chapter 14
“So, you’re saying your abilities manifested after you got sick?”
“Yes.”
I sat across from Dad, being gently interrogated.
In front of me were sweet cookies and a warm cocoa floating with marshmallows.
The thick blanket wrapped around me was cozy, and the crackling fire kept me warm.
“Healing abilities?”
“Yes.”
“…I see.”
Dad crossed his arms and silently looked out the window.
Snow was falling heavily.
I thought Dad would be happy that I had abilities, but instead, his expression was serious.
‘Elliot and Uncle Number Two seemed really surprised,’ I thought, glancing at him. But Dad didn’t look happy at all.
“Isn’t healing ability valuable?” I asked.
“…Yes. Very valuable.”
“Then… why do you look so gloomy?”
Dad seemed to sense what I didn’t dare ask. He gave me a faint, knowing smile.
“I worry that others might covet my daughter’s exceptional abilities.”
“…Huh?”
I shook my head. Of course no one would do that. I wasn’t planning to misuse my abilities—after all, it was my life energy, and I didn’t have much to spare.
I let out a deep sigh and sipped my cocoa.
“Dad…”
“Hmm?”
“Can we go back to the main house now?”
Dad paused.
“The main house… you mean the family estate?”
“Yes. Grandpa said he wanted to talk to you. I don’t think he truly hates you…”
I swallowed hard and watched Dad, worried he might get angry.
Luckily, he didn’t, but his expression was one of utter confusion.
“Why…?”
“Why what?”
“Why did you think of that?”
I looked at Dad quietly, then lowered my head slightly.
‘…Because I’ve been alone here until I die.’
Dad had barely left the annex since I was born. Relationships with the family were completely severed, the gaps were enormous.
Everyone criticized him, pointed fingers, and even the servants mocked him.
I hated it.
Dad isn’t pathetic, stupid, trash, or foolish. He’s definitely not a loser.
“I just… don’t want you to be treated badly…”
He cared for me. Or maybe it was just a small sense of responsibility. I only realized all of it now, before he might die.
That he stayed by me when I was sick. That he tried to make medicine for me. That the harsh words he spoke were because he wanted me safe.
So…
“This time, I’ll protect you. I won’t let anyone speak badly about you. I can do it… now that I have healing powers.”
“……!”
Dad’s eyes widened.
“So… can we move to the main estate, not stay in the annex?”
I jumped down and grabbed Dad’s sleeve, speaking earnestly.
I wanted him to be free. I wanted his life to be full of moments for himself, not consumed by worry for me.
Dad looked down at me.
“I don’t like your grandfather, my daughter.”
“…Really?”
I understood. If he hated him until death, there was nothing I could do.
‘Was I too early?’
Maybe if I caused a little more trouble—or got into some kind of danger—Dad might move to the main house?
Hmm.
I crossed my arms, thinking for a moment.
“This family has always valued skill. Those who didn’t produce results were treated like trash. Useless. Worthless. Dad grew up under that prejudice.”
“Hmm…”
Perhaps I should actively resent Grandpa. Making Dad wear such a sad expression…
“What your grandfather said hurt me as a child. I don’t want you to carry that kind of pain too.”
“…….”
“He’s someone who doesn’t know how to speak kindly. No matter his true feelings, every word from his mouth feels like a blade.”
Dad said this as he silently stroked my head.
He lifted me onto his lap gently, patting me warmly, as he always did.
“…If you didn’t have abilities, would people treat you that way?”
“Yes.”
Maybe if I were a talented child, Dad would have been treated better.
“It’s okay if you dislike him.”
I decided to step back for now. I couldn’t force him, and there was nothing I could do immediately.
“I just… want you to be treated better…”
I slowly closed and opened my eyes.
‘Dad gave up all his direct authority.’
Yet he still had to live in the annex due to circumstances.
For raising me.
If it weren’t for me, he might have left this family long ago.
Gasp!
I shook my head frantically.
‘Why am I getting so depressed!’
I need to develop medicine for Dad first!
Then we can sell it and become rich!
‘And invest too.’
I’ll fill Dad’s pockets.
Then we’ll invest, and literally make money from money.
“Okay! Then let’s earn a lot of money and leave this house! How about just the two of us living together?”
Dad’s eyes widened at my words.
The second reason Dad couldn’t leave the annex…
It was because of the many research instruments in the basement.
Moving them would cost a lot, and finding a house that could fit them all would be difficult.
‘Dad doesn’t seem short on money…’
But if he’s spent it all on research, it’s understandable he’s short on extra funds.
Since he gave up direct authority, he likely received no money from the family.
“I’ll make sure we earn a lot!”
“…Haha.”
Dad laughed and tilted his head.
Seeing his amused expression, I smiled too.
“How’s that?”
“Yeah, that sounds good. We’ll need a huge house to move your research lab too.”
“Yep. And we’ll live together until I grow up.”
After I grow up… I’ll die.
‘Whether I’ll even live until then is uncertain…’
But I don’t need to tell Dad that.
I’ll quietly leave and quietly disappear. With a proper excuse.
“But Dad…”
“Yes?”
“How much money do you have?”
“…What?”
“I wanted to know because I’m going to bring a really good investment opportunity!”
Dad looked bewildered, then smirked and ruffled his hair.
“I’ll think about ways to make money.”
“No, I’ll help!”
“First, brush your teeth and go to sleep.”
Dad lightly pressed my forehead and led me toward the bathroom, swinging me by the side.
“Nooo!!”
I struggled, but Dad ignored me.
My words probably sounded like childish antics to him.
‘Ugh!!’
Ah, that’s the problem! I’m too young!
He won’t believe me!
“You have to believe me… ugh!”
Even as I yelled, Dad just held the toothbrush for me.
And the next day…
I sneaked out of the house without Dad knowing.
