The Reason I Keep Avoiding My Childhood Friend - Chapter 28

I didn’t want to waste this huge opportunity. In this world, people who don’t take care of their own interests become pushovers.

My father, whose hands closed on air since I avoided it, looked embarrassed and apologized to the Grand Duke, ignoring me.

“I beg your pardon. My daughter was rude.”

“Ah, I’m a little surprised, but it’s okay. I’ve been told she was precocious, but it’s more than I imagined.”

On the Grand Duke’s face was an interesting expression that seemed to say, ‘Huh? Look at this bold thing.’

My father, who caught the Grand Duke’s eyes, glanced at me once and nodded bitterly, and the Grand Duke shook his head in response. Something meaningful seemed to have passed between the two.

What is this strange feeling, as if I just got blamed for something? This matter can’t fizzle out like this. There is something I really want to obtain.

“By the way, kid. Shouldn’t you introduce yourself before you say what you want?”

I was in a hurry, so I just quickly greeted him and requested him to give me the reward. So once again, I politely gave him my greetings.

“I am Arendine Aide. I’m the daughter of Hertman Aide here. Nice to meet you.”

“Yeah, you look nothing like your dad.”

Is it because he is a high-ranking person? He said such rude words very casually. Funnily, however, my father, who should have been offended, didn’t seem too upset.

Do you consider it fortunate that you didn’t pass on your bandit-like appearance? You’re quite aware of how you look. Quite conscientious. I’ve been getting to know new sides to my father since yesterday.

“Well, Arendine.”

“Yes?”

In the middle of praising my father’s conscience, the Grand Duke called me, and I replied reflexively.

The Grand Duke seemed to be smiling faintly, and this elated me. Of course, the only thing left is to discuss what I want as the reward.

But the world didn’t work the way I wanted it to.

“How come I have to reward you when you’re not even your father?”

I didn’t expect to be asked something like this.

Because it’s my father’s reward, that’s why! My father got hurt because of you, right!

There was a firmness behind the meek smile of the Grand Duke.

A cute child like me acting cute should’ve easily convinced the Grand Duke to listen to me, but I couldn’t see any cracks in his expression. How terrible!

“My father doesn’t look out for himself, so I do it in his stead.”

When I looked at the Grand Duke, my expression telling that I was looking out for my family in place of my naive father, he pressed his palm on my head. And…was he stroking it too now?

Of course, this is my head — the one that everyone seems to love.

“Yes, I understand how you feel. But didn’t your father already refuse?”

So I don’t have to give you anything, do I? He seemed to be asking.

It turns out the Grand Duke is now trying to fight a seven-year-old, and that he is a shameless man. I thought he was righteous since he tried to persuade my father, who kept on refusing, but I’m speechless now.

In my heart, I was screaming at him whether he considered the price of life so cheap. I thought you were different from Kirsec, but this is rich! Here is another vicious devil.

My emotions were surging, but I held back. There is a difference between just accepting an offered reward, and asking to be offered one. The Grand Duke had no intention of providing one. But if I asked for it, that would be extortion.

But I couldn’t just step down. As soon as I’d asked to be rewarded on behalf of my father, I had started a deal with my life on the line.

“I do think I have a right to receive something from the Grand Duke. Apart from the compensation to my father for protecting the life of His Grace the Grand Duke, this is compensatory damages to be given to me!”

(T/N: “Compensatory damages are money awarded to a plaintiff to compensate for damages, injury, or another incurred loss.”)

I agonized over the words for a while, since they were not exactly childish, before boldly demanding this of the Grand Duke. In the end, I spoke frankly because I thought it would not adequately reflect my will if I tried to translate into a child’s speech.

I’d already proven to be a precocious child, so he’ll understand.