Chapter 51 (2/2)

The emperor praised me after he remained silent for a while.

“Well, I thought I would give up your daughter, taking into account your request, Marquis, but I can’t. The more I see your daughter, the more I would like to have her as my daughter-in-law.”

“Your Majesty.”

“I’m sorry, Marquis. Maybe I should wait and see a little more. Regardless of her choice, we have some more time until she has come of age.”

I flinched when he said he thought of giving me up. Although I survived again, the existence of the grace period until my coming-of-age broke my heart. I had no regret for my actions, but I felt heavy somehow.

I looked around the garden which was charred here and there. When I saw the tree that barely survived after being caught in flames, I felt a little lighter. When I saw the silvery buds shaking gently, I was deeply touched by feelings beyond my description.

‘Since I saved you, are you going to show me flowers you’ve never shown me?’

Suddenly, the wind shook the branches. I smiled because they shook as if they were nodding.

‘I don’t regret having saved you because your fate was like mine.’

‘I think that I can do things that I could never do, if you can bloom flowers. So, let’s cheer up.

I’ll try my best for the rest of my life, so you must show me the flowers. Understand?’

While whispering to the softly glistening silver buds, I straightened my waist. Braving through the gray smoke rising from the burnt garden, I walked towards my father waiting for me.

“I’m sorry I’ve worried you, Daddy.”

My father, who looked silently even after my repeated apologies, sighed and pulled me into his arms. I leaned my head against his chest and checked his face.

“Are you angry?”

“… No, are you hurt?”

“No, I’m not. I’m okay.”

“Your clothes are sooty from the fire.”

“Oh, there were some sparks from the fire earlier. Um, I put them out quickly. I’m okay.”

I felt I made a mistake while responding casually. How stupid!

With a sigh, he said, “I don’t know why you looked like her so much.”

“Pardon? What do you mean…”

“If you are not hurt, that’s good. Let’s go back. ”

I felt uncomfortable all the way home because he looked very lonely today.

As he looked so lonely when he turned after saying goodnight, I grasped the end of his uniform unconsciously.

“What’s wrong with you?”

“…I feel like I can’t go to sleep. Can you stay with me? ”

A faint smile was on his face.

“Do you want to comfort me?”

“… ”

“I am so sorry to worry you, Tia. Thanks.”

I smiled gently at him, who was stroking my hair with a relaxed look.

As he said he would come back after changing his clothes, I nodded and took a shower.

When I returned to my bedroom, feeling refreshed, my father, who was waiting for me, pulled the blanket down and covered me carefully.

“Dad.”

“Yes.”

“Well…” I hesitated for a moment. What should I do?