<CHAPTER 04>

What on earth made this little girl grow up, James thought bitterly, knowing the reason made him even sadder.

It had already been eight years since his wife, Bella Mayfield, gave birth to Leila Mayfield and passed away.

I promised her that I would try to make Leila the happiest child, no matter what, so she need not worry…

But in truth, there were words he really wanted to say.

I miss you, Bella. How am I supposed to live alone without you?

James buried his roughened hands in his face and muttered, “I don’t know.”

He could not tell what was truly best for Leila or whether he had done well so far.

If even Leila leaves me… what should I do?

Tears pooled in his blue eyes and finally trickled down his chin.

He didn’t want to lose her. Somehow, even if the time was meaningless, he wanted to keep his daughter by his side a little longer. But…

His gaze, which had been on his daughter’s face, shifted again to the tightly written letters.

Reading the sentences containing his sick daughter’s final wishes, he slowly closed his eyes.

I have to keep my promise to Bella. Not for me, but so that Leila can be happy!

Brushing away the remaining tears with the back of his hand, he slowly pressed his lips to Leila’s forehead.

His silver hair brushed her forehead, causing Leila to wrinkle her nose in her sleep.

Seeing her like that, James quietly smiled and whispered one last time before leaving the room.

Sweet dreams, little one.

Hoping the quiet dawn would bury everything that happened in this room.

1.

The next day, I knocked on my father’s office door with determination.

After staying up late last night worrying, I had finally thought of a plan. The secret method Phoebe had told me long ago came to mind.

If the Duke would do whatever his daughter wants, no matter how difficult… Yes, this should work!

Although it was a deceitful way to trick my father, it was the only way to turn his heart without accumulating bad karma.

There was only one problem.

It’s a little… no, extremely embarrassing.

But if it’s to see the fireworks!

Come in.

I was ready to do anything.

My father welcomed me with a gentle smile as if he had known all along that it was I who knocked on the door.

But today, his usually radiant face looked tired.

What could my daughter possibly want here?

Soon, smiling as usual with eyes crinkling, my father rested his chin on his clasped hands and asked me.

I have something to tell you.

I cleared my throat lightly and stood before him.

Clasping my hands tightly, I looked up at my father, lowering my eyebrows as Isabella often did.

May I be allowed to go watch the festival, Father?

Yes.

The method Phoebe taught me was to call my father “Dad.”

Although I had thought that was something only babies did… Honestly, my whole body still tingled!

I have to endure it!

Recalling the cat the servants had raised, begging for treats with its wide eyes, I stared at my father as brightly as I could, then tightly closed my eyes in embarrassment.

2.

Caw?!

His behavior felt strangely different, but it was probably nothing serious.

A few days later, my first day out finally arrived.

Wearing the purple ribbon Phoebe had carefully tied in my hair, I headed toward the mansion entrance to meet Albert Benson, who was waiting with the carriage.

But it wasn’t just Albert Benson standing there.

As I got closer, someone about my height with sunlit golden hair and perfect posture became clearly visible.

Joshua?

Have you arrived, Miss? I thought it would be more enjoyable for you to have a peer companion at the festival, so I brought him along.

Miss, take good care of her.

Yes, Father.

Joshua nodded firmly and extended his hand to me.

Trust only me, Leila.

…You’re the least trustworthy person in the world.

I swallowed those words and took Joshua’s hand.

And…

I soon regretted it.

How could this happen…!

I crossed my arms and tapped one foot on the ground. I could not believe it.

How could this happen? I, I…

Have become lost!

Yes. I was lost.

Alone, separated from Albert Benson, the guard, and Joshua.

The festival had started off perfectly. It was everything I had hoped for.

The streets were filled with laughter, children running between stalls, and petals flying on the breeze under the clear blue sky.

I was immersed for the first time in freedom and new sensations that stimulated all my senses.

…Perhaps that excitement was the problem.

No matter what happens, don’t let go of my hand, understood?

When did I let go of Joshua’s hand, which he had repeatedly warned me not to?

I found myself drifting among a crowd of strangers as if pushed along by a wave.

I should have kept my wits about me!

Even though I knew not to rely on seemingly clever Joshua, I must have unconsciously relaxed.

By now, he must be crying again!

The thought of Joshua crying because I got lost, and my father worrying, appeared vividly in my mind.

I really can’t live!

For the sake of the two crybabies, I had to get back quickly…

Moving alone in this situation was usually a bad choice, but being separated from the group left me no option.

Sighing deeply, I began walking to where the carriage had been.

I carefully looked at shop signs and letters as I walked slowly.

Just before turning into a random alley, someone grabbed me.

Miss, have you lost your way?

The voice was annoyingly gentle.

Feeling like I was floating in midair, I opened my eyes wide.

My daughter! Did you just call me Dad? Oh my, it’s the first time since you were three!

My father lifted me up brightly smiling.

Yes, my daughter! How could I, your father, ever refuse the only daughter’s request?

His sky-blue eyes sparkled to the point of frightening me.

Phoebe didn’t mention this side effect!

This father would do anything for his daughter’s happiness.

He hugged me tightly, rubbing his cheek against mine like a baby.

I could only surrender, letting my body relax completely.

He’s really unusual.

Regardless, my father carefully placed me on his lap.

…However, there are some worries.

What are they?

What if something suddenly happens where I can’t see you? If monsters appear in the city suddenly? Or if someone holds a grudge against you…

I’m not going out alone. And monsters won’t appear suddenly in the city center. Finally… I haven’t yet faced anyone with a life-threatening grudge.

Yes. Not yet.

Answering each point carefully with a faint sigh, my father let out a weak laugh.

Yes. Our daughter, like her mother, is always smart and spirited. She’ll be fine.

My head snapped up at those words.

So you’re allowing it?

Unfortunately, Father has urgent business and cannot accompany you. You must stay with the physician and servants. If you feel unwell, return immediately, and…

I understand all that.

Father’s scolding continued for quite some time afterward.

To escape until night, I had to block his words with my palm, but the plan was a success!