Rei was all set to leave her room through the window when Daichi suddenly entered.
"If you keep leaving through the window, we might have to keep getting in trouble, young lady," he said, folding his arms while munching on an apple.
Rei froze in place like a caught thief, one leg already halfway over the windowsill. Then she grinned sheepishly and climbed down, landing on her feet with a soft thud.
"Papa!" she said, rushing over with a smile that could melt the moonlight.
Daichi's eyes lit up the moment he saw her outfit. "Wow, you really look beautiful today. I mean, you're always beautiful every day, but today you look extraordinary. What's the occasion?" he asked, one brow raised teasingly.
Rei's cheeks tinted a light pink as she brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Well, I have an all-day date with Akari today, so I have to look my best. Who knew the maids knew fashion better than me?" she said, glancing down at her carefully chosen kimono and hairpin.
Daichi smiled warmly, pride shining in his eyes. "Well, you should've told me. I would've helped you pick the finest dress in the city. But you do look stunning," he said softly. "I can't believe my little naughty princess is all grown up now."
"Dad, I'm still little, okay?" Rei said with a cheeky grin. Then she paused, her sharp eyes narrowing at his outfit. "Wait a second… you're all dressed up too. Are you going somewhere, Papa?"
Daichi gave a low chuckle, taking another bite of his apple. "Hmm… yes. I have to run a few tasks for your dad. If I don't, he's not going to let me sleep on the bed tonight—or maybe ever again, haha."
Rei tilted her head suspiciously. "Are you two fighting again?"
"No, no, we're not," he said quickly, waving his hand in dismissal. "It's just his silly rivalry thing. You know how he gets. He wants me to be part of it, even though I've told him dozens of times not to involve me. But he just doesn't listen. I have to go this time, though. He's meeting someone today, and I'm the only one left to help, since you're not going anywhere near anything that has to do with the Hoshinos."
"Of course not," Rei said, puffing out her cheeks. "That rivalry thing just doesn't make sense." Then her tone softened. "Good luck, Papa. Oh! That reminds me, how's training going with the twins?"
Daichi sighed deeply, scratching the back of his neck. "Oh, those twins… they're having a hard time learning, even with their magical weapons—or whatever those things are."
"Are you planning to give up on them?" Rei asked, raising a brow as they began walking toward the hallway.
"Of course not," Daichi replied proudly. "They're my students, and I'm their teacher. We're in this together. I'll make the best out of them—just as soon as I'm done running your father's errands."
Rei smiled at that, admiration shining in her golden eyes. "That's the spirit! That's the Papa I know. You never give up, no matter what happens."
Daichi chuckled, his cheeks tinting faintly red. "That goes for you too, Rei. Never give up on what feels right to you, huh? Always stay true to yourself—and never let go of Lady Akari, no matter how many people are against it. Hold on to your true love, just like I never let go of your dad when everyone called me the powerless one."
Rei gasped, giggling. "Papa, you're being mushy again."
"Haha, am I?" Daichi said with a grin. "Maybe I'm getting old. But it's true. Love makes us foolish, but it also makes us strong."
Rei smiled softly. "Don't worry, Papa. Your daughter is just like you—a fighter! I'll never, ever give up on my love for Akari. It's forever—till death do us part!" she declared dramatically, placing a hand on her chest as she laughed. Her laughter echoed through the room like sunlight breaking through clouds.
Daichi couldn't help but laugh along. "Alright, alright," he said, holding up his hands. "But no going through the window again, young lady. Use the main door. Your dad's not around, and I've already told the guards to let you out."
"Oh, that's true—he's really not around," Rei said, looking around suspiciously. "But you know, old habits die hard. Who knows, he might be spying on me right now."
"Haha, he's not around, girl. Come on, I'll walk you to the gate if you want…" Daichi said with a chuckle. Rei immediately linked her arm around his.
"That's much better, Papa. I don't want to spend another seven days training nonstop again."
Daichi smirked. "Haha, but isn't that worth it? You get a date with Akari and seven extra days of training—that's fun!"
Rei groaned. "It would be more fun if you were my teacher instead of that bald old man who always looks like I killed him in his past life or something."
Daichi burst out laughing so hard he nearly dropped his apple. "Sensei Gohan's always been like that—even when he was your father's teacher. You know, if you want him to be nicer to you, you just have to defeat him in a fight."
"Really? He'll go easy on me if I defeat him?" Rei asked, her eyes glinting with hope as they reached the main gate.
"No," Daichi said, a sly smile forming. "He'll actually be tougher on you—but he'll give you a smile for every defeat."
Rei blinked, then laughed. "That sounds like torture!"
"It is," Daichi said with mock seriousness, then chuckled again.
They walked slowly, the morning sun spilling golden light through the paper windows of the long corridor. The scent of fresh rain lingered outside, and the faint hum of soldiers training in the courtyard echoed in the distance. For a brief moment, everything felt peaceful—too peaceful.
"Papa," Rei said quietly after a while, her tone softer now. "You promise you'llq be back before night, right?"
Daichi glanced at her, surprised by the sudden seriousness in her voice. "Of course. You know I always come back," he said with a reassuring smile.
Rei frowned slightly. "You always say that, but… this time, it feels different."
Daichi ruffled her hair gently. "You're overthinking again, little one. I'm not going anywhere. Your papa's tougher than he looks, you know."
"Hmm… I guess." She smiled faintly. "You better keep that promise then, or I'll tell Dad you secretly taught me how to sneak out through the kitchen roof."
Daichi gasped dramatically. "You wouldn't dare!"
Rei laughed so hard she had to hold onto him for balance. "I would!"
He smiled as they stepped out into the sunlight. "You're too much like me. That's the problem."
"And proud of it," she said, raising her chin playfully.
Daichi stopped for a moment, just looking at her. The breeze tugged gently at her hair, and the morning light caught her face perfectly. She looked so full of life, so determined, so much like the little girl who used to chase butterflies in the garden and call him her hero. His chest tightened with emotion, though he hid it behind a smile.
"Papa?" she said softly. "Why are you staring at me like that?"
"Nothing," Daichi said, forcing a grin. "Just wondering when my little girl became a lady."
Rei laughed again, spinning lightly on her heel. "The moment you stopped checking my pockets before I went out!"
"Touché," Daichi said, shaking his head with a grin.
They reached the gates as Rei adjusted her dress again and took a deep breath, her eyes glowing with excitement for the day ahead.
Daichi spread his arms wide. "Hey! Aren't you going to give Papa a good luck hug before heading out?"
"tsk tsk—nope! When I get back from my all-day date, I'll give you a big hug, Papa!" Rei said as she started walking away.
"What if you don't see me at home?" Daichi called after her.
"Papa, you're always at home!" she shouted back, her voice fading into the distance.
Daichi chuckled, shaking his head as he watched her go. "That girl…"
"Master Daichi, it's time," a guard said as he approached and bowed respectfully.
"Really? We're leaving right now?" Daichi asked, noticing the rest of the guards waiting for him by the gates.