Chapter 77
The duke climbed into the carriage while still holding the sleeping Tiana in his arms. Behind them rode Gilbert, Liam, and even Fenrir, running close alongside the carriage.
“Um, Father… Is Tia— is Tiana going to be all right?”
(I’m her big sister… and yet I couldn’t do anything. I couldn’t comfort her. I should’ve… I should’ve done better.)
Ellie’s eyes filled with tears — born from both worry and regret.
Overwhelmed by fear for her own safety and concern for Tiana, the tears she had been holding back finally began to fall.
“It’s all right now. Tiana, and everyone else, are safe.”
The duke gently pulled Ellie and the sleeping Tiana into his arms like a tender father, comforting them softly.
However, one question still lingered in his mind.
(At the end, Tiana said, “It’s my fault.” What could she have meant by that…? I’ll ask her once she’s calm. No— knowing Tiana, she’ll tell me herself. For now, rest is what she needs most.)
The next morning, Tiana awoke.
(Ah, my familiar ceiling… Yesterday— wait!)
“My sister! What about Mariana and Dino— what happened to them!?”
Remembering the events of the previous day, Tiana shot upright in bed.
“…Eh!”
Right beside her, the duke was asleep in a chair.
(Father… Did he stay here all night because he was worried about me? But… I was so scared. I thought everyone was going to die. I thought… I’d never see them again.)
“O–Father… uuh…”
The moment she saw him, relief flooded her chest and tears spilled out uncontrollably.
Even though Tiana had memories from her previous life and a mind more mature than most children’s, she had never imagined being attacked. The shock and terror mixed within her, and because she believed she was the cause, she had no idea what to do.
When death had truly loomed before her, all she could do was tremble — seized by an incomprehensible fear.
Could she really change her fate?
That was when the feeling of utter helplessness sank in.
The duke awoke the moment he heard Tiana’s voice.
“Tiana, you’re awake! There’s no need to worry now — this place is safe. And everyone is unharmed.”
“E–everyone’s safe…?”
(Thank goodness… Thank goodness…)
Plip, plip.
Tears dripped down her cheeks — but she couldn’t cry with all her strength. Because it was her fault everyone had been in danger.
There was something important she needed to tell her father.
The duke said nothing — he simply waited, rubbing her back gently as if to say he would listen whenever she was ready.
(It’s okay. I’ve calmed down. I can sort out my thoughts now.)
“…Um, Father.”
