Episode 39
Come to think of it, that strange boy who appeared back then had acted as if he could see some kind of scroll window too.
And he’d even said weird things like “fated to love” and whatnot…
What if people like that really do exist?
I sank into my own thoughts, spiraling deeper.
Judging from the culprit’s words and actions, they must be trying to make sure the side story proceeds without a hitch.
Even though they know that Mom’s death will lead directly to the end of the world…
Completely insane, aren’t they?
Could I possibly stop people like that?
The vague fear that had grown hazy since the beginning crept back up from the tips of my toes.
I had no idea how many lunatics were out there.
If they kept targeting my mom—could I really protect her?
When I couldn’t even walk on my own yet…?
“Hiiiing…”
In the end, fear overwhelmed me and tears welled up.
How am I supposed to fight against a crowd of grown-ups?!
“Cici?”
“Why is she crying all of a sudden?”
“Did she get scared by the mood just now?”
At once, Mom, Dad, and Grandpa dropped to their knees in front of me in alarm.
Only then did I realize—people were right here beside me.
“She must be remembering what happened in the Empress’s palace earlier.”
“The shock must be hard for her to bear.”
“…How exactly should we comfort the child?”
“It may be best to soothe her with something sweet first.”
“Huek… Mom, Dad, Grandpa…”
I looked up at each of them with teary eyes.
My allies—the ones who could sweep away every ounce of fear in a heartbeat.
“It’s all right now, child. Those people will never lay a finger on you. I’ll see to that.”
Grandpa’s hand brushed my cheek with exquisite care as he spoke.
How foolish.
Not them—me.
It was my own cowardice that had jolted me into fear.
I sniffled, scrubbed my eyes with my fists, and steadied myself.
I’ve said it before: no crying, only doing.
There’s no time to wallow in despair.
“Sniff… Grandpa, I’ll trust only you.”
I thrust out my little finger.
Grandpa peered at it curiously.
“…What is this?”
Seriously?
This is what happens when you don’t play with your own kid.
“Grandpa, stick out your finger too. Like this.”
“Like this?”
“Yep. Now we hook them together.”
I linked my pinky with his and grinned.
“Pinky promise.”
“…Hooking fingers? Does this mean the pinky is cut off if one fails to keep the promise?”
“Who makes such a savage promise? Silly Grandpa.”
The moment I said it, both Mom and Dad drew sharp breaths—apparently finding the sight quite ridiculous.
I turned my head and fixed my gaze on Dad.
“And you, Dad—get it together.”
Because the most important one here… is you.
“…Me?”
Dad’s eyes went wide, as if he’d just been blindsided.
I simply blew out my nose like a tiny bull.
This time will be different.
Thanks to me, Mom and Dad had already begun to harbor doubts about Bertholt.
There’s no way they saw that coming.
And besides…
I have allies of my own!
I glanced at the progress reset countdown.
My other dads would be arriving soon.
Which meant the reset was close at hand too…
But the influence level hasn’t been applied yet.
Their arrival wouldn’t instantly trigger the side story.
And even if it did, things had already strayed far too much from the original.
For once, I felt I’d made a real difference.
Good. I can do this.
Confidence surged back into me, and I cheered myself on.
Come on then, bring it on!
…Actually, no, one at a time!
Either way, with Grandpa, Mom, and all my Dads—Cici, daughter of four fathers—will take you on!
***
Afterward, Grandpa lingered a while longer to talk with Mom before suggesting they move elsewhere for privacy. He left the bedroom.
Once again, only Dad and I remained.
I can’t just lie around like this. Too much to do.
My other dads would be here soon—this was no time to laze about.
And wandering aimlessly would only waste time.
“Hmm…”
I scanned the room and spotted Dad reading a book. Then I smacked my knee.
Of course—read a book!
Books are the treasury of knowledge, food for the mind.
Better to spend this idle moment filling my head with something useful.
“Dad, Dad.”
I scampered over.
“I wanna read a book too!”
“You want to read?”
“Mm-hm! I can read really well now.”
Goodbye picture books.
Hello… real books.
Dad nodded and handed me the one in his hands.
I read the title aloud with gusto:
“The Correlation Between Magic and Physical Laws, and Their Applications.”
“…”
“Never mind. I don’t wanna read.”
What kind of child reads this, you genius Dad.
“Not this one. Let’s find another book. Please?”
I shoved it back at him, wriggling impatiently.
He considered for a moment, then took my hand.
“Let’s go to the library. You’ll find something there.”
“Yay!”
The Imperial Library! The world’s knowledge all gathered in one place.
Who knows—I might even find something to save Mom.
I sang under my breath as we walked:
“Today we’re going to the library, holding Dad’s hand.
To find a way to save Mom, to the library we go~”
But just then—
“Harzen.”
Bertholt appeared out of nowhere, as if he had a tracker on Dad.
“Brother.”
Dad greeted him reflexively, then his face tightened—
remembering, no doubt, the talk he’d had with Mom.
“I heard there was commotion in the Empress’s palace. I was on my way to His Majesty.”
“Her Majesty is with Yuria right now.”
“Then I’ll visit later. More importantly…”
Bertholt arched a brow.
“You don’t look well. Did something happen?”
“Ah, well…”
Dad almost answered, but caught himself and pressed a finger to his lips.
“Nothing important.”
Oh?
Dad’s hiding it?
He really was starting to suspect Bertholt.
“…I see.”
Unimpressed, Bertholt’s brows drew together. Then he relaxed and smiled warmly.
“If nothing’s wrong, that’s good. But to my eyes, you seem troubled. Why don’t we talk for a bit?”
“I was just about to take Cici to the library—”
“It won’t take long.”
He glanced at me and smiled again, the unspoken message clear: Why don’t you give us a little privacy?
I wanted to play dumb, tug Dad’s hand, and chirp, “Let’s go to the library!”
But instead, I sighed.
“I’ll wait here then.”
I stepped aside, flashing a reassuring grin.
From here, if I focus, I can catch their words.
Out of sight, but not out of earshot—perfect.
Time to see just how Bertholt had been manipulating Dad all this while.
Feigning disinterest, I turned my head, ears pricked to eavesdrop.
And then—
Whoops!
A small hand suddenly grabbed mine and yanked me away.
