Chapter 80………………..
What on earth happened in such a short time?
“Yes.”
Grandfather nodded slowly in response to my words.
“You may not like it, but research on the divine beast is unavoidable. After all, while it was still an egg, it belonged to the Empire.”
“Yes, I understand.”
“However, you know it’s impossible to take the divine beast away and study it properly—it won’t leave your side. So the conclusion was… to assign someone to follow you directly and conduct research alongside you.”
“Mm, I see.”
Indeed, Yepi never leaves my side, so that makes sense.
I nodded slowly, but my eyes were still wide as I stared at Ferr.
Honestly, that’s not the part that surprises me.
It’s why he is the one doing the divine beast research.
“But… him?”
I couldn’t hold it in any longer and blurted out my true feelings.
“Why him?”
Surely, there are other researchers in the palace.
And Ferr wasn’t even a researcher—he was just accepted as an apprentice mage, wasn’t he?
So how did it end up like this?
“That’s a question even I have…”
Grandfather tilted his head slightly and spoke softly.
“The previous person in charge, for some reason, strongly insisted that this child take over.”
“Him…?”
“You can’t ignore the wishes of the practitioner. After all, they know this field better than anyone else.”
Of course, that makes sense.
But isn’t it still a little strange?
“Moreover, this child excelled remarkably in the apprentice mage selection exam. His knowledge of magic surpasses even the palace mages and researchers.”
Grandfather paused briefly, then muttered as if to himself:
“Apparently, in the exam results, he even surpassed Harzen—yes, that one’s scores.”
As soon as I heard that, I stared at Ferr in shock.
Ferr looked back at me with a proud, self-satisfied smile.
‘He really surpassed Harzen’s scores?’
The scores of Harzen—who had the male lead buff?
What exactly is his true identity?
“Of course, your and the divine beast’s opinions come first. If you don’t want it, you can say so.”
While I was still in shock, Grandfather glanced at me as he spoke.
I reflexively shook my head.
“No, I don’t mind.”
“Piiiik!”
“…The divine beast seems to dislike him?”
“It may seem so, but once he gets close, it won’t be a problem.”
Yepi just goes a little haywire whenever she sees Ferr.
I stared blankly at Yepi and muttered.
As if to confirm my words, Yepi circled Ferr warily, letting out cautious cries.
“Piii?”
Then she ran forward and pressed her cheek against Ferr’s foot.
See? She’s completely broken.
“…At least she won’t bother the divine beast.”
Grandfather murmured quietly as he watched Yepi.
Now that I think about it, anyone who tried to study the divine beast got scolded mercilessly by Yepi.
…Could that be why they passed it off to Ferr?
“So… Ferr, right?”
Well, if it’s going to be like this, I actually don’t mind.
“I look forward to working with you.”
I extended my hand to Ferr for a handshake.
He stared at my hand for a moment, then said:
“The honor is mine.”
Carefully, he took my hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it.
‘Wait, hold on. Here? Now…’
As expected, at the same time, Grandfather’s expression froze like an iceberg in midwinter.
I pursed my lips. I’ve just made a huge mistake…
Grandfather’s face flushed red and blue in rapid succession.
Even Derek, who had been as quiet as air the entire time, tensed his jaw.
I couldn’t endure it and gently closed my eyes.
This is a dream. When I open them, this will all vanish… a mirage…
“You, you…”
-Except Grandfather’s voice is way too clear!
I failed at hypnotizing myself and opened my eyes slightly.
Grandfather still looked like he was about to have a hypertensive fit any second.
…Should I call a doctor?
“That child is—”
Grandfather spoke slowly, each word heavy with effort.
“That child is my granddaughter.”
I could already predict what would happen next.
To be precise, I already knew how this story would end.
Why?
‘Because I’ve been through this many times before.’
All because of my fathers!
How many boys have brushed past me over the years?
…Not many?
Anyway.
‘Finally, I can meet him confidently like this.’
After taking the apprentice mage exam on purpose, this is how it turns out.
I looked at Ferr with a pitiful expression.
I guess we’ll have to meet in secret…
“Such—”
At that moment, Grandfather took a deep breath and spoke again.
“That kind of contact is forbidden.”
I widened my eyes and stared at him.
He’s just going to warn me verbally and that’s it?
‘Is this the wisdom of adults?’
He’s really thorough when it comes to separating personal and professional matters.
“What do you mean ‘that kind of contact’?”
Ferr tilted his head, confused, and spoke up.
“I was merely offering a greeting.”
To speak so confidently in front of the emperor…
I pursed my lips again reflexively.
Now I see why Ferr feels so at ease—he carries the scent of Kyle, Ferr’s father.
The pride to act so boldly, even in front of the emperor.
It’s maddeningly impressive!
‘At least this time he remembered to use honorifics.’
Earlier, he struggled to even add the polite ending ‘-yo.’
Ferr’s really grown.
“Do not ignore the instincts of an elder.”
Grandfather sighed deeply and spoke again.
“If anyone so much as touches my granddaughter with impure intent, they will be punished severely immediately.”
“……”
Ferr frowned slightly, clearly displeased by Grandfather’s words.
I glared at him with my eyes, silently saying: Say you understand, now!
“…Yes.”
Finally, Ferr answered reluctantly under my pressure.
I finally allowed myself a satisfied smile.
Yes, you must respect your elders, no matter what.
That’s how a good child behaves.
“Anyway, as I mentioned earlier, this child’s magical ability has been verified as exceptional, so he will assist with divine beast research and also act as your bodyguard.”
Grandfather cleared his throat, then continued.
“Also, since he is your age, he may even become a good friend to you.”
“Yes.”
I nodded quickly.
Grandfather looked between Ferr and me, emphasizing once more:
“A friend.”
“Huh? Yes.”
“He must be a friend.”
“Yes, a friend.”
Grandfather probably doesn’t know, but we’re already friends.
“Then may I now play with my ‘friend’ Ferr?”
Finally, I asked, eyes sparkling.
I have so many questions for Ferr.
First, I need to know how this all came about, and then what kind of person he really is…
“…Very well.”
Grandfather squinted suspiciously as he answered.
“But only within my sight.”
Hmm… then most of the questions I wanted to ask go out the window.
“Grandfather.”
Is this really the only way?
I exhaled softly and spoke.
“You should go work now.”
