I Don’t Need a Dad Like This! - Chapter 42

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

【Chapter 42】

 

Of course, she had been asleep while the evidence of her being a dark mage was revealed, so it really could have been prophetic dreams.

 

He decided to observe for now.

 

Serena was certainly suspicious too, but what he needed to do immediately was find the dark mage remnants.

 

The fact that a young child like Mary had a mark meant she must have received it from someone else.

 

He needed to report this to the Imperial Palace and begin an investigation. To completely eradicate the dark mages with this opportunity.

 

‘No, His Majesty the Emperor and Crown Prince Jair might already be aware of the situation after seeing the future.’

 

He should head straight to the Imperial Palace, but there was something he needed to do first.

 

“Where is Rie?”

 

“Actually, I was about to report on that matter… Miss Rie said she needs to return home now and sent an emergency message to Viscount Birdwell.”

 

With such a major incident occurring, she would naturally want to go home.

 

Though it was perhaps natural, Casselik flinched.

 

But that wasn’t what was important.

 

Thanks to that child, he had uncovered Mary’s true identity. He needed to ask how she knew.

 

The fact that she was leaving as soon as the matter was resolved might mean she had come specifically to tell him about it.

 

Thinking that made him feel somewhat bitter for some reason, but in any case, he couldn’t let the child leave like this.

 

Casselik immediately headed to the guest reception room where the child was.

 

Rie was sitting on the sofa.

 

With a backpack as big as herself, swinging her legs.

 

‘Even if she sent an emergency message, it would take half a day for a carriage to come from Birdwell to here.’

 

Around the child, there wasn’t even a glass of water, let alone snacks to satisfy her hunger.

 

The maids were chatting among themselves, leaving the child alone, just as he had seen before.

 

Back then, thinking she was no longer a princess, he thought it was acceptable and didn’t bother to look after the child himself.

 

‘…Don’t tell me, has she been receiving this kind of treatment all along.’

 

Had she wanted to leave because she received such treatment even when living at the ducal house?

 

Casselik clenched his fists tightly.

 

“D-Duke!”

 

The maids, startled by the Duke’s sudden appearance, hurriedly bowed.

 

Casselik spoke to them in a cold voice.

 

“Does the Theodore Ducal House not have a chef?”

 

“Pardon? Oh, no. We do have one.”

 

“Yet there’s not even a glass of water in front of the child, let alone food. What kind of treatment is my blood receiving right now?”

 

“We’re sorry!”

 

Only then understanding the situation, the maids hurriedly disappeared.

 

Until now, he had thought the maids would handle things well without him having to say anything.

 

But seeing them running off in a panic, he could tell how they had been viewing Rie.

 

‘It wasn’t just because she abandoned Theodore Castle. How long has this been going on?’

 

Since before the divorce?

 

Surely not. Emilia wouldn’t have been treated the same way.

 

“Why did you come?”

 

Casselik’s thoughts were interrupted by the child’s blunt question.

 

With his mind in turmoil, he sat down on the sofa across from her.

 

“What were you doing here alone?”

 

“I was waiting for the carriage. Rie finished everything she had to do!”

 

“Revealing Mary’s true identity?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“How did you figure out her identity?”

 

Casselik flinched, having habitually asked the urgent question first.

 

That wasn’t it – he wanted to ask if the maids always treated her this way.

 

But Rie, as if accustomed to his attitude as well, answered calmly.

 

“At the temple, while talking with Mary, I discovered a black crescent moon drawn on her neck. Long ago during history lessons, I learned that dark mages draw pictures on their bodies. That’s how I figured it out.”

 

At that sight, Casselik felt his chest tighten.

 

“…Well done.”

 

“Yes.”

 

The reception room fell quiet again after their conversation ended.

 

He should say something.

 

Just saying “well done” wasn’t enough to praise the child’s achievement.

 

But Casselik couldn’t easily open his mouth.

 

When problems arise, solve them.

 

This approach was such a natural principle in his life that he rarely had occasion to praise others.

 

But the reason countless subordinates followed such a cold man of iron.

 

Though there might be no praise, it was because he acknowledged them and gave great rewards.

 

“Ahem.”

 

Casselik, who barely managed to catch the child’s attention with a cough, opened his mouth.

 

“Rie Birdwell. You have made a great contribution in the process of removing the threat to the Theodore Ducal House.”

 

“Huh…?”

 

“Therefore, as the head of House Theodore, I have an obligation to reward you. Tell me what you want.”

 

“There isn’t anything?”

 

As expected, a difficult opponent.

 

Casselik gave examples so the child could understand easily.

 

“Territory, mines, buildings, or even dresses or money. Well, delicious food? Right. If you want something delicious, I’ll give you a restaurant. Isn’t there anything you want?”

 

“Huh…”

 

Only then understanding his meaning, Rie opened her mouth and fell into thought.

 

Casselik could give the child everything.

 

However, Rie shook her head.

 

“Rie just wants to be with Mother.”

 

Even at this moment, the child only looked for her mother, and though he felt an inexplicable disappointment, Casselik, not knowing what emotion it was, only frowned slightly.

 

“Then tell me what you want to do. I’ll grant it all.”

 

“Mmm… I want to play hide and seek with Mother and Grandmother and Grandfather, and I want Mother to read me fairy tale books too… Ah! I promised to go to the dessert shop holding hands with Marquis Philip!”

 

‘Marquis Philip?’

 

When the name he didn’t want to hear popped out, his already anxious mood plummeted.

 

That damn Philip, Philip.

 

‘Are Marquis Philip’s hands that soft? What’s so good about him that she keeps following him around?’

 

Heat was bubbling up inside him when suddenly the child jumped down from the sofa.

 

“Um. If Father is going to be here, then Rie will go to another room…”

 

“Then come to the dessert shop with me instead of the marquis.”

 

So the words burst out of him without realizing it.

 

“Huh?”

 

The child’s blue eyes widened as if they would pop out.

 

Casselik was equally surprised, but his mouth didn’t stop.

 

“And hands? My hands are bigger than Marquis Philip’s. They’re not soft, but yes. If I apply oil and hold yours, they’ll be soft.”

 

‘Good heavens. Why am I saying such things.’

 

Self-loathing came belatedly, but strangely he didn’t feel regret.

 

Because it seemed like he needed to speak this forcefully to capture the child’s attention.

 

“Hand.”

 

When Casselik extended his hand, Rie looked back and forth between his hand and face with a startled expression.

 

“…But Rie promised Marquis Philip…”

 

“The marquis is out.”

 

At his firm answer, the child’s mouth closed.

 

Rie, whose eyes were spinning around as if contemplating, hesitantly took Casselik’s hand.

 

“…”

 

Then his stubborn expression melted away in an instant.

 

Just from holding one small hand, warm heat spread through his body like flames.

 

That’s when it happened.

 

The maids came hurriedly pulling a trolley.

 

“Y-Your Grace. The dessert and orange juice…”

 

“Not needed. I’m going to the dessert shop with the child, so handle it yourselves.”

 

“Yes…! Yes?”

 

Casselik passed by the stunned maids and left the reception room with the child.

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