I'm Searching for the Villainous Dad's Memories!

Episode 23

That night.

I slipped out of the mansion, carefully moving so as not to be seen.

I felt a little guilty since Dad had always told me not to go out alone after dark. Well, that was something Alec’s dad had warned me about.

‘Well… Kalec’s dad wouldn’t care whether I went out in the evening or not, though.’

First, I headed straight for the western annex.

After that, I quietly rolled the mini carriage I had borrowed from Theo near the lobby and ran away.

Then, I made my way to the eastern forest.

It was quite far from the mansion, so it was really exhausting.

“But still, it feels nice to be here.”

Above all, I was grateful that it wasn’t raining.

The forest at night was silent.

The moon was shining as brightly as daytime, so it wasn’t that dark. The atmosphere was very different from during the day, but strangely, I didn’t feel scared even though I was alone.

‘It’s because it feels like I’m with friends.’

Even without using magic, I could sense it.

I knew the energy of the entire forest was welcoming me.

As I walked slowly, I glanced up at the large old tree near the lake.

It had caught my eye ever since I arrived.

My magic quietly seeped into the tree.

The massive, lush tree seemed to have been watching over this duchy for a long time. Perhaps that’s why it felt majestic and grand in appearance.

It gave off the impression of a sage who had undergone many trials.

“Hello.”

A soft voice responded in my mind.

[ Hello. ]

“I’ll get straight to the point; I have something to ask you.”

[ I’ll get straight to the point as well; I love showing off my knowledge. ]

Oh, just as I thought.

This was no ordinary tree.

“I get curious every five minutes, so I think we’ll get along well. That’s a relief. So, about this magical item…”

I carefully pulled out the protective magical artifact I had tucked away. The leaves quivered as if they had met an old friend.

[ Oh my, it’s been a while. Those are dormant seeds. ]

“You know about this?”

[ That itself is a kind of magic circle. When you germinate those seeds, a powerful protective barrier will activate as the magic circle is triggered. If you don’t touch the seeds, only a regular barrier will activate. ]

As I suspected!

“How do I—”

[ It’s impossible for you, little one. ]

Why did it have to say that so firmly?

“Why not!”

[ It takes a tremendous amount of power to grow something. ]

The tree leaves rustled softly as if laughing quietly.

[ Besides, not many people know how to properly use this magical artifact. The line of druidic magicians has been severed. ]

‘Druid?’

It sounded familiar but foreign at the same time. Was that what people with powers like mine were called?

I hugged the tree tightly, almost pleading.

“But I was told that my magic is one that plants like. So, shouldn’t I be able to use the powerful barrier?”

I felt as though the tree extended its branches to gaze down at me gently. The breeze blowing through the leaves tickled me.

[ Well, that’s true. It’s rare for a human to be able to speak with me like this… but I wouldn’t recommend it. Are you sure about this? ]

I nodded vigorously.

If it’s for Dad, I’ll do anything!

[ Such stubbornness… ]

A fallen leaf gently landed on the top of my head. The hairstyle the maids had so carefully tied up had already loosened.

[ Fine. But with the magic you have right now, it’s going to be extremely difficult. ]

“Then what should I do?”

The tree paused for a moment before speaking.

[ There is a price. ]

***

Blain Wintervalt enjoyed night walks.

In fact, he had been feeling rather gloomy these past few days.

That’s because he hadn’t been able to even catch a glimpse of the child he most wanted to befriend.

‘There are two little cuties in this mansion, and yet…’

It wasn’t just Lirin; the boy Theo was also practically glued to her like a sticker, making it hard to approach.

Since their first encounter had gone so terribly wrong, Blain did his best to stay out of Lirin’s sight.

Whenever their paths crossed, he would quickly hide behind a tree.

But whenever he heard her tiny footsteps, he couldn’t help but sneak a peek, and the sight of her little pink head made his heart flutter.

‘She really is adorable.’

Small, round, and warm-looking. Her voice was really, really cute too.

If he could hug her just once, he’d have no other wish.

Blain really liked children.

But because of his large size and intimidating appearance, most children were afraid of him. Though Lirin was the first to run away crying.

‘At least I was able to give her the stuffed bear gift.’

When he had accidentally run into Lirin earlier that day, he had left the gift quickly and hurried away.

From what he could see while hiding behind a tree, her back looked quite pleased.

Seeing her chubby cheeks lift slightly, she might have been a little happy.

What kind of expression was she making? Was she smiling brightly?

There were still many more wooden dolls ready, so he planned to keep giving them to her bit by bit.

“…Hm?”

Just then, something small knocked against his thick boot.

‘This is…’

It was one of the wooden carriages he had made.

The only difference was that a small note was tucked into the carriage.

Blain unfolded the note, noticing the crooked but carefully written letters.

He let out a stifled gasp, covering his mouth.

His large, hunched shoulders suddenly straightened up. Ah, everything in the world seemed inexplicably beautiful.

He would carve the most luxurious and exciting toy in the world for this precious little one right away. Something was pouring out from inside him—an endless surge of inspiration.

At that moment, Blain came to a sudden stop.

‘Huh?’

There was a second part to the note.

Thud. In the end, he clutched his chest and fell to his knees. It was the most devastating letter he had received since Eliza’s proposal.

Perhaps it was all the emotions he had bottled up inside, but it moved him even more deeply.

What should he wear?

No, what should he make for him to wear?

‘Something that suits the lake.’

It might be nice to make something for that little Theo kid as well.

Overflowing with inspiration, Blain began to pace in circles around the front of the mansion.

It was the night before the procession.

***

The Etherion Empire is protected by the four duchies from all directions.

When the head of one of these noble houses changes, the former duke and the new duke visit the imperial palace together to pay their respects to the Emperor. Crowds would gather to witness this procession, marking the start of the ceremonial march.

It was a sacred event where gratitude and reverence were shown to the former duke for his service in protecting the Empire, and support and trust were given to the new duke who would carry on the responsibility.

Of course, in recent times…

“Raise the flags higher! Make them flutter with more pride!”

“What about the flowers and coins for the street? Is this all we have?”

“Double what Summeraine did. No, make it five times more!”

Now, it had become a great opportunity to show off the wealth and power of each noble house.

“My lord, everything is ready. Shall we depart?”

Kalec sat atop a white horse adorned with a luxurious curtain. He slowly scanned his surroundings at his lieutenant’s words.

“Yes.”

A small but weighty voice.

The bustling servants who were anxiously finishing the last-minute checks all froze in place.

Right. We have him…

The master of Wintervalt, who made even the most majestic flags, vibrant flowers, and expensive gold coins unnecessary—so perfect and overwhelming.

With his neatly combed hair and flawlessly donned ceremonial uniform, he looked absolutely immaculate.

From his sharp eyes, which seemed ready to cut anyone down who crossed him, to his lips, which carried a fierce edge as if they were ready to bite at any moment.

‘We’ve already won.’

The servants smiled in satisfaction as they sent off Kalec’s procession.

Even just the sight of his back filled them with pride.

“And where is the Duchess?”

“She is coming by carriage from behind.”

Kalec nodded and slowly headed toward the front gates of the ducal residence. Following him a bit behind was a lavish, grand four-horse carriage.

“She boarded the carriage but hasn’t even opened the window… She’s unusually quiet today.”

“Haha. She probably dislikes all this pomp and wants it over with quickly.”

“And Father is still holed up in the annex?”

“Yes. He probably won’t come out for at least a week, no matter what anyone says.”

“I see.”

Listening to his lieutenant’s explanation, Kalec tilted his head slightly.

‘Now that you mention it, quiet…’

He almost found himself glancing up at the fourth floor of the main mansion.

But he forced himself to focus straight ahead, his eyes fixed on the approaching front gates.

‘Even the little ones are unusually quiet this morning.’

• ❁ • ❁ • ❁ •By Esraa• ❁ • ❁ • ❁ •

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