Chapter 49 (1/2)

Finally he said, “So, in your dream, did you see the dark-haired girl in the year you turned sixteen? She appeared suddenly as if she fell from the sky?”

“Yeah. So, everyone said she was the child of God’s prophecy.”

“I see.”

After watching his hardened face, I decided to cut off the kind of story that could make him feel heartbroken. So, I said I was very unhappy because Jiun engrossed the crown prince’s love, and that I was falsely charged with treason because I was entangled in an unfortunate incident. My father’s face already hardened when I confided as far as that.

“Got it. Was it such a vivid dream? I guess you must have gone through a lot of distress.”

“Daddy.”

I thought he might not believe what I said. Because of my recent collapse, I even thought he might rebuke me, saying I was too weak. But I felt immense trust in him when he comforted me without showing any doubt about what I told him.

There was a loud crackling sound when the teapot and teacup entangled in the hem of my jacket hit each other. He was stunned when I suddenly jumped over the table. As he instinctively extended his hands, I jumped comfortably into his arms, sat on his lap, and wrapped my arms around his neck.

“Tia?”

When he asked in an embarrassed voice, I replied, burying my face in his chest, “Thanks, Daddy.”

“What do you mean?”

“Thanks for believing me, Daddy.”

He must have noticed my voice tinged with tears. He silently stroked my hair in his arms. I felt drowsy at his gentle touch. When I was about to fall asleep, I heard his low voice.

“How can’t I know my daughter?”

“…”

“Tia, I know you are not talking nonsense. I believe what you told me.”

“Daddy, thanks.”

“That’s why you said you hated him. You must have felt a lot of pressure as you so vividly recall it even if it was a dream.”

My father kept talking to me when I looked up at him blankly.

“As I heard you, I think I now know why you have been feeling nervous all along.”

“… ”

“I don’t think you would have recklessly talked about the imperial family and even treason if you had not believed it was not true. Even if it had been only a dream, you wouldn’t have dared to talk about it unless you’re 100% sure. I now know why you became haggard.”

“Why don’t you scold me?”

“Why? Scolding you because of the dream?”

When I nodded, he said with a faint smile, “Well, I can rebuke you because you’re weak enough to worry about your dream. There are certainly lots of people in the world who are having a more difficult time than you. But Tia… ”

“Yes, Dad.”

“How can I judge the severity of each person’s distress? Everyone is precious to themselves.

As far as your dream was concerned, it was your biggest concern, right?”

“… ”

“Didn’t you tell me that you overcame your problem by yourself? That is enough. Even if it was a small concern from an objective point of view, I can’t say you are weak if you have overcome it by yourself. I’m proud of you because you have overcome it by yourself.”

I felt relieved at his warm encouragement. I was also puzzled. Why was he hard on me at that time? When I looked up at him with a puzzled expression, he stopped stroking my hair for a moment.

“Why did you do that to me previously?”

“Yes, I know.”

“Back then… Well…” My father was obviously hesitant, but in no time he said with a sigh, “I knew you seemed to be worried about something, but you looked much more serious after you returned from the estate. Although I wanted to talk it out with you several times, I put up with it again. ”

“… ”

“I was nervous that you were becoming more and more haggard everyday, and my heart sank when I received a letter about you. The moment I found you spaced out, I felt as if the sky was going to fall. I blamed myself, thinking if I had pressed you to tell me the whole truth early on, you would not have ended up losing your mind. I lost your mother without even having her treated. So, I was afraid I might lose you, too.”

“… ”

“First of all, I felt it regrettable that you didn’t tell me anything until your condition got so serious. I got upset with myself because I thought I was not good enough to get your trust.”

I tightened my arms around his neck.

“That’s why I think I pressured you too much. I’m sorry, Tia. ”