Imperial Year 458 .
The Duke returned from the battlefield. His usually handsome blooming face had turned into icy cold. Unlike before he emitted death aura. Even though he was being cheered on and showered on flowers but he didn't feel anything.
Though he was marching towards the Imperial Palace for the glory event , he wasn't least excited about it.
One of his adies Samon feeling the gloom in his master whispered "My Duke. It is said that princess Asteria would be present there too"
Yeah. All the hope wasn't lost. There was still Asteria his daughter. His only family. She should be 2 years by now. Sudden urge for happiness rushed in him. The precious gift his wife left him . His daughter.
"Let's stop by a shop."
Before entering the palace there was a shop not too far where the nobels buy gifts for their lovers. The Duke came down his horse and walked into the shop. Even though he was happy but the death aura around him wasn't gone.
The crowd started whispering.whats happening?Why is the Duke coming down?But he didn't pay much attention.Who cares?He is going to see his daughter! Will she be small? Will she be able to recognize him?While thinking all of these he reached thr shop.After entering the shop he didn't know what to buy. What would she like? Dolls? Should he buy all the dolls in the shop?
Yes he should buy all the dolls here.He rushed to the counter. A child was standing there with his mother. On seeing the Duke he started crying because he was afraid of the aura he emitted.
Seeing the child cry the Duke was stupified for a sec. The blood aura around him. Will his daughter cry too?Either way he bought all the dolls. He planned to slip them into her room at night.
Even though he entered excited he exited gloomy. Even more gloomy now than before. Half an hour later they entered the Royal Palace.
"Greetings to the Duke. It was because of the selfless and diligent talent and devotion of the Duke that the imperial army was able to Annex the enemy country and protect the Royal Family."
And so on went the talk. There were rumors of Duke turning into grim reaper but that least fazed him. He was eager to meet his daughter yet pressing himself thinking what will happen if his daughter saw him and cried.
Not far way from there, Asteria was gawking at him. With big round eyes looking at him with astonishment. He felt sudden blood rush , like how little is this thing! Does Asteria look like that too? "Samon" he called, "where is Asteria". Samon chuckled and pointed at her not sitting far away. Duke abruptly stood up. Everyone stopped talking. The king himself was shocked but as soon as he saw what he was doing he smiled to himself.
Duke didn't have anything in his mind. There was only one thing. I need to see my daughter, my Asteria. She looks like him. But her eyes they resemble her mother's. She looks soo cute with that look. Is she an angel? What is she? How can she be so small and weak?
Asteria was still confused looking at him and suddenly smiled at him seeing him standing close to him. The maids backed off paying their greetings. He melted at her smile but couldn't say anything and continued to stare at her. " Asteria greets Daddy! Welcome back Home".