"Oh, I'm sorry…"

To not ruin my father's mood, I hurriedly apologized and tried to back away from him.

He held onto my wrist.

"Stay still."

My field of vision swayed violently as he spoke. The next thing I knew, I was being carried bridal style. I choked in embarrassment.

"F-father?" I usually never stuttered but ended up doing so because of our embarrassing display in front of everyone.

Instead of answering me, he continued to walk while holding me in his arms.

"We're going back to the carriage."

I looked up at him, surprised by what he had just said. Icy blue eyes and a twisted expression met me. It seemed like he was annoyed that I had gotten in his way.

"I'm fine, Father."

I tried to convince him to put me down, but he ignored me.

"Quiet," he ordered with a cold voice.

As he continued to hold me in an embarrassing position, I somehow swallowed my shame.

'Why is he acting like this today…'

He had also acted strange when we were shopping. Maybe it was due to the stress, but my head was throbbing. I was in so much pain that when my father sat me down on the carriage seat and took off my shoes, I couldn't say anything.

'It hurts.'

I felt a stinging sensation around the back of my feet. I must've chafed my heels.

'I'll apply some medicine and rest when I get home.'

As I tried to endure the pain, I heard a stern voice.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

It seemed like my father was in a bad mood because I had ruined his day.

'Despite my protests, he still insisted on coming to the carriage.'

I tried not to reveal my increasing stress levels.

"Because it's really not a big deal. Let's go back to shopping," I replied calmly. If I pretended to be okay, I hoped he wouldn't treat me like a useless person.

'That should do it, right?'

But contrary to my expectations, I heard a voice that was as cold as ice.

"We're going home."

"What? But…"

"Don't say anything useless and stay still."

At those words, I clamped my mouth shut before releasing a small sigh. Although I had listened to him all day and behaved nicely, his expression didn't seem so good.

'It's very difficult to make him happy.'

I could feel my forehead becoming warmer and my headache worsening.

'What's happening? I feel sick.'

As soon as I became conscious of how strange I felt, I heard my father speak.

"Jubelian."

I turned to him. He sighed and opened his mouth again.

"Sooner or later, I'll… a good one… shopping… your thoughts…"

How strange. My father's voice kept cutting off and I couldn't concentrate on his words properly because of my pounding headache.

'Oh well, I'll just agree to whatever he says.'

I nodded along even though I couldn't hear him well. I didn't want to keep ruining his mood. My head began to feel awfully heavy, so much so that I couldn't sit upright anymore. At that moment, I heard him speak again.

"Is something wrong?"

Fortunately, I could hear him clearly this time.

'It's nothing. You don't have to worry about me.'

The moment I tried to answer, his eyes widened, as if he was shocked about something.

"Jubelian?"

He called my name. That was the last thing I heard before my consciousness blackened.

* * *

A carriage bearing a lily and sword crest that symbolized the Floyen House was spotted in the distance. A butler came outside to greet the approaching carriage and smiled to himself.

'I wonder if his date with Lady Floyen went well today. He had been excited about it.'

He recalled his master's serious expression as he questioned the servants about what his daughter liked. The butler tried to suppress his amusement, but laughter couldn't help but spill from his lips. When the carriage arrived at the mansion and the door opened, he bowed to greet his lord.

"Welcome, Master…"

When he looked up, his smile immediately disappeared and his eyes widened with shock.

"L-Lady Floyen!"

Jubelian, who had turned deathly pale in the arms of his master, looked like a wax doll.

"W-what is…"

The butler stuttered, trying to find the right words to say, but was cut short by a fierce voice that snapped him to attention.

"Derrick."

Panic reflected in his master's eyes, but his expression was as steely as a slab of ice.

"Summon Allen. Right now."