Reincarnated as a Villainous Duke (37) Who Gets Condemned by His Daughter ~I Stopped Acting Like a Villain, Yet My Daughter Keeps Becoming the 'Ice Lady'~ - Chapter 13: Act 1 → Act 2
Chapter 13: Act 1 → Act 2
—Blaumont Duke’s Estate, Forsina’s Room
“Miar, were you alright during that demon attack?”
“Lady Forsina, yes, I was fine. It seems the Lord had warned the knights beforehand, so even during the commotion, we were able to stay calm.”
“As expected of Father. But if those Chaos Demons had shown up on your side, it would’ve been a disaster, wouldn’t it?”
“I heard from the knights on guard that if there were about twenty of them, they could handle five Chaos Demons. So, it likely wouldn’t have become too serious.”
“Those knights are skilled, aren’t they? As expected of Father’s personal guard. They’re impressive.”
“Indeed… Lady Forsina, if I may ask something bold… about the Lord…”
“Father has changed. Ever since he declared that he wouldn’t send me off in marriage, he’s been like a completely different person.”
“You feel the same way, then?”
“Yes. But don’t worry. While he seems like a different person, he isn’t. In fact, I believe the way he is now might be his true self.”
“That’s… yes, I think so too.”
“I suppose that, having to take over the Duke’s household at a young age, Father must have gone through a lot. That pressure must have made him cold toward those around him, and even see me as nothing more than a tool for the family.”
“Yes.”
“Still, this duchy is already thriving more than enough thanks to Father’s efforts. When I went to the royal capital, I realized how much brighter the expressions of the people here are in comparison.”
“I felt the exact same way when I visited the capital.”
“That’s why I think Father has regained his confidence and returned to his true self. He even told me to treasure you, Miar, as a valuable retainer.”
“H-He really said that…?”
“Yes. He said that you’re someone he can trust. So, I want you to have confidence in yourself as well.”
“Thank you very much. I never imagined the Lord would regard me so highly.”
“Fufu. But there is one small problem. It’s that Father now seems almost too amazing.”
“Lady Forsina… well, I can’t deny that might be true.”
“That day, he demonstrated his exceptional swordsmanship in front of everyone and completely captivated them all.”
“Captivated, you say?”
“Yes. The ‘Azure Moon Swordsman,’ effortlessly defeating the Chaos Demons. Imagine what happens when young women witness such a display right before their eyes.”
“Well… they would surely be enchanted. I wish I could have seen it for myself.”
“Exactly. And, in fact, everyone who was present that day was completely spellbound. Even Duke Gentronov’s granddaughter, who was chosen as a royal bride, couldn’t help but admire him. It was a small victory over that Crown Prince, I suppose.”
“There might be rumors spreading among the nobles for a while.”
“Some might even overstep their bounds and try to marry into our household.”
“I-I see. Considering the Lord is still young, that possibility does exist.”
“Exactly. But, Miar, Father told me that my role is to produce an heir for the Blaumont family.”
“Yes, he certainly did say that.”
“And in the carriage, he called me ‘the most important person to him.’ So, there’s no way I can allow other women to approach Father. Don’t you agree, Miar?”
“…Eh? Y-Yes, absolutely. I think you’re right.”
“Fufu, I knew you’d understand. I’m determined to dedicate myself fully to supporting Father. I hope you’ll keep that in mind too, Miar.”