Chapter 84

I always described it as strange, but in fact, I was secretly happy whenever Dad acted like this.

For a long time, I found myself trapped in a situation where I could only be a victim, the weak one, someone who would cry or feel wronged.

When I finally decided to achieve something, the only way was to fight alone, struggle, and ultimately claim it.

When I finally obtained what I wanted to become the head of the family, I was truly happy.

Nothing I had ever obtained came without my own effort.

It was the first time that someone's affection for me, even when I said I was fine and refused it, still fell away.

"But that plan will have to wait for a moment."

Dad had already turned his head to look at the restaurant door.

I, too, had to nod a moment later.

"Someone is coming."

Soon, there was a knock on the door, and a stranger appeared in the restaurant.

"Hello, Mr. Pierre Aquasiadel. I am the deputy butler of this castle."

"……"

"I have been ordered to escort all guests to the main hall, 'Dragon's Fang Hall.'"

Dad asked on my behalf.

"Whose order is this?"

"It is the order of Duke Panteleon."

* * *

A little while later, I entered the massive hall with Dad.

It was a large space, resembling a cathedral.

Soft chairs were prepared for people to sit, and the guests who had arrived earlier were densely seated.

Occasionally, there were empty seats, which were always occupied by particularly formidable familiars.

'Veluz is here too.'

I looked at Veluz, who had come with Dad, and then continued to observe the hall.

The people who had their seats cleared for them were mostly predatory land animal familiars.

'That person…'

As I scanned the crowd, I recognized a familiar figure.

'It's the hyena familiar.'

It was definitely the woman I saw last night.

She sat arrogantly, occupying two chairs, and was leisurely yawning.

Her large size made it easy for her to take up two chairs.

'She definitely exudes a strong presence during the day.'

I'm glad I didn't run into her last night.

I still can't beat her.

"Master, do you see? The hyena. That's the person I saw."

"When did you see her?"

I whispered to Dad, but Veluz answered.

"You don't need to know."

"……"

Don't pay attention to me.

'Anyway, I promised not to return, but I'll have to go back on that. I'll definitely tell the head of the family that I won't do it.'

That guy probably likes having a rival.

If he tries to kill me, well, I can't die, so I'll have to use Dad in a pinch.

Dad sat us down in a suitable spot.

I could feel hostile gazes, but no one came close, as if the incident in the restaurant had spread.

"That's Pierre Aquasiadel of the Killer Whale family…"

"He's as nasty as the head of the family, so don't provoke him…"

"Tsk, how strong can a water creature be on land, hmm."

Of course, they only whispered, but there was a lot of chatter. They were whispering so much that it was almost as if they were shouting.

'They're practically shouting for me to hear.'

They might as well curse me openly. They haven't come to their senses yet. They haven't.

I clicked my tongue, and Dad's voice fell from above.

"Is it bothering you?"

"No, no. It's fine. We can always sweep them away after we hear why we were called."

"If you wish. How much of the roof should I destroy?"

"Wow, Master, you can make jokes?"

"It's not a joke."

"……"

Veluz, who was sitting a chair away from us, spat out.

"Sweeping away after the business is done will make you just like Grandma. The head of the family said he likes to sweep away after meetings, and he actually does it."

Oh, that's a highly sarcastic way of saying if you do that, you'll be no different from Grandma, isn't it?

As expected, Dad frowned but kept looking forward.

"That's a very unpleasant insult."

……Indeed.

Being compared to Grandma is a bit much for me too.

I patted Dad's shoulder.

A little while later, someone climbed the steps next to the massive platform at the front.

Even from here, the giant back was visible.

"Are you the granddaughter of Ocula Aquasiadel, who is engaged to my son?"