Chapter 68

68

"Do you have any place you want to go?"

He asked in a gentle voice, standing in front of the stairs leading to the second floor after passing through the garden and the corridor. I could sense his intention to calm me down.

"To Sarent with Grandpa."

"What do you plan to do there?"

"I don't know."

Revenge means nothing more than asking Melaine for a reason and then erasing her just as she did to me. The betrayal was so overwhelming that when I first entered this body, I could think of nothing else. However, as time passed and peaceful days continued, I began to wonder what the point of it all was. This thought frightened me.

"I'm sorry, Sharena."

He apologized to me again.

While listening to Deyar Clown's apology, I turned my head.

A sigh escaped me involuntarily.

I didn't mean to provoke his guilt, but somehow my true feelings didn't get across.

"On the honor of the Clown family, I will protect you."

No, that's not it.

"I want to be independent!"

If the word 'leaving home' doesn't sit well with you, let's change it.

Independence, right? Everyone does it, and the word is much less off-putting.

"There's a small annex next to the mansion. Would you like it as your hideout?"

No, independence.

"Independence!"

"Babies can't be independent. If a baby tries to be independent, it's called running away."

This guy can deliver a scathing remark so casually.

'Who would think he's not a parent of Sharent Clown?'

Of course, I know that a seven-year-old trying to be independent is essentially running away.

"I know you have a lot on your mind for a child. It's not very childlike."

"Umm..."

"But you don't have to do everything alone. If you talk to me or Sharent, we can help you think it through."

What a considerate offer.

I didn't say anything more.

Every time his gentle hand stroked my head, and his rough, calloused hand awkwardly patted my back, I found myself thinking that this moment wasn't so bad.

"Father."

"Uh."

Sharent Clown appeared just as I was feeling good.

He looked at me with a slightly furrowed brow, having heard my voice. When I subtly avoided his gaze, he approached me quickly.

"Are you on your way to take me to my room?"

"Yes, the meeting just ended."

"I've gathered the documents that require the head of the household's seal and placed them in the office. I'll take the child to his room, so you can go down now."

Sharent Clown approached me confidently.

With just one step, the man with the long stride was in front of me.

Sharent Clown extended his hand to me.

As I hesitantly raised my hand, his lips curved into a beautiful smile.

He gently took me from Deyar Clown's arms and held me.

"Hmm, then let's go."

"Please be careful."

Deyar Clown hesitated, looking disappointed, before turning around.

Sharent Clown gave a slight bow to see him off.

* * *

"Have you eaten?"

"No."

"..."

"No, I haven't..."

Seeing Sharent Clown's frown, I quickly changed my answer, and he nodded in satisfaction.

"Father looked weak. Did you have a conversation with him?"

Does he know I'm just a three-year-old child?

Don't you think the level of conversation is too high? Should I cry like a child at this point?

"Umm?"

I decided to pretend I didn't know and tilted my head.

He seemed to understand my intention and gave me a low, disapproving look.

Looking at his handsome face, I was reminded once again how impressive the Clown family's genes are.

Despite his despicable personality, his abilities and appearance are outstanding, making life interesting, isn't it?

"Do you want to study?"

"Huh?"

I was so surprised that I used the formal form of speech.

I feel like I'm losing a bit. It's as if I'm gradually being tamed by Sharent Clown.

"I mean, I plan to hire a private tutor for you. I've selected a few noble ladies."

"Salvian?"

Sharent Clown, there are many crazy people in the world that I don't know about.

Especially in noble families, they may seem normal, but behind closed doors, they are even crazier.

To be honest, I...

‘I don't want to go through that experience again.’

"This time, they are the right people. The background checks are already complete."

That's scary in itself.

"At that time, it wasn't intentional. I didn't investigate as thoroughly as I do now, but it was never my intention."

He said in a slightly lowered voice.

Since I have no connection with the noble world, I don't know what happened to the Salvian family afterward.

"Details?"

"Yes. It was my mistake. I apologize."

Sharent Clown actually apologized.

This should be recorded! Where's the video recorder?

I was gagged and desperately tried to escape.

All I could do was struggle desperately.

Being chased by a powerless noble was so miserable and frustrating.

I expected his apology to provoke a sarcastic laugh, but surprisingly, I had no thoughts at all.

Instead, I felt a bit dazed and bowed my head, feeling a lump in my throat.

I buried my face in his shoulder and clung to his clothes.

"If you do it again, I'll bite."

"It won't happen again. By the way, the Salvian family is expected to go bankrupt soon, so don't worry."

His confident words were both amusing and reassuring.

Is this what it feels like to have a solid backing? I've never felt this way before, and it's a strange feeling, but not unpleasant.

"Umm."

I heard him chuckle at my response.

"So, do you want to study?"

"Umm."

I haven't had proper education much.

Having a wizard as a teacher was fortunate, but he wasn't a great educator.

He found my involvement in dark magic horrifying.

"Do you know how to wield a sword?"

No, sir. Teacher, what do you expect from me?

No matter how much of a genius I am, how can I wield a sword I've never learned?

‘I'm not a physical type; I'm a mental type.’

Looking at Sharent Clown with a dubious expression, I slowly shook my head.

Sharent Clown looked surprised that I couldn't do it, but then nodded as if he understood.

"If anything happens or you have any worries, come to me. I'll help you properly from now on."

"Umm."

"And if possible, try not to kill people with your own hands."

I can't promise that.

Dark magic needs to be periodically gathered, or it will stagnate and become corrupt.

It's very different from regular magic. It's easy to become strong, but it requires meticulous management.

"If you have to, give me a heads-up. The cleanup needs to be done properly."

But isn't it a bit strange to go to someone and say, 'I killed this person'?

Sharent Clown, who demands this confidently, doesn't seem normal either.

Still, I don't dislike it because it means he will stand by me no matter who I kill.

"Comfortable?"

"Emotionally, it won't be great, but if it makes you feel better, then so be it."

He added, making it seem like no big deal.

I smiled without realizing it because I didn't dislike his words.

When I was Hella, everyone said it was wrong.

They said it was better to govern and punish through the law, and that even murderers shouldn't be killed.

But what human rights do criminals have, and what mercy should I show to those who toyed with me?

I'm not broad-minded, nor am I the type to become a sage.

So, this is the first time someone has said such a thing to me.

Seeing my smile, Sharent Clown's pupils dilated.

Feeling a bit embarrassed, I quickly wiped the smile away, and he poked my cheek with his index finger. It must have been where a dimple formed.

"You can smile like a child."

He muttered this and took me to my room.

Everything was so peaceful. It was a day I could think of as a good one.

"Umm..."

But what is this chill?

I should be warm after just waking up, but something feels off.

I don't know how much time has passed, but my body, which should be warm, was shivering.

After tossing and turning a few times in bed, I finally couldn't bear the cold and opened my eyes.

Where is Vera? Has she already left? She usually checks on me every hour or so...

‘It’s quiet today.’

I turned my head slightly and saw the window wide open.

The room temperature had dropped significantly.

‘Didn’t Vera close it before leaving?’

Vera always closes the door and locks it before leaving. There's no terrace in my room, so that's not an issue...

‘What is this?’

Something feels ominous and eerie.

I put my hand on the bed and slowly sat up.

"Ve...ra...?"

Vera was lying under the bed.

No, to be precise, she was in a position that looked very much like she had collapsed.