How to Be a Dark Hero’s Daughter

“What do you gain through me?”

“I’m not sure if you know, but I’m an adopted child of this mansion. Like Ko, I came from the streets. I grew up with the help of others. And then… I’ve grown to a position where I can now help someone else. I feel happy looking after Ko, as if I’m looking after my younger self. That’s the reason.”

I learned this way of thinking from my aunt, Marianne.

Marianne said that she feels vicariously satisfied when I’m happy, as if making up for her own unhappy childhood. That’s why she said she loved me.

Over time, as I grew up, I learned that the debts we owe aren’t always repaid directly to the giver, but sometimes to others.

“You don’t believe me when I say I wasn’t sick?”

Ko’s expression was odd, slightly aggressive.

“No, I believe that.”

I said firmly.

“I believe that because I’m rational. I don’t believe in superstitions. No matter where you’ve returned from, you’re healthy now.”

“Then your disbelief is…”

“I’m not sure what you might be wrapped up in or who might be using you without your knowledge.”

Like Walter.

Ah, speaking of which, there’s Walter.

A child from the streets, a persecuted kid, and an unfortunate one. Someone who reminds me of Walter.

Ko seems to be a combination of all my traumas. Is that why I want to be kind to him?

“I… really haven’t…”

“I know. And for the record, this document is an investigation about you. Since Ko can’t read yet… that’s why I was reading it in front of you. I apologize for that.”

Ko remained silent.

“Everything you said is true. You really were in the mountains… The people from the neighboring village tried to harm you… and you were captured by slave traders.”

“…Yes.”

“I’m sorry for doubting you. But it was necessary for both your safety and mine.”

Should I stop here? Should I end this? But whether it was out of curiosity or something else, Ko was finally showing a reaction to me. I looked straight into his eyes.

“I don’t get it. It’s confusing.”

“What is?”

“How you can doubt me yet let me stay here.”

“I don’t trust anyone except my Dad and brother.”

Given what I’ve been through, it’s no surprise.

“But if you avoid everyone just because you don’t trust them, you’ll never make friends or be able to help others. Even if you don’t trust, you can still like them.”

Ko listened with his mouth slightly open.

“Do you… like me?”

“Yes, of course.”

A slight blush spread across Ko’s cheeks, like a child experiencing affection for the first time. It hurts to see him resemble my younger self.

“I’ve heard about the Duke.”

“My Dad?”

“Yes. I heard he’s very scary… And people find it strange that he lets someone suspicious like me stay near the angel.”

Ko’s eyes wavered with anxiety. I’ll have to rein in the servants’ gossip.

“That’s not true. And even if you were truly suspicious… you can stay by my side. My Dad won’t object either.”

“Why?”

“Do you want an honest answer?”

I said calmly.

“Yes.”

Ko replied softly.

“Ko, it’s because you’re so vulnerable. You haven’t been trained or educated. All of your actions show it. So, you’re not threatening at all. Even if you tried something, I could easily stop you.”

“…”

“That’s why my Dad and brother let you be.”

“So, should I stay here or not?”

“Why?”

“Weak people aren’t needed.”

Ko tilted his head, his expression even more unreadable.

“You can. So relax your shoulders. Protecting you is my choice, and the two of them have permitted it.”

Ko licked his lips and asked quietly:

“How can I become as smart as the angel?”

Ko asked after a while.

“Hmm, I wonder? Am I smart? First of all… learn to read, Ko.”

“Read?”

“Yes. It’s okay even if it takes a few years. If you could read, you’d have known that the document I was reading was about you. And you could study as well.”

“How will things change if I study?”

“Yes. A lot will change. Just trust me on this.”

“…Why are you being so kind to me?”

“There are many reasons. First, you’re at an age that needs protection. There’s pity, and compassion… and just because.”

“…”

“The biggest reason is that. Because I know that sometimes, everyone needs kindness without reason. And I told you. It’s also for me.”

Ko looked at me quietly. He had a look as if he wanted to say something. I didn’t ask further.

“Shall we leave now?”

As I tried to get up after having tea, Ko cautiously grabbed the hem of my dress.