Chapter 28: I’d Rather Lick Boots Than Become Homeless!

Pride wouldn’t pay the bills. Pride wouldn’t save my life, either. Fine, I could swallow my pride and lick his boots if I had to. But becoming homeless before I got rich? Anything but that!

"I’m sorry for everything, Papa!"

Lydia remained bowed on the floor. Even she couldn’t believe what she had just done. She had never behaved like this in her previous life.

But then she remembered her experience at the Imperial Authority.

A weak and useless Guide like her would be treated as cannon fodder in Dimensional Rifts. That was how she died in her previous life.

But there was no turning back now. This time, she had to be smarter.

If playing nice could buy her more time, Lydia would do it. If apologizing meant she could stay until graduation, she would apologize as many times as it took.

She wasn’t going to throw away her future just to protect her pride.

Lydia sighed at her past self’s foolishness. She had spent so much time defending herself without realizing how easily she could lose her place in the family.

"Papa."

The word left her mouth by her own choice this time.

Lydia’s eyes stung as tears gathered in them. She had never called him that in either of her lives, and she hadn’t expected it to affect her so much.

Her father had never treated her like his own daughter, but he hadn’t abandoned her completely either.

By sending Lydia to the Imperial Authority after graduation, he had given her a place to go and a chance to survive on her own.

It was the last mercy he had granted her.

Perhaps calling him Papa was the least Lydia could do to express her gratitude.

Across from her, the Duke stared at Lydia with his eyes wide open. He looked as though he had never expected to hear such a word from her mouth.

Of course, he hadn’t.

Lydia had never called him Papa before. As far as he knew, she had always addressed him formally as Father.

"I apologize for making a commotion during my days in the Elite Class. This incident is due to my F-Rank as a Guide that got me kicked out from my Elite Dorm. But I have worked hard to make it to C-Rank. Emily Fielyn had also attacked me with her Resonance. But we had ended things before it could escalate further. I will deeply reflect upon my actions."

Lydia continued speaking while kneeling before him, keeping her head lowered as she delivered her apology.

Damn it. If I think about it, I’m not even at fault for the commotion. I was the victim. A Sentinel attacked a Guide. That was really low. My fault? My ass!

Still, Lydia knew better than to voice those thoughts aloud.

"I know I have acted immaturely until now, but if you let it go just this once, I will do my best to prove my worth until my graduation."

After finishing her statement, Lydia remained perfectly still, her hands resting on the floor in front of her.

She had never begged like this before, not even when Lydia lived with her birth parents in the slums. That was how desperate her situation had become.

But here Lydia was, a fake lady of House Valendorf, begging with her body down to the ground.

Just hurry up and forgive me already! My feet feel numb already.

"You..."

The Duke looked down at her as though he were seeing a completely different person.

He didn’t immediately continue. Instead, he seemed to be carefully considering his next words, taking his time as he studied the daughter who had just thrown herself onto the floor and called him Papa.

"I... understand what you are saying. You may rise."

"Yes."

Lydia stood up without hesitation. Unfortunately, her relief lasted only three seconds.

"There’s one more matter."

Lydia froze.

Oh, come on. What now?

The Duke’s expression remained unchanged.

"Your engagement to His Highness has lasted nearly seven years. I trust you understand the importance of maintaining appropriate conduct, particularly given your positions."

WAIT. IS HE TALKING ABOUT THAT DEEP SYNCHRONIZATION INCIDENT?!

Yeah, Brother Vincent must have told everyone. He sure had a loose mouth.

Not that Lydia could exactly tell her father and brothers that she and Ephraim had done it before, just not today. She might be shameless, but she wasn’t suicidal.

"Papa, that was—"

"Whatever the circumstances," the Duke interrupted, "I expect you to exercise better judgment in the future. The words spoken by a Valendorf carry great weight, Lydia."

The Duke picked up his pen, apparently considering the matter settled.

"Do not let this chance that you earned today go to waste. You should leave now."

"...Yes, good night, Papa."

Lydia turned toward the door with what little dignity she had left.

Ephraim Rion Adelstein, I hope you choke on your next meal. I’ll make sure to give you a stab or two with my antlers later!

Lydia immediately turned to leave. The Duke had dismissed her, and she had no intention of testing his patience by remaining in the office any longer than necessary.

The door creaked loudly as Lydia left her father’s office. She could still feel his sharp gaze following her until the door closed behind her.

At least she had managed to convince him to let her remain in the household until graduation, which was still about two years away.

Whether the Duke genuinely believed her apology or simply wanted to give her another chance to prove her worth, Lydia didn’t particularly care. She had secured what she needed, and that was enough for now.

Unfortunately, her troubles weren’t over.

Brother Sylvain was waiting near the staircase, his arms folded across his chest. The moment Lydia appeared, his cold gaze settled on her.

"Good evening, Brother."

"Spare me the pleasantries, Lydia. Come here. We need to talk."

"Can’t we talk here?"

"No."

Lydia sighed and followed him into the sitting room. Apparently, surviving one interrogation wasn’t enough. Now she had to deal with her brother.