Chapter 126………………………………….
“Um… Per.”
I carefully tried to speak to Per, pretending not to notice Dad.
“I’m really sorry…”
Shion’s dad isn’t usually this overbearing, but over the past few months, he’s definitely been acting strangely.
Normally, if Kyle’s dad were in that spot, Shion’s dad wouldn’t have acted like this.
Was he really stressed while at the border? Or is this some leftover effect from the original story?
“Well, it’s nothing new.”
Lost in thought, Per muttered indifferently again.
“This isn’t something that started yesterday. I’m fine.”
“I’m even more sorry…”
Had he been troubled so much that he’d now reached a state of resignation?
Feeling extremely guilty, I kept my head down, fidgeting with my fingers.
Even then, Shion’s dad was still hiding among the bushes, observing us.
No, he wasn’t really hiding.
He was basically shouting, “Hey, I’m right here!”
Could that massive figure really be hidden in the bushes?
So embarrassing… seriously.
I stole a glance at Shion’s dad and pouted.
Isn’t he supposed to be a Sword Master? Shouldn’t he be embarrassed acting like this? He’s the envy of all knights. The ultimate warrior who defeated the Demon King. If he sets a bad example, that’s a problem.
Even now, whenever passing knights spot him, they rub their eyes in disbelief!
“Want me to cover him?”
Maybe sensing my thoughts, Per whispered softly into my ear.
Immediately, I shook my head slightly and leaned in to whisper into Per’s ear.
“Then he’d make an even bigger fuss.”
Even though Shion’s dad had changed a lot over the past few months, this much was clear: it was better to leave him visible.
I wonder what they’re planning that they’re trying to hide Dad’s eyes from each other…
—though maybe Per might just break through the barrier I set.
Of course, staying outside Dad’s sight ultimately means…
“Hey, you two.”
…this.
While we were whispering to each other, Shion’s dad suddenly stood up and strode toward us.
“I’m really curious what secret conversation you two are having. Can I listen too?”
I knew it.
“Dad!”
I jumped up and placed both hands on my waist. I couldn’t take it anymore! Yesterday, there were other dads around, so I didn’t dare, but today was different! I’m C.C., daughter of heroes, and I speak my mind!
“Dad, you’re acting really weird right now!”
“Weird? I just wanted to see how my daughter plays with a new friend—”
“That’s a lie! You’re really just spying on Per!”
“No, that’s not—”
Shion’s dad scratched his cheek with a fingertip, unable to refute my words. Still wearing a very frustrated expression, he let out a heavy sigh.
“You weren’t like this before. Why now?”
It hadn’t rubbed off from the other dads. He’s the kind of person who would normally say, ‘Don’t interfere in a child’s friendships unless they ask for help.’
So why was he only like this toward Per?
“Per’s the only friend I have here.”
The one person who knows all about my situation, the only one who truly understands me. And the best ally, too.
“But if Dad keeps acting like this, what if Per gets uncomfortable and doesn’t come to see me?”
“If that’s enough to give up, it’s a friendship that would’ve broken anyway—”
“Dad.”
“Yeah, I’m sorry.”
In the end, Shion’s dad quietly put his hands together and apologized. I snorted and raised my head.
Knowing full well he was acting improperly, why did he still act like this?
“I was just a little worried about what kind of friends you might be making while I wasn’t around. And other dads said things too—”
“I’ll make friends on my own.”
Holding Per’s hand, I said firmly, “And it’s not polite to talk like that in front of Per.”
There’s no way Dad didn’t know manners even a seven-year-old could understand.
Squinting at him with narrowed eyes, I said,
“…Yeah. I guess Dad went a little crazy for a moment.”
Shion’s dad sighed quietly and lowered his head.
“You must have been surprised by my actions. I truly apologize.”
It was a genuinely sincere apology. Yes, that’s our Shion’s dad. He doesn’t give a half-hearted apology, even to a child. Well done.
“Per.”
I nudged Per’s waist with my elbow while looking at Dad, who still had his head bowed. Per raised one eyebrow in mild annoyance but spoke obediently.
“It’s fine. I understand.”
Oh, for once, Per is saying he understands not just me but also others? That’ll earn some points with Dad.
“…Really, like Yuli said, you’re a polite child.”
Shion’s dad subtly raised his head and muttered.
“I think I really misunderstood. It must be uncomfortable, but can you forgive me?”
“What is there to forgive?”
Per answered calmly. “Anyway, C.C. will do as she pleases.”
Not technically wrong… but not something friends usually say, right?
“R-Really?”
Shion’s dad twitched his eyebrows and smiled faintly. Is the slight trembling at the corners of his mouth just my imagination?
“Anyway, be good friends with C.C.”
He held out his hand to Per with a warm smile. Per looked at him silently, then slowly took it.
“…?”
At that moment, Shion’s dad’s gaze subtly shifted. It was different from before, something hard to define. Not jealous, not apologetic—something cold, sharp, and unseen in front of me…
“Hey.”
Still holding Per’s hand, Shion’s dad spoke gently.
“Where did you come from?”
His voice, too, had completely changed from earlier. In other words…
Is this what Dad feels like when facing an enemy?
But why now?
“…I’m not sure why you’re asking all of a sudden.”
Per didn’t flinch at Dad’s attitude, his red eyes sparkling as he answered.
“I’m from Esturc in the North. I ran away a few years ago because I hate the cold.”
“…I see.”
Shion’s dad seemed to ponder Per’s words for a few moments.
“Sorry for startling you.”
He let go of Per’s hand and apologized again.
“I just wanted to check. I sensed a familiar presence, and it turns out you’re from there.”
His gaze and voice had returned to normal.
“That makes sense.”
Per looked at Dad and politely curved the corners of his lips once more.
I tilted my head, watching the two of them. What’s with this tension?
