She Is a Daughter Raised As the Son of a Duke - Chapter 120

Episode 120

Passebea remained still, lost in thought for a moment, before finally nodding in agreement to May’s words.

“…Seems like you’re right. I was being too ambitious. I haven’t even conquered this world yet.”

Hearing the word “conquer” from him felt like it might trigger a massive war, and it was daunting, but May didn’t show any sign of it.

“If grandfather decides to travel only within this world and not to other dimensions, I will consider it a good decision for Floa. As long as he doesn’t go to other dimensions, there will be something to see forever.”

May’s words were undeniable, so he decided to be persuaded.

“Then, I should set the goal of traveling around the world from now on.”

“That’s a good decision.”

May showed him a bright smile.

* * * 

Two days later, Passebea packed his belongings for the journey. As expected, Floa was satisfied just knowing that they wouldn’t be going to different dimensions.

Floa, Persis, and I saw Passebea off at the entrance of the estate.

I paused ahead and turned around to look at Passebea, asking with concern, “You don’t have more luggage to take? Just one backpack seems a bit too little.”

“A true traveler knows how to carry only the essentials. To make traveling easier, you need to minimize your luggage.”

“But it’s a complete world tour. You might be traveling for several years…”

“Don’t worry. The luggage I had for my first journey, which lasted over 30 years, was even more minimal than this. And yet, didn’t I come back well?”

Seeing him laugh heartily, it felt like my heart was at ease.

Passebea shifted his gaze to Persis beside me.

“Persis, take good care of May. I know you cherish her, so I’m not worried, but she’s such a delicate child.”

“I will always strive for May’s happiness. Please take care and come back safely, father.”

I advised Passebea once again.

“You must never use magic circles, okay? If you suddenly disappear one day, it would be incredibly heartbreaking.”

Passebea smiled and patted my head.

“I understand. I’ll buy you a souvenir that you’ll like when I come back someday.”

Though Floa didn’t want to part with Passebea, he had a sorrowful expression like someone sending off a loved one against their will.

“You must definitely come back. And don’t get hurt.”

Passebea playfully gave him a teasing comment.

“You’re worrying about me getting hurt? That’s truly an unnecessary concern.”

He hugged Floa.

“Take good care of Flotina.”

“Yes…”

Passebea pulled away and met my gaze.

“Take care.”

“Have a pleasant journey and come back safely!”

I waved my hand as Passebea moved away.

* * *

After Passebea left, I realized I hadn’t given cookies to Floa, so I made cookies again. The cookies Stella and I made together had become old, so I planned to discard them and give fresh cookies.

In the drawing room, I had a tea time with Dad and Floa, offering them cookies.

“Floa, these are cookies I made.”

Floa received them with a gentle smile.

“These cookies are adorable.”

“Well, a few days ago, Stella and I made cookies. I had made cookies for you then, but I forgot, so I made them again.”

“I’ll enjoy them, May. But may I ask why they’re sword-shaped?”

The cookies I gave Floa were in the shape of swords.

“Floa is my swordsmanship master, you see. When I think of Floa, swords come to mind.”

“They’re so cute that it seems hard to eat them.”

“I’ll make more for you later, so go ahead and enjoy these.”

While talking with Floa, I felt Persis’s gaze from across the table. It was a hopeful look, as if wanting to receive more cookies.

As if I had expected this, I handed him another bag of cookies.

“Since I was making cookies anyway, I made some for Dad too. This time they’re smiley faces.”

A smile formed on Persis’s lips as he received the cookies.

“It’s a smiley face cookie because I like it when Dad smiles.”

“Thank you.”

Seeing Persis’s delight over the cookies, I recalled what Stella had said.

Your dad would probably live as a doting father forever and that it would be difficult for you to get married.

However, when Persis saw Passebea off, he said he would strive for my happiness.

So, wouldn’t I treat well the man I bring home whom I love?

As I reached that point in my thoughts, a question suddenly burst out of my mouth.

“Dad, in the future, when I get married, will you treat my husband well?”

At the end of my words, both Persis and Floa’s expressions stiffened gradually, and a few seconds of silence hung in the air. I couldn’t understand what that silence meant, so I deliberately smiled more brightly.

“Because he’s someone I love.”

However, once again, there was no response.

No affirmation, no denial – the lack of any answer made me anxious.

“Marrying off… no, are you planning to marry?”

I stared at Persis with twinkling eyes, as if asking him if that was really the case, but he simply gazed back at me with a stern expression, not even showing a hint of surprise.

“May, why are you asking that?”

Floa, who was by my side, also asked me in a somber voice.

“Could it be… you’ve found someone you like? Is that why you’re already thinking about getting married and leaving this house?”

“It’s not like that—”

Before I even finished speaking, Persis abruptly stood up from his seat.

“Where does he live? I’ll go find him right now.”

I looked bewildered.

“No, why would you go find him…?”

“I’m going to see the face of the insolent guy who dares to look down on my daughter.”

I waved my hands frantically.

“No, it’s not like that. There’s no one I like!”

But a certain face did come to mind, and I involuntarily intertwined my fingers, nervously.

“Not yet…”

For some reason, Diego’s face flashed in my mind, but I didn’t reveal it.

Only then did Persis let out a frustrated breath and sat back down. Watching him like that, I clicked my tongue as if reproaching him.

“Because of Dad, I can’t even date anyone.”

“May, you’re still too young for dating. In my eyes, you’re still a little kid.”

“But I’m an adult now, right? I’m at an age where I could get married soon.”

Listening to me, Persis closed his eyes tightly and gripped the back of his neck. Soon, he sternly prohibited it.

“For the next 10 years, you’re not allowed. No dating, no marriage.”

“What? Where is that coming from? What if I miss out on a good person?”

As I resisted his words, Floa grabbed my hand from the side.

“May, with Persis and me here, do you really need someone else? In about 15 years, I’ll find a guy who’s good at listening to you.”

Persis nodded in approval at Floa’s words.

“That’s a good idea, Floa.”

“Ugh…”

I let out an exasperated sigh.

I understand their reaction. We’ve only recently become close, and if I were to get a partner and become distant from them, they would feel hurt.

But 10 years is too much. And what’s with finding a guy who listens well?

If I end up dating someone in the future, I’ll definitely have to keep it a secret from Dad and Floa…

“My daughter is so beautiful that it’s a problem. If she were only beautiful in my eyes, that would have been enough, tsk.”

Persis clicked his tongue and called for the butler, giving him an order.

“If any love letters about May come in the future, discard them all.”

“Yes, sir.”

Seeing Persis blocking his daughter’s path, it seemed that anyone intending to marry me would have a hard time.

* * *

Due to the dissolution of the Third Knight Order following Hestia’s death, Iris and Cassius, the leaders of the First and Second Knight Orders, became busier, and regular hunts were postponed to the end of the year.

During that time, I spent time going out with Persis, sparring with Floa or Yohan, and playing with Stella.

After a month, Princess Isabella’s birthday party was held.

The birthday party took place at the Emerald Hall of the palace, where the National Assembly had been held. Stepping out of the carriage, I felt the chilly winter breeze brush against my body.

Before entering the reception hall, I looked at the foggy sky and muttered to myself.

“It’s cold. They did say there might be snow tonight…”

Seeing the slightly darkened sky in the daytime, it really felt like it could snow.

If it snows today, it will be the first snow. We haven’t had snowfall yet.

Holding the edge of my coral-colored dress, I entered the reception hall.

Inside, there were many people, just like at the National Assembly. Most of them were nobles, and there were also envoys from other countries. You could tell at a glance that they were from other countries due to their different attire.

“I wonder where the princess is…”

As I looked around, noble people nearby greeted me. As the Lady of Flotina attending a social event for the first time, I seemed to attract a lot of attention.

“Nice to meet you, Lady. I am from the Victoria family…”

“I am the second daughter of Count Balan…”

However, my attention was solely on the princess. It seemed that they wanted to hear stories about me, but after exchanging appropriate greetings, I went to find Isabella.

Come to think of it, since it’s the princess’s birthday party, Diego should be here too.

Suddenly, as I was thinking of looking for Diego, Isabella’s voice reached my ears.

“Eek! Lady!”

Turning my head toward the source of the voice, I saw Isabella, who was gorgeously and charmingly dressed like a princess, running toward me.

“I greet the princess.”

I greeted her with a curtsey, and Isabella warmly returned the greeting.

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