Dad is Back From a Deserted Island - Chapter 41

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Father has returned from the Deserted Island
Chapter 41

Eduard de Valmont was the merchant who first introduced the concept of a “Department Store” to the Empire.
The transformation the Department Store brought to the nobility and wealthy commoners could rightly be called revolutionary.
To be able to purchase everything in one place without the tedium of traveling between buildings! Moreover, it wasn’t merely a shopping destination—connected to Eduard’s own theater, one could indulge in cultural pursuits as well.
The place that made Eduard the Empire’s greatest merchant magnate. Jean de Lamber, who genuinely revered Eduard, could not help but take pride in it. It was also the place where he had poured his greatest passion when working under Eduard.
Inside the carriage heading toward the Department Store sat only a father and daughter in harmonious contentment. Of course, Kiki was with them as well.
Vivian, who had been listless throughout the journey, regained her vitality upon glimpsing the outside scenery.
When I mentioned the outing, both Luca and Eduard wanted to join, but neither could accompany us as they already had prior commitments.
Recalling their reluctant faces as they expressed regret that they would definitely go if their schedules ended early, I gently stroked Vivian’s hair.
“Hmm?”
“Nothing, my little princess. You’re just so incredibly wonderful.”
As for Luca, that was one thing, but how had Eduard been so captivated?
Of course, Vivian’s loveliness could enchant not just Eduard but even the Emperor of this realm, yet it was still a remarkable thing.
“I’m grateful Luca doesn’t feel slighted.”
Eduard treated Vivian far more affectionately than his own son, even more than his own grandson Luca—it would have been understandable if Luca felt neglected. Fortunately, Luca adored Vivian as well.
“Truly, our daughter.”
The peace of the Valmont Family was maintained thanks to Vivian. I genuinely believed this. Unaware that her father harbored such embarrassing thoughts, Vivian was completely absorbed in the scenery passing beyond the carriage window.
There were so many people in such a place. Beluang was a bustling city, but it could not compare to the Imperial Capital.
Vivian saw more people in the span of this carriage ride than she had witnessed in her entire life.
And the carriage arrived at.
“Wow!”
The grandest and most magnificent building Vivian had ever laid eyes upon.
The Valmont Family Residence was certainly beautiful and splendid, but a residential space could never compare to a commercial one. The building, designed to draw in as many outsiders as possible, instantly captured Vivian’s gaze.
“Father! Father! The doors are so big, really so big!”
“They are, aren’t they? Quite enormous.”
“There are so many, so so so many people!”
“There are even more inside.”
Vivian let out an excited squeal like a dolphin. Delighted to see my daughter regain her spirits, I smiled warmly and, taking the child’s hand, stepped into the Department Store.
“Ahhh!”
A grand domed hall greeted us. Multiple floors were connected around the dome’s center, creating an open feeling that made the space appear even more expansive.
That vast expanse was filled with the vibrancy of countless people. The sunlight streaming through the dome’s glass was nearly blinding.
“Now, where shall we explore first?”
Concerned that Vivian might be overwhelmed by the crowds, I lifted the child into my arms and began walking toward the specialty dressmaker shop. Vivian and Kiki were too busy marveling at their surroundings with sparkling eyes.
Occasionally, people whose eyes met Kiki’s let out small gasps, but I and Vivian had long since grown accustomed to such reactions.
“Dad, where are we going?”
“To buy you a princess dress.”
Vivian gasped in surprise, her breath catching audibly. By her modest standards, she already owned more than enough clothes to last a lifetime.
“But I have so many clothes already. Are you buying more?”
“Of course. You’ve never worn designs that are fashionable in the Capital, have you? Your father is so incredibly happy seeing his princess in beautiful clothes. I’d buy you a new dress every single day if I could.”
“That’s not allowed!”
“Why not? Dad has plenty of money now. I have enough to buy you ten new outfits a day if I wanted to.”
“Eek! That’s absolutely not happening!”
Vivian was genuinely startled by the intensity of her own voice. Jean de Lamber laughed, though his words were far from a joke.
The shock he’d felt upon seeing Vivian again after his regression—watching her in those tattered rags—remained as a scar that would never fade.
“Alright, alright. Just one dress then. One dress. Once we get home, you’ll wear it and show everyone your piano performance. How does that sound?”
“Okay… just one.”
Finally receiving her reluctant consent, Jean de Lamber broke into a radiant smile. The beautiful young man’s luminous grin seemed to brighten everything around him.
Unaware of his own charm, Jean de Lamber walked toward the Dressmaker Shop with familiar steps.
Having once managed the Department Store’s ledgers, he remembered the name of the Dressmaker Shop with the highest sales.
“Welcome!”

* * *

Inside the Department Store, in the Cafeteria.
“You said you’d only buy one dress!”
Vivian pouted as she took a big bite of sweet cake, her mouth full.
The moment Jean de Lamber had entered the Dressmaker Shop, he’d lit up with the seamstress and ordered an enormous wardrobe for Vivian, despite his firm promise to buy only one.
Jean de Lamber placed a hand on his chest with shameless innocence and spoke.
“I had no choice, princess. What was I supposed to do when everything looks so beautiful on you?”
[Kiki-kiki-kik. Let him be, Vivian. That man seems happy just buying things for you. What can you do when he’s so content?]
“Really, honestly…”
With even Kiki taking his side, Vivian could only sigh. Jean de Lamber’s face was absolutely radiant with happiness.
“Oh no!”
In that moment, a brown liquid cascaded down onto Jean de Lamber’s brilliantly glowing face.
“Dad!”
[You look like you’ve been rolling in mud.]
A customer using the Cafeteria had carelessly moved to another table without staff guidance, stumbled, and spilled their drink all over Jean de Lamber.
At least it was lukewarm rather than hot, which was something to be grateful for.
A Young Lady in an elaborate dress—the culprit herself—let out a shriek and repeatedly apologized to Jean de Lamber.
“I’m so terribly sorry! Oh my, it’s not hot, is it? Oh dear, oh dear. Your hair and clothes are both…”
Faced with her genuine remorse, Jean de Lamber couldn’t bring himself to be angry.
“It’s… fine…”
It wasn’t water, but warm hot chocolate.
The stain was far too extensive to wipe away with a handkerchief, so Jean de Lamber had to follow a staff member who’d rushed over to the restroom.
“Vivian, will you be okay on your own? I’ll ask the staff to—”
“Don’t worry, sir. I’ll take good care of the young lady. Please go ahead.”
“Thank you so much for that.”
“No, no! This is all my fault anyway.”
The Young Lady seated beside Vivian waved her hand dismissively. With her warm smile directed at Vivian, Jean de Lamber felt at ease leaving his daughter in her care.
“Then, Vivian. Daddy will be back soon!”
“Mm.”
[Yawn. All that sweetness made me drowsy. I need some sleep…]
“Mm, sleep well, Kiki.”
Following her instincts, the divine beast yawned so wide her mouth nearly split, then crawled into the small bag Vivian carried and drifted off to sleep.
Vivian nibbled on the remaining cake while shyly glancing at the Young Lady beside her. The Young Lady smiled warmly and asked Vivian various questions.
“What an adorable princess you are. Did you come here with just your father?”
“Yes.”
“Where is your home? I feel terrible about what happened, and I’d like to send an apology gift to your residence…”
“Um… our house is far away. We don’t live here.”
“Ah, so you’re just visiting the Capital for a while.”
The Young Lady nodded with satisfaction and gestured toward someone.
A young man entered the cafe and walked toward the table where the two sat.
“Are you Miss Vivian? Your father sent me to bring you to him.”
“Father?”
“Yes. I thought the beverage wasn’t too hot, but it seems he suffered a burn.”
“Oh no, Father is hurt?”
Vivian jumped to her feet in alarm. Her father was injured—her small hands began to tremble.
“Oh my, let me come with you.”
The Young Lady gently took Vivian’s trembling hand and spoke in a reassuring tone.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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