Chapter 84

I was concerned that Father was being too indifferent, so I decided to use my divine eye to spy on him as he tried to persuade Rozé.

When I cast my vision with the divine eye, I could see Father's back. He was walking with a dignified posture towards the training ground, where I had told him Rozé was.

He approached Rozé, who was still training, said a few words, and tried to leave. However, Rozé, though expressionless, clearly seemed angry. She grabbed the hem of Father's clothes, stopping him, and said something. In response, Father said a few more words.

It seemed the matter was settled. Rozé collapsed to her knees, her head bowed, and Father quickly returned to the castle.

"Oh... Really?"

I muttered to myself. I approached Father and spoke to him.

"What did you say?"

My words were too straightforward. In response to my question, Father said,

"Hmm? I just ordered her not to follow me to war."

He said this with a completely normal expression.

"Oh... Couldn't you have used, you know, a different approach, or a different way of saying it?"

(Father is as straightforward as I am.)

To this, Father asked, "For example, what?"

(Well, that's a tough one... I don't have much life experience, so don't ask me that.)

But since I was asked, I had to answer. I puffed out my chest and took a deep breath.

"I... I love you, so I don't want you to come to war. Please understand."

(Phew, I managed to say it.)

I stumbled over my words but managed to say it. Saying "I love you" out loud was much more embarrassing than I expected.

"You stumbled a lot. Also, it's easier to puff out your chest after taking a deep breath," Father pointed out, looking at me with a slightly teasing expression.

"Don't point that out," I said, feeling even more embarrassed.

"Love, huh..."

He smiled slightly at me.

Then he said something shocking.

"I said it."

(Huh? What did you say?)

"Eh? What did you say?"

The words in my head came out of my mouth. I was so shocked that I froze.

"I said it, didn't I? I said I love you and that I don't want you to die, so don't come."

He said this with the same naturalness as if he were saying "kyoton."

"Wha—!"

I stumbled and fell backward, feeling as if I had been punched in the face.

(To say such an embarrassing thing with a straight face, what kind of thick nerve does he have?)

Father frowned at my sudden collapse.

"Rain, are you okay? Do you feel sick? If so..."

No, that's not it. I quickly stood up.

"I don't think I'll ever be able to beat Father."

That's all I could say.

"No, in terms of level, you're already higher than me."

I ignored the second part and said dejectedly,

"Not in terms of level, but as a person, as a man."

Well, I'm a scumbag, so I never stood a chance from the start.

Father was surprised at my shocked face for a moment, then burst out laughing.

"Me, lose to a kid like you? Ha ha ha!"

He left the castle in a good mood. I watched him go in a daze, then came to my senses after a while.

For now, Rozé is fine as she is. I have no place in this anymore. What kind of youthful drama is this before the war? This is ridiculous. I want that role!

From the fact that they were wearing armor, it was clear that they had only stopped by because I called them. They were going to start marching that day.

I had already prepared everything a few days ago. I went back to my room to get it.

But I had forgotten something. I had been so preoccupied with the love triangle between Rozé, Father, and Mother that I had forgotten about them.

Yes, I had forgotten about Sukuna and the others. As expected, they were standing in my room, fully armored and ready. When I opened the door, Sukuna and Aina saluted me, while Kō and Mei clasped their hands. They were so predictable.

"...So, that's your answer, huh?"

I knew what they wanted to say without being asked. Sukuna and Aina wanted to come, while Kō and Mei wanted to stay behind.

"Let me get straight to the point: none of you need to come this time."

"Wh-Why?!" Sukuna and Aina exclaimed in surprise, while Kō and Mei remained silent.

"The reason is..."

Your power is not yet sufficient.

When we fought the three bandits or when we boarded a ship with the assumption that we would have to escape if enemy ships came, it was different. In a battlefield where friend and foe are mixed, their stats and experience are not enough. I can't send them to the battlefield for at least another five years.

Even I, as a noble, have received education to lead people. I know that in situations like this, it's not right to say something vague like, "Well, you know, your power isn't quite there yet, right?" I need to be clear.

You can't come because your power is not enough.

I had to say this. My face flushed, and I felt a bit short of breath. My hands and feet started to tremble.

I took several deep breaths and then said,

"Your power is not yet sufficient. If you come now, you'll just be in the way."

I said this with a feeling of nausea.