My Dad, the Demon King, Is a Big Problem

Chapter 49

“Oh, no! I’m really fine!”

I instinctively stepped back, waving my hands frantically.

There was no way I could let someone like the Duke of Pluto—let alone the Cardinal—carry me on his back. It wasn’t as if I was his granddaughter or anything. That would be absurd.

And why would Reuben even offer to carry me in the first place?

If I were truly injured to the point of being unable to walk, calling a servant would be the obvious solution.

“It’s no trouble for me. You’re a child who’s just returned from suffering in the Demon Realm. It’s only right for an adult to offer help.”

“But you’re His Eminence the Cardinal!”

“Just think of me as the grandfather you live with.”

“!”

My jaw dropped.

Think of him as just a grandfather?

Was this really the same Reuben Pluto, the Duke who had maintained an impenetrable wall of formality from the moment we first met?

When I hesitated, Reuben prodded me gently.

“My knees are starting to hurt. Come on, hurry up.”

“Uh, yes! Yes!”

Flustered, I quickly approached him.

He didn’t need to carry me, but refusing such kindness would feel even ruder.

“Thank you, then,” I said softly as I climbed onto Reuben’s back.

He stood effortlessly and began walking. The realization that I was actually being carried by the Cardinal himself left me bewildered.

‘Reuben is one of the most renowned holy knights... and he’s carrying me?’

Even though we’d endured hardships in the Demon Realm together recently, this still felt excessive.

Yet, despite my discomfort, Reuben’s back was warm and steady.

Was this what a grandfather’s back felt like? It was different from the younger, energetic support of a father.

Having grown up without grandfathers, the experience felt novel and comforting.

‘Hmm, it feels like riding on a cloud....’

While I was lost in the strange satisfaction, Reuben and I entered the mansion.

The moment we stepped inside, several servants spotted us and rushed over, their eyes wide with surprise.

“Your Grace! We can take care of Miss Crescent! Please put her down immediately!”

It was clear the servants thought this was far too much, just as I did.

Feeling burdened, I squirmed slightly.

“They’re right. I can walk now! I’ll get down!”

“Please, come this way, Miss,” one footman said, extending a hand toward me. The other servants hovered nervously, unsure of what to do.@@@@

After all, the Duke of Pluto himself was carrying an orphan ward on his back.

Reuben, however, turned sharply, pulling me away from them.

“How dare you behave so presumptuously. This child has endured a great ordeal. Her well-being is the priority, so cease this fuss at once.”

“!”

The servants clamped their mouths shut.

I, too, was left speechless, wide-eyed at the unexpected scene.

“Already?”

“Yes. Most of the fractures have healed, but you’re not fully recovered yet. Please take the potions we’ve provided and rest for the next few days.”

“Yes, I will!”

Divine healing was incredible!

In the blink of an eye, my bones were mended, and it didn’t hurt at all. I even felt lighter, though it was probably just my imagination.

Before the priest left, I cautiously asked, “By the way, have you checked on Lord Meteor? How is he?”

“There’s no need to worry. He’s safe.”

“Has he woken up?”

The priest shook his head.

“No, not yet. But he should wake up after a good night’s rest.”

“I see... Thank you.”

Given how much he had overexerted himself, it was better for him to rest than to wake too soon.

I considered going to check on him but ultimately decided against it.

Though I lay down after taking the potion, sleep didn’t come easily.

Images of everything that had happened in the Demon Realm flooded my mind.

I had seen Dad—the Dad I thought I might never see again.

Not only that, but he had saved me from Aldred and the Demon King.

Without him, I wouldn’t have made it back to the Pluto estate. Meteor wouldn’t have been safe either.

Tears welled up as I thought about how hard Dad was fighting for me, just as I was for him.

But how long could he hold on?

And how much longer could I endure?

No.

I had to endure no matter what. I had to survive to the end. There was no other choice.

Deep into the night, I was still wide awake.

Finally, I got out of bed and left my room, carrying a single candle.

I quietly entered Meteor’s room. He was still lying in bed, fast asleep.

His serene face looked peaceful.

“....”

Though it didn’t quite suit the situation, I found myself thinking that his silky white eyelashes resembled those of a doll.

Looking at him, a heavy weight settled on my heart.

‘Sigh. He’s gone through so much because of me... He’s never been in such a state before.’

This was probably the first time he’d amplified his divine power to such an extent.

Feeling guilty, I gently placed my hand over his, hidden beneath the blanket.

“Meteor, you’ll wake up tomorrow, won’t you? I’m sorry if it’s my fault that you haven’t yet. Please rest well and wake up soon.”

I stayed by his side for a while.

During that time, a thought occurred to me.

Had Meteor overheard anything while we were in the Demon Realm—specifically my conversations with the Demon King, or rather, my dad?

Even if he’d been unconscious, nothing was ever certain.

If he had, then he might already know my secret.