I hid my trembling hands beneath my skirt.
I am supposed to be used to this. I am supposed to be used to the pain and the abuse. But memories seeped deep into my bones, and none can cure them. "Calm down, calm down," those words were repeated in my head as if it's a mantra.
Caine von Aspera. I heard rumors of him. He controls the dark element very well, and is even able to manipulate curses onto people and that makes him easy to eliminate over a thousand lives in 5 seconds. In other words, his power is equivalent to half of the army. With that terrifying power, he also holds half of the military power of the empire.
The dogs of the empire is a befitting name for us Aspera. And especially the leader of those dogs. My father, Caine.
"Bring it," the duke said, his cold eyes still on me.
I bowed my head back. He's going to bring a cane or a whip. He is going to hit me. Ah, but that's okay! I am used to it. "Yes...yes I am used to it," I convinced myself.
Still bowing my head, I felt like there is a shadow looming over me. I shut my eyes tightly, preparing myself to be beaten. "Here," the duke said.
I blinked my eyes in confusion and I slowly raised my head. It's a...it's not a whip or a cane.
It's a huge teddy bear. I mean it's really huge! Two servants were carrying it!
"W-What?," I mumbled.
The duke coughed nervously. "I-I am happy to see you recovered daughter,".
Caspian sighed as he glanced at the teddy bear unimpressed. "Duke, you do know that our youngest is 18 years old right?,"
He flinched and looked at me nervously. "B-but girls love these right?," Caine mumbled. He fake coughed and quickly composed himself.
"Daughter, I got you the most expensive bear you could find. See, its eyes were the gems of Rhodes, the most precious cut with the most brilliant facet. Its body is made up of satin from the silk of the great Hell spider. Also, the stuffing is imbued with healing mana, and it'll surely give you good feelings if you hug it," Caine explained lengthily.
Despite his confident explanation, he looked at me nervously, worried that I may not like it.
I clenched my fist to hold back my tears. In this life, I really am blessed.
I have a good loyal servant named Emmy. I have a loving brother, Caspian. I have a warm and kind-hearted friend, Vance. And the one thing I deeply yearned, is a good father.
I covered my mouth and laughed with tears running down my cheeks. My father panicked and Caspian, too, became pale at the sight of me crying.
Without looking at the teddy bear, I ran towards my father and hugged him. "I miss you. I don't need any present except for your return," I said, clutching to his neck.
And I mean it.
I do miss having a good father.