How to Be a Dark Hero’s Daughter

“What’s going on here?” Zion asked us, looking confused.

“The master and the lady’s clothes…? And didn’t young master Jade change his clothes when he went out? Why are you dressed like a wizard…?”

Zion looked confused, and understandably so. Jade had managed at least dressed up as Yoan, but Collen and I were still dressed in soot.

“There was something going on. And my daughter is beautiful and talented again today. She’s a genius, you know.”

Collen’s usual summary for the day. Of course, Zion wouldn’t understand.

“I’ll prepare a change of clothes and bath water for now…”

“No, prepare the meal first. We’ll have it like this. So hurry.”

“Like this?”

“The bath is after that.”

Zion looked like he couldn’t believe it. I almost burst out laughing.

‘What an unforgettable dinner.’

We were the people of the Duke’s house who ate the food Zion hurriedly prepared, wearing soot-stained clothes.

Later, Jade and I laughed and looked at each other for a long time, feeling amused by the situation.

“Jade, you don’t have to take me to my room.”

“I want to make sure you get there safely.”

We live in the same house anyway. Maybe Jade was shocked that I almost got arrested today, as he took me to my room.

“Um, Jade.”

“…?”

“Thank you for covering me up earlier. I was grateful that you helped me catch the culprit today too.”

“Did I do that?”

Jade had a look of surprise, as if he had no memory of that.

But I remember. I remember the reliable back of Jade blocking me when Collen protested to the king.

“That’s right. And I was happy about it. Even though I’m not even your younger sister. You helped me so much, Jade, and Collen looked after me…”

My heart felt tight.

I’m not alone. I still wasn’t used to the feeling of realizing this. It felt so good, I was so happy.

‘I… always found it hard to just survive alone without bothering my friends.’

Even if the people of the Duke’s family are strong, they know that it’s not common to object to the royal family.

“But even if you didn’t do that, it would have been okay. We could have found a way to resolve it. So from now on, I’ll be a helpful younger sister.”

Jade looked at me strangely.

“Didn’t you hear me earlier?”

“Yes?”

“It would have been okay even if you couldn’t resolve the incident. If the royal family had arrested you, what do you think we would have done?”

“You would have helped me escape… right?”

“Yes. We would have escaped together, even if we had to kill a few people.”

What nonsense is this?

“Isn’t that rebellion?”

“We just have to run away and don’t get caught.”

Jade smirked.

“You still don’t understand because you’re young.”

“…”

“If you have money, it’s not that hard to live a life on the run.”

Ah, I see! Jade is always right.

That is the truth of life…

No, wait!

“But then we could defect to another country and become nobles there. The royal family wouldn’t be able to touch us then.”

It’s a very simple plan.

“But… it’s too reckless.”

“I never learned to be a useless successor who can’t protect their family just to stay safe. As your older brother, I have an obligation to protect you.”

“…”

“Just like Popo.”

Am I still on the same level as a pet? But seeing that I don’t mind, maybe I’m going crazy too.

“Brother.”

Jade was taken aback. In this country, they call their older brothers by their name or “brother”. Jade and I aren’t used to that title. But…

“Thank you. Someday, when I’m all grown up and Jade takes the family, I want to be an adult who can protect Jade. I’ll be a great adult.”

Jade smirked.

“Okay. Speaking of that, we need to find a way for you to become stronger.”

My eyes lit up.

“Should I train with a sword or magic?”

“Magic requires talent, so that’s out…” Jade looked at my arm. “And I don’t think sword training is suitable for your skinny arms.”

“Why not? I’m growing…”

“You haven’t grown. You’re still very small.”

“I haven’t finished growing yet!”

Naturally, I pouted. I can’t stand it when someone dismisses my growth period when it’s not even over yet.