Chapter 223 - Feverish Love

Regis glanced at his daughter, who had grown quiet. ‘Did she notice?’ As a protective measure, he always followed her when she went somewhere alone, despite knowing that she would detest it if she were to find out. Her reflection clear in his eyes, Regis sighed. He could tell there was something atypical about her expression. Nevertheless, she seemed to be holding back her queries.

In any case, he was glad she didn’t ask any more questions. Relief only lasted for a moment for Regis, however, as he felt bitter the moment he looked out the window of the carriage. He could see the imperial palace in the distance. The emperor came to mind, and Regis clenched his fists without realizing it. The nobles had likely interpreted Jubelian and Max’s dance as a ceremonial one, but Regis knew that the emperor had noticed something. His vermillion eyes had shown a conspicuous light as they trailed after the couple.

‘There’s a chance he may have realized something.’ The emperor had little to no affection for his son to the point he could not distinguish the crown prince from his subordinates. Nonetheless, the avaricious man was keen when it came to spotting others’ weaknesses. If the shrewd man succeeded in making the connection between the two, he would most likely use Jubelian to control the crown prince.

‘Just like he has done to me.’

The mere thought of the emperor ignited Regis’ rage hibernating in the depths of his heart. It overcame him with murderous intent—urging him to behead the damned man and tear his body to pieces to leave as food for the stray dogs. Nevertheless, there was a reason why Regis endured and suppressed such atrocious desires.

‘It’s not time yet.’ His expressionless face masking the fire raging throughout him, Regis continued to watch the palace grow afar.

“Father?” his daughter suddenly called. Regis slowly turned. “Is everything all right?”

He was taken aback by her inquiry. As far as he knew, he had not done anything to make her worried. Although he was bewildered, he was maintaining a calm appearance without fail. “What do you mean by that?”

Jubelian replied, somewhat embarrassed. “Oh, I just thought you looked a bit pale… That’s all.”

Regis barely contained his laughter. ‘Pale… It’s something I haven’t heard in a long time.’ After becoming a transcendent being, not one person had worried about his well-being. After all, possessing a supernatural ability meant that his body was capable of avoiding almost all illnesses.

‘Perhaps she is concerned about me.’ Realizing once again how lovable his daughter was, Regis smiled. “You must know that even the most terrible illnesses cannot dare to approach me.” He had meant to alleviate her distress, but Jubelian blushed as if she thought she was being criticized.

“O-oh, of course. I didn’t mean to underestimate your abilities as a transcendent being. It was just that you seemed uneasy…”

Watching his dear daughter made Regis realize how displeased he was with her relationship with Max. ‘That senseless rascal. He should have been more careful about getting caught if he decided on a secret relationship with my daughter.’ Suddenly reminded of the two dancing, Regis gritted his teeth. ‘Come to think of it, he was way too close to Jubell, that pervert.’

After their dance, Regis had to suppress his urge to follow his daughter to the terrace to watch over her. ‘She’s still young…’ Jubelian was only two months away from coming of age, but to Regis, she was no more than a naive girl. Such was why he couldn’t stand his manipulative disciple spending time around his innocent daughter.

‘They both know that I haven’t allowed them to date yet.’ Regis decided that he would protect his daughter from any malicious influences until she came of age. Having come to a conclusion, Regis nodded. “It’s nothing you need to be worried about, Jubelian.” Once again, he had meant to comfort her, but his daughter nodded with a pitiful expression.

“Okay, Father.”

Regis sighed. ‘This is truly… difficult.’