“I want to leave…”

I moved my lips before I knew it and spoke with a sigh.

Hesitant a bit, my father said, “Sure. Why not?”

“Pardon? Are you serious?”

“Sure. Why don’t you stop by my estate on this occasion? You never visited there before, right?”

“I’d love to, but… ”

“Good. I’m going to ask the emperor for vacation leave tomorrow, so be prepared. Let’s go together.”