Chapter 84……………………………………………..
At the same time, Perr’s gaze turned to our clasped hands.
Ignoring that, I continued speaking, still looking into his eyes.
“You’re incredibly kind, at least to me.”
Just like you were a moment ago.
“Why don’t you show that good side of yours to our parents too?”
After saying that, I subtly smiled.
“…Ah-ha.”
Perr seemed to understand my meaning and let out a light exclamation.
“Well, I’ll try.”
“Thank you so much.”
Only then did I smile broadly and let go of Perr’s hand.
Up until that moment, Perr had kept his gaze downward, then slowly rolled his eyes indifferently.
“I never planned on acting like that toward your mother in the first place.”
“Really?”
Hearing that was surprisingly comforting.
‘Come to think of it, he’s been respectfully calling her “Mother” all this time.’
Oh my.
Our Perr is the kind of kid who knows how to use honorifics.
Then why had he acted a little cheeky in front of Grandpa…?
“So, can I trust you?”
Anyway, if Perr’s words are true, there’s nothing left to worry about.
I smiled brightly again.
Alright, then all that remains is…
“Then I guess it’s time to go tell Dad Kyle.”
I nodded as I recalled our next plan.
At the same time, another worry crossed my mind.
Taking Perr along to meet Dad Kyle?
‘Isn’t that even harder?’
Come to think of it, I shouldn’t be worried about Mom.
Mom would treat Perr without prejudice, but Dad… especially Dad Kyle…
‘He’s definitely going to be nasty to Perr!’
The moment the two meet, it’s a showdown: no character vs. no character!
“Perr.”
Just imagining it made my throat dry, and I opened my mouth.
Until I could instill in Perr the patience to smile through whatever Dad says, there’s no way I can let them meet!
“I think you should stay and make sure Mom stays safe, rather than wandering around with me right now.”
“Suddenly?”
“It just came to me all of a sudden.”
About three seconds ago.
“Hmm…”
Perr let out a confused sound, as if he couldn’t understand.
I racked my brain and offered an excuse.
“Look, Perr. You said it yourself. It’s about time those people start moving. And if that time is… now?”
“….”
“That’s why it’s better for you to protect Mom. You’re good at hiding, right?”
I held Perr’s hand again, spinning it gently with a bright smile.
Perr stared at me for a moment, then said:
“We can have her do that.”
He glanced at Yeppi, who was perched on my shoulder.
“She’s a divine beast, after all. She should be able to watch over one person.”
“Huh? Yeppi?”
“If she’s accumulated magic this far, shouldn’t she do something with it?”
After saying that, Perr smiled faintly and nodded toward Yeppi.
I looked at Perr suspiciously.
What could such a small creature possibly do?
Our Yeppi only eats, sleeps, occasionally flies, and looks cute.
“Pee…?”
Yeppi tilted her head, apparently not understanding Perr either.
Ignoring that, Perr kept his penetrating gaze fixed on Yeppi.
After a brief moment…
“…Tsk.”
Yeppi whipped her head around, then slowly began flapping her wings.
I was shocked, my mouth hanging open.
‘She clicked her tongue…?’
Yeppi just clicked her tongue!
“You’ve been fed and taken care of, so now you better do your part. Go on.”
Perr waved his hands as if it were nothing, sending Yeppi off.
I was still in disbelief, staring blankly at Yeppi’s retreating figure.
It felt like my little illusion had just been shattered…
“All set?”
Finally, Perr spoke to me with a bright smile.
“No matter what happens to your mother, she’ll let you know right away, so don’t worry.”
“…Wait a minute.”
I couldn’t find words, just parted my lips.
This can’t be solved this easily.
If it does, all that’s left is the showdown of two men with no character!
“Cici.”
At that moment, Perr’s expression turned serious, his voice firm.
“I understand what you’re worried about.”
“…Really?”
“Yes. You’re worried that I’ll get impatient and be cheeky to your Dad.”
He really knows me well.
I cautiously nodded.
Then Perr smiled faintly, as if to reassure me.
“You don’t need to worry. I won’t do that, at least for now.”
“At least for now…?”
“I’ll hold back for a while, at least.”
“Hold back for a while…?”
The more I hear it, the more anxious I become.
“Alright, got it.”
But what else can I do here?
I let out a thin sigh and surrendered.
At least he’ll hold back for a while.
‘If Perr behaves, Dad Kyle can’t be too nasty either.’
Then even if Dad Kyle is being mean, Mom won’t just sit idly by.
“Alright, then let’s really go see Dad Kyle.”
I steeled myself and nodded resolutely.
He wants to stay by my side this much; what choice do I have?
I can only hope Perr can hold up well…
“Then first, before that.”
Perr tilted his eyes in a smile at my words and said:
“We were just talking about our favorite foods until now.”
After saying that, Perr snapped his fingers together as before.
The scenery around us seemed to ripple slightly, then…
“I’ll remember strawberry tarts and chocolate cake.”
As if we had truly been discussing food, Perr said with a playful tone.
I nodded absentmindedly.
“Uh… okay.”
Wait a second.
Those are actually my favorite desserts!
“So, what are we going to do now?”
“Well, um… I thought I’d try going to see Dad Kyle.”
I went along with Perr’s rhythm, but at the same time, I quickly blinked in surprise.
‘Is he really a time traveler?’
Otherwise, there’s no way he could know so much about me.
If Perr really is a time traveler…
‘Am I really going to end up in a… romantic relationship with him?’
Really?
With him?
…When?
‘No, stop.’
I shook my head abruptly, breaking off that thought.
Stop thinking, Cecilia.
This isn’t something I need to worry about now!
After all, love or whatever, if the world ends, it’s all over.
‘This can wait until I grow up.’
Even Dad would probably agree with this.
“I’m against it.”
At the lab, Dad Kyle spoke sharply, his voice filled with irritation.
“You’re seriously letting this little kid run around with Cici as her guard? Who allowed this?”
Grandpa… no, maybe Perr allowed it?
“And what, divine beast research? Has everyone gone crazy? No, it’s about money. No, this is insane.”
“….”
“Weren’t you supposed to pair her with a divine beast researcher? But that ♬♪ pig bird isn’t next to Cici! She should be following him, so why is she next to our daughter?”
I quietly smiled at the torrent of words from Dad.
Yes, I knew this would happen.
