9

"Oh! You truly are a genius, miss! That is a different way of solving this problem. I'm amazed you figured that out even when we haven't tackled it yet," my tutor says.

I was too immersed in solving the equation that I forgot that I'm still inside an eight year old girl.

"Well, she can easily do that because she's my sister. You don't have to be amazed, mister," big brother Yona comments on the side.

I'm...tired.

It's been days since he started visiting me. Unlike my other brothers though, Rizza lets him stay and watch me since he's proper and quiet...most of the times. There were times when he'd even correct my tutors with their unnoticeable mistakes.

Sometimes my other brothers would also visit me but not when I'm studying like this. Gah! It's like I have my own guards with different schedules.

I feel so drained while dealing with them.

I know I should be happy that I'm welcome here but still...I can't accept it. My family background...

Can't I just be...a stray cat?

"I've been reading books," is what I only answer before sighing.

Thankfully, my brother was called after that math calculation so I was able to focus on my studies. He actually looks annoyed but he had no choice because it was urgent.

After that, Rizza also left me for some important matters so my class ended with the tutor leaving me alone in my study room.

Bored, I head to the kitchen to get some snacks. I could have just asked a servant but my body feels numb from sitting all day. I need some stretching.

These days, Rizza lets me roam freely in the house since many servants recognize me now.

The head chef immediately bows when he saw me walk in.

"If it isn't the young miss! Would you like the usual for today?"

"Hi Chef Ace! Yes, I would love the usual again. Thank you!"

Well, I've done this thrice already so we kinda got closer. He makes scrumptious meals and he's nice to talk to.

In just a minute, he hands me a paperbag full of sweets. Normally, I'm not fond of these but his creations are just truly luscious.

I never really thought you can make small breads like these. Chef Ace said they're called cream puffs. He filled them with fruit fillings and sprinkled powdered sugar on the outer. They're just so yummy!

"They smell so good! Really, thank you!" I say.

"Anything for the young miss," he replies with a soft smile.

With a wave, I make my way back to the study room. I'm already done studying for today but that's where Rizza last saw me. I don't want to burden her by making her search for me. I'll just wait for her there.

While walking, I can't help but take a bite from my snacks. Nevermind my figure! I'm still a child anyway.

"Ack!"

Startled, I look at my position and then at my snacks that scattered on the floor. I then look up to see three huge figures in front of me and I recognize them. How could I not?

My eyes immediately settles on the man in the middle.

He's...

One man immediately walks toward me and helps me stand up.

"My! My! Our baby Serra looks so small like this!"

He then starts to poke on my cheeks like I'm a toy!

"Owee! So cute! And you are eating all of these?"

"Hey! I don't think you should be doing that..." the other man warns behind him.

"Shut up Onyl! Can't you see? Serra likes me—Ack!"

That man, my father...he...he... Did he just...kick that guy away from me?!

Afterwards, he stares at my face for a minute before scanning my whole body. I take a peek at the side, worried about the other guy but my father just gently moves my gaze away from him! It's as if he doesn't want me to look even though I already witnessed it.

"Serra, why are you not looking at me? Do you...really prefer that man over me?" he asks darkly.

"N—No..."

That made him stare intently. Terrified, I gave him the most natural smile I could make as of the moment.

He sighs. "Onyl, come to my office and wait for me. Hunter, stay out of the house."

"H-Huh?! Why am I staying outside?! Hey!"

Father didn't comment further.

"F—Father?"

W—Wait! Why did I call him?! I must be out of my mind! I don't need his attention! Nevermind that old man. I have to get away from here so that I can live more days.

Sadly, that made him stop and look back at my face.

It's as if I'm a lost kitten who encountered a pack of wolves. They're all so tall!

"Why are you here alone?" he asks.

His voice sounds deep and his tone is stern.

"I..." I feel intimidated! I've never properly looked at him before but I can now confirm that being pretty runs in the family!

"Serrq, are you alright? Does it hurt anywhere?" he continues to ask but I could only poke his cheek.

I can't help it! He looks too dashing to be my father. Even my past brother who's said to be the handsomest man in our land doesn't give justice to this man! Is he...really my father?

Frowning, he holds my hand and carries me up like a baby.

"Eh?!" What?! W—Why?!

He looks at me before realizing my snacks that scattered on the floor.

"Onyl, tell the head chef to prepare her another batch and bring it to her room instead. Hunter, leave," he commands sternly before starting to walk.

Oh...

"But boss!"

"Just shut up Hunter. Let's go!" the other man says.

Ah! Is he going to carry me back to my room?!

I bite my finger unconsciously. I must be anxious. This man makes me feel scared and comfortable at the same time. It's quite...unsettling.

His other hand reaches for mine.

"Stop biting your fingers or it'll become a bad habit. You can bite your food once they're prepared and delivered to your room instead."

Why is he...treating me so nicely?

"Father?" I call out slowly.

I feel him pause but he continues to walk after a second.

"What is it?" he asks.

At this point, I'm not sure if I should go on but I figured that I really need to rest. I need it badly.

"Can I...please...skip classes tomorrow?"

He glances at me.

"Is that really your question?"

No. Can I be adopted by another family who doesn't do bad deeds? I'm fine with a family with a basic background...

"Y—Yes..."

He sighs.

"I've heard you're a fast learner but I guess you're still not accustomed to this new life. Fine. You may skip tomorrow and take a rest."

Oh? He's really...nice to me. I can't help but stare.

"Thank you...father."

This man is my father—Serra's father. I have never talked to him before like this because I have been avoiding him as much as I can for fear of what he might do to me but...he haven't done anything that could hurt me at all. On the contrary of my assumptions, he's been nothing but accommodating.

I guess I'm wrong for judging him for being the boss of this household. Sure, he's cold to others but when it comes to me...

Ah why am I comparing? Of course, I'm his lost daughter!

It's kinda funny actually. To think that this evil man would treat me dearly when my father, the past emperor from my past life treated me like a pest.

I guess...this isn't all that bad after all...

~*~