I Picked Up My Father Who Left Home

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I Picked Up My Father Who Left Home 54

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeshuan’s words left Lia deep in thought.

 

Agreeing to listen abruptly, she was bothered by not knowing the contents of the favor.

 

Refusing wasn’t an option, but the real problem was that charming face.

 

Already, Jeshuan’s image in her mind was that of a delicate young man, and facing those sparkling eyes attacking her like a playful cat in boots, pretending not to notice became impossible.

 

“S-so, what’s the favor?”

 

“…Let me call you ‘Lia’ too.”

 

“Uh, well…”

 

Jeshuan’s favor was simply wanting to use her nickname, Lia. It wasn’t a difficult request, just somewhat awkward.

 

Yet, there was a catch.

 

Cassian, who already had a lot of dissatisfaction with her regular meetings with the Crown Prince, might react strongly to finding out the Crown Prince wanted to be called by an affectionate nickname.

 

In fact, didn’t he try to convince her that there was no one else can calling her like that except him, especially when he called her Lia?

 

‘Well, it doesn’t matter.’

 

Anyway, Cassian gave up the nickname of Lia and still calls her angel baby.

 

‘Yeah, what does it matter?’

 

The first one who didn’t listen was Cassian. And… there was no need for Cassian to notice that someone else was calling her by her nickname.

 

It was her nickname, after all.

 

‘But…’

 

Just now, Jeshuan said “me too,” didn’t he?

 

As if Jeshuan knew someone else calling her Lia.

 

Just as suspicion began to surface on Lia’s face, as if she knew someone else calling her Lia, Jeshuan spoke up, redirecting her attention.

 

“Not allowed?”

 

His eyes, so clear and sparkling that they almost seemed tearful, held a transparent and poignant gaze.

 

Even an air of deep emotion lingered in those eyes.

 

“No, it’s okay. Absolutely okay.”

 

Well, it couldn’t be anything but okay.

 

A handsome man like him wanting to call her by her nickname!

 

Upon closer inspection, even if she begged him to call her, it wouldn’t be a loss.

 

When would she encounter such a handsome man again?

 

“Yeah. Thanks, Lia.”

 

Jeshuan gently folded his eyes and gave a smiling glance.

 

His voice had a captivating, soft quality.

 

The whole scene resembled a nine-tailed fox, graceful and alluring.

 

Lia felt like her heart was malfunctioning, fluttering uncontrollably.

 

After calming her racing heart, Lia, with a determined expression, spoke up.

 

“But today, we have something we need to do!”

 

Remembering the last time when I struggled to decide what to do, today I’ve come up with my own plan.

 

Well, it’s just… something very simple.

 

“Anything you want to do, Lia, I’m fine with it.”

 

After all, what mattered to Jeshuan was the time spent with Lia, not what they did together.

 

Her mere presence was a great comfort to him.

 

“Today, we’re going for a walk!”

 

“A walk…?”

 

Jeshuan responded with a slightly awkward expression to Lia’s words.

 

“Yes, I heard that your health isn’t at the best. Times like these, exercise is essential. But since strenuous exercise might be difficult, how about a walk instead?”

 

It was a considerate choice for Jeshuan, who shouldn’t stay confined to the room due to his weak condition.

 

Since Lia herself spent most of her time indoors due to work, it was an opportunity for both of them to take a leisurely walk.

 

This seemed like a win-win situation.

 

“…Hmm, Lia, do you want to go for a walk?”

 

“Do you dislike it, Jeshuan?”

 

Lia sensed Jeshuan’s less-than-enthusiastic response to the walk.

 

“…I don’t particularly like it.”

 

It wasn’t that he disliked walking itself; he simply didn’t enjoy the situations he inevitably faced during the activity.

 

“But it’s not allowed. Considering your health, we should be cautious even with a walk. However, moderate exercise is essential!”

 

Lia stated, thinking Jeshuan’s dislike of walking was solely due to his frailty.

 

Jeshuan pondered her words for a moment.

 

In reality, he just disliked encountering other people.

 

The gazes of those who looked at him carried an underlying fear and rejection that he couldn’t hide, no matter how hard he tried.

 

Yet, facing Lia’s hopeful expression, he found it difficult to say no.

 

‘Well, it shouldn’t matter too much.’

 

He could choose a place where people didn’t frequent much and take a short, leisurely walk.

 

Especially near the Star Palace gardens, encountering others would be highly unlikely.

 

“Shall we?”

 

Lia extended her hand to Jeshuan, as if offering an escort.

 

Jeshuan stared intently at her hand.

 

While it might be a simple gesture to her, Jeshuan felt a peculiar emotion in her outreached hand.

 

That’s why, without much thought, he firmly grasped her hand.

 

It was meant as a gesture to go, not a genuine attempt to hold hands.

 

However, the genuine act of holding her hand left him slightly taken aback.

 

Meanwhile, Jeshuan, holding Lia’s small hand that he unintentionally took, had a subtle smile.

 

This feeling, this sensation.

 

Only she could provide it to him.

 

Lia, just by being in the same space, gave him room to breathe. As they made contact now, the energy that had been frenziedly bounding around him was gradually calming down.

 

It had been so long since Jeshuan experienced such a tranquil sensation.

 

For someone who had endured the surge of energy since birth, this was an exceptionally rare experience for Jeshuan.

 

Instinctively, Jeshuan tightly held onto her hand, as if unwilling to let it go.

 

His actions conveyed a reluctance to release her hand.

 

Faced with Jeshuan’s gesture, Lia pondered on how to respond.

 

Although they had agreed to become friends, their relationship wasn’t yet so close.

 

Even without that, holding hands and going for a walk felt somewhat burdensome.

 

Jeshuan immediately sensed Lia’s hesitation.

 

Yet, he had no intention of letting go of her hand. Having tasted the fruit once, it was too sweet and alluring to relinquish.

 

So, Jeshuan teased lightly.

 

“…Lia.”

 

“Jeshuan, are you okay?”

 

Lia’s face filled with concern as Jeshuan’s complexion worsened, compared to just a moment ago.

 

“I’m just feel a little dizzy.”

 

Along with his words, Jeshuan slightly swayed as if experiencing dizziness. Purposefully portraying vulnerability, he blinked his eyes in a faint manner.

 

Even the gently touched eyelashes seemed oddly fragile.

 

“Should we just take a rest, then?”

 

Although a walk might be more needed at times like this, it wouldn’t be right to force someone unwell to stroll.

 

“It’s not that bad.”

 

Despite considering canceling the walk, Jeshuan didn’t suggest it.

 

He sensed that Lia wanted to go for a walk, and he didn’t want to deny her that.

 

Perhaps, in her own way, she proposed the walk with his well-being in mind.

 

At least for that moment, it seemed like she had considered him, just as he had considered her.

 

Given that, he could afford to compromise on this matter.

 

Instead, he gained the sweet warmth, making it a significant advantage for him.

 

Jeshuan’s act of feigning illness was solely to keep holding her hand.

 

“Just supporting me like this for a little longer will be enough.”

 

Still maintaining the act, Jeshuan spoke with a pained expression.

 

“Alright. If it gets too hard, please let me know.”

 

“I will.”

 

Answering smoothly, Jeshuan firmly held Lia’s hand once again.

 

Soon, the two walked towards the small garden inside the Star Palace, holding each other’s hands.

 

It felt like a long-awaited stroll.

 

Lia found this time very enjoyable.

 

After all, when else would they have such a leisurely walk?

 

Aside from coming to the palace, there were almost no outings. Most of the day was spent working in the study.

 

Of course, not all household heads were that busy.

 

However, Lia’s situation was special. She was the head of the Sithran duchy, said to be one of the pillars of the empire, and her recent major layoff left many seats vacant.

 

Also, the position of the head of the household was left vacant until Lia officially performed her duties as the head of the household, and the period of time was not short.

 

To handle it all, even ten bodies were lacking.

 

For her, this time away from work, even if just for a while, was precious.

 

It also contributed significantly to refreshing the atmosphere.

 

“Are you enjoying this?”

 

Jeshuan, noticing a considerable lightening of Lia’s expression compared to the beginning, asked in a gentle voice.

 

“Yes, it’s really nice to take a stroll for a change. How about you, Jeshuan?”

 

“I like it too, especially because I’m with Lia.”

 

Jeshuan replied with a bright, cheerful smile.

 

Lia’s eyes widened as if she had been unexpectedly attacked.

 

‘No, that’s cheating!’

 

While Lia wouldn’t take those words literally and jump to strange conclusions, it was a significant offense to speak such suggestive words with that expression.

 

Was he some kind of villain?

 

“I’ll steal your heart!” or something like that? Why did he have to make such teasing remarks?

 

Thanks to him, it felt like her heart was about to stop.

 

Jeshuan’s words were undoubtedly sincere.

 

If it weren’t for her, he wouldn’t have experienced this restful and leisurely time.

 

When else could she be so at ease like this?

 

For this, Jeshuan could do anything.

 

“Sounds good. Shall we enjoy a bit more of our walk?”

 

Lia’s words made Jeshuan pause for a moment in contemplation.

 

As Jeshuan, he welcomed the idea of enjoying the stroll a bit more. It would be an excuse to continue holding her hand a little longer.

 

However, going further would mean leaving the Star Palace, and that posed a bit of a dilemma.

 

It was somewhat awkward.

 

“Jeshuan, let’s just go up to there and then turn back. Exercise is crucial during the growing period. This level won’t strain your body.”

 

Lia, sensing Jeshuan’s hesitation, gently reassured him.

 

Jeshuan wavered for a moment at her words.

 

It seemed particularly challenging to refuse her requests.

 

The fact that she suggested a walk in the first place might not have been just for herself.

 

“…If Lia says so, I will do.”

 

Well, going up to there should be fine.

 

In that short time, the likelihood of encountering other nobles would be low.

 

But unfortunately, Jeshuan’s expectations were completely wrong.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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