I am just a daughter

After delivering the punishment, I dismissed the offenders and listened to the reports from the Foxins about the mall. The manager updated me on needed improvements and which shops attracted the most customers. The day had been packed, and even after returning to the manor, I had no time to rest—I still needed to practice my fire element. Lusav, who returned with me, went straight to the training grounds to join the other Foxins (Assassins trained by Helen).

By nightfall, exhaustion weighed on me. Lying in bed after a hearty dinner, I found myself lost in thought. How different my life was now, compared to my past as an assassin in the modern world. The aroma of freshly brewed tea, the softness of freshly washed linens, and the plump, luxurious blankets were indulgences I could never enjoy back then. Money was never an issue, even as an assassin, but what I missed most was the peace I had now—a warm bed I could sink into without the constant fear of someone creeping in to attack. I couldn’t help but feel grateful. Dying that day had brought me here, to a father who cared for me deeply.

"Wait, Father!" I murmured suddenly, jolting upright. "I should go meet him to discuss the banquet invitations." But before I could get far, the cozy weight of the blankets lured me back down, and sleep quickly overtook me once more.

The next morning, I was stirred from sleep by an adorable voice. "Helo, helo! Wake up, Masterrrrrr. It's late. You should go have breakfast," the little voice insisted in a drawn-out purr.

Warm sunlight filtered in, casting a soft glow over the room as Lily opened the curtains. Blinking, I glanced to my side and caught sight of my unicorn, Custard, nestled beside my pillow, trying to stay hidden from Lily’s view.

"Go back," I whispered playfully, giving Custard a little nudge.

Noticing I was awake, Lily walked over, her brown hair glinting in the morning light and her warm green eyes sparkling. "Good morning, my lady. Did you sleep well?" she asked, her voice gentle as she offered a warm smile.

I stretched, savoring the softness of the bed and the warmth of the room, feeling a sense of peace I knew I had earned.

Lily helped me prepare for the day, guiding me to the bath area. As we entered, the soothing scent of lavender filled the air, and delicate tendrils of steam rose from the gilded tub. The entire bath area was luxurious, spacious enough to rival the size of a modern bedroom—a sight that reminded me, yet again, of my life within a fantasy world and my new identity as Helen, the villainess.

The maids stood by, ready to assist, and I sank into the warm water, letting it wash away the fatigue from my training the day before. Every detail around me, from the gold-plated tub to the intricate mosaic tiles, reminded me of the immense privilege and power that came with this life. But it also served as a sobering reminder of Helen’s burdens and the complex world she lived in.

After my bath, I dressed in soft, luxurious silks that glided against my skin. The cold cloth warmed up against my skin making me cozy, and then I made my way to the dining hall. The warm aroma of toasted bread and sweet jam wafted through the air as I stepped inside, finding my father already seated at the head of the table.

With a warm smile, I greeted him. "Good morning, Father."

He returned the smile and, placing a piece of freshly toasted bread on my plate, said gently, "Eat well, my dear. You carry many responsibilities on those young shoulders."

His voice held such warmth, such quiet encouragement, that it made my heart ache with gratitude. For a moment, I was simply his daughter, shielded from the scheming and burdens outside these walls.

"Once you've finished breakfast, come to my office. There's something we need to discuss."

I nodded, knowing exactly what he wanted to speak about. My father’s kindness was a balm, and I cherished these moments.

After breakfast, I followed him to his office, where Das, his assistant, guided me to a plush sofa. My father took his seat at his large wooden desk, its surface covered with carefully arranged files that seemed to tower almost a foot high. The room had a faint scent of ink and parchment, while a gentle breeze drifted through an open window, carrying in the fresh fragrance of flowers from the garden.

Settling into his chair, he looked at me, his eyes filled with a mixture of warmth and seriousness. "Helen, have you given thought to whom you’ll partner with at the upcoming ball?"

Without hesitation, I met his gaze and replied, "Father, there’s no one I wish to partner with. I plan to attend the ball alone." I paused, letting my words settle, before adding, "But I value your guidance. I’d like to hear what you think."

For a moment, my father’s expression softened, a flicker of surprise lighting his eyes. After a pause, he leaned back, his lips curving into a proud smile.

"My dear, I never thought I’d see the day when you’d ask for my opinion on such matters." His voice held a deep, fatherly pride, as if he were witnessing a milestone he’d longed for. "You've truly grown, Helen, into the daughter I always hoped you'd become."

In his eyes, I saw memories of the defiant girl Helen had been—the one who’d pushed him away, stubborn and fiercely independent, often creating the reputation of a villainess. But here I was, seeking his advice and finding peace in his company, showing him that I’d changed.

I couldn’t help but smile at his words, feeling a warmth settle in my chest. "Dad, I’m, and always will be, your baby girl," I said with a playful grin. The thought struck me—calling myself a “baby girl” felt so absurd given my past life. Ah, what sort of “baby girl” used to go around assassinating people and slicing off fingers? The irony almost made me laugh.

As I sighed, lost in my thoughts, Father’s voice drew me back. "My dear," he continued, his gaze thoughtful yet gentle, "I want you to have the freedom to make your own choice in this matter. But I think you should consider choosing the Duke as your partner for the ball. It would send a strong message—one that declares, clearly, that you want no ties with the royal family."

His voice held a steady confidence, and I felt the weight of his words sink in. "Choosing the Duke as your escort would create a barrier. His Majesty would see you aligning yourself with another high-status noble, making it difficult for him to officially push an engagement with the second prince."

Father paused, his eyes meeting mine with a knowing look. "The Duke could serve as your shield, keeping the Emperor and his ambitions at bay."

I nodded slowly, understanding the wisdom in his advice. While I knew I had every right to reject the prince outright, there was a strategy to consider here. The Emperor would likely push for the engagement regardless, but having the Duke as my partner would show a clear, unspoken rejection of any connection with the royal family. Plus, the Duke was as high-ranking as they came, making him the perfect choice to ward off any future proposals. And best of all? He had no romantic interest in me, so there would be no strings attached.

"I'll take your advice Dad" I said standing up to leave the room.