BDKHC 28

~Chapter 28~

“Ern, this assassin…”

“Huh?”

The thunderous words caused Esther’s eyes to widen in surprise.

An assassin? What nonsense was this?

“I am no assassin! Where could there be an assassin so cute and lovely as I?”

Muttering in displeasure, her words were met with Mari Egbert’s scornful gaze.

Ernheart Egbert seemed utterly oblivious to Esther, already holding Mari in his arms.

“Mari…”

It was the first time his usually grim expression softened so completely.

Esther watched him silently before turning away.

‘Humans are beyond understanding.’

Was this truly a reason for such a profound change of countenance?

After all, this family would soon fall by her hand.

Only by completing her vengeance could she be freed from the curse; her fate and that of this mansion were sealed.

‘This is but a fleeting amusement.’

Shaking off her thoughts, Esther hurried quietly out of the room.

‘I have subordinates too.’

Denver, who often embraced her when bored, and Shiphon were at her side.

“Why have you come here again? I told you not to come.”

“Father, I never said not to come.”

“I’m not in the mood for wordplay. Drink this and don’t cause trouble.”

Kaelos Egbert glanced coldly at some documents as he spoke.

Esther stared at him, then at the steaming hot chocolate before her.

Without touching it, she leapt from the sofa.

“Father.”

“What?”

“Hold me.”

Kaelos frowned at her request.

His gaze wavered briefly before he deliberately averted his eyes.

“You speak nonsense. I told you I was busy.”

Esther blinked slowly.

She had anticipated this reaction; then, she had reasons for needing his embrace.

He, perhaps grasping at straws to avoid illness.

“Are you feeling better now?”

“Yeah. Doing as you said, I’ve improved.”

After a short pause, he conceded.

Kaelos Egbert found it unbelievable that the dispatched knights had discovered minerals—rare and precious ones thought to be lost.

‘I thought all were gone.’

Whether truly divine or by some trick of the child, he could not tell.

Though unfamiliar with the term ‘divine ore,’ his headaches vanished as she instructed.

‘Strange indeed.’

He had not experienced such spiritual strength or frequent headaches in youth.

‘Something feels off.’

He studied Esther again.

She had been quietly organizing and appeared resigned.

“I understand. I have nothing left today.”

Esther had nothing to offer, so asking was unreasonable.

“I’ll be going now.”

She nodded silently, accepting her circumstances.

‘Why come all this way, knowing everything?’

Walking for over an hour with such short legs.

‘Maybe I’m becoming a foolish human in this child’s body.’

Likely so—perhaps the soul and body were harmonizing.

‘Migael Enoch cast a strange additional curse.’

Watching Mari and Ernheart, she felt a sudden urge to stroll.

‘Maybe I just wanted a walk.’

She chose to think positively.

Though the thought of walking back an hour was daunting.

‘My body is too weak.’

She could fly with magic but hesitated—this was the Holy Empire, after all.

She risked being labeled a witch.

As she turned, Kaelos lifted his gaze from his documents.

“Why did you come?”

“Um… I don’t know! But I won’t come anymore.”

“…”

Kaelos watched the small figure turn away cleanly.

Rising, he strode swiftly and caught the child dangling from the doorknob, lifting her easily.

Frowning at her light weight, he asked,

“Are you eating well? You seem lighter.”

“Yes, I do.”

Turning her gently, he supported her under the hips.

Esther nestled naturally into his arms.

“Why didn’t you drink all your beverage?”

“Just because.”

“How did you get here?”

“On foot.”

“And what do you mean by having nothing?”

“I have nothing that helps Father.”

Blinking slowly, Esther replied.

“Help?”

“Yes. I need to help to get hugged.”

His eyes narrowed.

‘Comforting.’

In his arms, her restless heart found peace.

‘Strange.’

Not like an animal cuddling its mother.

Or was this man some kind of dogwood tree?

‘This is a target for revenge.’

Regardless, to become Demon King, she would eventually have to kill him.

Once freed from the curse, she would drag Migael Enoch to ruin, reclaim the human realm, and resurrect the demon world.

Yet—

“Eat this.”

And—

“Ugh.”

What?!

The sweet aroma filled her mouth, melting her body.

He had fed her chocolate by the hot cocoa.

“You need to gain weight, skeleton.”

Skeleton? Really?

She shot him a bewildered look; he snorted.

“What are you staring at, skeleton?”

“I am not a skeleton!”

“Your mother’s fist weighed heavier than you.”

Mother?

It was the first time hearing that name from him.

His tone was filled with longing and tenderness.

Though awkward with human emotions, she sensed his feelings.

Yet why had he abandoned the child so thoroughly? Why neglect her?

Thus, the curse was left behind, and that curse was Esther.

“Father, you hate me, don’t you?”

“What?”

“Hate me?”

Silent, Kaelos gave no answer.

Neither affirmation nor denial.

“Father, Grandma woke up.”

“What?”

“Yes, and I’m leaving home now.”

Having asked for the most precious thing, likely a home and treasures, she was likely to leave.

“Since Grandma’s awake, Father can return home. Actually, that’s why I came.”

Esther lied smoothly.

“Leaving suddenly? Where could you possibly go?”

Kaelos frowned.

“Don’t you like the room?”

“No, it’s not ready yet. But I’m leaving, so Father can use the room.”

She twisted lightly, hopping from his arms.

Startled, Kaelos’s eyes widened.

He hurriedly caught her as she headed for the door, surprise evident.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

“Um, it’s a secret. This is payment for helping Harabuji; Father doesn’t meddle.”

She gently slipped from his grasp; he froze.

Ignoring his shocked stare, she thought,

‘I need to be more detached.’

She couldn’t let personal feelings ruin things.

“I’m your… guardian.”

Esther’s eyes widened.

“Guardian?”

She tilted her head.

“Nope.”

“I have no guardian. Father isn’t mine. The nuisance is leaving. Without me, Father can return.”

“Who dared call you a nuisance?”

Esther gazed at Kaelos thoughtfully.

“Was Father ever really my father?”

Kaelos’s eyes grew wide.

“Then I’m leaving.”

Waving lightly, Esther opened the door and slipped out unimpeded.

“…”

Left alone, Kaelos froze like a statue.

“Whoa! Ah… ouch!”

“Go away, you’re a nuisance.”

“Hehe! Ouch!”

“I told you not to come near.”

He likely pushed her away first.

Yet no matter how much he rebuffed her or showed ferocity, the child toddled back, clutching his clothes.

She smiled brightly when he looked at her.

Though he barely saw her once or twice a year, she recognized her father.

Still, he cared little if she was hurt.

Rather, he wished her pain.

If her health improved, they could return home.

Yes, if the child, unfit for this land, grew stronger, he would send her back.

Her behavior was thus welcomed.

It was the situation he long desired.

Yet, something weighed heavily on his heart.

‘Why?’

Why did his heart feel so heavy?

“How ridiculous.”

For someone unworthy and undeserving.

Kaelos Egbert covered his eyes.

Yes, he would forget—leave it be.

Let the child be observed by others and receive regular care.

But within days, he had to rush back to the mansion, eyebrows furrowed.

News had spread that the vacant Egbert family heirship was filled.

With an unexpected name.