I Picked Up My Father Who Left Home 33
“What’s that?”
As if expressing her willingness to provide whatever she could, Lia asked.
While it seemed excessive to go this far, every time she met Jeshuan, engaging in such struggles, it was better to comply with his conditions, no matter how inconvenient.
“As a precaution, it would be good to have some basic self-defense items. So, until those are ready, it would be nice to keep a distance from that little kid.”
Despite reluctantly allowing Lia to meet that little kid, it was essential to have self-defense items for Lia’s safety.
In case that little kid went berserk, ordinary means might not be enough to protect Lia, so special precautions were necessary.
Therefore, Cassian instructed his aide to find a way to obtain abilities.
Although difficult to make or acquire due to the complexity of their production, with the power of the Imperial Family, finding or making such items was within reach.
While not perfect, at least he could create opportunities to protect Lia with those measures.
In case those weren’t sufficient, he could consider separately crafting tools with his abilities.
A tool imbued with his abilities, even if not on par with that little kid, would be far more useful than any commercially available ability-enhancing tool.
“How long will it take?”
“Up to 3 days. I’ve conveyed the message to find it within that time.”
“That’s understandable.”
Since Lia had her own responsibilities, it would take time until she met Jeshuan again.
So, waiting for about 3 days was manageable.
Despite not knowing what Cassian was concerned about, it was a condition Lia couldn’t refuse, preparing for any unexpected situations.
“And… Make sure to tell me if that little kid does anything harmful or unnecessary.”
Cassian’s concern extended beyond Jeshuan’s berserk episodes to Jeshuan himself.
“Understood.”
Even if she didn’t know what constituted strange or unnecessary actions, she could at least communicate if such events occurred.
Although she worried about his reaction upon hearing such news, she would speak up if necessary.
“Good girl, angel baby.”
Although not the answer he truly desired, Cassian’s gentle smile lingered at Lia’s obedient demeanor.
“So, can you please let me go now?”
“I’d like to stay like this a bit longer.”
Cassian still wanted to hold Lia a bit longer, perhaps to appease the strong urge to just remove the prince.
At least during the time he held Lia, he wouldn’t have to think about anything else.
“I just want to rest now.”
“This is resting.”
“Doesn’t feel like resting.”
“Is it uncomfortable?”
As if to suggest changing positions for comfort, Cassian extended a certain level of kindness.
“I feel most at ease when my feet touch the ground.”
Of course, this was a perfect lie.
In reality, just being embraced in Cassian’s arms was uncomfortable enough.
“Is it because you’re an angel?”
“Let’s go with that for now.”
No matter what was said, it seemed the title ‘angel’ and the treatment wouldn’t change, so Lia decided to accept it.
Nonetheless, thanks to that, Cassian understood her words properly about one in ten times.
With Lia’s resigned response, Cassian looked at her with an expression full of affection and gently released her, seemingly finding her discomfort endearing.
It seemed that the angel baby was shy and found being in someone else’s arms awkward and uncomfortable.
“Well then, I’ll go in now. Have a good night.”
Lia, who had arrived at the door without realizing it while conversing in Cassian’s embrace, smiled sweetly and bid him good night.
“If you ever feel scared, come find me. The bed is spacious enough; I can easily accommodate an angel like you.”
“Oh, sure.”
Lia casually acknowledged Cassian’s words.
***
Since returning from the ball, three days had passed without notice.
After continuously busy days, Lia was facing an important task today.
It was a meeting where all members of the Ducal estate would gather.
Since taking over the Ducal estate, this was Lia’s first formal gathering, and understandably, she felt a bit nervous.
It was an occasion to showcase her true self as a duke and, at the same time, an opportunity to prove her qualities as the head of the dukedom.
Furthermore, Lia planned to execute the carefully prepared plans she had been working on.
What’s the use of embracing a flawed stone if it will only drag you down?
Lia intended to eliminate anything that could be a minor blemish on the Ducal estate.
“If you wish, I can accompany you.”
Cassian, who came to visit Lia as expected today, noticed the tension on her face and spoke.
“No, I’m quite capable on my own.”
For Lia, who wanted to be acknowledged as the head of the dukedom through her own strength, attending the meeting with him was not the best choice.
“It will be quite annoying and troublesome.”
“I’ve already experienced it several times.”
Whether at the ball or dealing with the guardian issue before, Lia had faced enough challenges.
So, this fact was not a significant problem for her.
“Sometimes it’s good to do what you want without worrying about the consequences.”
Trying to reason with foolish people verbally was often useless. Demonstrating your intentions through actions was far more effective.
“Well, you’re telling me something good.”
“Well, I’m the guardian of angel baby after all.”
Cassian, interpreting Lia’s words as praise, proudly replied with a confident expression.
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
While Lia didn’t plan to act as crudely as Cassian, if dealing with an utterly uncooperative individual… There might be no other option.
“I’ll be nearby, so feel free to call if you need help. Disposing of trash is my specialty.”
Fortunately, the meeting room for the conference was on the fourth floor, making the location just right.
It was a suitable place to neatly dispose of unwanted matters by tossing them out the window.
Even if they were lucky enough to survive, engaging in unnecessary actions would likely be out of the question.
“Well, then, I’ll be going.”
Lia, casually accepting Cassian’s words, stood up.
After a while, when Lia arrived at the conference room and opened the door, she found quite a few people sitting and holding discussions.
Before taking her seat on the designated high-status chair, Lia observed each person.
Most of them seemed dissatisfied with the abrupt meeting, displaying somewhat displeased expressions.
Of course, the discontent might not only be about the meeting but also related to Lia, an unfamiliar figure, being seated as the guardian without their knowledge.
Lia remained unfazed by their reactions.
Regardless of what they thought, he was a legitimate guardian, acknowledged by the Emperor.
“You’re late.”
As Lia took her seat, the highest-ranking noble among them expressed discontent with a subtle protest.
“Is that so? I believe I arrived on time.”
“Hmph. Nevertheless, for an important gathering like this, it’s customary to arrive a bit earlier than just on time, wouldn’t you agree?”
“That courtesy seems more fitting for you than for me.”
Lia didn’t employ deference towards the nobles attending the meeting.
While at the ball, she showed respect to those older than her, setting aside social status, but she had no intention of doing the same for the people in front of her.
After all, they belonged to noble families.
There was a clear hierarchy.
“What do you mean?”
“If you don’t understand what I’m pointing out, you don’t even have the right to sit there.”
It was a fundamental principle.
Addressing the guardian with anything less than honorifics was inappropriate.
So, it shouldn’t have been a question about not knowing.
Thus, Lia chose not to explain the fact, sparing them unnecessary discomfort.
In response to Lia’s words, the face of the high-ranking noble contorted with displeasure.
It was a stinging disregard that left a bitter taste.
Yet again, Lia paid no mind to the aristocrats’ reactions; they held no value to be bothered about.
“Since it seems everyone with the qualifications to attend the meeting has gathered, let’s begin the session.”
Lia signaled the start of the meeting, disregarding the tense atmosphere in the conference room.
However, even as the meeting began, no one spoke up first.
Lia patiently waited, expecting someone among them to break the silence and initiate the reporting.
Despite the wait, no one uttered a word.
It was a blatant act of disregard.
It openly revealed their refusal to acknowledge her as the head of the family.
“There must be nothing to report to me, seeing that everyone’s keeping their mouths shut. Are you all that bothered?”
Lia looked at the aristocrats in the meeting room with an undisturbed demeanor.
Her words didn’t elicit any response.
“Well, then let me start with the main points. I happen to have a lot to say.”
For today’s gathering, consider the years of hardship endured.
She have meticulously examined and reviewed documents spanning a decade.
She didn’t miss anything, not even the smallest detail, has escaped her thorough scrutiny; it’s all ingrained in her memory.
Consequently, this meeting, though termed a conference, is essentially a time for comprehensive organization and arrangement.
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