Chapter 54

The book has been decided to be published.

It's all thanks to everyone. Thank you so much!

"Ugh... I have a bad feeling about this!"

On the way to the lord's mansion, Reta knelt on the ground, holding her head and shouted.

"This is definitely going to be a troublesome matter! I had a hunch, but still!"

It all started when their carriage was forcibly stopped by a group of unsavory men. They were led into an alley and threatened with swords. Then came the words, "Stay out of the lord's affairs." By the time they realized they were already involved in some trouble with the lord, it was too late.

"Really, Dad, you're so careless. A bunch of men like this wouldn't be a problem at all."

The one who spoke with a sigh was Luna. She had taken down ten bandits single-handedly without even breaking a sweat. For them, having Luna there was their bad luck.

Reta, who didn't want her daughter to get involved in such dangerous affairs, couldn't stop her. Luna jumped out of the carriage with a smile and quickly neutralized the men. Her efficiency was remarkable. Not only was Luna unharmed, but the attackers didn't even scratch her. Reta couldn't scold her for doing something dangerous.

"Luna, I won't say anything this time since nothing happened, but you shouldn't have to fight in the first place."

"Come on. Should Dad fight instead? Just so you know, I'm better at hand-to-hand combat."

"Even so, I don't want you to do dangerous things."

"Pfft. Fine. I guess it's natural for a husband to worry about his wife. I understand. If bandits attack us again, I'll leave it to Dad."

"I'm worried about my daughter, not my wife... But this isn't the time for such talk."

"Really, Dad, you're so unsympathetic."

While repeating this familiar exchange, Reta checked on Mina, who was inside the carriage. Fortunately, she didn't look scared. Over the past week, Reta had learned that Mina, though shy and somewhat reserved, had a lot of courage. Indeed, she was calm even now. Reta sighed in relief and called out to the pale old butler.

"Mr. Mycel, are you okay?"

"Y-Yes, I'm fine."

"Can you tell us what happened?"

"…I'm terribly sorry, but I cannot speak about it. Please hear it directly from my master."

"My daughter is involved too! There's no way I can just accept that!"

"I understand your anger. My master will definitely explain everything. Please, please!"

Reta didn't intend to argue if only she had been in danger. But since Mina and Luna were involved, she couldn't stay silent. She might have some responsibility for bringing them along, but they were already considered involved once they were called to the lord's mansion.

"Dad... don't be too angry?"

"…Mina."

"We're both fine, so don't worry."

Reta's calmness returned at her daughter's words. That's right. Getting angry won't solve anything. Reta took a deep breath to calm her anger.

"I'll make sure to get the full story from Lord when we meet him."

"Thank you."

Reta, who said this with a sigh, received a deep bow from Mycel.

"Please, stand up. I don't want to be attacked again, so let's get to the mansion quickly."

"Understood."

"Really... Meeting Lord is already a heavy burden, and now we're involved in a troublesome matter. I'm so full of it."

"Hehe, do your best, Dad. I'll give you a lot of service tonight to heal your fatigue."

"Hey, that's not what I meant!"

Luna, who had wrapped her arms around Reta from behind and hung from her neck, whispered sweetly in her ear. Her small voice seemed to reach the old butler's ears, and he widened his eyes in surprise.

"…Mr. Dixon… You and your daughter…"

"Misunderstanding! It's a misunderstanding!"

"Dad and big sister are very close!"

Mina, puffing out her chest proudly, seemed to be boasting about how close her father and sister were, which only accelerated Mycel's misunderstanding.

"Hmm… Very close, huh. No, I am merely a butler. I have no intention of commenting on my master's guest's corrupt family environment."

"That's a misunderstanding! Why does everyone take Luna's words so seriously!"

Reta, who had regained her usual tone, shouted. The sisters exchanged glances and smiled secretly.