“It seems like we’re getting close to finishing.”
The butler spoke with a smile as he noticed that many of the papers that had been cluttering Benedict’s desk had been reduced. However, Benedict’s expression remained tense.
Seeing the rigidity in Benedict’s face, the butler quickly understood what was bothering him.
“Are you worried about the young lady?”
“...Yeah.”
Not long ago, one of Karia’s subordinates had brought news to the Aln family. The Soul Academy had been attacked by followers of the Void Evil God.
Upon hearing the full story, Benedict had dropped everything he was doing and rushed to the academy, only to hear that everything was already over. He collapsed into his chair, feeling defeated.
“The person who brought us the news also said, didn’t they? That the young lady is healthy and that there were no casualties at the academy. That both the Sword Saint and the Saintess handled everything.”
“I know. It’s news from someone under Karia’s command, so it must be accurate.”
Having personally experienced just how ruthless Karia could be in her field, Benedict did not doubt the accuracy of the news.
It was likely that Lucy was safe, as her subordinate had said.
“But I don’t think it’s entirely true that the Sword Saint and the Saintess solved everything.”
Even nearly a year had passed since that day, but Benedict still vividly remembered the scene when Lucy had performed her miracle.
The divine power of the Lord dwelling in her tiny body. The sun rising over the mace she held. All the darkness beneath the cave receding, and even the Evil God of Fire being unable to withstand it and being sealed away. That scene wasn’t something from a simple adventure story.
It was a myth, a heroic tale, a miracle worthy of a place in the Bible.
It was the Lord’s will that entrusted such an act to Lucy. Could it be that Lucy had nothing to do with this incident?
That’s nonsense. She must be involved in this.
Considering that the Saintess didn’t appear when they fought the Evil God of Fire, just as Lucy had led me through last time, it’s highly likely that Lucy took the lead this time too.
“But our dear, fragile, sweet, pretty, jewel-like daughter didn’t even come to find her father!”
“...What?”
“Butler, what do you think is the problem? Why didn’t Lucy discuss this with me? Did I do something to make Lucy lose trust in me?”
If Lucy had led the fight against the followers of the Void Evil God, then it must have been Lucy who brought the Sword Saint into it too.
Does that mean our dear Lucy thinks the Sword Saint is stronger and more reliable than me!?
It’s true that I’ve been lazy with training for quite a long time, but still, I don’t think I’d lose to the Sword Saint now!
“...I think this appearance of yours is causing distrust.”
“Indeed. Maybe it’s a problem to show so much love for my daughter. But, what can I do? When I look at Lucy, she’s just so cute and lovable that my lips melt. How can I not be a doting father!”
“Please don’t take my words too seriously. The young lady has long since resigned herself to this behavior of yours.”
“...Isn’t that more serious?”
The butler’s calm words hurt Benedict, who slumped his shoulders, but the butler continued speaking regardless.
“Rather, considering how busy the master has been recently, the young lady probably didn’t want to trouble you by speaking her mind.”
“Because I’m busy?”
“Yes. Since the beginning of the year, you’ve spent so little time at the mansion that you could hardly be called home.”
Since the start of this year, Benedict had been extremely busy with issues within the Aln family.
The process of mending the rifts caused by his marriage, disregarding the family’s opinions, had been difficult.
He had to coax the elders who were showing discontent, or sometimes even suppress them with force.
He had to redo the ledgers of the estate, which had been corrupted due to mismanagement.
He created new regulations and considered new ways to strengthen ties within the family.
In the midst of all this, some insane members of the family had suggested strengthening the bond through Lucy’s marriage, and Benedict had to physically smash their ideas.
Benedict, who had been working nonstop, almost never had time to sleep—just an hour a month.
It was no wonder that, despite hearing Lucy’s voice daily, he could only spare time to contact her once a week.
“Since the young lady knows how busy you’ve been, she probably chose not to trouble you by sharing her thoughts.”
“Our considerate daughter worried about me?”
“Given the premise that the young lady knew about the followers of the Void Evil God, this explanation seems most plausible.”
Even though the butler thought it was strange, he believed this was the most reasonable explanation.
“Lucy... Our kind daughter... She’s worried about this foolish father!”
Having been pushed to his limits by overwork, Benedict’s emotional restraint broke, and tears began to fall as he started to sob uncontrollably.
Seeing this, the butler realized that today’s work would not be done easily. He sighed and stepped outside to meet with the person approaching the office.
“Ah, Butler!”
“What is it?”
“There’s a letter for you to read.”
“Master doesn’t have time to look at it right now. For now... Wait. Is this the royal seal?”
“Yes, it is.”
Thanks to the master’s overflowing emotions, the work didn’t seem to be slowing down, and now the royal family had decided to add their own work on top of it.
Really, such kind people. I’m tempted to show my loyalty by wielding a sword.
The butler, who had been on edge due to the constant workload, furrowed his brow as he took the letter and returned to the office.
Benedict, having calmed down a bit after crying, wiped his eyes with a handkerchief smaller than his finger and looked at the letter in the butler’s hand.
“What’s that?”
“It’s a letter from the royal family, for you to read.”
“The royal family?”
A sense of foreboding filled Benedict as he received the letter, his swollen eyes scanning its contents.
The letter, written in the elegant language typical of the royal palace, was succinct, omitting most of the flowery language.
It expressed gratitude for Lucy Alrn’s pivotal role in solving the recent issues at the academy.
It went on to say that the royal family would reward her, and if she had any requests, she should let them know.
However, the discussion regarding the criminal responsible for orchestrating the events was a separate matter. They wished to discuss the criminal’s situation, so they asked for a date to be set.
“Hmmm.”
Although Benedict hadn’t heard a word from Lucy, instead of being shocked, he seemed pleased and raised his lips.
“What does it say?”
“It seems that our Lucy may have offended the First Queen.”
“...What?”
Although the letter was full of polite wording, Benedict thought about Lucy’s usual attitude towards others and knew what had likely happened.
Not long ago, when the Second Queen had heard Lucy speak, she had called her the "Wild Queen," hadn’t she?
Lucy had most likely been just as rude, or even worse.
“While she has some accomplishments, it seems she can’t do much at the moment. But, I’m sure they’re not happy about it.”
Thinking back to the time when Lucy had verbally lashed out at the king and the First Queen, which had caused considerable embarrassment, Benedict let out a hearty laugh and stood up.
“Butler.”
“Yes, Master?”
“I think most of the urgent matters are settled now.”
“I agree. The remaining issues can be dealt with slowly.”
“Now, I’m going to take care of the tasks that the cadets need to handle. I’ll leave these documents as they are.”
“You mean you’re passing them off?”
“A brilliant plan, don’t you think?”
This chapter is updat𝙚d by freeweɓnovel.cøm.
“It’s a fine decision, fitting for a Count who honors his promises.”
Both of them, worn out by overwork, exchanged smiles as they looked at each other.
“We’ll go to Soul Academy.”
“Should I come with you?”
“Yeah. Let Posel deal with the rest. I really hate how he’s been avoiding paperwork and acting so dignified.”
“Posel didn’t entirely avoid the paperwork, but I agree. After all, it’s not my job.”
Just like when they had fought together on the battlefield, the two of them shared a chilling laugh, but their plan was shattered by the sudden appearance of the head maid.
In the end, it was the butler who was dragged away by the maid’s firm hand, back to work.
Benedict, feeling guilty for planning to shirk responsibilities, still found a way to escape the mansion and head to Soul Academy, under the pretense of discussing things with Lucy, so he could heal his tired spirit and show gratitude and praise to his brilliant daughter.
Upon arriving at the academy, Benedict kept telling himself not to rush toward Lucy to maintain his dignity as a father. However, his self-affirmations proved useless.
“Stupid Papa?”
When he saw Lucy, now dressed in new clothes, at Karia’s hideout, Benedict’s massive frame collapsed with a face full of happiness.