Chapter 54

"Sure."

I was taken aback by the immediate, cheerful response, but then I smiled broadly.

"I'll listen, so don't you forget either."

Dad gently pulled my hand.

"When the four years are over and I earn your recognition, that title will have to be dropped."

For a moment, it seemed like his eyes had lost their usual spark.

'...It was similar to Agnor’s.'

For a brief moment, I thought, Dad is indeed a beluga whale.

* * *

"Can you take me to the Dragon Festival?"

Calypso didn't know it, but the moment she said those words,

her eyes shone more brightly than any moment Pierre had ever seen.

At that moment, Pierre realized something.

For the first time, his small daughter had revealed a hidden aspect of herself that she had never shown before.

It was called hope.

Her gaze sparkled with hope, like a morning star.

Ironically, this also reminded Pierre of a fact.

'Until now, there hasn't been a single moment when she has hoped for anything from me.'

Now, Pierre was gradually understanding and accepting this.

Can a three-year-old really be like this?

His own childhood wasn't ordinary, but he hadn't lived without hope.

'Beating an older opponent in a fight among beluga whales is no easy task.'

The courage and composure he showed in the presence of a great talent and the head of the family, the maturity beyond his years.

A natural fighter.

Despite having various titles, he was neither arrogant nor hopeful.

Sometimes, he seemed similar to or even more so than Pierre, who had given up on everything.

Observing Calypso, Pierre realized something.

The child showed a subtle imbalance.

Even when he appeared before the highest disciplinary committee today, his face was like he had seen a ghost.

It was as if he had no hope at all.

Pierre just remembered that moment.

"Dad!!"