Tilea's Worries

"Excuse me, but I’d like to ask something…"

"Yes, what is it—whoa, you’re scary!"

As I opened the door, a burly man in his mid-forties stood there. He was over two meters tall, with a menacing face and a thick beard. A massive sword, almost as big as he was, hung on his back.

A robber!? I instinctively braced myself.

Come on, bring it on.

I have a third-degree black belt in karate—whoa, those eyes!

His piercing gaze looked like it could devour prey. His arms were thick enough to take down a bear with bare hands, and the giant sword on his back exuded silent pressure.

There’s no way I could win in a physical fight.

But don’t underestimate me.

I can always call Remilia-san. Even if I lack strength, I have connections. I’m good friends with the head of the Royal City Guard. We might even become lovers someday.

"Is this Timu's home?"

"Yes, it is... but what do you want?"

What’s this? This guy knows Timu’s name?

If he has any dubious intentions towards Timu, I’ll tell Edim, and she’ll deal with him.

"Ha ha, don’t be so wary. I’m not suspicious."

"…"

"That's quite the cold reception. I am Alhas Marano, Captain of the Third Battalion of the Alchdas Kingdom’s Expeditionary Forces. I swear on my honor as a soldier that I won’t harm you."

"A soldier? Wait, Alhas? Don’t tell me..."

"Yes, I’m Edim’s father."

Oh, so this is Edim’s father!? They look nothing alike!

I thought he was some mafia boss. He has such an imposing presence. He looks nothing like the beautiful Edim. She must take after her mother.

So, Edim’s father is a high-ranking military officer. The Expeditionary Forces are responsible for maintaining the authority of the subordinate countries. As a captain, he must be quite high up—maybe a colonel or lieutenant colonel.

I need to be respectful and greet him properly.

"Oh, pardon my manners. My name is Tilea, and I’m the manager of this restaurant, Belm. I’m Timu’s sister and a friend of Edim’s."

"Oh, is that so! Edim is always in your care."

"No, no, Edim is always helping us."

"I’m glad my foolish daughter can be of use."

"She’s not foolish at all. Edim is an excellent and honorable girl."

"Ha ha, it’s heartening to hear that as her parent."

He’s smiling proudly at the praise for his daughter. This Texan dad has a cute side after all.

"So, Edim’s father, are you here about Edim?"

"Yes, I am. I recently returned to the capital, but I haven’t been able to contact Edim. I heard she’s always with her classmate Timu, so I looked up his home and came here."

I see. Recently, Edim has been spending more time in the Underground Empire of the Evil God Army than at her school dorm. It’s easier to contact her here.

"I understand the situation. Standing and talking here isn’t comfortable. Please come inside."

"Thank you."

"No problem."

Relieved that he wasn’t a robber, but rather a friend’s father, I led him inside and guided him to a seat.

Edim’s father moved with the crispness of a soldier and sat down. He pulled out a large cigar, the kind you see villains smoking in movies.

"Do you mind if I smoke?"

"No, it’s fine. But could you please move to this seat? That’s a non-smoking area."

"Ha, a non-smoking area? That’s an interesting concept."

"Interesting?"

"Yes. Some customers might not like smoke. It’s a wonderful consideration."

Impressed, Edim’s father moved to the smoking area.

He skillfully cut the cigar and lit it with a flick of flame magic from his fingertips.

Cigar smoke billowed around.

He carefully used the ashtray to avoid dirtying the table.

Edim’s father, you admired the non-smoking policy, but you’re even more admirable.

Such a gentleman!

In this era, smoking etiquette is almost nonexistent. Most customers smoke inside the store without a second thought. Yet he asked for permission and used the ashtray to keep the table clean.

His tough appearance might give the wrong impression, but he’s a good person.

"Edim should be here soon."

"Alright, I’ll wait."

"Here, have some tea."

I poured tea and handed it to him.

Edim’s father sipped it appreciatively, occasionally enjoying the aroma of his cigar.

"Tilea-kun, how is Edim doing?"

"She’s always cheerful. She gets along well with my sister, and she’s a good kid."

"That’s good to hear."

Hmm? Despite his words, Edim’s father looked troubled. His expression didn’t match his words.

"Is something worrying you?"

"Hmm…"

Edim’s father furrowed his brows and fell silent.

Is this a personal matter?

I shouldn’t pry if it’s private.

"Oh, you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to—"

"No, I suppose it’s fine to tell you since you’re Edim’s friend. The truth is, I went to check the school dorm before coming here, and they said Edim hardly ever returns."

"Th-that’s…"

"They also said she frequently skips school. She used to write regularly, but recently she hasn’t been replying at all. I worried she might have fallen in with bad company, so I took leave and returned."

"I-I see…"

"Of course, seeing you reassures me that she hasn’t made bad friends. But what on earth is she doing skipping school!"

Oh no…

Right. Edim has been busy dealing with being turned into a vampire and couldn’t attend school. Naturally, she couldn’t send letters either. It’s clear from his reaction that Edim’s father doesn’t know she’s a vampire.

Well, it’s not easy to tell your family you’ve become a vampire.

Should I tell him the truth?

No, this is something she should tell him herself.

But it’s also hard for her to do it alone.

Maybe it’s better if I, as a third party who knows the truth, explain it to him.

Which is the right choice?

As I was struggling with my thoughts,

"…Something did happen to Edim, didn’t it?"

Edim’s father asked.

"Wh-why do you think so?"

"You’re so deep in thought, it’s obvious."

As expected of a soldier, his observation skills are sharp.

I guess I have no choice but to be honest…

But…

"Please, if you know something, tell me."

Edim’s father bowed his head, his expression pained.

I could feel his deep concern for his daughter. It’s hard to stay silent when he’s this sincere.

Alright, I’ll steel myself.

"Okay, Edim’s father, please listen calmly. The truth is…"

I then explained everything that had happened.

How Edim was turned into a vampire during the demon attack.

How she had to turn the guards into her thralls to escape.

I made it clear that she didn’t skip school by choice, but was forced by circumstances.

Edim’s father listened quietly. As a seasoned soldier, he didn’t flinch even at the overwhelming events I described.

His eyes widened occasionally, but the furrow in his brow was likely due to his concern for his daughter.

"I see."

"Do you understand the situation?"

"Yes, it’s hard to believe. But given the recent state of the capital and your sincerity, I believe what you’ve told me is true."

"Yes, unfortunately…"

"I see."

I could empathize with Edim’s father’s pain.

Even if Edim insists she still has a human heart, the country won’t believe her. If they find out she’s a vampire, she’ll be executed. Knowing his beloved daughter has become a vampire and is hunted by the state must be a devastating sorrow.

"Don’t worry. I will protect Edim no matter what. The vampire investigations have cooled down for now, so it’s relatively safe. But we can’t let our guard down. Edim’s father, please be careful as well."

"I appreciate your friendship with my daughter… but I will kill Edim!"

What!? What did I just hear?

I heard something very disturbing.

"Um, did you really listen to what I just said?"

"Of course. Because of her, those who serve the country were sacrificed."

"What!? I didn’t say anything like that. Edim didn’t kill anyone. She just turned them into thralls to ensure her safety!"

Why is he so cold towards his own daughter?

Edim is a victim. Is he seriously going to harm his own daughter?

"A soldier who loses loyalty to their country is as good as dead. My daughter rebelled against the nation to save herself. It’s unforgivable."

"Are you serious? Edim is your daughter."

"That’s precisely why I must end this with my own hands!"

Hearing Edim’s father’s desperate cry, I involuntarily stepped back.

His unwavering resolve as a soldier was overwhelming.

No, I can’t let this happen. I must prevent this tragedy between father and daughter.

"Edim’s father, please listen. When Edim was turned into a vampire, she must have been terrified. Although she’s calmer now, there was a time she couldn’t attend school at all. I’ve been supporting

 her along with Timu, but deep down, she relies on you the most. Please reconsider."

"…I am a soldier before I am a father."

What a stubborn man.

He reminds me of Jeje. Are all nationalists like this?

What should I do?

I need to persuade him before Edim returns.

But without a good idea to convince him, time passed…

"Sister, I’m home."

At the worst possible moment, Timu and the others returned home.