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Chapter 60
Even if it was only for a short time, he had been a kind guardian who protected me. How could I possibly get angry at him?
“I-I was just a little surprised. I didn’t know you were someone so… important…”
“It is surprising. I completely understand.”
Grandfather nodded with a somber expression.
Only after I told him several times that I wasn’t upset and that it was fine except for the broken ceiling did the gloom on his face lift even a little.
I moved my seat next to Grandfather and patted his drooping back. It felt like I had become the one comforting him, but I couldn’t just ignore how down he looked.
…Wait.
‘Since Felix came all the way here like this…’
“Grandfather.”
“Hrrk, yes? What is it?”
“Then… does that mean you have to leave… now?”
My hand patting his back slowed a little.
At my words, Grandfather hesitated.
“…It seems so.”
“I knew it—”
“B-But don’t worry too much. I’m not leaving this very moment.”
“No.”
I wasn’t clueless.
The Kazliden family was the ruling head of the entire underworld, and one of the most powerful ducal houses in the Empire.
Having the head of such a place away from his position for this long…
Honestly, if I were a vassal, I might have grabbed his pants begging him to return.
It didn’t make sense for him to stay here because of me.
‘Although, if Grandfather really leaves, I will feel terribly lonely…’
But even if I stayed with him, I wouldn’t be able to see him without feeling uneasy.
“How could I leave you behind?” he said.
“But I can take care of cleaning now! And I even learned how to cook from you… Ah. S-sorry. I should call you Your Grace—”
“No! Never call me that!”
“But you’re a Duke…”
“I give you my permission. From now on, keep calling me Grandfather!”
I quickly nodded. I felt like something terrible would happen if I didn’t agree. Receiving explicit permission from the ruler of the underworld to call him Grandfather, I carefully continued speaking.
“Anyway, please don’t worry about me. I’m already going to the guild every day, and honestly, I think I’ll need to move out soon.”
Of all things, the ceiling had collapsed. It would take quite some time to repair. Staying at an inn near the guild would probably be better for the time being.
“If it’s the ceiling, I’ll have it fixed right away. No—if you’re thinking of moving, that won’t even be necessary. How about staying at a hotel run by the Kazliden family for a while?”
“A hotel?”
“Yes. It will take time to repair the ceiling anyway.”
Grandfather looked up at the gaping hole in the ceiling.
“Those damn brats, seriously…”
“…”
“A-Ah, not you! I wasn’t talking about you! I meant those worthless idiots outside!”
He quickly added, then cleared his throat loudly.
“So if you’re fine with it, I’ll arrange a hotel room for you starting today.”
He even added that he wanted to repay the kindness I’d shown him, probably worried I might refuse. When he muttered dejectedly, asking whether I really wouldn’t accept this old man’s heartfelt wish, I couldn’t resist anymore.
He wanted to help so badly.
Continuing to refuse wouldn’t be polite.
“In that case, only for a little—”
“Good choice!”
Grandfather, who had been anxiously waiting for my answer, beamed brightly.
“I’ll let the hotel staff know. Honestly, I’d like to bring you straight into the manor… but I have things I must take care of for a while.”
The manor?
That meant the Kazliden ducal estate.
Startled, I frantically shook my head.
“No, it’s fine!”
“Alright. I’ll make sure they take good care of you so you won’t be uncomfortable at all. Just wait a moment.”
His expression looked very serious, as if he’d made some sort of decision. I began to worry a bit about what exactly he was planning.
But before I could ask, he suddenly held my hand.
“To say this now is a bit ridiculous, but…”
“…”
“You aren’t… afraid of me, are you?”
“…Sorry?”
“It’s just… given my position…”
His voice was a little troubled. Realizing the hidden meaning, I instinctively shook my head.
“Well, everyone is scared of the name Kazliden, to be honest.”
“Th-That’s true…”
“But you’re Grandfather.”
Of course I was scared of the Kazliden family. Their infamy was practically legendary.
But the family was one thing.
The person in front of me was someone who had treated me warmly like real family. Maybe he acted differently around others, but for me—someone left completely alone—he had stayed by my side.
“If you weren’t here, I probably would’ve been in serious danger.”
I couldn’t even imagine what would’ve happened.
“I’ve received so much help from you. In so many ways.”
Others could call the Kazliden family ruthless, but I couldn’t bring myself to speak ill of Grandfather.
Besides, maybe because I met Felix first and saw him as a good employee, I didn’t really feel uncomfortable being involved with them.
It did bother me that I was getting more entangled with the villain… but I had avoided the worst-case scenario, and if I behaved properly, things should be okay.
‘Just like I decided to keep seeing Felix purely as my employer.’
As long as I drew clear boundaries, there shouldn’t be a problem. And since I was already connected to Raymond, it would be hard to avoid them completely anyway.
‘Maybe that’s a relief in a way.’
I wouldn’t be parting with Grandfather forever.
Maybe I wouldn’t see him every day anymore—but surely we could see each other once in a while.
“W-Wah?!”
Just then, Grandfather hugged me tightly. Feeling his faintly trembling body, I quickly asked,
“G-Grandfather, are you crying?”
“Khhhk, where did such a precious angel come from?!”
“Urgh!”
His strong grip made me squeak.
“Don’t worry about those who threaten you. I made sure they’re pulp now! If anyone bothers you again, tell me immediately. I’ll show you why the underworld even has a ruler!”
…Holy crap. I should never tell him.
‘If he were an enemy, he’d be terrifying…’
N-no, not just a little. A lot.
Feeling grateful he was on my side, I patted his back earnestly.
“Lady, I’m truly sorry about today.”
After Grandfather and I finished talking,
Gilbert came rushing in and bowed deeply. Even though I told him it was fine, he still seemed immensely apologetic, saying he would make it up to me somehow.
While Felix and Grandfather were talking privately for a moment, I patted Gilbert, who still looked downcast.
“But um… how did you know Grandfather—no, the Patriarch—was here?”
