"What do I have to do today? Except running, that is. I am tired of running. It's too much now," yelled Leahlya.
Luke gave her a look and continued polishing his sword. He asked, "What do you have in mind then? Can you hold a sword? No? I know it very well. Here, I have the final say. Unless, you can improve your strength... you will have to continue running. Understood?"
"No! I don't understand! You are knowingly making things difficult for me. Luke! I need something, okay?" Leahlya stomped her foot on the ground. She was full of frustration and anger.
Luke sighed at her attitude. It wasn't new for him to see her lose patience. Although, he was himself was at the end of the rope. What he needed, was miracle. Suddenly, an idea crossed his mind.
"You can use short swords. Or, you can use knives," suggested Luke. He took a deep breath and continued, "I think you can use them to develop your base first. Your body doesn't support swords... for now. But it can change in future. So, let's use the knives first. I will have them prepared specifically for you."
Leahlya looked at him with a gaze full of suspicion. She asked, "Why are you being nice? Is it a ploy to have my guard down so you can enact your revenge on me?"
"It's not a ploy. Look, I am also tired. There is no progress at all. And it's frustrating! I should have known better to expect your father's proposal to teach you. You are a bad student... maybe the worst."
"Okay, I got it! Could you stop insulting me? It's revolting. Well, I agree with your plan."
Nodding, Luke said, "I will talk to the Marquis then."
◆◇◆◇◆◆◇◆◇◆◆◇◆◇◆◆◇◆◇◆
[... I, the emperor of Sacrton Empire, approve Lady Leahlya Argaentine, daughter of Marquis Victor Argaentine, as a private investigator. As for where her office is... she, herself has to decide. But keep in mind... she has to follow certain rules and regulations, or else...
Never interfere in murder cases. If you ever come across a murder case, then simply report to the Red Knights.
Never interfere in the Red Knights' investigation as well.
Don't do something that will jeopardize our empire's safety and integrity.
Also, don't put your nose into other's business.]
Leahlya put down the imperial document on the table, and brought the plate containing pastry near to her.
Wow, he is blunt. Also, why I am out of the murder cases? I am better than the Red Knights. You know that, don't you?
[Yes. Although, the emperor doesn't know yet.]
For them, I am a troublemaker dead set on a whim. I don't know whether to be happy or sad. So, about the blueprints... there are some extra ones as well. But I have to say, you have chosen well. I would have never chosen better myself.
"Lea. What did Count Luke infer? I am confused. He was here to teach you about swords. How come its knives now? Did you say something to him?" asked Victor.
Leahlya shrugged, "Maybe he got a revelation or something. I do have to say, his idea is good."
Victor tapped his fingers on table. He asked, "You know it will affect you, right? I am not giving permission until I am reassured that you will be safe on your own."
First, the restriction and then, this! Ah, it's frustrating!
His words angered Leahlya. She was tired of this bullshit. It was as if she locked in a cage or something. She shouted, "Oh, come on! I am not going out into the wilds, Father! Capital! I will not go out of the capital! You have to stop, alright?! I am not a kid who wants your constant protection! I am capable enough! One day, you have to stop breathing down my neck. It's frustrating for me. Maybe that's why Mother left you!"
Leahlya's eyes widened when she realized what she had said. She tried to apologize but no words came out of her mouth. It was an unsaid prohibition to not to talk about her 'mother' with him.
Victor closed his eyes and nodded his head begrudgingly. With a hurt voice, he said, "I-I... am... sorry. To m-make you feel like... t-that... I am sorry. I will stop breathing down your neck, and you can do whatever you want."
"Father..."
"No, Lea. I am genuinely sorry to make you feel suffocated because of me... it was never my idea. You... can choose your office, wherever you want... just tell me. I will station knights there."
Knights? What was he talking about? Leahlya tried to protest against his decision but Victor raised his hand, silencing her. He said, "You have made your decision, and so have I. Lea, I am sorry but you have given me no choice. You are becoming more and more like wistful, thinking you can do whatever you want without having any consequences."
"Father... you can't do this. I-it's not fair... Father, please reconsider your idea," pleaded Leahlya.
Opening his eyes, Victor gave her an angry look and stood up from his seat. He said, "Your pleading won't help you. Make no mistake, Lea... I am your father and I have the right to make the decision in your behalf. It seems it's my mistake that I have allowed you so much freedom. Unlike other fathers, I care about you... love you... and maybe that's my mistake. This makes you think I will do whatever you want. So, hear these words. Leahlya Argaentine, you are grounded until I say otherwise. Don't come out of your room. Your meals will be delivered to your room. Also, no sweets. NOW GO TO YOUR ROOM!"