How to Be a Dark Hero’s Daughter

* * *

That night, I wrote a letter to Kien, pouring my utmost sincerity into it.

‘I don’t want to hurt you, but it might be inevitable. Then, it’s courteous to speak honestly.’

Without beating around the bush or leaving lingering feelings. I must speak my mind.

After writing the letter to reject Kien, I became conscious of my date with Cedric.

‘What should I do about Cedric?’

I want things to continue as they have been: laughing, joking together, having tea, and discussing events.

But after rejecting Kien, I realize it’s just my selfishness.

‘If I can’t genuinely accept Cedric’s feelings… it’s not right.’

Especially in this world, dating a man of Cedric’s status means taking responsibility.

Who? Me. Especially with Cedric.

‘Thinking of marriage just to date. It’s not some old-fashioned house rule.’

Well, Cedric is a prince.

‘Speaking of which, what does it mean that Cedric grew up in a commoner’s family?’

No matter how much I imagine, I can’t picture Cedric growing up in a back alley like me. He must’ve grown up in a wealthy family.

‘It’s irrational to worry about this.’

I don’t want to feel ashamed of myself.

But whenever I think of Cedric, I remember the day I first came to this mansion.

Me in the parlor, nervously holding Collen’s business card. My messy appearance, reeking of gutter water even from two meters away.

I can’t show such a version of me to Cedric. If I say I can’t be a princess because of that version of me, I’d be embarrassed.

And I can’t bear the thought of hearing from Cedric, ‘I can’t be with someone like that Leticia anymore.’

That version of me is weak. I need to fit into this ducal house.

‘Should I return the gift?’

I looked at the expensive fairy tale book Cedric gifted, placed on the table.

[The Beast That Loved the Moon]

A story of a monster wizard born from fire.

The story of an ugly, lonely beast.

The scruffy, ugly beast met a female wizard he loved. And he gave her his heart, everything.

No matter where they are, they won’t feel lonely; even when apart, they’ll feel together. Their hearts are engraved with each other.

And eventually, the beast is loved by the woman and his curse is broken.

‘It’s similar to the story of Beauty and the Beast from my past life.’

The real gold-plated last page. Looking at the image of the beast and the young wizard kissing, I thought.

‘Did he choose this fairy tale himself?’

Though heart-wrenching, it was a beautiful story.

But it seemed like a very expensive fairy tale book. Even at a glance, the jewels on the cover looked real.

‘I should return it.’

For now, um, I should go to the meeting place… Probably, it will be the first and last date.

* * *

Maybe it was my nerves, but I had several dreams the night before the date.

‘Ah, it’s been a while since I had this dream.’

Dreaming of becoming the wind, flying over the back alleys of the capital. Watching the children and people on the streets.

‘It hurts, I don’t like it.’

And a dream where I get hit by Count Gallian. Bleeding and crawling on the ground, and then being rescued by Walter…

‘No, it wasn’t Walter…’

Walter said he didn’t save me.

Then who? Who’s this warm hand embracing me? Who are you?

I opened my eyes.

It was another dream.

* * *

‘It’s been a while since I had that dream.’

“Did you have a nightmare?”

“No, no.”

“Yes.”

Feeling dizzy even while washing my face under Pirine’s care,

“Why? Don’t you like the dress?”

“No, it’s beautiful.”

Without me saying much, Pirine had prepared an especially intricate dress today.

She braided half of my hair to both sides, decorated with a silk rose. Next to it, a jeweled pin was inserted.

The crimson dress was quite pretty.

“Today is Love Moon Day, everyone is excited.”

“Do you have a date, Pirine?”

Pirine’s cheeks turned red.

“Even if I don’t have a date, everyone gathers to watch the moon. The houses will be empty because people will gather everywhere.”

“The streets will be crowded,” I replied while twirling my hair with my fingers.

“By the way, who is your date today? Prince Cedric or the head of the information guild?”

I almost choked.

“Pirine, do you know who the head of the information guild is?”

“Um… I don’t know exactly, but I overheard young master Jade and the Duke discussing taking him down on the same day!”

Pirine innocently spilled the beans.

‘Isn’t that a murder conspiracy?’

I was flabbergasted.

“Besides, there are only two reasons you go out. When you’re active with prince Cedric or when you go to the information guild. And there’s a maid who was involved in the underworld, she said the guild master is handsome! So, I put two and two together. I have a knack for relationships.”

“Pirine… Have you ever thought of using this talent of yours to make money?”

Her deduction skills, especially concerning romance and gossip, are unparalleled.

“Hehe, thanks for the compliment!”

Pirine replied cheerfully.

As Pirine started my eye makeup, I closed my eyes. While she worked with her brushes, I felt someone gently touch the nape of my neck.

Huh? Pirine is clearly in front of me?

Chills ran down my spine. Soon after, that cold hand grasped my hair.