How to Be a Dark Hero’s Daughter

“What’s the mater?”

“It’s too sudden.”

Collen raised the corners of his mouth.

“Jade will come home often.”

“Yes…”

“It was originally necessary. If I want to become a black wizard, I have to practice for a long time at the Mage Tower.”

“How long?”

“At least three years?”

Hearing those words, I felt even more down.

To hear such a bombshell declaration since the New Year.

“Actually, you should have been at the Mage Tower sooner, but you keep running away. When are you going to grow up and become a wizard?”

Collen teased Jade.

“That’s right. If you keep awakening as a black wizard, you will receive tremendous magical regulation and won’t be able to use your magic effectively.”

“That’s true, but having symbolic power is a big help.”

Yes. In this world, wizards and magic are threatening existences. Because of the white wizards. They once tried to enslave the people.

So wizards receive magical regulation from the government. I learned that at school. Indeed, the path of a Duke’s successor is rough.

I ate mechanically. I didn’t feel the taste of the food I had been enjoying until then.

“Since the Mage Tower is a tower, it must be made of stone, right?”

“Yes, that’s right. It was built with various materials of stone.”

“Then it will be cold in the winter… Does Jade have many friends at the Mage Tower?”

“I doubt it. Almost all of them are either old or crazy about research.”

So Jade spent the winters alone in a cold stone tower without friends or family!

“Jade! Take the warm, fuzzy bear rug from my room. And also my down comforter, my cloak probably won’t fit you… Oh, and since you’ll be lonely at night, you can borrow my teddy bear too.”

I listed off things I could do to help Jade in a hurry, imagining how sad he must look shivering with a cold.

Then Jade made a strange expression.

“Why?”

“The tower is cold, nights are long, and nightmares can happen. Plus, if you’re on the rug, your feet will stay warm and you can prevent catching a cold.”

“…”

“But exactly how many months is it? You’re coming back, right? You will come back for sure?”

The area around the table fell silent in an instant.

What is going on?

Then Jade couldn’t help but burst out laughing. He ruffled my hair.

“I can’t stand it, really. What should I do? Should I kidnap you?”

“No. What if the crazies at the Mage Tower think she’s cute and take her away?” Collen cut in sharply.

But Collen’s red pupils were round and full of laughter.

“…Why are you laughing when I’m being serious?”

“Well, the walls of the Mage Tower are filled with magic stones, so the weather is the same all year round. And time is meaningless inside. It’s a space with no night or day. So don’t worry.”

“Is that so?”

“And as for the teddy bear, it seems like he still has to protect you more than he has to protect me. I’m not a kid like you.”

My lips pursed. Jade tried to suppress his laughter.

“If you’re really scared, I’ll write you a letter and you can borrow the teddy bear then. Got it?”

“Yes…”

I reluctantly nodded.

“Are you disappointed?”

Jade asked with a smirk.

It sounded like he was talking down to a child, but it didn’t feel too bad. Maybe it was because Jade was asking with a sweet voice.

“Yes. It would be nice if you came back when winter is over.”

“I’ll come soon. Don’t worry.”

“I’ll take good care of her. Trust your father, Jade.”

“Yes, I trust you completely. Don’t go too far leaving the child behind.”

At first, I was scared to see them bickering, but now I realize that’s just how they talk.

But since Jade is leaving soon, it would be nice if Collen was a little more affectionate.

“But the truth is, Dad, I miss Jade when he’s not around.”

I hesitated for a while before speaking.

Jade and Collen looked at each other with surprise, then Jade patted my head.

“What do you want to do until tomorrow?”

“Puzzle game,” I said, holding back my tears.

Collen was trying hard not to laugh, while Jade nodded his head.

“Okay. It’s not that difficult, we’ll do it until you get bored.”

I nodded my head with a sniffle.