CH 304

Words : 863 Updated : Oct 3rd, 2025

We Talked In The Drawing Room “If you act strangely while dressed like that, then you can hardly expect a different outcome, father.” “…Hmm. Well, there are reasons for this. In any case, we’ll talk in the drawing room.” “Yes.” Mr. Ekenhart was relieved after she finally acknowledged him. Well, he was probably more relieved that Ms. Claire wasn’t that angry and didn’t start lecturing him… Though, maybe his relief was a little premature? “…Father. There are other pressing matters right now, but we will continue this conversation later.” “…Yes, of course.” “Wuff…” “?” Ms. Claire muttered quietly to Mr. Ekenhart while we walked, much to his dismay. So she knew everything after all, and was just pretending to be calm. Liza was watching them with a puzzled expression. I couldn’t help but feel a little bad for Mr. Ekenhart… “I see… So that’s what happened.” “Yes. If Leo hadn’t noticed it, Liza would be…” “Indeed, that is true… However, why is there beastkin in Ractos…” After we arrived in the drawing room, we explained to her how we had found Liza. At some point, Sebastian and Ms. Lyra had come to listen as well. …Sebastian was smiling whenever he glanced at Mr. Ekenhart. Clearly he had some words for him as well. “Excuse me.” As Sebastian fought to suppress his delight, Ms. Helena entered the room. Ms. Gelda was also with her. “Helena. Thank you.” “Here is the grape juice you asked for.” Ms. Lyra then helped Ms. Helena and Ms. Gelda place the cups on the table. They also left a pitcher in case anyone wanted more. This was because on the way to the drawing room, I had asked them to bring some grape juice. I told them that it could be during dinner, since it would take some time to boil and cool it, but it seems like they had some that was already made. Perhaps it was because Tilura, Leo and Sherry drank it often? After seeing that everyone had a cup, Ms. Helena left the room. “…What is this?” “It’s like grape juice. And it tastes even better than water. Why don’t you try it?” “Okay…thank you.” “Let’s drink it too.” “Yes.” “Wuff.” And so we all picked up our glasses and drank. I suppose the magic water Leo had made was not enough, as it seemed like we were all thirsty. Even Leo was drinking it from a bucket that had been prepared for her. She didn’t even drink milk this quickly… But then again, Leo hadn’t drunk any water on our way back. “Mm!” “What is it?” “It’s delicious!” “Isn’t it?” Those who had already had it before were not surprised by its taste, but after taking a sip, Liza’s eyes widened and she turned towards me. Her expression was a mixture of surprise and delight, which was heart-warming to see. Even her tail was wagging happily. Her reaction reminded me of Leo… Perhaps all creatures with tails did that. In the corner of my vision, I could see Ms. Lyra and Ms. Gelda looking at Liza’s tail with amusement. “Mm…glug-glug… It’s delicious, papa!” “It is, isn’t it. There’s plenty more, so drink up.” “Papa!?” “Papa!?” “Papa!?” “Papa!?” “Huh?” Liza had a big smile on her face as she drank the grape juice. However, in spite of this pleasant atmosphere, everyone in the room suddenly gasped in surprise. Well, Ms. Claire, Sebastian, Ms. Lyra and Ms. Gelda. Mr. Ekenhart just chuckled. “…Mr. Takumi…papa… What is the meaning of this? Is she really…yours, Mr. Takumi?” “No, no. She is definitely not mine!” “…Are you sure about that?” “I am! Mr. Ekenhart knows! As I explained earlier, Leo found her in Ractos!” “…Is that true, father?” “Hmm…it is. Mr. Takumi is not lying.” After the initial surprise, Ms. Claire looked a little crestfallen as she interrogated me. There was something a little scary about her now… In any case, I tried to dispel any strange ideas she got into her head. Even Mr. Ekenhart agreed that I was telling the truth… Though, he was sweating for some reason. Yes, Ms. Claire had an intensity now that I had not seen before… “…Then why are you her papa…? I don’t understand…” “Well, uh…on our way here, she suddenly started calling me that…” “Hmm? But you are papa?” “…Liza… You’re not really helping me in this situation…” I was starting to feel a little frantic in front of Ms. Claire. Was this how Mr. Ekenhart felt when he was the target of his daughter’s wrath? Even though they were initially shocked as well, now Ms. Lyra and Ms. Gelda were more intimidated by Ms. Claire. Only Sebastian seemed to be enjoying this. Well, I suppose I could not rely on Mr. Ekenhart after all… He was not even looking at me now. I felt a cold sweat drip down my back. And like that, I continued to explain myself until Ms. Claire was satisfied.

CH 304

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