Chapter 6

- Chapter 6 (6/353)

☆ Chapter 6 ☆

It was unexpected that the Duke, who had never come to see me, would suggest having breakfast together.

'Hmm, this is awkward. Is he uncomfortable?'

I recalled how the Duke had stared at me intently during our previous meal.

'No! This is an opportunity!'

The more I see him, the more I'll grow fond of him.

'I need to get used to the Duke!'

"Good morning, Dad!"

I entered the dining room and greeted him energetically.

The Duke didn't respond.

I ignored it and marched confidently to my seat.

"Wow, this looks delicious!"

Trying to break the awkwardness, I said this without even looking properly, but the table was indeed laden with delicious-looking food.

"I'll eat well, Dad. You enjoy your meal too, Dad!"

Sniff. Despite his lack of response, I continued my tearful efforts undeterred.

This level of ignoring me doesn't even tickle, hmpf.

I picked up my fork and dug into the crispy sausages, scrambled eggs, fresh seasonal fruits, and salad.

Everything really is delicious.

Even though it's a basic breakfast, the plating and taste are on a different level.

It feels like I'm being compensated for not having such meals at the Taranka Marquess's residence.

But the most delicious was the custard pudding served as dessert.

I finished it in no time and was licking the spoon with regret when something was placed in front of me.

"Eat it."

It was the custard pudding I had been so regretful about.

I looked up at the Duke.

Eh, so... you're giving it to me because you noticed I liked it, right?

He was drinking his strongly brewed tea and reading the newspaper, as if to say he had never given me the pudding.

His cold and sharp face.

Why is he reading the newspaper now when he used to stare at me so intensely that it made me uncomfortable?

'I thought he was ignoring me.'

"Hehe."

I used the spoon to scoop the middle of the pudding.

Looking at the wobbly pudding, something seemed to stir in my heart.

I glanced at the Duke.

Should I offer him a spoonful...?

I don't even know if I'm really his daughter.

'What's the point. Why worry. I have to try, right? To build a bond!'

A voice in my heart shouted, but my hand didn't move, only my fingers fidgeted.

In the end, I couldn't give the pudding to the Duke and ate it myself.

'...I guess I'll know if I have a dad.'

"I'll eat well."

I muttered this instead of the pudding.

* * *

After finishing the pudding the Duke had given me, I still couldn't leave the dining room.

The Duke hadn't gotten up and was staring at me intently.

I couldn't get up alone, so I just sat there blankly.

Then, the Duke's elegant lips slowly opened.

"...Why don't you stick?"

Huh?

Stick? What exactly...

It sounded like he was talking to himself, but why is he looking at me?

I tilted my head, and the Duke frowned and got up.

He walked over and picked me up.

"...?!"

What, what is this.

I was carried by the Duke and taken to his study.

'Does he have something to talk about with me?'

That's why he had breakfast with me.

Now that I think about it, the Duke was never in the mansion when I woke up.

Did he stay today to wait for me?

'What does he want to talk about?'

My mouth went dry with tension.

Sure enough, when we arrived at the study, the Duke sat me on his lap and... looked at documents.

Just documents.

'No, this isn't right!'

I (internally) flailed my arms and legs.

No matter how much I (internally) danced, the Duke only signed the documents with his elegant handwriting.

'Hmm...'

I'm not that clueless.

He ignored me until now, but since yesterday, he's been sticking to me like glue. How could I not notice?

I was skeptical, but...

'Does he really dislike strangers and wants to stick to me from now on...?'

No, I've been hit in the back countless times, but there's no other reason, right?

He's not harming me while carrying me around. (His expression is cold, but.)

He even gave me the pudding. (His expression is cold, but.)

Somehow, my heart felt soft and gooey, like a pudding drenched in caramel syrup.

I could feel my cheeks heating up.

Ah, something, a bit.

Feeling awkward, I fidgeted with my fingertips and curled and uncurled my toes.

Eh, hmm, no, my plan worked well.

I wanted to see him often to build a bond.

So this is good for me, and I should keep this momentum going, but...

Ah, why is this so embarrassing.

'No, no, I have a lot to do today!'

I need to find the medium!

Just thinking about my tasks made me feel like I was running away.

'No, not running away! I really need to find it!'

At that moment, a cold voice fell over my head.

"What's the matter?"

I looked up to see the Duke's face looking down at me.

He must have noticed my fidgeting and thoughts.

Hmm, what should I say here...

"I want to see something pretty."

No, think before you speak!

My lips, you traitor!

The Duke raised an eyebrow and his gaze turned to Anna.

Anna, who had been standing like a still life in the corner of the study, stepped forward and answered politely.

"The youngest lady was scheduled to tour the Chapel Room today."

Oh no. What do I do if she answers like that!

I've only been here for a short time, and if I ask to see the room where the treasures are kept, what will happen?

"You filthy thief!"

The Marquess of Taranka's voice thundered in my head.

He wouldn't hit me like the Marquess, right?

Despite thinking he wouldn't, my limbs shrank.

The Duke picked me up from his knee without a word and started walking.

'Uh...'

Swinging three times in the Duke's arms, I realized what was happening.

The Duke was taking me to the Chapel Room.

'Really?'

Is he really going to show it to me just like this?

How long have I been here to be shown this so easily?

And with all those documents piled up?

I looked at the mountain of documents on the desk over the Duke's shoulder.

'...More naive than I thought... No, no, maybe he's a good person.'

He looks so sharp, but he's actually a softie.

'Is this the classic "hard on the outside, soft on the inside"?'

No, what am I thinking.

I leaned against the Duke's shoulder and glanced up at his face.

His stiff and cold face.

'But...'

Maybe he's not the main villain but the second, the "actually a good person" villain.

You're too naive and innocent!

This world, the world of light novels, isn't that easy!

Haven't you been disappointed and discouraged a lot?

Be careful of backstabbing, day and night!

Don't forget!

The words that appeared in the quest window flickered in front of my eyes.

I relaxed my tense shoulders and entrusted myself to his strong arms.

* * *

"Wow...!"

An exclamation of amazement slipped out without me realizing it.

In the dark room, light fell from above.

The light, as if reflected by crystal,

etched a faint, clean pattern on the floor.

The deep black curtain was embroidered with the Duke's family crest in gold and silver threads, and the room was filled with a grand and solemn atmosphere unique to a place that has stood the test of time.

I even breathed carefully.

Time seems to have stopped here.

'They call it the Chapel Room...'

It lived up to its name, feeling both dark and noble and sacred.

It wasn't just a room filled with expensive items but a place that seemed to hold myths, legends, and history...

Not just treasures, but spoils of war?

Indeed, there were more items that looked like they had legends attached to them, such as swords, shields, armor, chalices, and rosaries, rather than famous paintings or sculptures.

Overwhelmed by the scene, I forgot my purpose and wandered around the room, admiring the treasures displayed along the walls, but my gaze stopped at one spot.

In the center of the room, a luxurious console made of ivory and gold stood alone.

On top of it was a glass dome.

By its placement and treatment, it was clear that this was the most precious item.

'What could be inside?'

Curiosity made me stretch my neck, and the Duke walked steadily to it.

'Oh...!'

My anticipation grew as the glass dome came closer.

A dragon's heart, the Mana Heart?

Tears of a mermaid from the seven seas?

The Fruit of Salvation, containing divine power?

Or, the divine stone embedded in a hero's sword, containing the soul of the sword?

All sorts of fantastical treasures came to mind.

Whatever it was, it must be a beautiful treasure that could capture anyone's attention at first glance!

The console itself was so luxurious.

And when I arrived at the console?

"Uh...?"

I let out a deflated sigh.

Inside the glass dome was an old, fragile-looking book.

Its condition was so poor that I couldn't even tell what color it originally was.

Well, of course, old books are valuable. Yes.

But compared to the other treasures in the room, it seemed insignificant.

'Now that I've seen it, I should check if the summoning medium is among these... Huh!'

A thought suddenly struck me, and I caught my breath.

What did the notification call me?

A reader.

And what did it say about "Rush & Cash"?

It said it was a power perfectly suited to the reader.

So...

'This is it.'

For some reason, I had a strong feeling.

It was just a possibility, but I felt certain it was this.

'But how do I get it?'

It's inside a glass dome, so it's hard to even touch... Hmm.

"Dad, what's this book?"

"A seal book."

A seal book? Is something like a demon sealed inside?

I can't trust that demon.

Suddenly, the Duke tightened his grip on me.

Naturally, I was enveloped in his broad chest.

"..."

I looked up at him curiously, and the advisor behind him smiled kindly and said to me.

"It's fine, my lady. It's a seal book, but nothing is sealed inside now. So you don't need to be so afraid."

Hmm, he seems to have misunderstood my expression.

'...Does the Duke think so too?'

Is that why he held me tighter?

'Anyway, it's a relief that nothing dangerous is sealed inside.'

"If nothing is sealed, why is it kept here?"

"Because it's a legacy from the first Duke."

I widened my eyes in amazement at the Duke's words.

"Wow, it's so old. Amazing."

I hid my thieving intentions and feigned innocence, clasping my cheeks.

"Can I touch it once?"

"That's..."

The Duke, rarely, hesitated.

"Can't I?"

I tried the puppy eyes, but the Duke's cold gaze didn't waver.

Tch. I knew it wouldn't work. I just tried.

"Hehe, my lady. It's just that the preservation state isn't good, so he's being cautious."

Advisor, I don't need your sympathy.

What should I do?

He probably won't give it to me easily, so I should retreat strategically for now—

Just as I thought that, a notification appeared.

Then, a quest window popped up.

〈Best Filial Piety (1)〉

Reader, you have a good sense! Or is it because you're the contractor of the great 〈Aftanes〉?

Congratulations on discovering the 〈Summoning Medium>!

However, to truly obtain it, a great obstacle awaits.

But there are mountains to climb and rivers to cross!

Surely you're not thinking of retreating or trying after some thought?

Quick progress! As a light novel reader, you should aim for a fast pace!

To get what you want, don't hesitate to use any means. Conquer and seize!

A light novel reader doesn't retreat in such situations!

Show your ability!

- Condition: Persuade Duke Paeraton to obtain the 〈Summoning Medium〉.

- Reward: 5,000 Cash Draw Ticket

- Quest Refusal Penalty: Life Exit

- Quest Failure Penalty: Life Exit

'This is insane!'

What quick progress! My life is more important than that! People need to be cautious!

'Frankly, I don't even know how to do it.'

Just as I was about to refuse, the "Quest Refusal Penalty" caught my eye.

'Life Exit?'

I've quit novels a few times, but "Life Exit"...

'It can't mean exiting life, right? It can't, right?'

I want to deny it, but it seems to be true.

If I don't do it, death, and if I fail, death!

'This demon!'

I was right not to trust it.

I read the words below, tears streaming down my face.

- Quest Acceptance Benefit: Hints are activated.

Giving me a stick and a carrot!

I wanted to yell, but I was grateful.

I desperately needed a clue on how to persuade the cold Duke.

'But hints are activated. Does that mean choices will appear? Or something like affection?'

Anyway, it's a relief.

'If there are hints, I should get the book now!'

'Great! Give me the hints! Preferably as choices!'

I looked at the Duke, heart pounding, when—

"......?!"

I couldn't help but open my mouth.

No, Duke, your face... there's something strange on it... more precisely, something strange is attached to it...

'Why, there's a heart drawn on the Duke's cheek...'