Chapter 10. The Real Aria (1)

After that day, the relationship between Aria and Caelius became subtle. It was hard to put into words, but they were reluctant to see each other, as if they had made a pact.

He couldn’t treat her with the same false smile, and she couldn’t look at him with the same emotionless eyes.

‘This is crazy…….’ Aria closed her eyes, remembering the words she had spat out that day. Crazy, but solidly crazy.

“I love you, and I love Caelius.” I didn’t know what I was feeling, and for a moment I seemed to lose myself, sinking into Caelius.

The glimpses she’d gotten of him in her memories had been wickedly sweet. Her heart had been pounding uncontrollably since she’d shared her body with him that day, and it was easy for her to recognize that it wasn’t from fear.

A tremor of obvious attraction. Facing him made her chest tingle and her eyes water. It didn’t stop there, though, and she found herself wishing for Caelius to hold her.

I didn’t want to see him, but I wanted to, even though this feeling was unfamiliar. I closed my eyes and remembered Caelius from that day.

-”Don’t flirt with other as$holes.”

-”When I see you smiling at other as$holes, I want to gouge their eyeballs out.”

“Why? What’s wrong with you? Why do you believe that?”

His face contorted slightly, his gaze oddly affectionate, his lips unusually plump.

If only she could hold him like that one more time.

Aria sighed in frustration as she dried her face.

“I don’t even know what I’m becoming anymore.”

Why, oh why, do she keep trying to find the original Caelius.

Alone and disoriented, I lay down on my bed and pulled the covers over my head. The bed, which had always felt cramped when I was with him, now seemed unusually spacious tonight.

I glanced at the clock and realized it was already 10 pm. In just a few more minutes, it would be time for Caelius to finish his work.

They had been sharing the same bedroom ever since the day the assassin arrived, so despite the subtle changes in their relationship, they still spent nights together regularly.

It was a blessing in disguise.

She hoped he wasn’t avoiding her, even though she felt uncomfortable seeing him.

She didn’t understand the conflicting emotions within her, but she couldn’t deny it: discomfort at the sight of him and a sense of sadness when apart.

The tick, tick, tick of the clock resonated loudly in the room.

She wasn’t sure how much time passed before the bedroom door swung open with the sound of someone’s voice. Aria peeked her head through the covers, akin to a puppy awaiting its master. As expected, it was Caelius.

Having completed his work, he visibly relaxed and nonchalantly removed his robe without sparing Aria a glance. After patiently waiting for him to acknowledge her, Aria finally reached her limit and called out to him first.

“Dad…….”

He remained silent, his gaze shifting to Aria. Unlike before, his face was now cold and impassive. Aria hesitated at Caelius’ unfamiliar expression, cautiously opening her mouth.

“Are you… busy these days?” Her thin voice trembled slightly, and her nervousness was palpable. However, unlike her, Caelius let out a soft sigh and looked away as if he was bothered.

“No, I’m just a little tired.”

“Ah…” Aria trailed off, unable to continue. It was unpleasant to see Caelius with his back turned. Without her speaking, there was no conversation between them.

She began to feel strangely wistful, but she didn’t bother to show it. She didn’t want to.

“Well, then come and sleep with me, Dad!”

Aria compelled the corners of her mouth to lift instead of grumbling. Her voice awkwardly took on a higher tone, but Caelius remained silent. Only her embarrassment rendered her feeling helpless.

“Aria.”

After a prolonged moment of silence, a muffled, cracked mid-range voice called out her name. It wasn’t “daughter” or “Lily” or any of the other nicknames she had heard before.

Suddenly sensing something amiss, Aria pushed herself up.

“For the time being, you will have this bedroom.”

“Why…?”

“I’ll sleep in the other room.”

After saying that, Caelius turned to leave without a second thought. Aria, who had been waiting impatiently, panicked and rushed straight to the bed.

“Oh, Daddy…… what’s wrong?”

She clutched the hem of Caelius’s robe as he began to leave the room, her voice tinged with sobs.

“Let go.”

“Daddy……!”

Unlike how desperate she felt, Caelius was distant. Just a few days ago, he used to hold her tenderly and be close, but now he’s different, and she can’t understand why.

-“What did I do wrong?”

His eyes slowly moved to Aria, his dark black eyes staring right at her, making her feel like the ground was disappearing beneath her.

She recognized those eyes.

Unable to speak, Aria’s mouth hung open.

-“Did you help that foolish person in betraying me? Is that supposed to be amusing?”

A familiar voice starts echoing in her ears.

-“You messed up everything. You’re worthless.”

My heart beats faster and faster, as if it’s about to jump out of my mouth.

-“I don’t give my heart to useless woman.”

-”No, no, no, no. I’m not worthless.”

-”What did you expect me to say, daughter, that I love you?”

His mouth’s corners lifted in a cruel laugh directed at her

-“I couldn’t have intended it that way for her.”

A feeling of dizziness overwhelmed me, as memories from the day flooded my mind and body. My vision became unclear, and my body swayed and shook.

I feel dizzy, and it’s strange—my eyelids are heavy.

“Ahhh…….”

As Aria uttered that last word through clenched teeth, her vision started to blur. Amidst the blur, she thought she heard Caelius shouting in Moorish. However, she couldn’t discern if he was screaming; it was just a muffled, guttural sound.

My body feels heavy.

* * *

The original Aria didn’t have much interaction with others. Despite Aeryn’s care and efforts to teach her things, Aria couldn’t develop into a regular person because she didn’t meet many people and had to live alone in a small room.

She struggled with social skills, always wanting to talk to someone and being very talkative. Aeryn was aware of this but couldn’t give Aria more attention due to her life as Aeryn Lestrange.

She couldn’t dedicate all her time to Aria, the daughter she had to keep hidden. Aeryn made an effort by visiting and spending time with Aria up to five times a week. The rest of the time, Aria was left on her own.

Except for the occasional maids delivering meals and bowls, there was no one else in the manor for Aria to interact with. So when Caelius showed up unannounced one day, she felt curious.

-“Dad?”

Aria tilted her head and looked up at Caelius, who had approached her. Her golden eyes were filled with pure curiosity about him.

-“Are you my dad?”

Caelius smiled brightly at Aria and bent down at the waist. Once he was eye level with her, he patted the blonde girl who was turning out to be his daughter.

-“That’s right. I’m your father.”

He was broad-shouldered and tall, with piercing eyes. Aria’s first impression of Caelius was like that of a fairy-tale prince, as if he had come to rescue her from a dull room.

Aeryn’s shouts were behind her, but Aria didn’t pay attention. She just wanted to leave the room.

-“Wasn’t that awkward?”

Caelius inquired, his voice soft and gentle.

-“Do you want to go home with Daddy?”

He deliberately spoke in a childlike manner for Aria’s sake, who seemed captivated. Her golden eyelashes fluttered up and down.

A large hand reached out in front of her.

That was the first ‘real’ meeting between Aria and Caelius.

* * *

Aria was talented. It made sense that she was Caelius’s daughter.

-“Dad, are you busy?”

-“No, I’m not busy, daughter. What’s wrong?”

-“This! I memorized it all and came to show it off.”

She smiled sheepishly and held up the Nobleman’s Book, causing Caelius to look momentarily surprised.

-“You memorized it all?”

-“Yes, Mr. Goshen said my dad would be happy if I memorized it!”

Caelius gazed at her with a blank expression, then smiled and embraced her.

-“It’s okay, daughter. You don’t have to memorize this stuff.”

-“But…….”

Aria’s eyes grew strangely sullen.

-“I don’t want to be locked in my room again.”

After observing her for a moment, Caelius gently cupped her cheek.

-“Your father wouldn’t lock you in your room, would he?”

-“What about my mom?”

-“That’s different. She didn’t have the strength to protect you.”

He whispered something unusually sweet.

-“A father wouldn’t do that to his daughter.”

-“Really?”

-“Yes, really.”

Aria’s dull eyes lit up, and she smiled.

-“Lily’s favorite is daddy, after all.”

Aria said, throwing her arms around Caelius’ neck. Caelius gave a small smile and patted her on the back.

-“You’re my favorite, too.”

And it was, quite obviously, a lie.

But the truth was, it didn’t matter to Aria whether he meant it or not. All that mattered was that she could talk to him anytime, enjoy delicious meals, and have the freedom to roam.

She wondered how long it had been since she had been in the Wittelsbach estate. Aria was smarter than Caelius had expected.

She was a fast learner, much like his daughter. Her childlike way of speaking quickly improved once she was exposed to more than just the confines of her room. Aria was also very perceptive. Without even trying, she would visit Caelius and playfully tease him with her witty remarks, always careful not to offend him.

In a way, she was clever. Gifted at reading other people’s moods.

Caelius didn’t dislike her for that. While he didn’t feel paternalistic, thinking of her as his daughter, she was, at least to him, a useful asset.

And unlike him, she was blind to him.

Whatever she ate, wherever she went, it was Caelius, Caelius, Caelius.

It was all she could think about, and naturally, she didn’t recognize him as her father.

She was no longer a child but a fully grown woman. Accepting the existence of a man she had never known her entire life, who was now claiming to be her father, wasn’t going to be easy.

It was easier to see him as a man.

Caelius was young, handsome, and well-placed in Aira’s eyes, yet there was something off about him. Being a Sword Master was not an easy task.

Caelius was always surrounded by a strong odor of blood, a warning sign of the countless karma he had amassed, a decadent and dangerous atmosphere that did not come from ordinary people.

Aria, of course, was aware of it.

She was aware. She knew his lovely façade wasn’t genuine, but she liked him anyhow, and it didn’t matter if he was genuine or not.

He was a whole new world for her.

-“Dad, are you busy? It’s a beautiful day, and I’d like to go for a walk with you.”

-“Look! It’s beautiful! Hehe, I went into town today, and I thought you’d look good in it.”

-“Dad, can’t you cut back on the drinking? Lily wants to live a long life with you.”

So, she purposely tried to guide him with patronizing remarks, and if he didn’t take her seriously, that was okay. Caelius was fair to everyone; he wasn’t just insincere with her, he was insincere with everyone. She told herself that she had done enough because she was being exceptionally kind to him.

But unfortunately, being a quick learner and clever doesn’t mean she has control over her heart. After all, Aria was just a little girl, and Caelius was a giant to her.

Her love for him developed till it filled the gap in her heart that had never been fully loved.

Aria’s reliance on Caelius was unquenchable, like a thirst that could not be filled by drinking. She couldn’t stop herself, even though she knew she would be the one to get hurt.

As a result, she crossed a line that should never have been crossed in the first place.

It had only been a few days since she had her bat mitzvah.

Aria, who had entered Caelius’ room without permission, caressed his cheek softly as he slept.

He still didn’t wake up.

Aria kissed him again, this time with care. What is a kiss?

She pushed her lips to his sleepy mouth and stroked it with her tongue, unafraid.

She mashed her lips against his for a long time before pulling away.

-“Why, no more.”

Caelius, who had been asleep, opened his eyes. Aria’s eyes widened in fear and she attempted to leave, but it was only a matter of time before she got caught.

-“I never thought my daughter would do something like this in a sleeping person’s room…….”

He smirked, his eyes flashing with malice. Aria gaped, unable to say anything. The corners of her eyes began to droop with embarrassment.

-“It’s cute what you do.”

-“It’s, it’s, I’m, I’m…… so…….”

-“I thought you were going to suck my dick, but all you can do is kiss me?”

Caelius caught Aria’s wrist as she stumbled backward and drew her to him. The small woman clung to him desperately. Under his daughter’s sloppy lips, he was already hard.

Aria’s as$ was pierced by something sharp. The unexpected touch made her shudder. Caelius then purposefully rubbed more of himself on her in a fit of wickedness.

-“Oh, Daddy…….”

Aria screamed and called out to him.

She didn’t think he’d notice if she kissed his lips while sleeping. It was both adorable and amusing.

Caelius laughed and grabbed her behind forcefully. The contact made her flinch in astonishment.

Aria had never been touched by a man before, and she’d never shared this level of closeness with a man before. Suddenly, she realized that taming him, molding him to her body, so he could only cling to her, wouldn’t be such a horrible idea.

Caelius loosened the knot of her robe slowly.

-“Daughter.”

Aria remained silent. She shivered and lowered her head deeply instead.

-” I’m sorry…… I’m sorry…….”

-“Lily.”

He took Aria’s hand in his and had her grope for his front. His huge p*nis was visible through the thin fabric.

-“Oh, Daddy…… this, what is this…….”

-“It’s for my daughter.”

Aria blinked as if she didn’t understand.

-“You got me hard as a rock.”

Caelius grumbled as he unbuttoned his pants.

-“If you snuck into someone’s room while they were sleeping and left them like this, shouldn’t you be responsible for……?”

Aria’s thigh was pricked by something black and slimy, and she scowled, unable to respond. Caelius lifted his upper body, then helped Aria off her back and onto the bed. Aria’s strapless slip was immediately ripped off by him.

Aria let out a little squeak and found herself n*ked in an instant.

-“Oh, Daddy, Daddy!”

-“Yes, Lily.”

-“What, what are you trying to…….”

Knowing what Caelius was about to do, she queried in amazement.

-“F*cking.”

Smirking, he said.

-“Why, no?”

It was difficult not to. She desired to have him all to herself. However, there was a distinction to be made between not wanting to and being terrified of unfamiliar acts. The fact that he was her lover was a pleasant surprise, but the idea of s*x for the first time in her life raised several concerns and misgivings.

-“But what if it hurts?”

Caelius’ c*ck was bigger than my forearm at first glimpse, and she couldn’t believe something like that was sliding in and out of her.

Caelius wiped the grin off his face and spoke in a calming tone, sensing what Aria was thinking.

-“I’ll be gentle.”

Aria gazed up at him, terrified and shaking, but with a newfound respect, and said in a low voice.

-“……Ah, Dad, have you experienced it?”

Caelius glanced at Aria blankly for a bit, then burst out laughing, laughing for a long time, and Aria rolled her eyes.

-“I don’t  think my daughter would be here if I hadn’t experienced it?”

-“Ah…….”

Aria’s face flushed as she realized she was asking a dumb question.

-“Well, then…… who was the first woman you had s*x with?”

It was a ridiculous question. Who was the first person you tried this with? I never imagined my own daughter would ask me this question. Caelius smiled as if pleased by the situation in question.

-“Why is that kind of question?”

-“Just…….”

Aria took a deep breath and swallowed. She couldn’t have resurrected and spit such a foolish, narrow-minded remark at him.

Cailius gave her a sidelong glance, kissed her lightly, and said.

-“I don’t remember.”

“…….”

-“Why, are you jealous of the woman I don’t even remember?”

Aria’s eyes furrowed in response to the question. Caelius’ mouth twitched with a smile at the obvious difference in her face.

It wasn’t difficult to grasp the feelings of a daughter who was much younger than him and had just turned 18. Caelius had given her everything, no matter how special she was.

Aria’s face darkened weirdly when I said I couldn’t remember, and her expression seemed to change with each word.

Surprisingly, I didn’t hate it.

She always liked sneaking into someone’s bed and kissing them when they were sleeping, and now that she was scared, she liked it even more, so he muttered something pleasant in her ear.

-“I don’t remember the first time.”

A big hand cupped her cheek, caressing it tenderly.

-“It’s the last time that’s memorable.”

His hand brushed against the small of her back. Aria let out a little groan when Caelius’s palm touched her smooth skin, which was rough with calluses.

-“How about you, be my last woman.”

It was a delicious temptation, a trap. Aria didn’t realize it, but the man in front of her was too enticing, too possessive. She didn’t want to be one of the many women who disappeared without a trace.

She sloppy kissed his cheek instead of responding. It was an affirmation.

It wasn’t even a kiss on the lips, just a peck on the cheek. Caelius thought to himself as he pushed his hand through her thin underwear.

-“Heh…….”

Aria flinched and shuddered. She pulled her head away and clamped her eyes shut. It was almost as if she felt this was a stupid notion, which Caelius despised and turned to face her.

-“Daughter.”

-“Yes, yes……….”

Her voice shook slightly. Her eyes remained closed. Caelius squeezed her cheek and turned her to face him as if he didn’t like it. Aria’s eyes widened at the unexpected contact.

-“You need to see Daddy.”

I told her to look me in the eyes rather than away. Her look shifted back and forth, unable to make up her mind.

Caelius purposefully pulled back the blanket that had been covering her, and she panicked, reaching for her hands to cover herself between her legs. He stopped her.

-“Don’t cover yourself.”

-“It’s embarrassing.”

-“I’m going to see it anyway.”

-“……Even so.”

Aria blushed at the strangeness of the situation.

-“It’s weird.”

-“What’s weird?”

-“Well, here…… it’s weird, it’s not pretty.”

She pouted as if she was only interested in showing him her lovely side. It was adorable, in her opinion.

“It’s okay, my daughter is pretty anyway.”