How to Be a Dark Hero’s Daughter

It was only after a few days that Cedric and I had the chance to talk alone.

It was because our families took turns escorting and never left me alone.

After returning to the capital, Cedric clung to the Ducal residence, and for some reason, Collen and Jade didn’t chase him out.

“How many minutes will it take this time for the Duke or young lord to barge in?”

“Well, we’ve been alone in the room for 30 minutes now.”

We both lay side by side on the carpet and whispered. Both of us were barefoot, surrounded by soft cushions.

I tightly held Cedric’s hand.

I cautiously asked Collen.

But with his eyes, Collen seemed to be furiously glaring at Cedric…

I pretended not to notice.

It’s better to have Cedric by my side.

‘I guess I was shocked that I fell for the third kiss of the white wizard.’

It seemed that I would be overly protected for the foreseeable future.

Collen commented bluntly upon hearing about Siebel’s identity.

And this incident involving the white wizard became a massive case, drawing national attention.

They’re vigorously working to find the remnants and those behind it.

However, Cedric, the heretic inquisitor who should be at the center, was with me, tending to my needs, indicating that my well-being was more important than state affairs.

‘How sweet.’

My feelings for Cedric grew deeper and deeper over the days, filling my heart like overflowing water.

“Cedric, you know.”

“Yes?”

“When did you say you started liking me?”

“From the moment I first saw you.”

“Really?”

“Yes. How many times should I say it?”

“Really? How can you fall for a beggar?”

“You were cute.”

“You fell for a girl, not even six, living under a bridge just because she gave you bread?”

Cedric tensed.

Tears welled up in my eyes.

It might be a painful memory I forced myself to forget.

I was beaten by Count Gallian, my ribs broken, blood pouring from every orifice. I was nearly dead and dumped in the garbage.

I was half-conscious then.

I opened my eyes for a moment. I saw Cedric. He looked even older than now, an adult Cedric carrying me somewhere.

“It wasn’t just a piece of bread that made you fall for me. What was it?”

Cedric’s expression changed. He climbed on top of me.

“It was like this.”

“What do you mean?”

I gulped.

“It felt like time stopped.”

“…”

“I felt that the first time I saw you. You were dazzling… I just liked it.”

“…”

“It was also the only act of kindness I felt after leaving home.”

“Is that so?”

I wondered what Cedric had been through.

It hurt my heart.

“And I didn’t give my heart. It was stolen.”

“By me…?”

“Yes. But I don’t plan on reclaiming it, so keep it.”

Now I know Cedric’s secret.

Not everything, but a lot.

“When were you planning to tell me that you saved my life?”

I took Cedric’s hand and pressed it to my cheek, feeling his warmth.

“Looking back, you always gave me hints. The wolf emblem, for instance…”

I took out a card from a silk pouch inside my clothes.

“The symbol of the royal family is a wolf. If I had researched history a little more, I would have known that the royal family was of the lost wolf lineage.”

Cedric smiled sadly.

“Cedric, there was something shining in my chest. What was it?”

I had a hunch, and that led me to recall memories one by one, even while under Siebel’s hypnotic magic.

Cedric briefly explained. Everything was as expected, except for one thing.

“An engraving?”

I was in shock. Has he lost his mind?

“You’ve been hiding that all this time?”

“Yes,” Cedric replied firmly.

“Why did you hide it? You said you were struggling alone?”

“If I had come onto you saying that, would you have definitely accepted my confession and lived with me?”

I can’t deny that. But, well, um. I’ve always had a soft spot for Cedric…

“I didn’t want to win your heart that way.”

“Ah… Um… That might be true, but…”

Although the words were dodged, it touched my heart. A rush of love surged, and I wanted to drench Cedric with that love and embrace him. What is this feeling?