I Picked Up My Father Who Left Home 62
Soon, the carriage came to a stop. They had finally arrived near the city center.
Since it was difficult to navigate the crowded city streets by carriage, Shion had purposely stopped the carriage on the outskirts.
Cassian had placed Lia in the carriage to efficiently bring her to the city, not to suggest taking a carriage ride around the city itself.
“Please be careful as you get off,”
Shion said, worried that Lia might stumble as she disembarked.
Shion had already gotten off the carriage and was reaching out a hand to help Lia down safely.
“I can get off on my own,”
Lia responded, feeling a bit smothered as both Cassian and now Shion seemed to be overprotective.
“Well, just in case…”
Shion trailed off. Though his words stemmed from concern, Lia might perceive them as patronizing.
“I’ve been getting on and off carriages just fine by myself,”
Lia insisted.
Of course, whenever Cassian was around, he disregarded her protests and lifted her in and out of the carriage.
“It’s just that I tend to worry a lot…”
Shion explained, with Lia looking at him with a strange expression.
At first, Shion seemed normal for a grand duke’s aide, and she wondered how he ended up working for Cassian. Now, she noticed similarities between them.
Both Cassian and Shion showed respect toward her.
Despite her young age, they did not dismiss her and recognized her as the duke.
Even Shion’s earlier concern was carefully worded to avoid sounding dismissive. He had explained his actions as mere over-cautiousness, not because of her youth or lack of trust.
He placed the blame entirely on his own worry.
Such considerate behavior was touching.
Lia’s heart warmed at the thought.
“Is there anywhere you’d like to go?”
Shion asked respectfully once Lia was safely off the carriage.
“This is actually my first time coming to the city…”
Lia admitted, smiling awkwardly.
Despite her age, she had never had the chance to explore the city, unlike other noble children who often enjoyed city outings at a younger age.
Her grandfather, Duke Sithran, had always been strict about her outings.
While he granted her every other wish, he was stern and unwavering when it came to her leaving the estate.
Lia couldn’t bring herself to persist, seeing the concern and complex emotions in his eyes.
Shion was surprised by Lia’s admission, having assumed she had visited the city before. But outwardly, he showed no reaction. Everyone has their circumstances, and he could understand hers to some extent.
After all, Lia’s mother had gone missing during a city outing. No one knew what had happened to her or how the former duke eventually found his granddaughter, Lia.
Given this history, it was understandable why the former duke was so strict.
“I haven’t been to the city often either, but I will do my best to guide you,”
Shion offered.
As the grand duke’s aide, he mostly stayed within the grand duke’s territory but had visited the city a few times and knew more than someone visiting for the first time.
“Thank you, Sir Shion,”
Lia said with a bright smile, appreciating his thoughtful demeanor.
Following Shion’s lead, Lia spent several hours exploring various parts of the city.
Everything was fascinating and enjoyable, especially since it was her first time. Street food and various sights captivated her attention.
There were also many play areas for children scattered throughout the city. Initially, Lia refused, claiming she wasn’t a child, but once she tried, she had so much fun that she lost track of time.
Shion watched her with a proud smile.
Although he initially grumbled about being assigned this task, he found that he enjoyed the outing with Lia.
Lia’s charm made her irresistible, and he understood why Cassian was so protective and attentive toward her.
“Are you hungry?”
Shion asked gently as Lia continued to explore the city.
They had walked a lot and it was time for a meal.
“Now that you mention it, I do feel a bit hungry,”
Lia admitted.
“Let’s find something to eat and then continue our tour.”
Lia, being in a growth period, needed to eat on time. If Cassian found out they skipped a meal, he would be furious.
“Yeah, that’s right, let’s do that!”
This was her first meal outside.
Just this alone made Lia excited for no reason.
Initially, she planned to pass the time and return to the duke’s mansion around mealtime, but Lia changed her mind.
Even though she was still concerned about the unfinished work, she was having too much fun at the moment.
Besides, if not today, when else could she have an outing in the city?
For that reason, she felt a bit grateful to Cassian. Without him, she wouldn’t have even thought of enjoying such a time.
She also felt a bit regretful, realizing she was enjoying this time alone.
Of course, Shion was by her side, but Lia wanted to spend this time with Cassian if possible.
There is nothing as joyful as spending happy moments with someone precious.
With that, Lia hoped that next time, she could enjoy such an outing with Cassian.
Soon, Lia arrived at a restaurant in the city under Shion’s guidance.
Located a bit away from the city center, the restaurant wasn’t flashy but had a cozy atmosphere.
“Do you like it?”
“Yes!”
The interior, filled with things children would love, was dazzling.
No matter how mature one pretends to be, a child is still a child.
Lia really liked the restaurant.
Seeing Lia’s reaction, Shion sighed in relief.
He had put a lot of thought into choosing the place.
He avoided famous places to not overwhelm her, while still ensuring it was a tasty place that attracted some visitors.
It also had to have an atmosphere that Lia would like.
So he chose this place, and seeing Lia happy made him feel proud.
Lia and Shion were guided to the best seat in the restaurant by the staff.
Throughout, Lia looked around in wonder.
The ceiling was covered with sparkling lights, and various dolls placed on each table kept catching Lia’s eyes.
Even the candles on the tables were cutely shaped.
“I want to come here again.”
That’s how much Lia liked the place.
“If you tell grand duke Cassian, you can come anytime.”
“Yes, I’d love to come with Khal next time.”
Shion looked at her with a curious expression.
On her face, as she thought about the Grand Duke, was a small smile she wasn’t aware of. That smile was full of kindness and affection.
It was truly amazing.
That someone could think so comfortably about Cassian, who was always an object of fear.
In that sense, their relationship was truly unique.
It was hard to believe they had known each other for only a short time, given how close and intimate they seemed.
They felt like they had been together for a long time.
That’s how comfortable they were with each other.
For a moment, such thoughts vanished as the food they ordered arrived.
“I hope it suits your taste.”
“You too, Sir Shion.”
After all, Shion had worked hard for her, from guiding her through the city to choosing the restaurant.
Just as they were about to start eating, someone approached them.
“I never expected to see the Duke here.”
The voice was full of surprise and a hint of welcome.
Lia’s gaze turned to the person who spoke to her.
