VF 124 – A Child’s Longing for a Father

 Simplicity  Web Novel [ ウェブ小説]  October 24, 2022 3 Minutes

[Dad!! Lift me! Lift me!]

[Yosh, then come here, son! Witness the world from the top of my shoulders!]

[Yaay!!!!]

 I happen to hear such father and son moments nearby as we walk.

His paternal ways of bonding with his child differs with mine but I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that as long as they’re close with their daughter or son.

There’s also the fact that I am a noble. I can’t afford to break my cool and sophisticated image now, especially in front of Laurel. Well, perhaps I can, provided I put more elegance and style into it. Hm? Seryu-sama? What are you looking at me for?

[Is something the matter, Seryu?] (Calis)

[N-no, nothing.] (Seryu)

Serena-sama was just happily talking with Laurel moments ago but she must have noticed something as well after what Seryu-sama said.

The little prince is still stealing glances at me and that didn’t escape the princess’ notice. As such, perhaps finally collecting the pieces together–

[It’s not everyday that we’re able to play around like this, so why don’t you ask father to give you a lift as well? I’m sure the scenery would be amazing if you sit on his shoulders, you know.] (Serena)

[B-but…] (Sry)

[You haven’t tried it before, right? The more reason we have to ask for it now. Soooo~~~, Father~, would you mind?~] (Srn)

…It irks me that I have to dance according to the princess’ tune but… after seeing Prince Seryu like the young child he is, who can only stare enviously as he probably had no chance to be close and play like that with his own father, I can’t help but feel sympathetic about the boy.

[No, I won’t. Come here, Seryu.] (C)

[I – is it really okay?] (Sry)

[Ofcourse. We’re father and son, after all.] (C)

*Beams* (Sry)

Seryu-sama then happily comes to me.

I picked him up and seated him on my shoulders before I stood up.

[Waaaa…!!! So high!!!!!!] (Sry)

Seems like he is enjoying it more than I expected.

He’s still just a child after all.

*tugs*

*tugs*

I look beside me to see Laurel pulling my clothes.

Oh goodness. Look at you cutely puffing your cheeks, my dear.

Even I can figure out that my daughter feels jealous about the prince on my shoulders. 

As such, I pick her up and carry her in my arms.

[How about now, dear?] (Calis)

[…Un. This soothes me the best.] (Laurel)

I can’t help but smile a little at my daughter trying to retain her onee-san mode filled with nobleness and grace as she snuggles in my embrace while the prince enjoys the scenery from the top of my head.

Oho, is this how it feels to be popular? I’ll probably be put in similar situations when I’d be on a trip with Mint and Basil someday so this might be a good practice until such day arrives.

[Fufufu, you sure are popular, father. After their turns, I’d be fine whether on top of your shoulders or within your arms.] (Srn)

This princess sure is having her own fun as well, huh.

Based on her smile, I more or less assume that half the reason for it is because she’s messing with me. The other half perhaps is her feeling happy about Seryu-sama?

*Cuddles*

Oops. Seems like I don’t have to return the princess words immediately.

After all, Laurel, after hearing what the princess said, hugs me tighter and seemingly doesn’t want to forfeit her place.

Oh goodness, daughters are just pretty cute and sweet, aren’t they?

Translator’s Notes: