I Picked Up My Father Who Left Home 51
Cassian’s persuasion brought an awkward expression to Lia’s face.
She was well aware that his actions were solely for her sake.
It stemmed from the genuine concern he had for her.
However, for Lia, it was still difficult to yield.
After all, wasn’t it her duty as the heir?
If she couldn’t fulfill that duty properly, there would inevitably be discussions about her qualifications as the heir.
This was just the first step.
Despite resolving discontent within the family during the previous meeting and gaining recognition as the heir, there was still a long way to go.
Hence, Lia wanted to avoid any possible flaws in her position.
“Lia.”
Sensing the dilemma beneath Lia’s awkward smile, Cassian called her gently.
“That might be the best course of action. However… I know that delaying the timing for demon extermination is not an option. As far as I’m aware, unless there is a physical or mental condition that makes demon extermination impossible, age alone doesn’t qualify as an exception according to imperial law.”
Despite her age being a factor, it didn’t meet the conditions specified in imperial law for an exemption.
Anyway, demon extermination wasn’t impossible unless there was a severe physical or mental condition.
Cassian frowned at Lia’s words.
“So, if we apply for a delay, it will be interpreted as not due to my age but because of some defect in me.”
Moreover, it would provide a splendid pretext for those eyeing her position to drag her down.
“Ha.”
Frustrated by the situation not going as planned, Cassian sighed irritably.
‘Is there really only one way?’
Bringing down this damned empire or getting rid of the emperor who enacted this damned law.
Choosing either of those seemed much easier for Cassian than persuading Lia.
“… Khal, I’m sorry.”
As if sensing Cassian’s mood, Lia gently held his hand and apologized.
No one was to blame. It was just the circumstances.
Yet, Lia couldn’t help but feel a bit sorry for Cassian.
But the blame didn’t lie with anyone; it was just the way things were.
Even so, Lia felt a bit apologetic towards Cassian, knowing that he cared for her more than anyone.
“No need for my angel baby to feel sorry.”
Yes, how could anyone blame Lia?
Just… that damned emperor was the problem.
Along with the deceased former Duke of Sithran.
If he was going to die anyway, wouldn’t it be better if Lia became an adult before his death?
Of course, even so, it’s not like he wanted to die, but the Duke of Sithran became resentful of his worry for Lia.
“In the end… there’s no other way.”
As he momentarily cursed the Emperor and the Duke of Sithran in his mind, Cassian thought with a resigned expression.
He considered this method as a last resort.
To be used when all persuasion failed.
But there was no other way.
Looking at Lia as if apologizing, there was a firmness in her that seemed unconvincable by anything.
“Yeah, it was impossible from the start.”
Convincing Lia.
If she decided to do something once, she must accomplish it.
He had been swayed by her all along, never succeeded in convincing her.
In that sense, she was truly a remarkable angel baby.
Aren’t him wielding himself that he have never been swayed by anyone in his life.
Moreover, in front of her, he always became the weaker one.
He couldn’t refuse her request, and eventually had to fulfill what she wanted.
Even if it was something he didn’t want.
So, in reality, this ending was predetermined from the beginning.
“I give up on letting you go instead of me for the demon hunting expedition. Instead, I’ll go with you.”
“Khal will go there too?”
“Yeah, how could I let angel baby go alone to such a dangerous place?”
It was a natural choice for Cassian.
Ultimately, if he had to send Lia, going with her was the best option.
At least, as long as he was with her, Lia wouldn’t be in any danger.
“But, Khal, you’re not fully recovered yet.”
The injury itself had healed long ago, and there were no visible traces now. However, the issue was his ability.
He still couldn’t decipher the poison.
Fortunately, there were no apparent problems so far, but the outcome was uncertain when he used his ability.
“Rather than sending angel baby alone to a dangerous place, I’d rather endure a bit of pain.”
He wasn’t completely unable to use his ability; there were just side effects.
For Lia, he was willing to bear it willingly.
If he used his ability moderately and didn’t let it go out of control, there would be no danger for Lia.
In response to Cassian’s firm answer without any hesitation, Lia looked at him with an expression that was hard to describe.
Although she had gotten used to it by now, Lia still couldn’t comprehend his unconditional affection.
Of course, with the time they spent together, Lia also developed strong feelings for him, growing closer.
However, understanding Cassian’s kindness and affection toward her was immense and overwhelming.
Like the unconditional love of parents for their child.
Cassian’s kindness and affection were, without a doubt, comparable to the grandfather who had cherished her.
So, her heart fluttered.
Overflowing affection and kindness were so touching and appreciated.
Lia, feeling shy, cautiously spoke with a slightly blushing face.
“Thank you for Everything, Khal.”
Cassian, in himself, provided comfort to her.
Perhaps the reason she was relatively well after her grandfather passed away was largely thanks to him.
Without feeling the void left by her grandfather, Cassian was always by her side.
He gave her that much affection.
Therefore, she never felt like she was alone in the world.
Cassian was someone she could always rely on, someone she could always be playful with.
It was a strange certainty, but Lia was confident that he would always be on her side.
“That’s what I want to say.”
For Cassian, Lia’s existence itself held great significance.
In this warm atmosphere, Cassian opened his mouth to organize a topic that hadn’t been concluded yet.
“Anyway, regarding the demon hunting, I’ll accompany you. It won’t be an issue since I’m your guardian. Usually, when a noble goes on a demon hunt, they also bring personal guards.”
“But…”
“Don’t worry about me. I’m not as weak as to be concerned by angel baby. So, just think about yourself, angel baby.”
After all, he was the only grand duke in the empire. Moreover, he possessed formidable strength, enough to take charge of the demon hunting expedition.
Even if he couldn’t fully use his abilities due to the effects of the potion, the name wasn’t fading.
It had been over 20 years since he took charge of demon hunting.
Cassian had been dealing with demons since Lia’s childhood, or perhaps even before.
Dealing with demons had become second nature to him, as easy as breathing.
The experience accumulated over the years was not easily toppled.
“And the rest, I’ll handle it, so angel baby, just relax and don’t worry about anything. I’ll make sure there’s nothing to concern you, so be well-prepared.”
The decision to accompany Lia on the demon hunting expedition was made, but there were some preparations to be made.
Starting with disguising himself to avoid detection, he also needed to choose which demon hunting expedition to join.
Despite the inconvenience, Cassian planned to personally visit the Emperor to discuss this.
After all, he had to inform the Emperor.
“No, it’s my responsibility, so I should…”
“Angel baby’s matters are my matters. And I can handle this much, right?”
Cassian spoke with a somewhat pleading expression.
“Well, still…”
“Angel baby, I’ve made considerable concessions. Give me the opportunity to do something for you.”
“…Alright.”
Despite saying so much, and continuing to refuse, Lia nodded as if she had no choice.
“So, angel baby, don’t worry about anything. Just focus on what needs to be done now. The rest, as we talk to the Emperor, I’ll let you know.”
Saying so, Cassian affectionately stroked Lia’s hair.
Lia quietly accepted his touch.
***
After finishing her morning duties, Lia prepared to go out.
It was the day she was going to meet the Crown Prince at the palace.
While receiving the maids assistance in getting ready, Lia couldn’t help but feel a strange emptiness.
Then she realized the reason for that emptiness.
‘Ah….’
No wonder something felt different.
Unlike last time, when Cassian’s strong presence came to her even before she started preparing, he wasn’t around today.
‘Thanks to that, I can prepare comfortably.’
Although he wasn’t exactly disturbing her, she subtly missed his presence.
Of course, apart from that, she was concerned about something else in a different sense.
What can she say? Now that she’s meeting the Crown Prince, it’s not like she fully approves, so why does she feel uneasy when she’s being quiet?
She worried that he might be in some kind of trouble somewhere.
With that thought in mind, as soon as Lia finished her preparations, she called for Sebain and inquired about Cassian’s whereabouts.
“He said he had some matters to attend to and would be back shortly.”
“Did he say where he was going?”
“Yes. He mentioned he would be back shortly.”
“Alright.”
Why today of all days?
Such thoughts crossed her mind, but Lia made an effort to suppress her uneasiness.
As long as he wasn’t in any trouble, she had no right to interfere in his affairs.
Shortly after, Lia rode the prepared carriage towards the palace.
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