We left the next day to go into town. It was just me, my father, and a servant. My mother also tried to come along, but my father made it painfully clear that she was not invited. I never expected to see her cry, but she broke down into a fountain of tears after that.
I was moved by her waterworks, but my father just rolled his eyes. Does divorce not exist in this world? Because it really should. I've never seen such a toxic relationship before.
Despite how cold he was to my mother, he treated me with utmost affection. It made me uncomfortable. I didn't know my father in my previous life so this concept of fatherly love is completely foreign to me.
He fawned over me constantly. He was always making sure I was in his sight. It was draining all of my energy. Usually I would find a way to ditch a person like this, however this was Seri's father. I was stuck with him. Unfortunately, I had to keep up the charade a little longer. Luckily for me, he was always gone to see his mistress. I just need to get through this week.
After a vomit inducing carriage ride, we arrived at the town. My father helped me out, but didn't release me from his grip. I tugged my hands and realized he wasn't going to let go. I looked up and smiled at him.
He smiled back at me, "Now hold on to Daddy's hand! My daughter is so cute someone might try to snatch her up!"
Oh dear God. I think my soul is leaving my body.
I followed my father who walked as if the world bowed down to him. I tried to hide my embarrassment as I looked ahead.
Haaah. I feel so ridiculous. I'm a 26 year old in a child's body being accompanied by her father. I want my independence back.
We walked into the first store which was filled with beautiful dresses. Even though they sparkled and were top quality, I still pouted.
"What is it? Do you not like these types of dresses?"
"Daddy, can't we buy pants instead?"
"Pants? No. Little girls don't wear pants."
Wut.
"Why not?!" I protested.
"It's just how society is."
I hung my head holding back tears. But pants make me feel so powerful. I hate dresses. I always feel so constricted in them.
He noticed my disappointment, "Well. There is one case that this wouldn't be true for."
I brightened up immediately, "Really? How?"
"Well if you were to become a knight in the Royal army, you would be allowed to wear one since that is the uniform."
I jumped with joy, "So I can become a knight even though I'm a girl?!"
He put a finger on his chin in deep thought, "Well. There's no rule that says a woman can't join. But you would be the first one to do so."
I nodded in determination. That's easy! This is me we are talking about. I'm amazing at everything!
"Except I wouldn't get my hopes up. It's really hard to join if you aren't from a family associated with the knights. Children start practicing as soon as they're born. To even apply, you need to have a referral from someone already in the knighthood. Then, you need to pass their test in order to join. But you can't do that. The test is too dangerous for my baby girl. Too many men die attempting it."
What the hell?! Why do they make it this hard?! Ugh. Well, I won't give up. Thankfully my knowledge of this book gives me the upper hand. There is one person who could get me a referral.
I shivered at this thought. I really want to avoid that person at all costs. That's right. This person was none other than Dante.
He trained from birth to become a knight. And he was terrifyingly good at it. He could compete with people double his age. In the novel, he was Williams dedicated knight. Everyone feared his swordsmanship.
Somehow I need to get him to let me join. Since he already has dirt on me, I need to figure out how to get him to let me join without making him angry. Perhaps I should just find something to blackmail him with?
As I began to think out a plan, the store clerk led me over to the dressing room and began to change my outfit. I looked in the mirror with an expressionless face.
What the f*ck is up with these clothing choices!? They were all such childish dresses I wanted to scream. If I had to wear a dress, couldn't I at least wear more mature ones?!
I came out in each one. My father praised them individually telling me multiple times that I looked adorable in it.
How can I look good in every single one?! You are WAY too biased.
The store clerk spoke to him, "Would you like to buy any Sir?"
"Hmm. Yes. I will take all of them!"
I'm sorry. What?!
"Father! We don't need all of them. That is too much money."
Yes. Instead of spending it on dresses that I will outgrow, please give the money directly to me for safe keeping.
He chuckled, "Why are you so concerned about money? That isn't something a little girl should be concerned with."
Please stop referring to me as a little girl. No matter how much I tried to convince him not to, he still purchased the dresses.
He winked at me, "Now let's go look for accessories."
Now I understand the purpose behind me coming today. It wasn't so that I could pick out a dress for my birthday, but rather so my lolicon father could play dress up with me.
My adult pride is taking a critical hit. I don't know how much more I can take. He keeps running into stores full of energy. Where the f*ck is this energy coming from?!
"Aren't you happy with Daddy's gifts?"
"Yes, Daddy."
"Daddy is so happy! The smile on my little Seri is thanks enough~"
My face is twitching. I don't know how much longer I can continue to smile.
"Just think of these as gifts for having to endure that wicked woman's punishment."
Should you really be talking about your wife like that to your child? Is this normal?
"I will treasure these gifts for forever Daddy."
I gave him a toothy grin begging him mentally to stop buying me things. If I keep going I will surely collapse.
"Ah! Look at the time. We got so caught up with shopping we almost forgot our main task!"
Please no more. I can't continue. Go on without me.
"We need taste test some cakes for your party."
Hmm? Cake? Well I suppose I can keep going.
I nodded vigorously at this suggestion and happily followed my father into a bakery. My mouth began to water. The waitress led us over to a table.
"I will be right back with some samples."
She came back carrying several slices of cake. I took one immediately and sunk my teeth into it.
Mmn! So amazing~ Is this what heaven is?!
My father chuckled, "Wow. You sure are devouring that cake."
I spoke with my mouth full of cake, "Wi wub cwake." (I love cake)
"I see that. Perhaps we should just get all the flavors?"
I nodded vigorously in approval. Maybe this man isn't so bad.
"Although, if you eat cake like that you'll grow fat."
You bastard. I scowled at him.
He laughed at me, "You look so adorable. Almost like a chipmunk."
Can I hit him? Can I please smack some sense into this man?
"Well, even if my daughter is as big as a house, I would still love her."
The feelings not mutual.
My father continued to watch me eat to my heart's desire. I ignored him and directed all of my attention to the sweetness in front of me. I glanced up at him and almost choked.
He was watching me with such a tender expression, I almost fainted from his good looks. His dark hair shone in the light, looking so soft you just wanted to run your fingers through it. His eyes were a light gray that looked like bottomless pools that suffocated you with loveliness. Really. How did I get such a gorgeous father and look nothing like him?
A conversation next to me tore away my attention from appreciating my father's looks.
"Have you heard? There's a new underground boss in the red light district."
"Really? I haven't heard anything."
"They say he is nicknamed the Black Death."
Oh sh*t.
"Black Death!? That sounds terrifying!"
"He is! I heard that he makes people just disappear without a trace for slighting him just a bit. I heard the other day that a woman accidentally bumped into him on the street and she disappeared the next day!!!"
"What?! That's horrible! What does he look like?"
She shook her head, "Nobody knows. They say that anyone who sees his face is never heard from again."
God d*mnit. I didn't know this would start so many rumors!!! I didn't want to stand out this much.
"The worst part is that he kidnaps children and forces them into slavery. He makes them do all of his chores and if they mess up, he actually disembowels them and makes sure they die slowly in front of everyone!"
Ugh. I just want to smack my head against this table.
I felt my father grab my hand. I looked up at him and he was wearing an uncharacteristically serious face, "Baby girl. Do you know what to do if a stranger tries to get you to go with him?"
Is he really this concerned? Father. Don't you know it's rude to eavesdrop?
"Yes." I answered as if it was a dumb question, "I kick him in the crotch. Then when he falls over, I punch him in the throat swiftly."
He just blinked at me, "Uh. Yeah."
Did I answer incorrectly?