~Chapter 11~
‘Please, let Dad get treatment before you take me away.’
Please!
I hunched my shoulders and rolled my eyes nervously. Grandpa let out a long sigh.
“Well… about, oh, five years left!”
He forced a laugh, but the mood didn’t get any lighter.
And honestly, I was the only one talking nonstop since earlier—my mouth hurt.
“…”
I decided to just shut up.
Every time I opened my mouth, it felt like I was sinking deeper into a pit.
“It’s not like I hated your father. Parents don’t hate their children…”
Grandpa frowned slightly as if recalling something bitter, then spoke slowly.
“…Well, I guess some might.”
That answer sounded a little grim.
“…”
“I only disciplined him because I wanted him to do better. My way was just… a bit harsh.”
I blinked at his words.
“If you wanted him to do better… why get mad?”
“…Because I thought maybe then he’d feel some ambition. I thought he’d push back, try harder, maybe even try to surpass me.”
What?
Dad? Compete with Grandpa? That didn’t make any sense.
Dad loves his family more than anything in the world.
He’s way too kind to turn into some heartless person just to beat his father.
“Why though?”
“Because I wanted him to become something.”
“But Dad’s not that kind of person.”
“Yeah, I know. He’s weak to the core…”
No, no! Why does his brain keep going that way?
I shook my head hard.
“No! My dad would never treat people he loves like that! Doing that to family is even weirder.”
Grandpa’s eyes widened at my strong words.
“If a dad says mean things, and then the kid tries to beat him up because of that—that’s even stranger, isn’t it?”
Why does someone choose not to fight back?
Maybe because the other person is way too strong and they know they’ll lose.
Or… maybe because that person is too precious, so you just don’t want to fight them.
“Dad’s not weak… he just didn’t want to fight you.”
“…What?”
“Even if Dad says something mean to me… yeah, I’d be really sad and hurt and upset…”
Ugh. Just imagining it makes me tear up, thinking about the past.
I pressed down on my eyelids and kept talking.
“But I still wouldn’t say something mean back.”
Because I know how much it hurts.
“Who would ever want to share pain like that with their own family?”
“……!”
I grinned and stomped my feet playfully.
“So you didn’t hate Dad after all. That’s a relief.”
Now all that’s left is for them to have a nice, honest talk and clear things up.
‘That way Grandpa can help us, and Dad might even get some inheritance.’
Especially with the barbarian subjugation—Grandpa’s help was a must. The damage in the territory had been serious.
“So how about it? Some quality reconciliation time with Dad?”
“R-Reconciliation… time?”
“Yeah! A time to open up, be honest, and really talk! You totally need it!”
I lifted my tiny thumb in approval.
“Of course I’ll stay out of it.”
Grandpa didn’t say anything.
Then suddenly—
“Hahaha!”
He burst into laughter.
“You really are something else.”
“I just don’t want Dad to be lonely. I get sick a lot… so Dad’s always sad and worried. So…”
Even if someday I die… even if I leave his side…
I want him to still have a life to live.
“Even if I move out someday, I think someone still has to stay by Dad’s side!”
Grandpa clicked his tongue, then flicked my forehead with his thumb and finger.
“Ow!”
It hurt way more than I expected. I grabbed my forehead with both hands, eyes wide.
“Kids shouldn’t be talking about independence and all that yet.”
“…Huh?”
“And as for your father… I’ll meet him soon. Now go play.”
After a moment of thought, Grandpa handed me a thick envelope.
“Here. Pocket money.”
“Dad says not to take bribes, even if I go out to play…”
“It’s not a bribe. Just take it.”
“Uh… okay!”
Well, money’s always good.
I tucked it neatly into my pocket, bowed politely, and headed toward Balux’s room.
“Bel, tell him to make some time soon.”
I heard Grandpa’s voice just before the door shut. Looked like my plan worked.
“Let’s go.”
“Mm-hm.”
I took Balux’s outstretched hand and was about to take a step when—
“Huh? Hey, big bro. Where’ve you been all day? And who’s that?”
If only that voice from behind hadn’t interrupted, I could’ve made it to Balux’s room safe and sound.
“Elliot.”
“Ohh, hey, bro.”
Balux greeted the boy.
‘That’s…’
Elliot Tigreto.
Balux’s cousin, and someone who adored him way too much.
‘I think he’s a year older than me?’
And for some reason, he’d hated me since forever.
As expected, his eyes on me were mean and mocking, like he was already thinking about how to mess with me.
Gulp.
I swallowed nervously.
“So, who’s this? A new toy? Someone you’re turning into a toy? Or maybe someone who acted up and needs to be punished?”
Uh, excuse me? Why are all the options violent?
I didn’t want any of those.
Balux seemed annoyed too, frowning at the choices.
“What are you talking about? She’s family. My cousin.”
“…Cousin? Did someone get adopted without me knowing?”
“No. She’s been family. She’s Uncle’s youngest daughter.”
“Ohh… you mean that useless uncle?”
Elliot snickered.
“And you’re allowed to hang out with her? Didn’t Grandpa tell you not to? Said she’d drag your level down if you got close.”
‘…Oh, really now?’
My cheek twitched.
“Stop talking nonsense and go. I’m not hanging out with you today.”
Balux clicked his tongue and turned away, tugging my hand.
“Let’s go.”
“Okay.”
I forced a smile and turned my head away. Patience wins, right?
Didn’t some wise person once say, If you endure three times, you avoid murder?
“Bro! Don’t play with her. Play with me instead. Hang around with trash like her, and your life’ll be ruined too.”
That’s already three times.
But the wise man said patience lasts up to three, right?
“You know how much our family’s reputation dropped because of that useless uncle? Grandpa even hates hearing his name. And since she’s his kid, she’s probably worthless too. Looks weak and pathetic already.”
…Okay, what about four times?
Surely even the wise man would allow murder after four!
“Hey, you loudmouthed bastard!!”
I grabbed the big vase next to me and hurled it at Elliot.
Luckily, my aim and strength were awful, so it just smashed right in front of him.
CRASH!
Startled, Elliot’s eyes went wide and he glared at me.
“Hey! Did you just throw that at me?”
“Yeah, I did!”
“You wanna die?!”
“You go die first!”
I charged at him, grabbed his hair, and yanked hard.
“Argh! What—what are you doing?! You stupid brat! Do you even know who I—OWWW!!”
“Yeah! You’re the idiot who’s getting his hair yanked by the so-called weakling!”
“I’ll kill you! Aagh, aaghhh!!”
Elliot screamed as I held onto his hair and pulled for dear life.
