I Will Try to Save My Dad - Chapter 176

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

Chapter 176

But it was true.
As long as Theon was my fiancé, my relatives wouldn’t dare treat us carelessly.
“They’ll all be watching their step, trying to curry favor with the next person in power.”
The Trabel Family’s influence stood shoulder to shoulder with the Igselona Royal Family and the Church, but it wasn’t eternal. It was only possible because Count Trabel remained strong, and my relatives lacked the ability to wield such authority themselves.
“Even if they can’t become the head of the Trabel Family, each of them has their own social position and business ventures. The Igselona Royal Family is the most essential power structure they need to maintain those.”
I was certain of this. Father must have known it too.
“You see, Father. Going to Diamond House isn’t something we need to fear anymore.”
Moreover, Kane had incurred Count Trabel’s wrath. Upon hearing that the eldest son had been completely cast out from the family, Uncle had rushed off to the Imperial Palace. That was the content of the telegram that arrived from the Trabel Estate this morning.
“Uncle’s family will also need to make amends for falling out of favor with Grandfather, so even if we seize Diamond House in this Annex Succession War, they won’t actively protest.”
Father’s eyes grew distant. With each word I spoke, Father seemed to be lost in thought. My own mind grew complicated too.
‘Ugh.’
From experience, convincing Father when he was like this wasn’t easy. But I didn’t want to miss this opportunity to go to Diamond House.
“Father, can I make a suggestion?”
“Go ahead.”
“Then how about this? What if we just live in Diamond House until the next Annex Succession War is over?”
“No.”
The problem was that I couldn’t figure out what Father actually wanted.
‘I need to convince him right here.’
It felt like what Father wanted and what I wanted were different. Various thoughts came to mind, but I wasn’t certain of anything that would hit the mark with him.
“Maybe…”
I asked Father.
“Do you want to leave the Trabel Estate?”
“No.”
Father answered immediately.
There was no help for it. Now only one method remained—a method only his daughter could use.
“Faaather—.”
I burrowed into Father’s embrace and whined.
“Please? Really? Let’s go to Diamond House. I want to succeed so badly.”
“Berry Berry, you’re sixteen now, so whining won’t work.”
“That’s not fair.”
“Master.”
Theon spoke to Father. I lifted my head while still holding Father’s waist and looked at Theon.
“It’s because of Berry.”
….
“Because of me? What do you mean?”
I looked back and forth between Father and Theon, but they only had eyes for each other, as if having a silent conversation. It seemed like there was something only the two of them knew, something I was unaware of.
Theon opened his mouth.
“Your opposition to our engagement, and your desire to remain quietly at the Trabel Estate rather than go to Diamond House—”
Father’s elbow shifted slightly. Theon had struck at the heart of the matter.
“You’re concerned that if you leave the Trabel Estate, the Countess’s illness might relapse in Berry, isn’t it?”
“…Julia Quartz’s illness?”
In that instant, a flash of information swept through my mind. It had happened when I was far too young, and since I’d grown up robust without a single day of sickness since then, I hadn’t given it much thought for years.
“Father!”
I lifted my head. Akum had said my water attribute was too powerful, which was why I suffered like Julia Quartz did. The Trabel Estate’s inexhaustible underground spring—that was why I remained healthy, and the Forest Spirit had created it.
“We don’t need the Trabel Estate!”
“What are you talking about, Berry?”
Father responded to my words with bewilderment. This time, my lips curved into a smile.
“Because I know a place where I can help!”
The map that had emerged from Julia Quartz’s jewelry box.

———-
The forest and water share a most intimate bond.
When you need aid, visit the place marked upon this map.
A child who can see the Water Spirit is rare indeed, and they will welcome you warmly.
———-

The answer surely lay there.

***

“The Forest Spirit. Mother used to mention it often.”
Father heard the story about the map from Julia Quartz’s jewelry box and immediately made the decision to leave the Imperial Palace. He spoke with a noticeably brightened expression.
“Berry was born with the water attribute. If I’d known this sooner, I would have taught her the sword.”
“Ugh. I don’t want to.”
“Well, since no attributes other than those belonging to the Holy Sword are known. I wonder if we can’t extract the power that accumulates in the body through the sword.”
Father spoke of the mysterious world of Sword Masters while examining the map I had drawn.
The original map was in a secret space in my room at the Trabel Estate, but from seeing it countless times as a child, the map was vividly etched in my mind.
Theon and I were also planning to set out with Father to find the Forest Spirit.
“Is it okay? I opened Julia Quartz’s jewelry box.”
“Well.”
Father answered my question casually.
“I think that’s something your grandmother left for you. But I am curious.”
“About what?”
“When Berry opened the missing jewelry box.”
“Oh, that—I found it by chance!”
I had memories of infiltrating the Sapphire House to open the jewelry box. I was about to make excuses to Father out of guilt, but he didn’t seem particularly interested in what I was saying.
“Stay here with Theon. I’ll tell you to pack your things.”
Father’s mind was already at the location of the Forest Spirit. He hurried out of the room. Only Theon and I remained.
“He’s fast.”
“He’s happy. Berry is the most important to Master.”
“Father really is something.”
“I wish I’d known sooner.”
Theon spoke while looking at me. His eyes held a note of regret.
“If I had, I would have gone there long ago and installed water veins in other places—”
“Rather than that, Theon.”
I cut off Theon’s words. There would be plenty of opportunities to talk about the Forest Spirit later. But there was something else more important to me right now.
A conversation I could only have when we were alone together.
I stepped closer to Theon and spoke.
“Theon, you know.”
Our eyes met. Theon looked at me and I looked at Theon. It seemed casual on the surface, but there was definitely a subtle tension in the air. Awkward, tingling, and laughter bubbling up naturally.
“I’m curious about something.”
With the confidence I’d gained, my voice was bright. I thought I was making a serious expression, but perhaps I was smiling as I looked at Theon. I couldn’t hide my excitement.
“What you said yesterday.”
Yesterday, we had definitely felt each other’s emotions. This time, it wasn’t a misunderstanding. I was certain of that, but I wanted to confirm it directly with Theon.
“Do you like me?”
“Yes.”
“How much?”
“More than anyone I know, and anyone I will come to know.”
Theon raised his hand and caressed my cheek. I loved Theon so much. I was certain that I would love him even as an adult, even as a grandmother. I hoped Theon loved me just as much.
It was the greatest investment of my life, pouring out my heart. Would my investment continue down the road of success even in the distant future?
“Berry is my favorite.”
At Theon’s ticklish confession, I broke into a radiant smile.

***

25. An Eternal Ally

Twenty-four years old.
“Wow.”
Early in the morning, I marveled at my age and let out a surprised exclamation. Since Father had become the master of Diamond House, I was now in the period of building accomplishments before the second Annex Succession War.
“Berry.”
I felt the mattress shift beneath me. From behind, Theon wrapped his arms around my waist and kissed my cheek as he asked.
“What were you thinking about?”

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