How to Be a Dark Hero’s Daughter

* * *

“This thieving cat-like wretch! How dare you lay a hand on my son? I can’t accept a daughter-in-law from such a low background! A commoner, a commoner!”

“Hoho, Mother. Why are you so upset over this? Actually, she’s from Cortissan.”

Suddenly, an orchestra played dramatic background music.

There was an audible gasp of shock from the audience.

“Mother, I can’t be with anyone but her!”

“You fool! Now, tell me everything! The truth is… you two are siblings.”

Oh my god, this is insane.

Ladies in the audience swallowed their sobs, clutching their handkerchiefs.

“But I can’t give up my love!”

The next scene showed the Count being slapped with a dripping pasta by his own mother.

‘Wow… This is so over the top…’

I watched the play with my mouth agape. I turned to Lavigne sitting next to me.

“Is this really a popular play nowadays?”

“Shh. Leticia, be quiet. Oh my, Regita was from Cortissan. This is so dramatic, and they are siblings too!”

I see… This is the diversity of culture. I felt flabbergasted.

‘How can such a conservative country also be so liberal?’

I was engrossed in the play, with its thrilling content revealing twists and turns every 5 minutes.

“Where are you going, Leticia?”

“I’m going outside to look for Marianne.”

“Did she drink? I heard she attended a party last night.”

I shook my head.

“Marianne drinks often, but she has never been late or broken a promise because of it.”

I stepped outside. The hallway was empty.

‘There’s no carriage arriving.’

Suddenly, someone grabbed me from behind.

“Ah!”

I opened my eyes wide, turning to see Cedric. Recognizing his familiar face, I relaxed.

“Cedric! How did you know I was here?”

“I heard from Lavigne that you were coming to the theater today.”

Looking around, the corridor was still empty. Good, then… We held hands and sneaked into a shaded corner.

‘Why didn’t anyone tell me? Secret romances are so thrilling.’

This had been the routine for a few days.

Using the excuse of the inquisitor’s job, we secretly shared kisses in the office. At night, Cedric would jump over the wall into my house.

We would sit side by side in the dark, talking and looking into each other’s eyes, confessing our love.

Thanks to that, my days felt as sweet as a melody adorned with sugar. Even now, I can’t help but smile unknowingly.

“You were looking for the Saintess?”

“Yes. I was thinking of checking the city hotel right after the play.”

“No need. Let’s use the network of the inquisitors. I’ll send a scorpion to the closest point to the hotel.”

“Thank you, Cedric.”

I smiled.

“For some reason, I have a bad feeling.”

“Your instincts are usually right.”

I took a brief look around.

No one was in sight.

We stole a quick kiss in the secluded area. But romance is one thing, and work is another. Our collaboration continues.

“You’re going on another business trip?”

“…Yes. There’s a suspected outbreak in the eastern region.”

I bit my lip.

The epidemic that swept through Ko’s village.

It was a disease with symptoms similar to a flu, of unknown origin.

This epidemic broke out in another village this month.

Thankfully, it was in a very small village near a mountain, so only four households were affected.

“I want to go on the trip with you.”

“When it’s confirmed. It’s not certain if it’s an outbreak yet.”

“But…”

“When I’m sure, I’ll write to you. You can then join the investigation. This isn’t your field, Leticia.”

“Okay.”

“I’ll write to you when there’s something you’d find interesting.”

“You know that’s the most romantic letter for me, right?”

“Do you think I don’t know?”

Cedric lifted my hand and kissed my knuckles. I wasn’t too worried. Cedric would handle everything.

After saying goodbye to Cedric, I gently touched my lips.

Epidemic, Ko…

I drew a thin line with my lips.

‘It’s interesting as expected.’