novelraw Chapter 45
Chapter 45
Episode 45
To recoup the money invested in the business, the only way would ultimately be through monster subjugation.
And what if those two got seriously injured and couldn't even support themselves properly?
"Flora."
A gentle voice came from right behind Flora.
"Can you look at Dad for a moment?"
She shook her head vigorously as if refusing. Athanas bent his knees, crouching down, and called the child again.
"Flora."
The image of Benio, repeatedly stained crimson, floated hazily in her mind, tormenting Flora.
And thinking that someday even Athanas might end up like that, an indescribable emotion kept welling up inside her.
As much as she hated to admit it, perhaps that emotion was...
"I'm scaaared."
...fear.
"So don't go."
Who could have ever imagined such words would come from the mouth of the former Great Demon?
Her thick, sturdy pride had folded all too easily before fear.
"Alright, I won't go."
"...Really?"
"It's not a lie. I really won't go."
At his firm voice, Flora sneakily turned her head.
She made eye contact with Athanas, who was right in front of her.
His single eye looked sad. Yet, he was maintaining a smile as best he could so Flora wouldn't be frightened.
"I don't want to become a lying Dad."
"...Pinky swear?"
"Yes, I promised with a pinky swear, so I have to keep it. I will keep it."
Only then did her sorrowfully pouting face relax a little.
Seeing her pout, Athanas spread his arms wide open, and Flora, without hesitation, threw herself into his embrace.
"If you go, I won't let it slide."
"So, you see, these kinds of problems aren't something children should worry about."
While patting Flora's back, Athanas turned his head, spotted the frozen Benio, and smiled sadly.
It was agonizing, feeling like his own inadequacies were forcing his young children to shoulder the weight of being a Lucifer at such an early age.
Yet, he also felt proud that they didn't resent him and tried to overcome it together.
But Athanas was an adult, and the father of these two children.
"Dad will figure something out, so you two don't worry. Understood, Benio?"
"But..."
"His Grace is right. It might be a bit complicated, but there are certainly ways to arrange the funds. So please don't worry too much, Young Master and Young Lady."
With Isaac's support, Benio had no choice but to nod.
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Athanas ordered the children to leave, citing that the adults needed to have a meeting.
Benio looked at Flora, who was being carried in his arms, and smiled faintly.
"Acting all tough, but you're such a baby."
"Flora is not a baby."
Her confident voice showed not a hint of embarrassment.
But contrary to her outward appearance, Flora's insides were churning noisily.
'I've gone crazy again, absolutely crazy! Making a scene in front of the Lucifers!'
Whether they earn money through mercenary work or other means, it's not like I'm the one suffering, so why did I bother caring?
'Worried? Scared? What nonsense!'
I must have lost my head in a moment of anger.
Flora tried to shut out the Lucifers who were forcing their way into her heart.
'I was just angry because they were trying to break their promise to me. Whether those two go on subjugations with mercenaries or not, whether they get hurt or not, it has nothing to do with me!'
While thinking that, the image of Benio unconscious momentarily flashed through her mind.
Unconsciously, Flora tightly grabbed Benio's clothes, then startled, let go.
"Ooh, ooh."
This is bad.
If this continues, I might really end up forgiving these enemies' bloodline.
Just because they're kind and keep catching my eye!
This is a real disaster waiting to happen.
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In the end, Athanas decided to travel to the Imperial Capital to secure a loan.
Under normal circumstances, such a move wouldn't happen so urgently, but the situation was pressing, so preparations had to be hastened.
He worked day and night to clear his backlog, and only a week after the Imperial Palace's permit arrived was he able to board the carriage for the Imperial Capital.
His aide Isaac and Benio were also accompanying him on this journey.
"Why is Oppa going too?"
Flora came out to the castle gate to properly see them off, unlike last time during the subjugation.
Although she was wrapped in a thicker cloak to avoid catching a cold in the chilly morning air, her chubby cheeks were flushed red from the cold.
Benio rubbed his sister's cheeks with his own hands and explained the reason for the sudden trip to the Imperial Capital.
"...We have business at the bank. I might be able to help."
'Hmm, did he secretly save up some money at the bank or something?'
Thinking that they were moving because there was a source of money somewhere, Flora decided to send them off coolly instead of throwing a tantrum like in the study.
"I see."
"Yeah, sorry for leaving you alone."
"It's fine. Flora is okay."
It was a stark contrast to her outburst during the subjugation, accusing them of going off to have fun alone.
Leaning her cheek into Benio's warm hand and grinning, Flora reached out towards the approaching Athanas.
He picked Flora up and began an uncharacteristic torrent of nagging.
"Eat all three meals properly, but don't force yourself if you're full. Don't forget your walks and do them regularly. It's cold, so don't kick the blankets off at night; cover yourself up to your chin. Don't wander around alone, and if anything dangerous happens, call the adults immediately. Understood?"
"Okay!"
At her lively response, Athanas smiled softly.
He seemed to hesitate for a moment, then took Flora's hand and lightly kissed her forehead.
"Stay healthy and well. I'll be back as soon as possible."
With that final, reluctant farewell, the three boarded the carriage.
"We're off."
"See you later, Flora. I'll definitely bring back a present."
With the last goodbyes, the carriage departed. As Flora waved energetically at the receding carriage, a sudden question reached her.
"Are you sure you're okay not going with them? You said you hated being alone."
It was Basilian, who had come to see them off, asking cautiously.
By now, the carriage had completely disappeared from view. Flora grinned.
"Yep! I hate going to the Imperial Capital!"
"...Why?"
"Why do I need a reason? If I hate it, I hate it."
Saying that, Flora confirmed the carriage was completely gone and turned away without a trace of regret.
"Besides, why would I be alone? I have Basi."
As she finished speaking, she pulled Basilian into a tight hug.
"Right?"
"...I can't stay forever, you know."
"Are you going to leave?"
At the sudden question, Basilian's lips moved, and he gave a bitter smile.
"I'll have to leave someday."
His hair fluttered in the cool wind. The green eyes beneath were clouded with a vividly immense hatred.
Seeing this fierce side of Basilian for the first time, Flora, still clinging to his arm, quietly looked up at him.
'Are you hating someone too, just like me?'
Come to think of it, he was in a situation perfectly suited for resenting the world.
'He's an orphan. He must have been trampled on by the world so much.'
If he hadn't met Flora on the mountain that first time, Basilian would have died right there.
If someone's actions had led to him living such a difficult life, it wasn't strange for him to harbor hatred.
Knowing that better than anyone, she couldn't stop him, even if she felt sorry for him.
'Oh well.'
She had wanted to keep him by her side and use him occasionally since he wanted to be a mercenary, but it seemed that would be difficult now.
'One subordinate lost...'
Instead of probing into Basilian's hidden circumstances, Flora forced a bright smile, hiding her disappointment.
"Then stay by my side until that 'someday' comes."
"...If you'll let me."
"Of course! Who else would be by my side if not Basi!"
At her firm words, a faint smile finally appeared on Basilian's stiff face.
"Thank you for saying that."
His honest words, spoken with an embarrassed face, were utterly endearing.