Chapter 5

"Riz, we've arrived."

"Mmm... Father...?"

Whispered in a gentle voice, and with a light pat on my back, I rubbed my sleepy eyes. It seems I had fallen asleep without realizing it. I had been carried here because the destination was too far for a child, but the scent of the sun and the warm, comforting heartbeat had lured me into a nap.

With a yawn to suppress the drowsiness from my half-sleep, I forced my eyelids open, and I began to feel a bit more awake. ...Oh.

What met my still slightly sleepy eyes was an enormous castle gate, and behind it, a castle that was much larger and more fantastical than I had imagined. Really, Father works here? He must be quite an impressive person.

"Father, Father, you really work here, right?"

"Yes, I do."

"Father, you're amazing...!"

At my genuine praise, Father blushed slightly, as if embarrassed, and patted my head, looking pleased. Still carrying me, Father approached the castle gate and walked toward what seemed to be a gatekeeper. As expected of a castle, there is a gatekeeper. Well, without one, there would be illegal intruders everywhere.

"Oh, Mr. Velf, who is this child?"

"She's my daughter. Riz, say hello."

"Father, please put me down first."

"Oh, right, of course."

Velf is Father's name. Despite not mixing business with personal matters, ... well, bringing me here was already a no-go, but he used "I" when referring to himself. As for me, I was deeply moved to realize that Father really works here. Amazing Father. I can't believe he works in a place where so many people's desires are at play... Ah, I'm praising him. I'm just worried that Father, being so kind, might be deceived or treated unfairly.

After being gently placed down by Father, I straightened my clothes and turned to the two gatekeepers.

"Pleased to meet you, I am Rizbet Velf, daughter of Velf Velf. My father is working here."

With a bow, I greeted them properly. The gatekeepers seemed a bit stiff. Well, it's understandable that a child speaking in polite language would be unexpected. I don't like such children either.

"Um, Mr. Velf, if I may ask, how old is your daughter...?"

"She turned four this year."

"Actually, I'm four years and seven months old."

Since a child's half-year is quite significant, I corrected it with a smile, trying to show my childlike side. By the way, this is my "going out" smile. A smile that emphasizes a child's cuteness. It's a bit different from the one I use with Father and Mother.

The gatekeepers seemed to relax from their stiffness at my smile and alternated their gaze between my face and Father's face.

"You look very much alike. There's a resemblance to Lady Selen too."

"Heh, isn't that right? She's my and Selen's child. Isn't she cute? And not just cute, my child is—"

"Father, I'm glad, but let's finish our business first."

If we continued, it would turn into a boasting session about his child, so I quickly cut it short. The gatekeepers looked at me with surprise. Well, it's embarrassing to hear Father's boasting. I feel like burying myself in a hole. He talks about how great and amazing his child is to the maids and butlers, making me feel extremely uncomfortable and embarrassed.

"Oh, right. ... Can this child enter the castle? She's here for a magic test."

"Yes, of course, Mr. Velf's daughter is welcome."

"Please come in."

"Thank you."

The gatekeepers seemed a bit taken aback. It's partly my fault.

With their permission, Father led me through the castle gate, holding my hand. Since it's his workplace, he walks with a very confident stride. I, on the other hand, follow modestly behind him.

Ah, right, as I passed by the gatekeepers, I smiled and waved at them. To increase the possibility of receiving help if I enter the castle again, and simply to say goodbye. The gatekeepers, surprised by my smile, waved back discreetly, not wanting to be seen by Father. I'll wave again when I leave.

As Father led me through the castle, people on the way looked at us curiously. It's understandable, given that Father, who seems quite important, is walking with a child. Occasionally, people would stop Father to talk about me, so I introduced myself briefly and bowed. First impressions are important.

"Mr. Velf!"

After walking for a while, a breathless, seemingly important person ran up to us. To be addressed with "sama" by this person, Father must be quite impressive.

"What is it, Nadia?"

"Prince Yuris has gone missing!"

"... Prince Yuris is running away again, I see."

Despite Nadia's serious face, Father pressed his forehead and sighed, as if this was a common occurrence. It seems Prince Yuris frequently escapes, causing trouble for Nadia. From Father's reaction, this is undoubtedly true.

And, based on my guess, Prince Yuris is probably a member of the royal family. He must be in a high position to be addressed with "sama" by Nadia and Father. At the very least, he must be in a higher position than Father. Given that Father holds an important post and is addressed with "sama," the answer is clear. He is likely a prince, perhaps even the crown prince.

"His Highness never learns..."

This is a bigger deal than I imagined. I didn't expect him to be royalty, and a habitual runaway at that.

"Letting the next king walk around the castle without a guard is..."

Even being the first prince is unexpected.

... Well, I can understand it to some extent. As a member of the royal family, especially the eldest son, the expectations and pressures must be immense. He is expected to have the knowledge, culture, and manners befitting the next king. It's understandable that he might run away out of frustration, though whether it's right to do so is another matter.

"Mr. Velf, could you help search for Prince Yuris?"

"I'm sorry, but I must decline."

"... Father."

"Riz, don't make that face. I know where Prince Yuris is. He's probably in his usual spot."

With a sigh, Father spoke, and I blinked. ... If he knows, why doesn't he bring him back?

Seeing my face, Father's handsome face broke into a wry smile.

"... Ideally, I'd leave him alone. His Highness must be tired from his studies and the power struggles."

"... It must be tough for the prince."

"Riz, as a member of the nobility, you'll debut in society soon."

"I understand."

I understand that much. If I don't have any younger siblings, I will inherit the family as the heir. Though, given how affectionate my parents are, that seems unlikely.

The adult world is full of desires. Even as an adult, I find it very troublesome, so it must be even more so for a prince who is not much older than me. It's understandable that he would want to run away.

"Well, I can understand how His Highness feels. However, I believe it's even more important for him to acquire the necessary knowledge and culture. What he learns now will become his armor in the future."

"... Riz, sometimes I don't understand you. Normally, people can't be so rational."

"I'm just concerned about His Highness's future. If he neglects the present, he'll suffer later."

It's not a typical child's response, but Father is used to it, so he doesn't comment much. Nadia, on the other hand, gaped at me in surprise.

... Yes, I'm clearly too mature for a child. I should try to act more childlike when I'm outside.

Father chuckled at the slightly frozen Nadia, then looked at me intently. Ah, I have a bad feeling about this.

"Riz. If you're going to say that, go convince His Highness. I'll show you the way."

"That's impossible. I'm a stranger to him."

"Don't worry, I can vouch for your cuteness."

You're vouching for the wrong thing.

"... How about this. If you can convince His Highness, I'll teach you magic."

"That's unfair."

"Heh. Don't worry, Riz, you can do it."

Please don't give me such a difficult task.

Complaining won't change Father's mind. He's usually so lenient with me, but not in situations like this!

Let's hope I don't set up any unnecessary flags.