Chapter 82
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 82
Chapter Title: Papa
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Midnight, near the imperial palacean Eastern-style mansion.
It was the residence of the Ryumin family, one of the Empire's renowned noble houses and members of the Seven Stars.
The mansion's servants greeted their master.
Lord Odel. You've returned.
Yes.
The head of the house, Odel, headed straight to a certain place.
He figured she might still be there at this hour.
And his guess was spot on.
When Odel opened the door, an artificial garden in the center of the mansion came into view.
Beneath the pouring moonlight, there was a small spring in the garden.
The woman standing before it spotted Odel and cried out.
Papa!
Odel's eyes caught a cascade of black hair.
His daughter Sia, so precious he could place her in his eyes without pain.
She threw herself into his arms.
Baby. Were you waiting up instead of sleeping?
Papa! Sias all grown up now!
Sia, who had just started university this year, puffed out her cheeks and looked up at Odel.
Odel knew full well.
She was his one and only daughter, born after hed passed fifty. Spoiling her endlessly had turned her into a bit of a spoiled brat.
Even so, Odel had no choice but to pretend he couldnt resist her whims today as always.
Thats... right. Sias a grown-up now. So, hows school life treating you? Made a lot of friends?
Yes! Ive already got two! Ill introduce them to you later, Papa.
Im looking forward to that.
Odel sat on a bench in the garden, and Sia plopped down right next to him, sticking close.
With both of them so busy, this was the only time the father and daughter could spend together.
Yes! But Papa, how was the Seven Stars gathering today?
Hmm... Same as always.
Papa.
Hm?
Tell me honestly. Did something happen today?
Oh no.
He couldnt hide it from her after all.
Sia looked up at Odel with worried eyes.
Even he, the Empires Prime Minister, struggled to conceal his true feelings from his precious daughter.
The truth would be out by tomorrow morning anyway.
Odel finally spoke.
Hmm... Truth is, I met with Count Ruelverta today.
What?!
Sia jumped in surprise, frantically checking Odels body.
Are you okay? What did that man do to you!?
Im fine. It wasnt just meI met him with the other Seven Stars members.
With the Seven Stars? So youre saying Count Ruelverta came to the gathering?
Thats right. Izarkhel recommended bringing Ruelverta into the Seven Stars, so we went to a vote. And... Ruelverta is now one of us.
What??
The relationship between the Empires Seven Stars and Ruelverta was the worst of the worst.
So it was only natural that Sia couldnt believe theyd joined hands.
Itll probably make the morning papers tomorrow. Therell be quite the uproar.
How could Ruelverta join the Seven Stars? Did you try to block it but fail, Papa?
No. I voted in favor.
Papa...?
Odel cleared his throat.
Its complicated to explain, but... I judged it was the better option. If Ruelverta becomes one of the Seven Stars, we can expect a lot from it.
The power of the Ruelverta family was immense.
The Seven Stars, once a mighty power bloc but now reduced to a mere social club, could regain its former dignity.
After a moments thought, Sia nodded.
If Papa judged it that way, then Sia believes it. Youve never been wrong. But... Im still worried. Even if you say so, isnt Count Ruelverta too dangerous?
A shadow fell over Sias face.
Papa. Sias scared. Scared he might threaten you...
Sia had every reason to worry.
Ruelverta was too strongstronger than all the Seven Stars families combined could handle.
That was no power befitting a mere counts house.
Youre right, baby. Ruelverta is far too dangerous. I dont trust Count Tristan either.
Above all, the head of that Ruelverta was Tristan, known as a genius of villainy.
Through this incident, he might seize even greater power in ways no one anticipated.
But precisely because of that, bringing him into the Seven Stars might be the safer bet.
However, if Tristan becomes one of the Seven Stars upholding this nation, he wont be able to act as recklessly as before. And above all, I wont let him.
He said that, but inwardly, Odel harbored concerns.
If, as Tristan claimed, chaos engulfed the nation...
Could they even contain Ruelverta?
Sia spoke slowly.
I trust you, Papa. If you judged it that way, it mustve been the best choice.
Thank you...
Odel stroked Sias hair.
She was his priceless treasure.
And one day, she would succeed him as head of the Ryumin family.
Sia was overflowing with talent and sharp as could be.
Even setting aside that she was his daughter, Odel was convinced she was the caliber to lead the nation somedayshe was that exceptional.
But... right now, she was just a girl whod barely started university.
That was why he couldnt tell her about Tristans mention of the Hero.
Whether true or not, it was a grave matter that could decide the nations fate.
At the very least, until that day Tristan spoke of arrived, he wanted Sia to attend school as an ordinary student.
Ill be very busy starting tomorrow. Ive got meetings with the court officials and all sorts...
Sia believes Papa will handle it perfectly.
Right. With you here, Ive got to give it my all.
Hehe...
Sia beamed.
A childs smile was always the best when it was pure and innocent.
Odel couldnt help but smile tenderly.
Then, a thought suddenly crossed his mind.
By the way... baby. Youve been coming home pretty late lately. Is something going on?
Huh...?
In that brief instant, Odel didnt miss Sias hesitation.
Uh... I just lose track of time hanging out with friends...
Oh...? Friends, you say?
Odels eyes narrowed slightly.
Sia waved her hands, denying any suspicion.
No, no! Theres nothing for you to worry about, Papa!
If there was truly nothing to worry about, you wouldnt react like this...
...!
Suspicion turned to certainty.
To the speechless Sia, Odel said in a quiet voice.
Baby... I dont care who you make friends with. Even if theyre not befitting the Ryumin familys status. If you judged them worthy, then they are.
Yes...
But no men...
P-Papa?!
Sia shot to her feet in shock.
Papa! Its not like that! I dont have a boyfriend!
Friends are fine if theyre girls. But guy friends? Theres no such thing as friendship between men and women.
Oh come on! I said no!
...
Odel sighed.
Itd be weirder if the boys at school werent eyeing my flawless daughter. My fault for not seeing it coming. If Id known, I shouldve sent her to that boarding girls academy on the outskirts...
What?!
No, it might not be too late. Ill talk to President Mondri tomorrow about transferring.
Sia panicked at how serious he was.
Papa! How many times do I have to say it? No boyfriend! And Im an adult now! I can have a boyfriend or...
Absolutely not. I wont accept it.
Papa! Are you for real?
Yes. Not even when dirts in my eyes!
Then how about water!
Gah?!
A jet of water from Sias magic struck Odel right in the eyes.
My eyes!
Papa! I hate you!
Fuming, Sia stomped across the floor and stormed back to her room.
Urk...! Baby! Dont leave me!
She was his flawless daughter, yet why did his eyes sting with tears?
All that echoed was the pitiful groan of the old nobleman clutching his eyes and rolling on the floor.
The next morning.
The news of my induction into the Seven Stars had spread faster than expected.
By the time my carriage reached the academy, unpleasant sights were visible outside the window.
First came the reporters with their press armbands.
They looked ready to use that expensive photography magic.
All eager to interview me, no doubt.
Some were already snapping photos of the carriage.
But it wasnt just reporters.
Groups that looked like students held up placards.
Give us back our student cafeteria!
The school belongs to the students! Stop the chairmans atrocities!
The funny part was they all wore masks like youd see at a masquerade ball.
Probably afraid of my retaliation.
I hadnt expected the nobles kids to step up so boldly and voice their opinions.
Were nobles truly unable to stand by injustice?
Some reporters were interviewing them.
I could already guess tomorrows headlines.
How dreadful...
Helga Wolfbert, my escort knight seated across from me, muttered while eyeing them.
The thought of those plebs possibly touching Your Excellencys noble person gives me chills.
Youre the one giving me chills...
But dont worry, Your Excellency. Ive got it all figured out.
Whats that?
Did she have some clever plan?
Helga had been Aslans vice-captain not long ago.
Shed climbed through fierce competition for a reason.
At my question, Helga thumped her chest confidently.
Yes. If we execute a few as examples, they wont dare harm you.
........
Scratch that thought.
This ones just thoughtless.