Chapter 17 Father's Embrace
"Haah... I'm tired..."
The party had ended in great success.
Thanks to my planned performance and the buzz surrounding the dress design created by ManMan, the nobles happily chatted until the very end.
If there was one problem, it was that all the greetings and socializing left me with no time to eat. By the time the party ended and night fell, I hadn't had a single bite.
"I'm hungry... and I want to take a bath..."
At least I achieved my initial goal—establishing my presence in a social setting (probably). Now, I just wanted to rest.
Fortunately, the maids, including Lisa, were handling the cleanup, so I only needed to make my way back to my room.
Ah, but since Lisa wasn't around, I'd have to prepare my own food and bath—
"Ah..."
As I walked down the hallway, a sudden wave of dizziness hit me.
My vision blurred, and my body wavered uncontrollably.
Before I could brace myself, I felt my legs give out, and I collapsed toward the floor.
I thought, "This is dangerous." Just before I hit the ground, strong arms caught me.
"Are you okay, Yumie?"
"...Father."
As my dizziness subsided, I was surprised to see my father standing there.
I thought he had left the party early to meet with the prince. Was it already over?
"Be careful. Watch your step."
"Yes... I'm sorry..."
I quickly apologized and tried to stand on my own, but my legs wouldn't cooperate.
They gave out again, and my father caught me a second time.
"You seem really tired. Let me carry you to your room."
"...I'm sorry."
My father gently lifted me into his arms.
Even though I was already ten years old, and I thought I must be heavy, he carried me effortlessly, his face full of concern.
"You're quite light. Are you eating properly?"
"I am eating! You're just too strong, Father."
"Then why were you swaying like that? If you're eating, are you not sleeping?"
"......"
I wanted to say I was sleeping well, but I couldn't lie.
Lately, my schedule had been packed—etiquette lessons for the party, physical training, magic practice...
I studied the latest trends with Mother every day to keep up with noble conversations.
These past three months had been intense.
I knew overworking was bad for my skin, but... I guess I had pushed myself too hard.
"Yumie... I'm sorry."
"Why are you apologizing, Father?"
On the way to my room, my father suddenly spoke, his tone heavy with guilt.
I tilted my head, confused, as he gently patted my back.
"Until now, I haven't been much of a parent. I've made you shoulder unnecessary burdens. And now… I've pushed you to the point where you can barely stand."
"...I'm not being pushed at all. I'm just doing what I want to do."
"But the real you is probably more mischievous, isn't that right? Lisa told me so."
Lisa... what did you tell him?
Did she say I was forcing myself to play the role of a "cute daughter"?
"You don't have to wear a mask. Just grow up healthy and lively as yourself. Even if you do nothing... you are my daughter."
His clumsy words carried so much sincerity that I was moved.
But I couldn't let this misunderstanding go unaddressed.
"Thank you, Father. I'm really happy. But I'm not forcing myself at all—I promise."
"Even so..."
"Didn't you ever want to look 'cool' when you were young?"
My question made him pause for a moment.
"That's true... I suppose I did. Though, since meeting Riffia, I might've been desperate to look better."
"See? I'm the same. I just want to be a little cuter—especially in front of important people."
When I said "important people," my father's eyes widened slightly.
Of course, Lisa was important to me too, but this was my genuine feeling.
I wasn't forcing myself; I simply wanted to be cute and seen as cute.
"What do you think, Father? Was I cute today?"
I looked up at him, feeling nervous about how I appeared in his eyes.
He smiled softly, his expression relaxing, and gently patted my head.
"Ah... you were very cute. You looked more radiant than anyone else there. My proud daughter."
"Hehe... then it was worth the effort. I'm so happy!"
I might've looked radiant because of my magic, but I didn't need to point that out.
Instead of making some dull comment, I hugged him tightly.
"So, Father... if you think I'm cute, tell me often and praise me. That way, I'll feel reassured that I'm truly loved."
My Father was great at his work, but relationships—especially family bonds—weren't his strong suit.
Simply wishing for something wouldn't make it happen, and when he didn't know what to do, he'd freeze up and do nothing.
So I made sure to voice my wishes clearly, asking directly for what I needed.
"Okay, I understand. I'll say it as many times as you want... You are my most adorable daughter in the world."
Hearing his words and feeling his strong yet gentle arms, I felt completely at ease.
Content and happy, I closed my eyes and drifted off into a peaceful sleep.
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