44 Chapter 12: Forgotten 4 (1/2)

When we reached the banquet hall, I noticed the music has stopped. Everyone just stood there waiting.

But waiting for what?

Papa walks towards me and reaches a hand out to me. Levi whispered, ”I'll meet you later at the dance.” I turned to him but saw him walking away already.

Confused now, I looked at Papa and just grabbed the hand he offered.

He guides me to the dance floor and then bowed before me. ”Will you dance with this old man, my princess?”

I can't help but to smile. ”Of course, Papa. I would love to dance with you!”

He beams at me with his kind eyes, standing up straight as I place my hand over his and another on his shoulder.

I saw Aeron steps in with Mama from across us. We exchanged glances and just nodded at each other. It's like saying 'Let's do this!' or something apt to it.

The music began and the final dance commences.

I see the people watching us in a smile as we glided through the dance floor. The feet movements became easier for me to follow though the steps were larger than before. ”You had trouble awhile ago?” Papa spoke. I gaze at him and saw his kind eyes fixed at me. ”It was nothing big. My friends helped me.”

”I'll talk to that boy's father for what he had caused you.”

”There's no need, Papa. It has been taken care of. Let him be.”

”That's what I like about you, my princess. Brave, clever, and kind. You're growing up very well.”

”No, it's in the genes!” I winked

He laughs but that slowly fades into a frown, ”I owe you so much time, my love. I lost so many years in watching you grow up. I've always been away while you widen your horizons alone. Many bad things happened to you because of that. I'm sorry.” He leans his forehead against mine and closed his eyes shut. ”I should've been there to protect you. I should've been the father to raise you. But I failed.”

This warmth inside my chest feels nice, I thought. In my previous life, I grew up in a broken family. I never had the father to treat me like this.

This is one of the best things in this second life I have. The chance to experience the love of a father. And I love it.

This life I have now is too precious to end.

”It's alright, Papa. I was never alone. Aeron stood by my side every step of the way. He's actually very protective of me.” I reached for his face and tried to catch his eyes, ”I never thought for a second of my life that you're a failure as my father. I know you're working hard to make this country great and peaceful for the people— for us. You're doing your best, Papa. And I know of it.”

He presses his lips on the palm of my hand then kissed my head. ”How amazing of a Lady you're becoming... And a splendid woman you will be, I'm sure. I'm proud of you, my princess.”

I lifted my head and smiled at him, ”No, Papa. I'm proud to be your daughter.”

”You give me too much credit, child. This old fool can't handle too much praises in one day!” He chuckled.

”Just let me pamper you this once then!” I giggled. He laughs along.

We stopped on our feet and he makes me spin in place, slowly. ”Happy birthday, my princess!” He pokes the tip of my nose.

I threw myself on his arms and embraced him tight. ”Thank you for this party and spending this evening with us.”

He hugged me back and then pats my head as I released him. ”Oh, I see you're finally using Eriol's present for you.”

I looked up at him and realized he's eyeing the hair clip I wore near my bangs. ”What do you mean, Papa? This is given to me by Levi.”

”Oh? Strange. I think I saw the same one from Eriol in a small blue box. My mind must have played tricks on me.”

A blue box? Levi gave me this in a red box though. Papa must've confused Eriol over Levi since I've been always spending time with both of them.

He took a deep breath and beamed at me. ”You're a bright young girl. I trust your better judgement. So don't hesitate to follow your heart as well.” He says.

I tilted my head curiously, crunching my brows.

”I meant what I said about affiliating our country with Osteell and Levi is a fine young Lord.” Papa jerks his head to the side, ”But I know there's also another fine young man in our presence. His background or past doesn't define him. And I know you know that too.”

I followed the direction Papa was referring to and saw Eriol standing in a corner, mixed in the crowd as he watch us.

”I'm always here to support you.”

My eyes grew wide.

”W-why suddenly bring Eriol in this?” I flustered.

”Oh, my child. Despite being bright, it seems there's still a long way for you to go.” He laughed. ”Even Aeron already realized it.”

”Realize what?” I murmured.

He just pats my head and then walks off.

I don't get it.

I looked at Aeron and Mama and saw them finished dancing as well.

Aeron walked towards me and just reached his hand out. ”I'll admit greed and ask for another dance with my own twin sister.” he stated. ”Quickly, give me your hand. Bowing is too bothersome at this point.

Hurry up now! Your hand, dimwit!”

I just rolled my eyes and took his hand anyway as I watch people walking in to fill the dance floor by pairs.

”So who manage to give it first?” Aeron asks. I began to moved to my toes then relaxes by my ankle, ending on a flat foot.

”Give what?”

Aeron mirrors my movements. Paused then spun me in my heels.

”That awful looking thing on your hair.”

”Hey! This is Levi's present! If you must know, I think this hair clip is very cute!”

”Levi, huh? Hmm. Tough competition, I must say.” He grunted. We rotated and we swayed, with our hands leading us to the direction. ”When did you see that clip anyway?”

”When we were in Ak'hilheim this morning.” I answered. ”But I swear I didn't ask him to buy this! I planned to buy it myself but I forgot to bring any money.”

”You dimwit, you could've just told me. And now tensions arises because of it”

”Tension?” I rolled my eyes up and aligned my thought.

Ah. He wants my hair clip?

But why, I wonder.

As we circled around the line of the dance, I saw Ifrit by the crowd, waving at me so cheerfully.

Oh, I get it.

Aeron wants to give it to Ifrit!

I have misunderstood things.

”I didn't know you want it. I think I saw two of this being sold back there. If you want we can just go back to Ak'hilheim!”

Aeron eyed me deadpan. ”Hopeless! You're hopeless! How dense can you be?”

”I don't want to hear that from you! There are girls who are throwing hints that they want you to ask them for a dance! I bet you don't even know that!”