The one I chose was a quite large white rabbit doll.

With unusually long ears and sparkling eyes, it seemed to be crafted to resemble a living rabbit.

“If I put it on my chair in the room, it’ll fit perfectly.”

I looked at the rabbit doll, satisfied, and smiled with contentment. It was warm and soft, suiting my taste, although not as a replacement for Mom.

“To be honest, it’s quite surprising. I never thought you would choose that doll.”

“What’s wrong with this doll?”

“This doll was kept by Daphne by her side before you were born. Maybe she knew in advance that she wouldn’t be able to see you being born. She used to cuddle this doll as if it were a baby.”

As Dad flicked his fingers in the air, the fluffy rabbit doll fell into my arms.

I was surprised and hurriedly embraced the doll.

Somehow, the fur of the doll emitted a familiar fragrance, similar to the warm scent of Mom I had sensed in a dream.

“Now I should go back to my office. You should also return to the palace. There seems to be a lot for you to do other than studying at your young age.”

“…You seem to know a lot about me. Balthazar mentioned something like that. Even though it seems like you’re indifferent to me, it’s not true, right?”

“You’re mistaken. I keep track of Wilhelm and Luca’s whereabouts as well. You’re nothing special.”

“Lies. Dad is just avoiding me. It’s because he’s afraid that Mom might come to mind because of me. Am I right?”

Whether my straightforward question hit home or not, Dad’s complexion noticeably paled.

Having mustered some courage to bring up this topic, it seemed to touch a sore spot.

“Dad is an adult. Stop running away now. I want to get along with you, Dad. Really, like a father and daughter… That’s what I want.”

“Enough. Stop it. You don’t know anything. You don’t know what kind of pain I’ve been through, what I had to endure.”

Though Dad extended his hand in apparent agony, I decided to be a bit cheeky.

If not now, when would be the next time to have such a conversation?

“Of course, I don’t know. I’m still a child. But there’s one thing I do know. Running away might help for a while, but facing the truth directly makes it less difficult in the end.”

There was a time when I had to spend painful nights betrayed by people I once trusted.

Days of self-blame for trusting them, shedding tears over a soaked pillow, and regretting.

But when I acknowledged my own mistakes and faced the problem head-on, I finally stopped hurting myself.

Perhaps Dad didn’t realize that he might be endlessly regretting the past and repeating the cycle of pain.
Then, the one who must reach out is me.

If not me, who else can rescue Dad from the living hell he has been enduring for decades?

Now, Dad was clutching his chest like a person struggling to breathe.

Dad, unbuttoning a few shirt buttons as if suffocating, continued speaking with great effort.

“Just leave now, Princess Bella. Don’t come any closer to me. I want to be alone.”

“But, Dad…!”

“Maybe words won’t work.”

The moment I felt Dad wave his hand, I found myself moving towards the front of the carriage that had come.

Holding the rabbit doll in my arms, I looked around with a helpless gaze, and Roy, who was waiting, rushed over.

“Princess Bella, where on earth did you appear from? Weren’t you still in the road and garden?”

“Yeah. That’s right. But I was probably chased away.”

“Oh no… How surprised you must have been.”

“It’s okay. It’s a bit disappointing, though.”

Roy, who was considerate, started the carriage without asking about what I said.

I looked out the window, hugging the rabbit doll tightly.

If I said my mood wasn’t a bit gloomy, it would be a lie, but still, the change in the relationship with Dad, which seemed like it would stay the same forever, was a significant event.

“By the way, what’s that doll, Princess Bella? It looks very cute.”

“Dad gave it to me. It’s Mom’s memento.”

“Really? Lord Rode showing such behavior… It’s a bit surprising.”

“I received it as a reward for the ball this time. We had quite a conversation more than I expected. Still, I might have gotten a little closer to Dad?”

“Of course! It’s extremely rare for Lord Rode to spend private time with his children outside of official duties.”

Roy, seemingly trying to lift my spirits, patted my shoulder without asking about what I said.

Talking to her made me feel a bit better about my gloomy mood.

“Okay, cheer up. Now that you have this cute rabbit friend, you should try a bit harder.”

“You’re already doing well enough. Whatever you do, we’ll always support you, Princess Bella.”

“Saying that makes me feel more energized. Thank you, Roy.”

“Well, you’re welcome.”

Back at the palace, I placed the rabbit doll on the spot I had prepared beforehand, then started reading through the piles of documents on the desk.

Recently, with the addition of business matters received from Lela, the things I had to examine and handle were gradually increasing. It had reached the point where I needed to set aside regular time to review them.