Chapter 8, A Girl, Proposing To Accompany The Father And Daughter

Translator: Lizz

 

“Um…”

 

Sylvia and Edward looked at the girl who had timidly spoken to them.

 

She was carrying a rather worn-out bag, but her attire was elegant, like that of a well-bred young lady. Her pinkish light brown hair was tied to one side with a ribbon, and her clear blue eyes gave off a meek aura.

 

Edward felt a sense of inconsistency between the girl’s aura and her attire, but he remained silent.

 

“Where are you headed? If it’s alright, I was wondering if I could accompany you on your trip… I’m traveling alone as well, but for certain reasons, I can’t travel by carriage.”

 

Hearing the girl’s words, Edward looked at Sylvia.

 

Edward felt a sense of desperation from the girl, so he thought it might be better not to take her along.

 

If he had to sum up his reason in one word, it would be ‘suspicious’.

 

However, if we were talking about suspiciousness, Edward was even more so. That was why he wanted to hear what Sylvia would say.

 

“Yes. If it’s alright with you that I’m the leader, then please join us.”

 

Sylvia nodded easily.

 

The girl looked relieved and smiled broadly, then looked at Edward.

 

“Great! …Father, is it alright if I join you?”

 

Edward’s face stiffened at the girl’s words, which should have carried no malice.

 

“I’m sorry. I thought you were father and daughter…”

 

The girl, who introduced herself as Gina, apologized profusely.

 

“No, it’s fine. But do I really look that old?”

 

“No, you don’t. It’s just that you seemed too far apart in age to be siblings… I thought you were a very young father.”

 

“I don’t think we even look alike.”

 

“I’m sorry.”

 

Edward continued to ridicule Gina with a smile.

 

Whether as a royal guard or a con artist, Edward had always been popular with women, so being treated like an old man left him seething inwardly.

 

Edward was about to continue his snide remarks, but Sylvia said,

 

“I am the leader, [Dominant].”

 

It seemed she had cast the magic, so he stopped and fell silent.

 

The girl seemed relieved as Edward’s incessant attacks ceased, and she looked at Sylvia.

 

“Yes, I understand.”

 

She nodded with a smile.

 

Edward carefully observed Gina, but there was no noticeable change. He quietly breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that just as Sylvia had said, it wasn’t a mind-control magic.

 

The girl and the young child walked hand in hand.

 

Edward walked behind them.

 

Around them, livestock were leisurely strolling.

 

Detachedly, Edward thought to himself that it was a peaceful scene. The truth was, no matter how safe the duchy was, walking around so defenselessly without any guards would inevitably lead to being attacked by bandits or magical beasts somewhere along the way.

 

However, as if to say the duchy was safe, they were walking nonchalantly. Edward thought absentmindedly that without the [Security] magic, they would probably be seen as odd.

 

And what did Gina think about this? If she thought this was the standard for traveling, she would have a very painful experience after they parted ways. But Edward thought that would be a good lesson for her. He was still holding a grudge about being called ‘father’.

 

Sylvia and Edward also introduced themselves to Gina. However, Gina didn’t believe Sylvia when she introduced herself as the Duke’s daughter. She just smiled and nodded.

 

But the truth became clear when they took a break.

 

Edward found a secluded resting spot and suggested they take a break. Gina and Sylvia nodded in agreement.

 

“Then, My Lady, please make the preparations.”

 

Edward joked, and Sylvia looked at him with expectant eyes.

 

“Edward is a genius.”

 

“Yeah, you don’t have to say that every time. I’ll make it, don’t worry.”

 

Edward was a bit tired of hearing this every time they had a meal.

 

Gina didn’t understand what was going on, but out of habit, she kept silent and a vague smile on her face. However, when Sylvia tapped the ground with her staff and a stove appeared, she was stunned.

 

Edward patted Gina on the shoulder as she stood there motionless.

 

“After seeing such powerful magic, you understand that what Lady Sylvia Hughes said is true, right?”

 

At Edward’s words, Gina’s face turned pale.

 

Even commoners could use magic. However, their magical power was not significant, and they could only use magic that made life a little more convenient. Powerful magic could only be used by nobles – that was common knowledge. Therefore, when Gina saw Sylvia’s magic, which was at a level commoners would never see, she realized that what Sylvia was saying was true.

 

Unlike Edward, Gina was a commoner who had rarely left her home. Although she knew the Lord’s surname, she didn’t understand how disrespectful it was to falsely claim it. So, she had thought it was a lie born out of a child’s vanity.

 

“I’m sorry for not believing you. And for my rude behavior…”

 

As Gina apologized and shrinked into herself, Sylvia looked at her with a puzzled expression, so Edward intervened.

 

“Lady Sylvia Hughes is a generous person, so it’s alright. Even I treat her like this.”

 

When Edward said that, Sylvia suddenly puffed up her nose and exhaled with a ‘huff’.

 

“I am great.”

 

Seeing Sylvia’s proud face, the two of them looked at each other and laughed.

 

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