CHAPTER 50………………………………..
Even though it’s moving that violently, it’s not falling off.
“But this still won’t do.”
I said that as I fumbled to remove the device stuck to Dad.
“That man changes clothes all the time. Trying to secretly stick it on again every time he changes is just too hard.”
What if Berthold is the type to plot something after taking a bath?
Then the clothes he wore before bathing would be taken away by his servants, and the listening device would end up being dunked in the wash basin.
Of course, retrieving it later would be difficult too.
“But what about his shoes?”
Even if he’s royalty, he’s still human — and humans wear shoes that are comfortable for their own feet.
He wouldn’t change them as often as his clothes.
Actually, neither Berthold nor Grandfather seemed like the type to change shoes every day.
Since they had to walk around that huge palace, they’d have no choice but to wear well-worn, comfortable shoes.
Even Harzen Dad always wore the same handmade shoes, only replacing the soles.
“So, if we attach the ones we took from Kyle Dad to his shoes…”
And just in case, we could also stick some in Berthold’s room or his bathroom.
I took out all the devices from my pocket, counted them, and smiled in satisfaction.
This should be enough.
No — honestly, it’s more than enough.
Kyle Dad brought enough of these to cover the entire palace, after all…
“Alright, Dad.”
I pushed all the listening devices toward Derek Dad.
“You’re going to stick these under that man’s shoe soles. How’s that?”
That way, we won’t be limited by location.
The problem is…
“But you have to do it, Dad. You’ll have to attach them and retrieve them too…”
I’m really sorry to dump such a sudden mission on you!
I gave a sheepish smile full of apology.
Dad just stared silently at the devices in front of him.
Does he not like my plan?
Well, I guess I wouldn’t either.
After all, I was basically asking him to handle all the important parts himself…
“Cici.”
Just then, Derek Dad, who had been silent until now, opened his mouth.
“Writing or gestures.”
I understood what he meant and opened my mouth slightly.
Ah — he’s saying, “Why not use writing or gestures to give instructions?” like I was worried earlier.
“Kyle Dad is busy working on something in the lab right now.”
“…”
“So we can’t just sit around until tomorrow doing nothing.”
That’d be too nerve-racking.
We have to try something, even if it’s just clutching at straws.
“So, can I ask for your help… please?”
I looked up at Derek Dad cautiously again.
He stared at me for a moment, then slowly nodded.
I jumped up and threw my arms around his neck.
“Thank you!”
I knew this wouldn’t solve everything, but at least we were doing something.
“Now?”
He patted my head as he asked.
“Yeah, if possible, right now. I don’t know which palace that man is staying in, though…”
“It’s fine.”
Dad slowly shook his head.
“I know.”
“You know?”
…How?
I tilted my head, then suddenly remembered.
Right — Kyle Dad and Derek Dad had already explored the imperial palace once.
That was when…
They said they were looking for the Imperial Treasury.
Wow. Whether then or now, my dads have always been serious about causing trouble.
Even if Derek Dad had just been tricked by Kyle Dad that time.
“If it’s okay with you, it’s okay with me.”
I let my thoughts drift away and smiled again.
“When you find his slippers, attach one there too. And if you see any other shoes, stick them as well. Install some in his bedroom and hallway. Oh — and if possible, in his bathroom too!”
There’s no one in the world who wears shoes in the bath, after all.
Dad gave a small nod, then began carefully packing the listening devices.
If it’s Dad, he can do it.
Who is Derek Grant, after all?
Even in an emergency, he’s the kind of top hunter who makes no sound — not even a breath.
And with Kyle Dad’s invisibility cloak, he should have no problem avoiding detection.
Wait a second…
“Dad, how are you going to attach it to the shoes he’s already wearing?”
The thought hit me suddenly, and I widened my eyes.
Berthold’s current shoes are the most important ones!
But he’s not going to just take them off…
“I’ll stick it.”
Dad replied calmly, as if it were no big deal.
Then, as if testing something, he fiddled with one of the devices for a bit — and pulled out a small slingshot from his pocket.
I immediately realized what he was planning and stared wide-eyed.
Wait — is he going to shoot the device onto the shoes with a slingshot?
Wouldn’t that pierce the shoe?!
“This much distance.”
Reading my thoughts, Dad moved a little away from the bed and gestured to me.
I quietly lifted one edge of the blanket toward him.
Then Dad twisted the device slightly, loaded it into the slingshot, and—
“Like this.”
He drew the slingshot back lightly and released it.
Despite his huge frame, his movements were as delicate and graceful as a butterfly landing on a flower petal.
I watched, spellbound, then looked down at the blanket I was holding.
…I don’t see the device.
It wasn’t on the floor either, so it must have attached perfectly.
But I didn’t even feel anything when he shot it?
“This way, it won’t be noticed.”
Dad said as he put the slingshot away again.
I stared at him with my mouth hanging open.
How many hidden skills does he have?
I’m definitely too young to understand them all…
“Yup, you’re just the best, Dad.”
I gave up thinking and clapped my hands happily.
Anyway, this was the best I could do for now.
Tomorrow, Kyle Dad would bring the upgraded devices.
“Still, don’t overdo it, okay? If it seems like you might get caught, just run away. Promise?”
“Won’t get caught.”
“Uh-huh, yeah, you won’t get caught.”
You’re a professional, after all.
I smiled brightly, sending off Dad as he prepared to leave with the invisibility cloak.
But right before putting it on, he suddenly turned back to me.
“Problem.”
“Huh? What problem?”
Did he just notice an issue with the plan?
I asked nervously, and he frowned slightly before replying:
“…You, alone.”
“Ah.”
I understood what he meant and let out a small “oh.”
He was worried about leaving me by myself.
“It’s okay, Dad. Harzen Dad put up a magic barrier here. No one can come in unless he gave permission!”
Though I wasn’t thrilled that Berthold was one of the “permitted” people…
Still, since neither Harzen Dad nor Mom was here, Berthold had no reason to visit me.
“…”
Only then did Dad seem reassured. He nodded, then headed toward the window.
I watched his every move with curious eyes.
He opened the window wide—
“Be right back.”
—and with those brief words, put on the cloak and disappeared.
I smiled faintly at the window that closed on its own, as if touched by an invisible hand.
He could’ve just used the door, though…
Well, whatever.
Now then, what should I do next?
“Sigh.”
I let out a small sigh, staring at the still-unchanged scroll window as I tried to reorganize my plans for what’s ahead—
Tap. Tock.
Something knocked against the window.
