“After you grow up, make him truly dependent on you. Then, your problems will naturally be resolved.”

I was left dumbfounded by an answer I never expected.

Even though I already knew that the dependency spell borrowed some concepts from the vampire’s idea of dependence, should I impose the fetters of dependence on a border boy just because there’s a shortage of guards?!
“Looking at Sione and Walter, you can understand that dependence isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It can draw upon a part of my power, and it’s also possible to release the dependence contract later. Although sharing unwanted aspects with each other can be uncomfortable, it’s an inevitable part of the balance of nature.”

“Unwanted aspects…?”

“Owners and those dependent on them often share strong emotions. Sometimes, signals like telepathy can be felt when the other is in danger. Of course, it depends on how well you can control yourself. For instance, Walter hardly shares my emotions.”

Even if I were in Dad’s position, I wouldn’t want to share emotions with Walter.

But as the subject changed from me and Walter to Raven, the atmosphere felt a bit strange.

From the current perspective, being close to each other has more advantages than disadvantages, but what if Raven and I form a dependency contract? I wondered how that would feel.

It might be quite interesting if I could occasionally sneak a peek at his thoughts and emotions, but on the other hand, it would be dreadful if it were the opposite.

“Anyway, you can decide on this later. Making a dependency contract is only possible after you reach adulthood.”

“So, until then, we both have to live uncomfortably like this.”

“Elga said that the boy named Raven is like your lifeline. So, I had no other choice. It’s just a measure to ensure you can’t escape from him.”

Dad’s words made sense.

Initially, Raven was neither a vampire nor did he enter the kingdom of his own accord.

Ultimately, even if he seems quite satisfied with his current life, without the constraints of the dependency spell, he might have used his excellent physical abilities to escape long ago.

“Going back to the beginning, is there really nothing you want? I heard that girls your age have a lot of things they want.”

Meeting Dad alone was already rare, and the opportunity to receive gifts was even rarer.

As I contemplated a bit, I cautiously glanced at Dad’s expression.

Because something I had always wanted came to mind.

“There is one thing I want. But, I don’t know if Dad has it.”

“Tell me. If it’s something I can give, I’ll give it to you.”

“It might make you angry. Can you promise not to scold me?”

“Sure. I promise.”

Maybe because there were no onlookers, today, I nervously looked at Dad, who was nodding his head obediently.

With determination, I spoke.

“I want Mom’s keepsake. Anything she had, it doesn’t matter what.”

“…That.”

“You promised to grant any wish! Don’t go back on your word!”

As I drew a firm line, a troubled expression appeared on Dad’s face.

Ever since meeting Mom in a dream, I had occasionally thought that having something to remind me of her would be nice.
“If possible, a portrait would be the best, but I couldn’t bring myself to mention it as Dad personally burned all the portraits after Mom’s death.

When I was anxiously wondering if he might refuse, Dad finally spoke.

“Alright. I’ll give you what you want. But you must make one promise to me as well.”

“Anything!”

Excitedly speaking as if shouting, I received a somewhat unexpected answer.

From now on, everything we would see had to be kept secret. Even from the maid Sione.

“As long as you promise that, you can come with me. How will you do it?”

“I’ll do it as Dad wishes. But, what kind of place is it exactly?”

“You’ll see when we get there.”

Though the answer was vague, my cheeks puffed out with joy, but Dad simply turned his back with composure.

“Give me a little heads up next time.”

What could he possibly be hiding that made him so cautious even with his daughter?

With a face mixed with curiosity and dissatisfaction, I followed Dad, and soon we arrived at our destination.

The place Dad brought me to was a small building about a 3-minute walk from the garden.

After passing through a space with a small greenhouse and opening several thick doors, a surprising sight unfolded before my eyes.

“Oh, that’s… Mom’s portrait.”

Portraits of the same size as the ones I saw in the library in Wilhelm’s palace before. And numerous items stored in glass spheres.

From everyday items like hairbrushes and jewelry to papers with tattered edges, and various stationery, I could sense that everything belonged to Mom.

“I’ve enchanted all the items here with a preservation spell. Although they are old items, there shouldn’t be any problems with preserving them.”

“Wow. Have you really kept all these items until now?”

“You’re the first person I’ve shown this space to. Well, your visit might be the most natural thing.”

With a face full of curiosity and discontent, I carefully examined each glass sphere, looking for traces of Mom.

There weren’t many luxurious or valuable items, but from the carefully crafted artifacts, I could indirectly feel Mom’s taste.

“If you find something you like, you can choose several. Daphne will probably want something too.”

“Then, how about that portrait? It would look perfect in the Rose Palace.”

“That’s a bit tricky. It’s the last remaining portrait, and also…”

“Also?”

“…If she finds out that it’s still here, Sione will surely treat me like a madman.”

The man who personally disposed of all portraits of his wife had treasured this last piece.

Honestly, I wanted it, but taking even that away from Dad might be a bit cruel.

“Then, I’ll take that rabbit doll over there. Is that okay?”