* * *
Yay!
We're going to Lepi Village!
We're returning to the beloved green-roofed house!
"Heehee. Daddyyy. Heehee."
"Who let a pony pony ride in the carriage?"
I giggled as I slid off Dad's waist.
"I missed you, Alec!"
The sparkling ear cuff glinted at Dad's ear.
Same pink hair and green eyes as mine!
Dad had already transformed into the unassuming country youth – Alec Walt.
He'd said traveling as Duke Calek Wintervalt would only invite unnecessary rumors.
'That's why we're using an ordinary carriage without the ducal crest!'
Of course, in Lepi Village, Alec was officially deceased from an unfortunate accident. We planned to quickly check the cabin without alerting villagers.
If future visits were needed, we'd repeat this method.
'Not that it matters much if they discover Dad's alive!'
The coffin Aunt Marsha verified at the temple held a body mangled by magical beasts.
While they'd concluded it was Alec based on gender, build, and belongings, identification was practically impossible.
We could always claim it wasn't him.
We'd even prepared a cover story about him surviving a labyrinth accident and reuniting in the capital.
"Huh? What's this cheese lump doing here?"
Dad sighed exasperatedly as I clung to his arm, rubbing my cheek against him.
Yet he didn't push me away – maybe changing appearances softened his heart?
'Seeing the cabin might restore his memories!'
Wouldn't that make changing the future easier?
I turned to Theo sitting doll-like beside me.
"Theo! Isn't it wonderful to go home after so long? Right?"
"Woo!"
Theo nodded vigorously, eyes sparkling.
I glanced right excitedly.
"Dad, you'll definitely regain your memories!"
"Perhaps."
"Why maybe? Stay hopeful! Keep looking forward!" I insisted, pointing ahead.
"...Sigh."
Dad glared resentfully at the carriage wall mirror I'd installed.
"Here's your memory-filled face! Feel anything yet? Any flashes of the past?"
"My head spins watching myself. Who travels staring at their reflection? This needs removing..."
"......"
"...Stop sulking and sit properly."
The carriage jolted suddenly, hitting a rock.
Dad's large hand pressed my head down protectively.
"Get hurt again and I'm tossing you out."
"Heh."
His threats never sounded convincing.
Swinging my legs, I hummed cheerfully.
"Theo, stop climbing on your sister."
"Bup!"
I snuggled the warm bundle that had claimed my lap, watching the passing scenery. Everything flowed perfectly.
'If he recovers memories now... If I can stay by Dad's side unnoticed... If we prevent all dangers... Then we three can live happily ever after!'
The carriage raced onward under unusually clear skies.
That day filled me with buoyant anticipation.
That day...
Became ironically the most tear-soaked of my life.
"Eat something."
"...Don't wanna..."
Calek stared at the small back pressed against the wall.
He set down steaming soup with a troubled sigh.
"Ririn."
"Just... leave me..."
Sniffles punctuated the silence.
Calek bit his trembling lip.
A tiny arm slowly wiped tears.
He feared she might collapse.
The maids said she'd drunk water when coaxed, but hadn't eaten properly.
His eyes caught the yellow coat discarded haphazardly – the same one she'd chattered in excitedly like a chick before departure.
'Damn it...'
Now it lay dust-coated and soot-stained.
The rushed trip used imperial-grade acceleration magic tools, reaching Lepi Village in under two days.
Preparations ensured smooth travel.
Disguise magic prevented rumors about the Duke's southern travels.
Ririn had refused all rest stops, too eager.
He should've tempered her enthusiasm.
They arrived at dawn.
The picturesque path to green-roofed houses by the lake...
"...Huh?"
Ririn's face resembled someone seeing a ghost.
'Without her pointing it out, I'd never have known a house stood there.'
Calek immediately disguised Ruscah to investigate.
Their cabin had burned to ashes one night – too isolated for timely rescue.
'Arson.' Calek's gaze turned glacial.
He ordered deeper investigations while escorting the numb Ririn home.
"Ririn, we're leaving. Get up."
"...Dream..."
Dawn light illuminated her despair.
"...Feels like a dream, Dad..."
When he finally lifted her, she erupted into wails against his shoulder.
Now...
"Sniff."
Her trembling back infuriated him.
"Come cry properly. Why wall-face?"
He softened his voice with effort.
"Ririn... sweetheart."
She stiffened at the endearment.
"Look at me."
Calek didn't notice he'd called himself "Dad" while coaxing her onto his lap.
As he stroked her hair, she mumbled:
"...You."
"What?"
"I didn't lie."
Understanding struck – she'd hidden her face fearing his anger.
Fearing he'd doubt her again, like their first meeting.
