Chapter 11: A Night of Turmoil

“Father, you already have me, yet you keep going to see that woman! She’s the one who tried to kill us! Have you forgotten how she almost hurt you?”

My daughter sat across from me, her arms crossed, glaring at me angrily. Her body swayed wildly as she spoke, her movements fierce and unyielding. Because we hadn’t informed Lia about where we were going, she was furious now, her face devoid of the enchanting allure it held the night before.

Lia looked extremely angry… I quickly reached out and covered her mouth with my hand, cautiously glancing outside. Vilya had just left, so she shouldn’t be coming back anytime soon… But Vilya’s hearing is exceptionally good, and if she returns, we might be discovered.

“It’s all because you refused to apologize, so I had to go and apologize to Vilya…”

I felt dizzy. I had just seen Vilya leave, and now I was face to face with Lia. Lia is truly a succubus, her body unlike Vilya’s warrior physique. Despite her anger, I couldn’t help but be drawn to her. I think it’s best to look elsewhere, or else I might get into trouble just from looking at her…

“Father! Look at Lia!”

Lia was clearly displeased with my avoidance, slapping my face with a ‘smack’ and forcing me to look at her. She leaned in close, her pale skin dancing in front of my eyes, making my heartbeat and breathing quicken. After all, Lia is incredibly beautiful.

But she is my daughter!!

Lia cupped my face, her brow furrowed in displeasure. “Father, don’t get too close to that woman! Even if we follow her, it’s not safe! She almost killed us and treated you horribly! She’s a cruel woman, Father! She might kill you someday! So don’t go near her! If you want a girl, I can be that for you! Father, isn’t it enough to just stay by my side?”

Lia pulled my head gently to her chest, and I was once again enveloped by the intoxicating scent that made my mind spin and my body respond. This scent had a peculiar effect, perhaps a gift from her succubus heritage?

I abruptly pushed Lia’s small shoulders, pressing her against the carriage. She looked up at me in surprise, her voice barely a whisper, “Father, that hurts!”

“! I… I’m sorry…”

I released her, looking at Lia in panic. What was I thinking? Was I about to do something to Lia? No, no… I absolutely can’t do anything to Lia… But Lia’s body, her scent, it was all too tempting in this carriage. Lia herself is a succubus, and I am drawn to her. If we continue like this, I might do something to her. But for now, Lia doesn’t actively hunt men, though if she gains consciousness…

Then what about our relationship…

Can we still be father and daughter?

Although marrying or being with Lia isn’t a bad thing, I just can’t accept it. I need to stay calm.

“Father, will you promise me… not to get too close to that woman? It’s really dangerous… Father… That woman… She killed my father right in front of me… I’m so scared… I’m afraid you’ll be next…”

Lia’s voice was filled with a mix of sadness and choking sobs. She looked at me cautiously, her hands gently pulling mine, her eyes flashing with fear and anxiety. Although I hadn’t done anything wrong, seeing her like this made my heart ache. I hugged her tightly, kissing her forehead gently. “I know, I won’t leave you, Lia. I promise, I won’t leave you again.”

Lia hugged me tightly, resting her head on my shoulder, whispering in my ear, “So, Father, you won’t get too close to that woman, right? Father, you’ll always stay by my side, right? From now on, you’ll just be Lia’s father, only Lia’s father, right?”

“Yes, I’ll be your father, always your father.”

I nodded and kissed her forehead. Lia hugged me tightly, her face nuzzling against mine, and then she pulled me down, wrapping us in a thick cloak. Lia pressed against me, smiling happily. “Then, Father, let’s rest. Goodnight, Father…”

“Do you really think this position is comfortable!”

“But the blanket is only this big…”

Lia looked at me with a pout, “Father, why don’t you want to be close to me at night? Did I do something wrong? Why don’t you want to be close to me or hug me at night? During the day, it’s fine…”

Looking at Lia’s pouty face, I sighed. “It’s not that I dislike you or that you did anything wrong, it’s just… Lia… your current appearance… don’t let anyone else see it, except for me, understood?”

Hearing that I didn’t dislike her, she seemed much happier, hugging my head tightly and kissing my forehead. “Then, Father, goodnight again. This time, I want to sleep with you until morning. If you sneak out again, I’ll come find you!”

“I know, I know. This time, I won’t leave.”

Of course, the night was incredibly uncomfortable for me… Lia’s sleep was restless, and before falling asleep, she wrapped us both in the cloak, pressing us tightly together. I’m not sure if it was a hallucination…

I managed to resist the urge to touch Lia, and after a mental struggle, morning finally arrived, and Lia returned to her child form. Sounds from outside indicated that it was barely dawn, and the caravan was already preparing to depart. I gently woke Lia, helping her dress, and then shook off my cloak and stepped out of the carriage. The morning chill in the north was truly biting.

The fire was once again roaring, and the familiar aroma wafted through the air. Lia sniffed happily, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Just then, familiar footsteps approached from the side, and Lia’s body stiffened, hiding behind me.

Vilya walked past us, carrying her wooden bowl and towel. She glanced at us and nodded slightly, then looked at Lia hiding behind me. This time, it was different. Lia wasn’t trembling with fear; instead, she glared at Vilya, her lips pressed tightly together in anger.

She actually dared to look at Vilya like that?

Vilya seemed surprised for a moment, then looked at me and walked to the fire. She dropped her towel into the boiling water, ignoring the bubbling liquid, and pulled it out to wipe her beautiful face. I truly couldn’t tell if Vilya was even human, bathing in icy river water last night and now using hot water to wash her face. Could she not feel temperature?

Vilya looked at us and held out the towel toward me. I hesitated, not daring to take it, but Vilya suddenly pulled me closer and slapped the towel on my face…

I braced myself for a cry of pain, but the water wasn’t as hot as I expected; instead, it was pleasantly warm. Vilya’s gentle scent enveloped me as she vigorously wiped my face, almost twisting my nose.

“There.”

Vilya nodded in satisfaction. I caught the falling towel and turned to look at Lia, who was glaring at us angrily. I smiled wryly and reached out to wipe her face with the towel. Lia instinctively tried to slap it away, but I quickly caught her hand and wiped her face.

No matter what, a girl should take care of her appearance.

“Father!”

Lia looked at me angrily, and I smiled and patted her head. “Lia’s beautiful face should be kept clean. I don’t have another towel right now, but I won’t do this again.”

“…Hmph!”

Lia reluctantly said nothing and sat by the fire with me. Everyone had the same food. But this time, Vilya and I had reached an agreement, and we split the remaining portion between Lia and Vilya. I felt like Vilya could never get enough… This woman was truly incomprehensible.

“We’ll arrive by noon today.”

Vilya stood up, looking around at everyone. “Thank you all for your protection on the journey. Be careful on your way back.”

“It is our honor.”

The soldiers stood, their right hands pressed to their chests, speaking respectfully.

“For the next leg of the journey, we’ll go alone. You can return and report to Queen Sisi.”

Vilya looked at the soldiers, who nodded, perhaps believing Vilya would be safe…

Wait!! Did they ask for my opinion?! Now it’s just the three of us! What about Lia? What does Vilya plan to do?!