Chapter 633 – The Love of A Daughter

The game of Rock, Paper, Scissors declared Wiki as the victor.

Without sparing a glance at her two vanquished opponents, Wiki dashed directly into the room where her father was.

A gleeful and triumphant cry sounded from within the room, the jubilant roar of a contented bear cub echoing within the walls.

“An unfortunate loss,” Baekyang sardonically noted, observing the scene with a teasing glint in his eyes.

‘Indeed,’ thought Se-Young, who had been confident of his victory, albeit only when facing Alba.

He hadn’t been able to freeze time long enough to anticipate Wiki’s moves and respond accordingly. Ultimately, the deadlock persisted until Wiki seized her chance.

To elaborate, Se-Young, aware of Alba’s strategy, had played a hand that would have secured him a victory against her. However, a third draw was forced by Wiki’s intervening play.

Se-Young, in a desperate bid to oust one opponent, gambled on playing the same hand as Alba. Wiki, however, had the upper hand and won the round with a cunning diversionary tactic.

A psychological battle layered within a game. Se-Young, unable to frequently pause time, grew impatient and let his errors slip.

A sigh escaped his lips. “You seem a bit off,” commented Alba.

“That’s probably because someone has unfairly forced a one-on-many situation.” Se-Young retorted, referring to the unfair advantage Wiki had taken by bringing her into the game that was supposed to be a duel.

“Wiki was quite concerned. She adores her father,” Alba said.

“Yes, it’s quite obvious. I can tell just by listening to her.” Se-Young’s reply was tinged with sarcasm as Wiki’s exultant squeals permeated the air.

Se-Young and Alba exchanged glances for a long moment. It wasn’t that there wasn’t jealousy or rivalry between them. Even when you share a loved one, how can one harbor only good feelings for Alba, who had a child after overtaking him?

Maintaining as much rationality as possible, Se-Young asked Alba a question, “Let’s discuss the matter we left unfinished. Wiki… Wasn’t it an accident?”

“We often use that word, but considering the cases of fertility between a woodman and a human… it was inevitable.”

Fertility between woodmen and humans isn’t an easy feat. Perhaps if they engaged in a passionate week-long coupling during the ovulation cycle, it might come to fruition. Even between humans, conception isn’t guaranteed, let alone with a woodman.

In spite of this, Alba had conceived in one go. A true embodiment of superior femininity.

“It’s a blessing,” Alba murmured, a small smile playing at her lips.

Se-Young, taken aback, could only respond with a question. “Is it?”

“Yes.”

No matter how one dresses it up, an indiscretion committed in a drunken state is an affair. They might have reached an understanding now, but at that time, it had been nothing more than a sordid act.

“Even without feelings?” Se-Young probed further.

“The first encounter isn’t the most important one. There are many forms of love. Isn’t it the same for your wife?”

“Hmph,” Se-Young scoffed at Alba’s words even though he couldn’t deny their truth.

Two frosty gazes locked for a moment more before, simultaneously, they both closed their eyes.

“I can’t help but wonder… do you love him?”

Se-Young’s uniquely chilling voice probed into Alba’s deepest feelings, like a raven perched on the brink of shadow. Her long-nurtured charisma burst forth.

“I, for one, do not accept anyone as my lover without sincerity.”
“And what do you find desirable about him?”
“As you know. His expressions when he snuggles into my arms like a child, his awkward face when he approaches a woman, even his slow movements. All of it.”

If one were to ask about the parts she adored, that would be accurate. But it’s equally irksome.

“From the perspective of a stone that’s been tossed around, it might be difficult to foster trust. But I swear by Mana, my heart is true.”
“Huh, one can only hope.”

Her tone might have been sarcastic, but the sincerity was there. If someone were to shatter this relationship they’ve painstakingly built over time, she felt as if everything in sight would disappear.

It’s been three years. A relationship forged through mistakes and regrets.

As a lover, it was important not to disregard the feelings of another, but a sage was as dangerous as the power they possessed.

“I understand.”

Alba nodded in agreement.

“I, too… never thought I’d be serving a man.”

Others might find this preposterous. The sage, a personification of rationality, had always suppressed his emotions, making love or friendship a distant dream.

Se-Young’s caution was understandable. One must tread carefully. If they were to monopolize him, a real fight might ensue…

Alba looked at Se-Young. A woman whose honest heart and love shone through.

“…”
“…”

As expected, there was no desire to argue.

“…It’s getting late. Shouldn’t we sleep?”
“Shall we sleep together? To keep an eye on each other.”

Se-Young and Alba, after a brief interruption in their conversation, chuckled as if they couldn’t help themselves.

Alba used her magic to serve a cold beer.

“How about one last can before bed?”

Se-Young accepted the can without a word.

– Chik.

With the pleasant sound of bubbles, the icy tension melted away.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

“You know, you know.”

An enthusiastic Wiki nestled between them, rubbing her head.

“What my mother taught me… This thesis. This and…”

Being unable to meet often, they had a lot of stories to catch up on.

According to Alba, Wiki often sings songs about her father.

Still, it’s much more bearable than enduring physical pain.

-Tuk-tuk.

In my momentary reverie, I felt a tender sting in my arm. Wiki had pinched me.

“Daddy… “
“Mm?”
“Your hand… “

With her petite hand, Wiki firmly grasped my wrist, adamantly insisting on an embrace as secure as a seatbelt.

“If I squeeze any harder, it’ll be difficult for you to breathe.”
“I don’t mind.”

When I held her tightly, a shiver of delight ran through Wiki. She couldn’t stifle her laughter.

“Ugh… hehe. I can’t breathe, Daddy.”
“Daddy did warn you.”
“Ah, ah! Don’t slacken your hold. Embrace me more tightly, alright?”

I wondered if she enjoyed being held so tightly it was hard to breathe. Curiously, her taste coincided with that of her mother.

“… What about your hair?”
“Oh, alright.”
“Hehehe.”

When I stroked her hair, it was the cherry on top. She rubbed her fluffy hair against my forearm and her cheeks reddened.

‘Raising a child for the second time… Is it common for daughters to adore their fathers this much?’

It was the case with both Shiba and Wiki. They seemed reluctant to ever leave my embrace.

I wondered if the body’s propensity to elicit affection was the same for a child. Or could it be that our daughters genuinely had a soft spot for their unattractive father?

“Oh, by the way, Wiki.”
“Yes?”
“Do you want to see your sister sleeping?”

Remembering that Shiba was asleep, I scooped Wiki into my arms and rose from my seat. My legs were shaky, and my body wasn’t cooperating, but I somehow managed to steady myself enough to walk, albeit precariously.

“… Ah, sister?”

For some reason, Wiki’s voice chilled.

“Yes. Your sister, who is a year older than you.”
“Sister Shiba…”
“That’s right.”

Her full lips protruded, perhaps due to her mood. I moved from the foot of the bed to the head, positioning myself so Wiki could see Shiba sleeping.

“… Huh?”
“What’s wrong?”
“Hasn’t sister’s body gotten smaller?”

I realized then that we hadn’t discussed it.

“That did happen.”
“……”

With a height similar to Wiki and an equally adorable appearance…

“Beep, beep.”

Such angelic children they were. It wouldn’t be strange for them to be fond of each other. But surprisingly, Wiki seemed sullen.

“Can’t we discuss something else?”
“Why?”
“I don’t know how to react.”

As I stroked Shiba’s hair and gently pushed back her bangs, Shiba’s forehead was a little warm, and the corners of her mouth twitched.

“Paapa… Heeheehee.”
“……”

– Zing.

Where could that static sound be coming from? I couldn’t see Wiki’s expression from my angle.

“Isn’t sister pretty?”
“… Yes, well. She is pretty.”
“We’ll all live together in the future. Once everything is over.”
“… Daddy.”

In a soft voice, Wiki voiced her concern.

“Yes?”
“Do you like sister more than me?”
“Why would you suddenly ask that?”

“…I promised to stroke your hair. You’re not doing it right now.”

Jealousy?
The speed of her petulance is on par with that of a part-timer.

I resumed petting Wiki, doing my best to soothe her.

“I love both of you equally.”
“…Where does such a thing exist? Nothing in the world is completely identical.”
“Why?”
“Well, the human brain has evolved to distinguish and judge… It’s impossible for a love to be completely identical.”

I was momentarily at a loss for words, struck by Wiki’s sharp insight.

Could she possibly be jealous of her sister?
The younger ones often thirst for affection. I felt a pang of guilt as if I had not given her enough love.

“Hmm, Father is a bit foolish. He might struggle to make a decision.”
“…No, you’re not! If I and sister fell into the water, who would you rescue first?”
“Both.”
“Choose only one!!”

At the sound of Wiki’s outburst, I gave a quick peck on Wiki’s cheek.

“Oh…”

Her lips quivered into a grin, her expression wavering between pleasure and surprise.
I held Wiki tight and spoke.

“I’ve become stronger to save both. There’s no such thing as choosing only one.”
“…That’s not what I meant.”

She probably wanted to hear that I loved her more than her sister.
A child’s desire for exclusivity is often like that. I could tell just by the way her lips were pouting.

“I think evasive answers have a negative impact on the conversation.”
“Does my daughter really think so? Do you think your Father would abandon one of you?”

Emotions are not something to be explained by reason or logic.

“Father will protect both.”

Wiki lowered her head in a sulk. But then, she gave a feeble smile, as if pleased by my reassurance.

Then, she posed another question.

“…Then, what if Mother and I fell into the water?”

Alba and Wiki.
In my mind, I pictured a drowning duchess and a baby bear.

Why had Alba left Wiki to drown?
Was she teaching her how to catch salmon?

“…In that case, Wiki.”
“Really?”

This was the truth.
Alba, whether in the sea or a literal hell, would survive and return.

“You like Father that much?”

I asked Wiki sincerely.
Her insistence kept pushing towards self-love.

In response to my question, Wiki hesitated for a moment before nodding.

“…Is it wrong to love Father?”
“Family should love each other.”
“Not that!”

If not that love, then what love?

I’m not a fool and can somewhat understand.
Wiki’s eyes were too passionate for a child.

However, this was just a temporary confusion due to Wiki acquiring too much knowledge for her age.

“It will be corrected soon.”

As she grew a bit older, she would soon avoid her father, finding him repulsive.

Before any of that, the moment must be savored to its fullest.
As counseled by numerous fathers across the digital world, a sentiment shared by parents from every corner of the Earth!
I, too, resolved to tread the same path.

“Love freely.”
“…Truly? Is it for real?”
“Indeed~”
“In that case, let’s promise on it. Cross your fingers.”

Wiki extended her hand, her eyes shimmering with anticipation.
With a mirthful chuckle, I intertwined my fingers with hers.

“My clever girl. Do you believe in superstitions?”
“Well, superstitions do exert a psychological effect, so they’re not entirely baseless!”
“Indeed, if Wiki shows her affection for me, I reciprocate it just as warmly.”
“…You’re permitting this, right? It’s a done deal?!”

From her voice, teetering between questioning and affirmation, I could sense a blend of anxiety and exhilaration.
As our fingers collided, Wiki squealed with delight and threw herself into my arms, peppering my cheeks and lips with kisses.

Our shared affection, a sweet dance that continued until sleep claimed us.

Could Wiki, too, be considered a child?
As she nestled against me, I gently caressed her until she drifted into a peaceful slumber, a picture of blissful contentment.