I Picked Up My Father Who Left Home 58
‘Back then, should I have just given him poison?’
Not a medicine to calm one’s spirits.
Thinking of the gift he had given, which was a consideration for Lia in its own way and a slight favor for the annoying little brat, Cassian recalled.
If he had done that, there would be no need to wait so long, and Lia wouldn’t continue to meet the Crown Prince in the future.
But if he had done so, Lia would surely be angry.
Even if not, the common sense that was almost nonexistent restrained him from killing him.
Though he was an annoying little brat, that’s all he was. There wasn’t a reason to kill him.
Occasionally joking about cutting the Emperor’s throat, but he never actually thought of doing it.
Anyway, they’re was the Emperor, and also the Crown Prince.
Meanwhile, noticing Cassian’s subtle squirming, Lia opened her mouth as if to catch his attention.
She didn’t know what he was thinking, but it didn’t seem wise to leave it as it was.
“Why is Khal here?”
“I happened to have some business at the palace and waited to go back with my angel baby.”
Cassian’s expression as he spoke was slightly more relaxed than before.
His unsettled feelings eased as he looked at Lia with her round, innocent gaze.
‘She’s quite charming.’
Just watching her made him feel helpless, as if he would end up agreeing to anything Lia said in the end.
Of course, that was probably still the case now.
“Is that so? By any chance, is that business…”
At Cassian’s words, Lia sent him a slightly suspicious glance, recalling the familiar voice she heard when she went to Jeshuan’s room.
Of course, it wasn’t her place to intervene in whom Cassian met.
There wasn’t a reason he shouldn’t meet the Crown Prince.
It just bothered her a little.
Wasn’t he the one who didn’t like her meeting Jeshuan in the first place?
And yet, of all days, he happened to be absent when she went to meet Jeshuan… It was oddly unsettling.
But with the following answer, Lia could put her unease to rest.
“I met the Emperor briefly.”
“His Majesty?”
“Yes. I had something to say to the Emperor regarding the demon extermination mission.”
“Ah, by the way, what happened with that?”
Lia nodded as if she understood Cassian’s words.
After all, hadn’t Cassian said he would meet with the Emperor to discuss that matter on his own?
“I was granted permission to accompany. Originally, as the Emperor, there was no reason to refuse the offer.”
Moreover, Cassian was not unqualified to accompany.
“That’s fortunate.”
It was uncomfortable to think that Cassian, who was not in perfect condition, would accompany her on the demon extermination mission because of her, but it was unavoidable.
Just as she had no intention of giving up the demon extermination mission, Cassian also seemed to have no intention of canceling his decision.
And honestly… it was somewhat reassuring.
After all, wasn’t he the person she trusted and relied on the most after Sebain?
Just the fact that he was by her side was a great comfort to her.
“And the schedule for the demon extermination mission has been set.”
“Already?”
Of course, Lia was aware that time was limited.
There was no point in postponing what had already been decided.
However, the schedule being set so quickly weighed heavily on Lia’s mind.
“We’ll be heading to the border of the Refaar Forest.”
Cassian spoke with a furrowed brow, as if displeased with the idea.
Understandably so, as the border of the Refaar Forest was a crucial location.
Not only was the frequency of demon appearances high there, but their numbers were also greater compared to other areas.
However, there were no other options.
In order to avoid revealing his identity, it was necessary to avoid places where there was a high chance of being recognized.
Furthermore, since Lia would be accompanying them, the skills of the individuals participating in the extermination needed to be exceptional.
That way, Lia could return safely without any harm.
Considering these conditions, the remaining option was the Refaar Forest.
Except for one problem area, it was the safest and best choice available.
It was none other than where the knights of the Grand Duchy were assigned for the extermination.
Currently, the most skilled individuals from all the knight orders within the empire were gathered in the Grand Duchy’s knights.
With such individuals, the likelihood of Lia being in danger was almost negligible.
Moreover, they were directly under Cassian’s command. There was no need to restrain the use of abilities for fear of revealing his identity, and even if they were to find out, it wouldn’t be a problem.
They respected Cassian as much as their skills, and they were entirely devoted to him.
They were more trustworthy and discreet than anyone else.
Moreover, Shion was there, adding to the sense of security.
There would be no one to question Lia’s actions or disregard her due to her youth.
“We’ll head there in about a week, and it’ll take however long it takes.”
Typically, the extermination would be finished within a week, but there were always variables.
So, they couldn’t assert anything prematurely.
However, one thing was certain, whatever happened there, Lia would return unharmed.
She would ensure that at all costs.
For her sake, she would shorten the extermination period as much as possible.
Extending the extermination period would only increase Lia’s burden.
Therefore, it was imperative to minimize it.
As someone who wouldn’t even utter a weak sound, how could he bear to witness her in such a state for long without expressing his concerns?
Lia means everything to him.
He couldn’t leave a single pebble in her path.
“Still, it’s fortunate we have time. I was worried we might have to leave right away.”
While exterminating demons was essential, with a mountain of tasks to handle, how could they leave immediately?
Thankfully, with time on their side, it was essential to get some work done beforehand.
It would prevent returning only to face a barrage of tasks, leaving no time for rest.
“If he doesn’t give such a decision, I must immediately dethrone the emperor..”
Cassian, already discontent with the fact that young Lia, only twelve years old, had to accompany the demon extermination, had no intention of leaving without giving her time to prepare.
If they had to leave without giving time for mental preparation, he wouldn’t tolerate it.
While they hadn’t been completely short on time until now, Lia had been too busy to consider the extermination.
Lia had only recently become aware that she had to accompany the demon extermination, so shouldn’t they give her at least a week’s notice before leaving?
“His Majesty seems to have a very generous and kind heart.”
Seeing Cassian like that, Lia sighed. His attitude wasn’t just apparent in front of her.
Hadn’t he been the same in front of the Emperor before?
Yet the Emperor didn’t impose any sanctions on Cassian. He simply overlooked it as if it were familiar.
It wouldn’t be easy for most people, especially someone of the Emperor’s stature.
“I don’t know about that, but he certainly has a talent for wielding influence over people.”
Even Cassian acknowledged this aspect, if nothing else.
So, isn’t he skillfully manipulating the Emperor, despite his thunderous demeanor?
“Well, he’s the Emperor.”
Lia casually responded to Cassian’s seemingly discontented remark.
Cassian’s face seemed subtly tense at Lia’s words.
Just for a moment.
“Anyway, don’t worry about the demon extermination. I’ll be by your side.”
Cassian noticed a slight tension in Lia’s face, despite her usual expression that seemed no different.
Well, why wouldn’t she be?
Even grown adults find it challenging.
In fact, some nobles deliberately inflicted injuries on themselves to avoid accompanying demon extermination missions.
Some sensitive nobles suffered from trauma after participating in demon extermination missions.
It was a duty with such weight.
Despite suggestions to abolish this duty, it was the firm resolve of the former Duke of Sithran that quashed it.
The former Duke of Sithran argued,
Demon extermination wasn’t just a matter for Ability Users.
Everyone should be aware of it.
About how dangerous and terrifying demons were, and how dedicated Ability Users were to the people of the empire.
It wasn’t wrong.
After demon extermination missions were forcibly mandated due to the former Duke of Sithran’s firm stance, nobles no longer took matters related to demons lightly.
Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in the disregard and discrimination against Ability Users.
So, although the problems persisted to some extent, they remained codified in law.
“I’m fine.”
Lia said with an indifferent expression, despite Cassian’s warm concern.
“It seems my angel baby hasn’t learned the most important thing.”
“What’s that…?”
With Cassian’s serious expression, Lia felt a sense of hesitation, wondering what he was about to say.
“Sometimes you have to admit it’s not okay. If you always say you’re fine, people might actually believe you are.”
“I’m really okay…”
“It’s scary. It’s hard. It’s okay to admit that. At least in front of me.”
He would always be there for her, ready to support her.
He wouldn’t ignore her or consider her weak just because she spoke softly in front of him.
So, He hoped she could at least be comfortable in front of him.
He hoped she could briefly escape the weight pressing down on her.
“But I’m the Duke of Sithran.”
“To me, you’re the most precious angel baby in the world.”
