For a moment, I stood in place, dazed at my father's unbelievable appearance. Then I cleared my mind and grasped the situation. Father was mad because… of the people who bullied me? A strange feeling possessed me.

My father wiped the tears from my cheeks with his thumb and said, "It won't take long."

Before I had any emotional reactions, I was seized by an ominous feeling. It seemed my father was on my side for some reason, but he was different from usual. He looked like he had lost his temper. Perhaps he was going to end up doing something that wouldn't even compare to what I'd done. It was an absurd idea, but I thought it might be possible.

Startled, I called him. "F-father!" Unwilling to let him ignore me, I involuntarily grabbed onto his sleeve.

Turning to me, he asked, "What's wrong?"

Frankly, I was still unsure. After all, our relationship as father and daughter was a rather awkward one. However, I was worried that if I let him go like this, he would really do as he had said. "I-I… just…"

When I couldn't say anything, my father sighed and said, "Let's go inside first." After speaking, he grabbed my hand that was holding onto his sleeve.

I was suddenly stuck holding both Max's and my father's hands but felt a sense of relief. He wasn't mad at me in the end—that meant I wouldn't receive a scolding, right?

Just a moment ago, I was crying. It was indeed strange that I was smiling now.

* * *

Was it because a lot had happened today? Or was it because I was full? After dinner, I was completely exhausted. Feeling sleepy, I yawned without realizing it.

"I think it would be better for you to get to bed now," my father commented.

"Okay," I answered in a lethargic manner, then I looked up at him. His cold blue eyes stared back at me, but they didn't feel burdensome and difficult as usual. "Thank you for today. About what happened… You were angry… for me," I said quietly.

My father nodded once. "It's only natural, so you don't have to say thank you every time something like this happens." Although he wasn't being friendly, he truly felt like a father at this moment. Perhaps from now on, I could grow a little closer to him and…

I was full of hope that my dream of becoming wealthy without a job could come true when I saw Max staring intently at me. He wore no expression but somehow reminded me of a puppy waiting to be praised.

"Thank you for saving me, Max."

"Of course," he nodded. A smile suddenly appeared on his once blank face. Really, how could he be so handsome? I tried not to be conscious of it, but it was after he had confessed to me. I couldn't help but keep taking glimpses of his face. Soon, my face grew hot, and my heart began pounding. It was true he had saved me from trouble today, but how could I like him so much already?!

If I continued in this trajectory, I would develop a massive crush as I had with Mikhail.

I hurriedly got up from my seat.

"Good night, Father. And you too, Max."

Afraid that Max might read my mind, I scurried out of the dining room.

* * *

Max, who was watching as Jubelian left, gritted his teeth.

'Damn it, this wasn't how it was supposed to go.'

He had kept watching her, but Jubelian didn't even pay attention to him. It was probably because all her attention was focused on his master.