How to Replace Your Dad - Chapter 51

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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How to Replace Your Dad

 

Chapter 51

 

“Kyaaaah!”

 

“Aaaaah!”

 

People were thrown into utter panic.

 

Of course they were—these were monsters whose feathers alone could poison you on contact.

 

“What the hell, why are they targeting the Young Lady!”

 

Antonio used the breastplate on his chest to block another monstrous bird’s beak.

 

Yuise’s sword pierced through the neck of the monstrous bird that had rushed at me first.

 

I thought while being protected by the two of them.

 

‘Why are they attacking me in the Jedo Marketplace?’

 

The marketplace was definitely not a suitable place for an attack.

 

There were far too many other people around.

 

Everyone would know that I was being targeted.

 

Most importantly, breaking the archipelago’s barrier would constitute treason.

 

‘I have to leave the archipelago for Esgaroth anyway. If they were going to attack, that timing would be better, so why…?’

 

Yuise shouted at Antonio.

 

“Get back!”

 

He placed his hand on the ground.

 

Strange patterns that formed from the blood vessels in his wrist began spreading across the ground.

 

It was sorcery.

 

He was planning to cast an area-of-effect spell.

 

I drew in a sharp breath.

 

And quickly grabbed Yuise.

 

“Don’t!”

 

“What?”

 

“There are people everywhere around us. They could get caught up in it!”

 

“But…!”

 

“If the citizens get caught up in the sorcery, it’ll be entirely my fault. Then the responsibility will fall on Father as my guardian. The enemy is aiming for exactly that!”

 

Yuise’s face hardened.

 

While he and I were talking, Antonio, who had been blocking the monstrous birds, spoke.

 

“Someone’s targeting the Young Lady? Who!”

 

The person using me as bait to target Father.

 

Wasn’t it obvious who that was?

 

“It must be the Marquise and her son.”

 

“I’ll tear them apart…! So we have to handle this with swords alone?”

 

That was impossible.

 

The number of monstrous birds was enormous.

 

The two of them couldn’t deal with all of them using only swords.

 

I said to the two of them.

 

“We need to go somewhere without crowds. So you can use area-of-effect spells.”

 

“Is there such a place nearby? No, even if there is, how do we get there? The monstrous birds will chase the Young Lady and come into contact with people!”

 

“Up! The rooftops! We need to move across the building rooftops!”

 

Fortunately, monstrous birds weren’t powerful monsters like wyverns.

 

They couldn’t bring down buildings.

 

Antonio wrapped one arm around my waist and climbed up the building’s exterior wall.

 

Due to his overly cheerful and naive personality, it usually didn’t show, but Antonio was also a man born with tremendous talent.

 

Thanks to his muscle density that transcended human limits, he could move like a wild beast.

 

He climbed the wall and used window frames as footholds to reach the rooftop.

 

Thanks to Yuise’s support, we were able to shake off the monstrous birds’ attacks.

 

I checked our position while being held by Antonio.

 

I had spent entire days in this marketplace for the past few years.

 

I was more confident than anyone at finding the way.

 

“Seven o’clock direction!”

 

Antonio ran while carrying me, with Yuise chasing alongside.

 

“Right side, red roof!”

 

It was the moment Antonio leaped over a building following my guidance.

 

An unusually large monstrous bird charged at us ferociously.

 

Yuise threw his shield.

 

Thunk!

 

The shield struck the monstrous bird’s head precisely, and with a sharp cry—Kieek!—the monstrous bird retreated.

 

However, Antonio had already lost his balance.

 

He nearly fell straight down from midair.

 

Antonio desperately grabbed onto the red-roofed building.

 

Scrrrape!

 

The sound of his gauntlets scraping against the building’s bricks rang out.

 

‘No! The monstrous birds are coming again!’

 

Two or three flew toward Antonio.

 

Antonio’s posture was compromised.

 

Yuise was still on the rooftop.

 

At this rate, Antonio would be in danger.

 

I struggled and broke free from Antonio’s arm.

 

“Young Lady!”

 

Fortunately, we had been sliding down from the second floor.

 

Since it wasn’t that high, I grabbed a thick branch of a street tree and landed on the grass.

 

I shouted to Antonio and Yuise.

 

“Go to Father! I’ll lead the monstrous birds away!”

 

“What did you say?”

 

“It’s dangerous, Young Lady!”

 

They shouted, but I didn’t have the presence of mind to answer.

 

The monstrous birds were already chasing after me.

 

I ran frantically.

 

Fortunately, the location was good.

 

It was an alley with the Merchant Guild’s warehouse, so it was under control.

 

Thanks to that, there were no people around.

 

I had to quickly get to my destination while I had this chance.

 

‘Quickly… quick… huh?’

 

It was while I was running through the narrow alley.

 

There were two young children in the corner.

 

“How did you two…”

 

From their appearance, they seemed to be beggar children from a begging gang.

 

They were so skinny that their bones protruded sharply.

 

‘They came in to steal warehouse goods because they were hungry!’

 

The children froze when they saw the monstrous birds behind me.

 

“Hi, hieek…!”

 

‘This is terrible.’

 

Poison progresses faster the younger you are.

 

Because children have more active physical activity than adults, the poison spreads quickly.

 

Since they were so frightened, their heart rate would increase and blood circulation would speed up.

 

They wouldn’t be able to hold out until I could shake off the monstrous birds and come back to purify them.

 

But if I go the other way, there will be more crowds.

 

‘What should I do?’

 

Rationally thinking, I should leave them behind.

 

The kids were frozen in fear at the sight of the monstrous birds, so taking them while fleeing would be impossible.

 

It’s impossible, but….

 

Ah, it’s impossible.

 

I said with a sad face.

 

“Stay behind me….”

 

The children looked up at me with teary eyes.

 

* * *

 

The border of the Jedo Marketplace.

 

The Imperial Army had sealed off the entrance, but the surrounding area was bustling with crowds.

 

The girl who got off the carriage looked around at the people with a puzzled expression.

 

“What’s happening?”

 

The boy who came with the girl spoke to a young Imperial soldier who was running around frantically.

 

“Hey, you there.”

 

The soldier who saw the emblem on the boy’s robe was startled and quickly prostrated himself.

 

“I greet Your Highness the Prince!”

 

The Prince. That is, Fifth Prince Gaspard frowned and asked.

 

“What’s going on?”

 

“A flock of monstrous birds attacked the marketplace and the barrier has collapsed.”

 

Upon hearing this, the girl’s eyes widened in shock.

 

“The people? Are the people safe?”

 

When she asked, the soldier answered.

 

“Fortunately, it seems the monstrous birds flew away avoiding the crowds, so there are no major casualties. A rescue team and subjugation force entered 5 minutes ago, so please be at ease.”

 

Gaspard nodded.

 

Then he turned his gaze toward the girl.

 

“Shopping would be difficult. …Stella.”

 

This girl was none other than Stella.

 

The protagonist of the game 【My Knight】, and the illegitimate child born between Marquis Andres and Emma, who was of maid origin.

 

She was the girl called the treasure of Marquis Andres and his son Onel.

 

Despite Gaspard’s urging, Stella looked at the soldier with a worried face.

 

“Were the beggar children rescued too?”

 

“Beggar children?”

 

When Gaspard asked, Stella nodded.

 

“They’re my friends. They live in the marketplace.”

 

“What do you mean friends with beggars.”

 

“Gaspard.”

 

Stella frowned.

 

She didn’t discriminate based on social status.

 

Whether of humble birth or noble birth, if their hearts matched, she would befriend them and pour her heart out.

 

Treating her friends carelessly was what Stella hated most.

 

Gaspard raised his hand lightly with a helpless expression.

 

“Fine. I got it.”

 

Only after Gaspard backed down did Stella withdraw her uncomfortable gaze.

 

She asked the soldier again.

 

“So? What about the beggar children?”

 

“There were so many people that I don’t remember everyone who was rescued. However, except for the northwest sector, you shouldn’t worry too much.”

 

“Northwest…. Is that near the Sedilo Guild Warehouse?”

 

“That’s correct.”

 

Stella covered her mouth with both hands.

 

Gaspard asked.

 

“What’s wrong?”

 

“That’s where the children often go to steal food.”

 

The children are in danger.

 

Stella, who had turned pale, immediately rushed toward the entrance.

 

The Imperial soldiers who recognized her couldn’t lay a hand on her and were in confusion.

 

In that gap, Stella pushed past the Imperial soldiers and entered the marketplace.

 

“Stella!”

 

Gaspard also hurriedly chased after her.

 

Gaspard said while running after Stella.

 

“The rescue team is entering, isn’t it?”

 

“Gaspard doesn’t understand!”

 

“…What?”

 

“The country puts commoners like me… especially children without guardians, at the lowest priority. Just like they did to me.”

 

When Stella shouted while sobbing, Gaspard fell silent.

 

Stella was a pitiful child.

 

Though born as the daughter of the Andres Marquis Family, belonging to the honorable Seven Families, she had to grow up on the streets.

 

Only after experiencing plenty of injustice and pain could she be embraced by her father.

 

She had every reason to be angry at the world, yet she chose compassion over anger.

 

“I hope others don’t feel the pain I experienced.”

 

A person who could smile while saying such things.

 

And….

 

“I know. That Gaspard is a very wonderful man.”

 

With that kindness, she even embraced his inferiority complex.

 

Gaspard let out a sigh.

 

Then he shouted to the Imperial soldiers who were organizing the area.

 

“Escort her. If even a single hair on Stella’s head is harmed, you’ll have to be prepared.”

 

Stella looked at Gaspard with tears welling in her eyes.

 

Then she wiped her tears with the back of her hand and smiled brightly.

 

“Thank you, Gaspard.”

 

Stella took Gaspard’s hand.

 

The two led the Imperial soldiers and ran toward the alley with the guild warehouses.

 

Monstrous birds were flying around above the warehouse.

 

Stella shouted.

 

“Kids, are you here? Are you here?”

 

Then a young voice burst out from inside the alley.

 

“Lady Stella!”

 

Stella quickly entered the alley.

 

No, she tried to enter. If only there weren’t monstrous birds fluttering around inside the alley.

 

Kieek─!

 

When the monstrous bird cried sharply, Stella stepped back.

 

Fortunately, it didn’t attack in this direction.

 

Because they were clustered in one place.

 

Lady Stella! Lady Stella, please help us!”

 

“Lady Stella, waah!”

 

As the kids cried and shouted, Stella stamped her feet anxiously.

 

Then she turned to look at the Imperial soldiers.

 

“Go inside. Save the children!”

 

The Imperial soldier nocked an arrow to his bow.

 

Startled, Stella grabbed the bow.

 

“What are you doing! What if the children get hit!”

 

“The monstrous birds carry poison in their feathers. We must catch them from a distance.”

 

“Use swords to handle it. No bows!”

 

The Imperial Soldiers were in chaos.

 

If they got close to the monstrous birds, their own lives would be in danger.

 

To catch them at close range, a priest’s blessing was essential.

 

Because it would prevent poisoning.

 

As Stella burst into tears, Gaspard shouted.

 

“What are you doing!”

 

“At least until a priest arrives…”

 

“Get in there right now!”

 

It was the moment when the Imperial Soldiers were hesitating.

 

Swoosh─!

 

Two shadows darted between the Imperial Soldiers, Stella, and Gaspard.

 

They were so fast that only after the shadows passed could one tell they were men in armor.

 

One of the shadows kicked off the wall and leaped up to behead a monstrous bird.

 

From the other’s hand, strange patterns extended. They became chains that subdued both wings of the monstrous bird.

 

Thud!

 

Two monstrous birds crashed down in an instant.

 

“Young Lady!”

 

“Young Lady.”

 

They were incredibly handsome men.

 

They had no fear of touching the monstrous birds.

 

They slashed or broke necks indiscriminately.

 

As the monstrous birds decreased and the view cleared, the people inside the alley became visible.

 

Children huddled against the wall, crying.

 

And the back that was embracing and protecting those children…

 

The back that had been hit or scratched by the monstrous birds’ talons was almost in tatters.

 

Gaspard narrowed his brow.

 

And muttered as if entranced.

 

“Yustea…?”

 

What?

 

Stella looked with surprise at the girl embracing the children.

 

The girl slowly turned her head to look back at those who had called her ‘Young Lady.’

 

Honey-colored hair.

 

Golden eyes like stars.

 

So much like Father… that…

 

“Sister?”

 

* * *

 

Antonio and Yuise rushed toward me.

 

However, I had no time to look at them.

 

Because I could see that child’s face behind Yuise.

 

Stella.

 

That child who was the protagonist of this game.

 

“S-Sister…”

 

“Are you okay, Sister…?”

 

The children looked at me while crying.

 

I’m not okay.

 

It hurts like hell.

 

‘Since one child’s body was touched by monstrous bird feathers and I had to heal immediately, it’s even more difficult.’

 

However, I couldn’t say it was painful.

 

Because the children shouldn’t get more scared.

 

‘The rescue team has arrived. Yuise and Antonio are here too.’

 

Now I can send the children away.

 

“When I signal, run over there.”

 

“Over there…? To Lady Stella?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“I-I’m scared… my legs are shaking so I can’t…”

 

“Endure it. You have no choice.”

 

The number of monstrous birds was enormous. I had to separate the children to be able to move.

 

The children were trembling, but I forcibly pulled their arms to make them stand.

 

The monstrous birds’ attacks continued.

 

Antonio and Yuise stayed by my side dealing with the monstrous birds.

 

Moving the stiff children without letting them touch the monstrous birds was difficult work.

 

I almost grabbed their necks and dragged them as we moved.

 

And Yuise threw a monstrous bird caught with sorcery at another monstrous bird, subduing two at once.

 

In that gap, I practically threw the children and pushed them toward Stella.

 

“Children!”

 

“L-Lady Stella…!”

 

Finally my hands were free.

 

I immediately ran into the alley.

 

Yuise and Antonio chased after me.

 

Yuise asked.

 

“What are you trying to do!”

 

“I’m going to jump into the sewer.”

 

The marketplace had sewers built to prepare for heavy rains.

 

It’s a large sewer that could fit a couple of monstrous birds at once.

 

“What?”

 

We happened to reach the front of the sewer.

 

I said to Yuise.

 

“When I enter the sewer, the monstrous birds will chase after me. When all the monstrous birds enter, close the sewer door.”

 

“What are you saying…!”

 

“It’s an order.”

 

“…”

 

I’m Father’s daughter.

 

Since Father said he would accept me as his real daughter, I’m now the successor of the Irregulars.

 

Except for the Clan Leader, no one in the Irregulars can disobey my orders.

 

Yuise’s face hardened.

 

Antonio said to me.

 

“Are you trying to die?”

 

Yuise suddenly looked at Antonio.

 

“You…!”

 

“Dying is not allowed. If so, I’ll disobey even an order.”

 

Yuise became quiet, and Antonio stared at me intently.

 

I smiled brightly and said.

 

“I’m trying to live. Don’t worry.”

 

“Then I accept the order.”

 

Antonio, who smiled coolly, patted my head.

 

Yuise let out a sigh.

 

“This is driving me crazy.”

 

It was an irritated voice, but it seemed to mean he would cooperate.

 

Just then, the monstrous birds came flying in.

 

I jumped into the sewer to avoid being caught.

 

The monstrous birds passed by Antonio and Yuise and chased after me.

 

I had to buy time.

 

Until all the monstrous birds entered inside.

 

And….

 

‘Let’s use this.’

 

I pulled out the explosive device from my chest.

 

Explosive Device

 

Explodes upon contact.

 

The explosive power varies depending on the creator’s skill, and time delay is also possible.

 

The one that Marina, the former Count Sanmiguel’s niece, had brought into the castle to kill me.

 

How could I just leave behind such an expensive item as an explosive device?

 

I had kept it.

 

Inside the sewer, I dodged the monstrous birds here and there.

 

But there were so many that I was soon cornered against the wall.

 

The monstrous birds’ claws and beaks dug into my entire body.

 

How much time had passed?

 

It was when I thought I couldn’t hold on any longer.

 

Kugugugugung─.

 

The sound of the old sewer door closing was heard.

 

It seemed all the monstrous birds had entered the sewer.

 

‘Status window.’

 

Name: Yustea Esgaroth

 

Class: Saint

 

Traits: Purification, Healing, Status Window (Activated)

 

MP:13/50

 

.

 

.

 

The character window appeared.

 

‘Activate healing.’

 

Soon the activation text appeared on the healing trait.

 

And I tore the explosive device and threw it toward a monstrous bird near the sewer wall.

 

The moment the explosive device touched the monstrous bird, I covered my head with one arm and gripped Botella with the other hand.

 

Kwaaaaang─!

 

Flesh from three monstrous birds caught in the explosion scattered.

 

The other monstrous birds were startled and instinctively retreated, but it was useless.

 

The sewer wall collapsed and they were buried under a pile of bricks.

 

Bricks also fell on top of my head.

 

I activated healing.

 

‘More, more, more…!’

 

Faster than the wounds were forming!

 

My head felt dizzy from pain and mana depletion.

 

My vision was narrowing.

 

‘Ah, I can’t pass out… I need to purify Yuise and Antonio….’

 

Had the priests come?

 

They would need to treat Yuise and Antonio….

 

With that last thought, I closed my eyes.

 

* * *

 

Infirmary.

 

A few people who had been grazed by the monstrous birds were receiving treatment from priests.

 

Stella asked with a worried expression beside the beggar children.

 

“How is it? Are the kids okay? They’re not poisoned, are they?”

 

“….”

 

“I did perform healing, but I’m still anxious….”

 

“You performed healing, Noble Lady?”

 

The priest asked the children with a stern face.

 

“You two said you’re siblings, right? Then you must have lived in the same place for more than three months?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Did only the younger sister receive healing?”

 

“Yes. The monstrous bird feathers only touched my younger sister.”

 

“Strange….”

 

Stella asked with a puzzled expression.

 

“What kind of question is that? Is there a problem with the younger sister?”

 

“There’s no problem.”

 

“Then it’s not strange.”

 

“No. It’s strange because there’s no problem.”

 

“What?”

 

“The older brother has tuberculosis. And it’s quite serious. But the younger sister who has lived with him for a long time is perfectly fine.”

 

The healing of clergy was not omnipotent.

 

Their specialty was resolving conditions caused by magic, such as monster poison or mana abnormalities.

 

Diseases were the domain of doctors.

 

‘If healing tuberculosis is possible….’

 

He quickly looked at another priest.

 

“Report this news to the Pope.”

 

“Pardon?”

 

“It seems we may have found the Saint.”

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