My Adorable Daughter Can't Be A Villainess - Chapter 34 - Shattered

Several medics were busy checking on Charlotte, carefully cleaning her wounds and detoxifying the poison that had seeped into her blood.

Eric stood to the side, watching their every move, his heart unable to settle.

Seeing his daughter in such a state hurt more than any injury he had ever suffered.

The same face he was used to seeing bright with smiles and laughter was now twisted in pain, groaning and crying.

The sight shattered his heart. His throat felt tight, and his body stood stiff and unmoving.

Chloe knelt beside the bed, holding Charlotte’s hand as she softly tried to comfort her, though her own voice trembled with grief.

As the nurses continued their examination, a knock echoed at the door.

Eric turned and found himself facing a man dressed in a white robe, a golden insignia displayed on his chest.

Before the man could speak, Eric stepped forward. “My name is Celeric, Sir Blackwood.”

Eric briefly shook his hand. “Thank you for answering my request, Father.”

Celeric replied calmly, “It is rare for you to seek the church’s help. May I see how the little flower is doing?”

Eric nodded. “Please.”

The priest approached the bed, spoke first with the nurses about Charlotte’s condition before using his Arcane to examine her body from head to toe.

Meanwhile, the man who had escorted the priest stepped toward Eric. “My Lord, I questioned the guards. It appears the young lady intentionally used the least monitored paths. No one saw her heading toward the forest.”

Eric’s brows furrowed. “A child managed to fool the soldiers so easily? Have I truly hired such incompetent troops?”

The knight lowered his head. “I apologize on their behalf, my lord. She took several different routes. Even the Prism Guard failed to spot her, or they would have reported it.”

Eric crossed his arms, his gaze drifting back to Charlotte. Why had she gone so far out of her way to reach the forest?

Not long after, the priest returned to Eric’s side. “I have cast a minor healing spell for now. Thankfully, her internal organs were not damaged. Otherwise, the situation would have been far worse.”

Eric released a breath he did not realize he had been holding.

The priest continued, “Make sure she does not move much. The medicine I instructed the nurses to prepare will help suppress the poison in her blood. Excessive movement could cause it to spread faster and damage her organs.”

Eric’s eyes turned cold as he replied, “I will make sure of it. Thank you, Father.”

Celeric smiled gently, clearly surprised by Eric’s politeness. “I wish every child had a father like you, Sir Blackwood.”

Eric stiffened. 

How could the priest tell that I’m her father?

There was no time for confirmation since the priest soon departed after exchanging a few final words with the medics.

Once he was gone, Eric dismissed the knight, instructing him to increase security around the blind spots Charlotte had used.

He then ordered the butler to gather every ingredient required for the herbal medicine the saint had requested.

“Young Master, you are injured as well,” Maylie approached, her voice hesitant. “Please allow me to tend to your wounds.”

Eric shook his head. “I am fine. Stay with Charlotte, Maylie.”

The head maid could tell her master was deeply unsettled. It had been a long time since she had seen such emotion on his face.

Watching him react so strongly over something unrelated to his research felt strangely warm. Still, she only said, “Don’t worry Young Master, she will recover soon.”

….

[A few hours later]

Eric stood before the mirror, carefully wrapping a bandage around his wounded arm.

His injuries were not from the battle, but from chasing after his daughter.

There were a few scratches on his arms and knees, nothing serious.

The only reason he allowed himself to step away was because Charlotte’s condition had improved.

As the priest explained, the poison acted slowly, and her body was already resisting it. After she was given the herbs as the antidote, her state had noticeably improved.

According to the medic, there was a good chance Charlotte would wake by tomorrow.

Eric sighed in relief and changed his clothes. This day should have been filled with grief. Instead of mourning due to the upcoming separation, his heart felt heavy from worry over his beloved Charlotte’s condition.

After changing into a plain shirt and brown trousers, Eric left his room and found Maylie waiting outside.

“Did something happen?” Eric asked, his voice hurried.

Maylie quickly reassured him. “It’s nothing, Young Master. The young lady is recovering well so I came to ask about dinner.”

Eric let out a clear breath before asking, “Did Chloe eat anything?”

Maylie slowly shook her head. “She has not moved from the room. She has stayed by the young lady’s side the entire time.”

Eric nodded. “Maylie, bring me some food.”

Maylie complied and soon returned with a plate holding enough food for two.

Eric gave a helpless smile but said nothing.

Taking the plate, he headed back to the room.

He slowly pushed the door open and saw Chloe sitting on the floor, holding Charlotte’s hand, her head resting against the mattress.

The medics had stepped out to rest and would return later to watch over Charlotte through the night.

Eric approached quietly and crouched beside Chloe.

“You should eat something,” he said softly, waking her from a brief nap.

Her eyes were red and swollen. If anyone knows his pain, it was her.

The same woman who had endured unimaginable suffering without shedding a single tear was now unable to stop crying at the sight of her beloved child looking like this.

Chloe glanced at the food and shook her head. “I’m fine.”

“Not for yourself, but for Charlotte. Please eat something,” Eric urged, keeping his voice low so as not to disturb Charlotte.

Chloe hesitated, then nodded.

But as Chloe tried to move her right hand, she flinched when she noticed Charlotte gripping her tightly.

Both adults saw the slight frown forming on Charlotte’s face and immediately abandoned the idea of pulling her hand away.

Eric looked at Chloe, unsure of what to do.

Then, Chloe’s next action stunned Eric.

She closed her eyes, parted her lips a little, and leaned forward, waiting.

‘…Is she asking me to feed her?’ Eric’s mind went blank as his heart skipped a beat.

===============

Releases one day ahead on Kuupress.:

https://kuupress.com/read/my-adorable-daughter-cant-be-a-villainess