Chapter 127……………………………………………….
It feels like something happened while I wasn’t looking, and then it just faded away.
“What’s going on?”
Don’t have a conversation right in front of me that I don’t know about—tell me too!
I widened my eyes and looked back and forth between Perr and Shion’s dad.
But, perhaps unsurprisingly, both of them just shrugged as if it was nothing.
“What… what is it?”
Even if I try to let it slide, I already saw and heard everything.
Do they think I’ll just go along so easily?
“Why did you suddenly ask where Perr is from while we were shaking hands?”
I asked sharply, and Shion’s dad, looking a bit troubled, relaxed his eyebrows and scratched his cheek.
“I was just a little curious, as a dad, about where our friend came from.”
“Why were you curious? Were you trying to check something?”
“Well…”
Under continued questioning, Shion’s dad finally sealed his lips and rolled his eyes.
It was obvious he had no intention of answering.
But that doesn’t mean I’ll give up.
“Perr, you.”
This time, I shifted my target and glared at Perr while asking.
“Why did you answer so obediently? Usually, you’d have asked why you’re curious about that!”
“You told me to behave politely before.”
“And usually, you didn’t even pretend to listen!”
“When was that?”
Perr spoke slyly, his crimson eyes softening.
“I always listened to whatever you said. And I will in the future too.”
“B-but…”
“You told me to behave politely, so I did. Did I do something wrong?”
His attitude was shamelessly cheeky.
“Ugh.”
I couldn’t argue back and let out a huff at Perr’s words.
Sure, I told him to behave politely, but still…
‘Earlier, the atmosphere was definitely a little different!’
It felt like they had a private exchange without me, just the two of them.
But if these two are determined to hide something, there’s nothing I can do…
“Enough! Both of you go! I’m not talking with Dad or Perr!”
I deliberately turned my head and huffed once more.
I won’t play with people who make secrets without me!
“P-Princess?”
At the same time, Shion’s dad’s anxious voice crept into my ears.
He must know that if I sulk this much, it lasts a while.
I subtly rolled my eyes and glanced at Shion’s dad and Perr.
If they were willing to tell me now, it could stop here…
“Hmph.”
But contrary to my hopes, Perr tilted his head with a completely relaxed attitude.
I had to hold back from turning my head toward him and pouted.
‘Relaxed?’
Perr, you still don’t know how scary I can be when I’m angry.
I could pretend not to notice for a whole week if I wanted…!
“Sir.”
At that moment, Perr spoke to Shion’s dad without looking at me.
“By the way, aren’t you curious why we’re here?”
Perr’s words made me perk up my ears a little.
Did something go wrong while he was shaking hands with Shion’s dad?
‘Why is he suddenly acting so friendly toward him?’
And why is he saying that all of a sudden?
“Hmm, I guess so.”
Shion’s dad glanced at me nervously but followed Perr’s lead.
“Did CC follow you for sword training or something…”
“That’s not it.”
Perr shook his head neatly with a smile.
“I don’t need to handle a sword.”
Huh?
Was he just saying that to show off that he’s strong even without using a sword?
That Perr?
“I followed CC.”
At that moment, Perr pointed at me and smiled brightly.
“Recently, CC has learned to use the sword made from the sacred tree.”
“What?”
Before Perr’s words even ended, Shion’s dad widened his eyes and stared straight at me, even parting his lips in surprise.
Well, of course, I would eventually tell Shion’s dad.
‘But now is probably not the right time.’
I still crossed my arms and glared at Perr, not understanding his intention.
Perr smiled brightly again and continued.
“I also heard that you can use this sword, sir.”
“…….”
“Wouldn’t it be better for CC to learn swordsmanship directly from Dad? Don’t you think so, CC?”
Finally, Perr turned to me with a cheerful smile.
‘Trying to change the subject like this?’
Do you think I’ll just go along?
I’m a child who holds grudges.
No matter how much you try to redirect the topic…
“At least I don’t think he’ll start with harsh physical training like Sir Owen.”
“…….”
“I’m sure he’ll kindly teach you how to hold the sword first.”
“Huh? Well, still, physical training is necessary—”
Before Shion’s dad could protest, Perr raised an eyebrow and quickly added.
“He won’t make you run twenty laps in the training yard, right?”
“Twenty laps in the training yard? I could never make my daughter do that.”
Shion’s dad finally realized Perr’s intention and hurriedly agreed.
Trying to lure me with the promise of avoiding physical training…
Did he really think I’d fall for it—
“…Really?”
Quite a clever one, indeed.
I finally couldn’t resist the temptation and spoke hesitantly.
At the same time, Perr wore a victorious smile, and Shion’s dad grinned in delight.
“Well, our daughter! No, why didn’t you tell Dad you can use the divine sword!”
Realizing my anger had subsided, Shion’s dad immediately hugged me and started smothering my face with kisses.
“You little genius princess.”
“Hmph…”
Getting kissed by Dad like this actually feels kind of nice.
I even feel a little proud, like I’ve done something great.
“You really won’t make me run twenty laps?”
I had to confirm it firmly.
Grabbing Dad’s face, I asked seriously.
He nodded vigorously and continued peppering my head with kisses.
“Yeah, I won’t make you run twenty laps. Trust me, okay?”
“Mm-hmm, I trust you. But Dad, you have to tell Grandma Mago yourself.”
If I decide I want to learn from Dad instead after agreeing to learn from Grandma, she’d be sad.
“Mm-hmm, I’ll take care of everything. Don’t worry, our adorable genius princess.”
Dad gave one last kiss on the bridge of my nose and smiled brightly.
“Even if we cut it down to ten laps, Grandma will understand.”
“Uh?”
Wait, didn’t he say not at all? Ten laps is still tough for me.
If I had known, I wouldn’t have calmed down!
After much discussion, we agreed that for the time being, I would only run five laps in the training yard.
Even that is a huge challenge for me, but anyway.
“By the way, CC.”
Some time later.
When I handed the divine sword from my sleeve to Shion’s dad, he looked at it silently for a moment, then asked:
“So, why did you suddenly decide to learn swordsmanship?”
“Huh?”
“Until now, you said you didn’t want to learn this. Even if I offered to teach you, you ran away.”
“Mm-hmm, did I do that?”
I think I might have…
“Could it be…”
Dad fixed his blue eyes on me and asked again.
“Is it because of Yuri… I mean, to protect Mom?”
Looking into his eyes, I swallowed hard.
I strongly felt like I shouldn’t say yes…
