How to Be a Dark Hero’s Daughter

* * *

Hasty footsteps sounded in the corridor. The door flew open wide. Collen in a long coat entered the room, and Zion, with a slightly absent-minded gaze, minced behind.

‘Why are you both like this?’

Collen didn’t even say hello.

‘He must be very angry.’

What to do? Should I tell you first? That I didn’t notice anything about Collen’s secret. I don’t know anything.

But I’m glad Collen is safe…

“Honey.”

Collen came close to me and hugged me.

‘Uh?’

Why is Collen acting this way? Looks like he’s been extremely relieved…

Collen kneels in front of me and looks me straight in the eyes.

“Daddy is here.”

The moment I heard this, I was suddenly speechless. I blinked.

“I’m sorry for being late. Something happened in the city. It’s good that you are safe.”

Strange, Collen was just as worried about me as I was. The same goes for Zion, who stands behind Collen, who looks at me strangely.

‘I’m sure you’ll be relieved to wake up, right?’

I thought he was going to get mad. But that’s more… It’s a friendly feeling.

“I was so worried.”

I felt like all the answers I had prepared in my mind flew away.

My eyes were glazed over for no reason.

In the past, on the street, when I was sick or hungry, I had to take care of myself. Even if I had friends.

‘It’s so nice to have someone worry about me.’

I suppressed the strange feeling rising up in my throat. I felt like I was addicted to that feeling.

“Do you want to ask me something?”

I looked into Collen’s eyes and asked carefully.

“I went out at night without the Duke’s knowledge.”

“Oh yeah. This is the first moment.”

Collen showed me a flower. It was the same red flower that didn’t even have a name. It smelled fresh and pleasant.

“Have you seen this flower?”

“Yes.”

“You really don’t know anything about this flower?”

Why does he ask? I tilted my head.

“It’s a pretty flower. But I really don’t know anything about it. This is the same flower that I brought when I first visited the mansion.”

Then Collen laughed helplessly.

“It’s him. I’m sorry.”

What the hell is it?

“Oh yeah. And I have something to tell you. Firstly…”

“…”

“…Thank you for saving me. But don’t do it next time,” Collen said, running through my hair.

My heart tensed. Oh, I see. Collen wanted to thank me before questioning.

“I’m your protector. You are my adoptive daughter. A father is supposed to protect his children. So, never sacrifice yourself for me. The same goes for everyone else.”

“But…”

I was speechless. I know Collen will get hurt, but what is he saying?

“Answer.”

“I understood.”

I nodded slightly. You must be worried about me.

That felt good.