HNMCEH~04

CHAPTER~04

Confrontation at the Parade

“What is this?”

People jeered like rain simply because the parade had been interrupted. Mela, confused by the situation, stepped back, tears welling in her eyes.

“You! Go away!”

“Waaaah!”

The guards roughly grabbed Mela, trying to drive her away.

“Let go of me!”

Fear twisted Mela’s face with sorrow.

“Oh dear, it’s not her fault she wandered in. Isn’t this too much?”

“Indeed. They could have just let her go. These knights are terrifying.”

As Mela struggled, people murmured disapprovingly. The guards hesitated, embarrassed at holding a child who posed no threat. Just then, the neighing of a black horse and a deep, commanding voice echoed.

“Stop making unnecessary commotion.”

<p“L-Lord Commander! We apologize!”

At last, Frezen Decart moved.

“Commander, no!”

“Commander!”

Ignoring everyone, he dismounted and stopped in front of Mela, who was sniffling. Sunlight glinted off his figure, drawing the gaze of everyone around.

“….”

Mela froze, unable to utter a word. His towering height, strong build, and dark eyes with a subtle red hue were intimidating.

“Who are you?” a low voice cut through her thoughts. Mela flinched and bit her lips. Frezen’s sharp eyes narrowed further; he found the situation tedious.

The faint scent of blood still lingered, yet the crown prince stood at the front. Frezen clicked his tongue and turned sharply.

“Quietly remove her. We must not waste time.”

“Yes, Commander.”

As the guards hesitated, Mela’s chubby hand reached out, gripping him desperately.

“Excuse me!”

Even a brief touch radiated strong intent. Frezen, suppressing his deadly aura, turned slightly to look at her.

“Do you have something to say to me, little one?”

“Uh… well…”

Mela blinked repeatedly, unsure of what to say. Then, as if resolved, she shouted in a clear voice:

“Dad!”

The noisy fireworks and murmurs vanished, leaving only silence. Frezen stared at the little girl calling him “Dad.” His face showed no surprise, no agitation, only cold intensity.

“What did you say?”

He looked ready to strike anyone at a moment’s notice.

“D-Dad!”

For a man who seemed incapable of feeling even the slightest family warmth, hearing “Dad” was strange. Mela tilted her head, unsure if she had said the right thing.

Just as she fidgeted, two sharp blades pointed at her slender neck.

“Look here, little one. Dare you insult our Commander?”

Frezen’s subordinates threatened Mela harshly.

“Kyaaa!”

Mela screamed, clenching her tiny fists like an angry squirrel, which, strangely enough, didn’t make her threatening at all. The subordinates laughed.

“Our Commander would never let anyone get away with such insolence!”

They spoke in a tone unworthy of celebrated knights.

“Indeed! First, we must check if there’s any seed. After all, he couldn’t fulfill a man’s duty on all those battlefields!”

“Right!”

Random words followed, making Frezen act at lightning speed, striking their heads. Sending the subordinates away effortlessly, he approached Mela without looking at them.

“Did you call me Dad?”

Mela nodded, still frightened. Despite her grim expression, her pursed lips looked brave. Her ocean-blue eyes, pale skin, and light gold-brown hair resembled someone familiar—especially her hair color, identical to the one who coldly declared divorce in the past.

Frezen’s usually indifferent eyes flickered slightly as memories surfaced. He quickly regained composure and asked coldly:

“Who are you?”

Seeing her unresponsive, he sighed and slowly extended his hand.

“Mela!”

A familiar voice pierced through the crowd. Frezen froze. The voice, soft yet clear, belonged to Evlyen, his former wife.

Could it be… this child is truly my daughter?

Our female protagonist displayed extraordinary courage. Despite longing for her parents, she approached a man she didn’t know and boldly shouted, “Dad!”

It was completely unexpected. Frezen, a man who could dominate a battlefield alone, stood stunned. Five years had passed since they avoided each other, and yet here they met under impossible circumstances.

“…Mela!”

I forced my way through the crowd, calling out to Mela and holding her protectively.

“Are you okay? Are you hurt? Where… are we?”

“Waaaah!”

Mela buried her face in me, crying uncontrollably. Thankfully, she was unharmed. Had I arrived even slightly later, the blades might have reached her neck.

“These knights have no honor, pointing swords at a child. Don’t cry, Mela. It’s alright.”

I patted her back, glaring at the knights who had aimed their blades. They avoided my gaze, looking sheepish.

A familiar, low, heavy voice rang:

“Evlyen.”

I didn’t need to turn around to recognize the speaker.

“You, with me…” Frezen’s voice drew closer. Suddenly, he reached for my arm. Startled, I instinctively pushed it away.

“Do not touch this child!”

Tears ran down my cheeks as I shouted. The sting in my eyes made them water uncontrollably. Struggling to maintain composure, I turned with Mela in my arms.

“Stop, Evlyen.”

The surrounding knights drew their swords, pointing them at me. Frezen calmly stopped in front of us. Facing his intimidating gaze, I instinctively knew:

“We are in deep trouble.”