Party Invitation part. 3

Currently in Aliester's study room.

Aliester busied himself in his study, seemingly reviewing royal documents, though his gaze occasionally flickered toward the side drawer where he had stored the party invitations some time ago.

"To be honest, I'm still curious about this person named Earl Ventela."

"Ryan said he frequently invited the real Aliester to ballroom parties and other gatherings, didn't he?"

"Earl Ventela's intentions are too obvious. But for some reason, I have a bad feeling about this."

"Why is my stomach feeling uneasy now? If I were still alive, I'd probably be rushing to the restroom from sheer anxiety."

Ryan noticed his lord acting a little strangely. "Your Majesty, is something wrong?"

Aliester looked slightly surprised but quickly composed himself, maintaining the dignified demeanor befitting a king.

"What? No. I just want to finish this work and meet my daughter."

Ryan hadn't expected such a response. It felt like a long-lost phrase that had finally been spoken again.

A faint yet gentle smile appeared on Ryan's face—a sign of how happy he was to see his master returning to the way he used to be. Even though he didn't know that the man before him might no longer be the Aliester he once served.

"It's truly wonderful to hear those words from you, Your Majesty."

"Which words? Did I say something strange?"

"No, not at all."

"...?" Aliester could only stare at Ryan with a puzzled expression.

After attempting to finish the documents he barely understood, Aliester decided to break the awkward silence.

"What do you think..."

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

"...about the party invitations from Earl Ventela? Did Magdalene know about them before?"

"...?" Ryan hesitated, thinking for a moment before answering.

"I don't think so."

"Really?"

"Yes. Perhaps because Your Majesty never left your study until your work was done."

"Besides, if I recall what happened before the princess fell ill, Your Majesty always used any excuse to see her."

"...?" Aliester suddenly went pale.

His face clearly screamed, Damn you, Aliester! You let your sweet angelic daughter feel so lonely that she got sick?!

"If I ever go back, I'll throw all these documents at your face and scold you relentlessly!"

"You heartless, cold-blooded, handsome widower!!"

The atmosphere fell silent as Aliester seemed too shocked to speak, until Ryan, who was waiting for his master's next command, heard something outside.

"Someone's coming."

"What?" Aliester looked confused again. He watched Ryan walk toward the entrance with a cautious expression.

"Is he… some kind of ninja?"

"I didn't hear a thing, yet he somehow sensed it?"

"Aliester must have had high standards when choosing the royal head butler. He probably needed someone with sharp hearing and strong instincts."

"This is both impressive and terrifying."

Ryan opened the door, revealing a small Magdalene hurrying toward them. Behind her, Viona and Selina struggled to catch up.

"Princess Magdalene?"

The moment he heard his daughter's name, Aliester immediately pushed aside all the papers and royal documents. He didn't care where they landed or how important they were.

Straightening his attire, he was now fully prepared to welcome his sweet little daughter.

No—he was ready to play the role of Magdalene's father, stepping into the real Aliester's place.

At the door, Magdalene greeted them politely. Ryan, in turn, bowed respectfully to the young princess.

"Good afternoon, Ryan~"

"Good afternoon, Your Highness. What brings you here?"

"Magda wants to see—"

"Princess Magdalene!!"

Viona and Selina's voices echoed as they finally caught up. Their long maid uniforms made it quite the challenge to chase after the energetic little girl.

Panting heavily from walking too fast and running in quick bursts, they finally stopped near Magdalene.

"Please don't run too fast, Your Highness... Haa... haa..."

"We're worried… You might trip and fall..."

Ignoring their concerns, Magdalene peeked past them.

"Ah! Daddy~"

Without hesitation, Magdalene ran straight into the study.

Ryan and the two maids were completely stunned. Although they knew the relationship between father and daughter had been improving, their worry was still evident.

But what happened next was beyond their expectations.

Aliester immediately lifted his daughter into his arms with a smile.

"My dear Magdalene, why are you running inside the palace?"

"Magda wants to see Daddy~"

"Is that so? I'm very happy that my little princess is looking for me like this. Is something the matter?"

"Magda has something important to talk about," Magdalene said, using her most adorable, childlike tone.

Hearing this, Aliester instructed the three servants to leave, allowing him to be alone with his daughter.

Their expressions were a mix of shock and disbelief. However, they had no choice. No one could go against the will of a king who was happily spending time with his daughter.

Ryan and the maids closed the door behind them, exchanging glances.

"Head Butler, what do we do now?" Selina asked, looking worried.

Ryan smiled. "I think we should let them be."

"I see..."

But something felt off.

"..." Viona and Selina's expressions turned strange as they stared at Ryan with unimpressed looks.

Why?

Because Ryan was standing directly in front of the study's door, clearly prepared to eavesdrop.

"I'd really like to hear what His Majesty and the princess are talking about."

"Head Butler, that's extremely improper and a violation of their privacy," Selina pointed out.

"Then just leave me be. You two aren't curious?"

"..."

"..."

Incredible. Apparently, all three of them were equally nosy and loved meddling in other people's private conversations.

---

Meanwhile, inside the study room…

Aliester carried Magdalene over to the sofa and sat down, holding her gently in his lap.

Deep inside, he was having an intense mental debate.

"I am NOT a pervert! This is merely an act of fatherly love, and I'm just playing the role of Aliester!"

At the same time, Magdalene basked in the warmth of his embrace, feeling a mix of emotions.

"Magda, Magda! Forgive me for borrowing your body and enjoying a hug from your handsome father!!"

"Kyaa!! I feel like fainting from being spoiled by such a gorgeous man!!"

"I am NOT a shameless woman taking advantage of this situation! Forgive me!"

Their inner thoughts were chaotic, yet neither of them had any idea what the other was thinking.

Still holding his daughter, Aliester asked, "So, what did you want to talk to Daddy about?"

Magdalene looked up at him and asked, "Daddy, Viona and Selina said you've been receiving party invitations. Is that true?"

"What?" Aliester was visibly surprised by the unexpected question. "I—Daddy has received them, but—"

Before he could finish, Magdalene cut straight to the point.

"Daddy, are you going to attend?"

*Thump.

It was as if an unexpected blow had landed on him.

"Are you going to the ball hosted by some noble I don't even know?"

"A noble she doesn't know?" 

Aliester paused, processing her words.

"I already suspected from Ryan's explanation that Magdalene wasn't aware of this. But… could she be afraid that I'll forget about her?"

Meanwhile, Magdalene had her own thoughts.

"I want to hear it directly from Aliester himself. If this nobleman is only trying to take advantage of him, I won't allow Daddy to marry some suspicious aristocrat!!"