How to Be a Dark Hero’s Daughter

A few days later, Marianne arrived at the mansion. True to her character, Marianne made a very dramatic entrance.

“Who is it? The person who bullied our baby in the royal family! And to top it off, she was held hostage at the fair? Those bastards!”

Marianne stormed into the living room while I was reading a book. And before Zion could protest, she examined every part of my body.

“Are you hurt anywhere? Are you okay? You poor girl. You went through a lot.”

Once Marianne  realized I was unharmed, she hugged me tightly this time. I struggled to breathe.

‘I can’t breathe…’

But Marianne’s scent was comforting. Besides, that was a long time ago.

“I’m okay now. Everything’s been resolved!”

I patted Marianne’s shoulder lightly.

“As if the genius daughter of the Duke’s exploits weren’t already making headlines. I was even mentioned in a special article in the kingdom’s newspaper.”

I cheekily smiled as Marianne held my cheek.

“When Collen became senile in his early years and not in his later years, and everyone cursed at him for claiming that his daughter was a genius. When everyone used to curse and insult him, now they’re going crazy over the genius girl. Even in the countryside, they talk about you.”

“Has a rumor spread about me?”

“It’s not just a rumor, you’ve gained fame.”

Marianne grasped my cheeks and spoke.

“Our baby is so cute and smart. What am I supposed to do?”

I was dumbfounded.

“Marianne, come this way, alone!”

I took Marianne’s hand and led her to another room.

Ta-da! Inside the room, a splendid birthday table was set up.

“Happy birthday, Saintess!”

“Happy birthday!”

The servants applauded and smiled. Thank you, elder sister maids, for helping.

“Happy birthday! Dad is on his way, and we’ll have another party during dinner!”

Marianne fell silent. She had a bewildered expression.

That’s right, presents!

“Marianne! And this is a gift from me!”

“There’s a gift too?”

“Yes!”

I took out a large jewelry box from the table and opened it to show her.

“I received it as a reward for solving the case.”

“Oh, wow! This is really magnificent. This opal is a famous item.”

As expected, Marianne knows how to appreciate things. I nodded my head.

“Yes, they’re all mine. So… I thought and thought and finally decided. I wasn’t sure what you would like, so I prepared several options! You can choose one from these!”

Marianne didn’t say anything. I gently shook the box.

“Hurry, Marianne!”

Giving a gift was just as joyful as receiving one. Unbeknownst to me, my eyes sparkled.

But Marianne’s reaction was strange. She simply stared at me without a word.

“So, is that why you were so excited today?”

“Yes, because I wanted to give you something nice, Marianne.”

Could it be that she doesn’t like it?

‘As expected, is this not enough for Mariane?’

I flinched and looked for any signs.

Could it be that the surprise birthday party isn’t pleasing?

“Marianne?”

Maria pulled me close and hugged me tightly. Then Marianne let go of me. Could it be?

“Marianne, are you crying now? Why?”

She gently stroked my cheek.

“I’m crying because I miss you.”

“W-What? What do you miss?”

“I shed tears because I was happy because I remembered my nostalgic feelings. That’s how adults are. Sometimes, when long-forgotten emotions resurface, you feel like crying. But it’s not sadness, it’s because you’re happy.”

Marianne gave a soft kiss on my cheek.

“Come to think of it, it’s my birthday. In the duchy, they don’t usually pay attention to such things… Moreover, in the temple, they don’t acknowledge the Saint’s birthday. They celebrate the day of the goddess’s reincarnation or something like that.”

Marianne whispered and brushed my hair aside.

“Since I received such a wonderful gift, I must repay you.”

Marianne pondered for a while and chose a small brooch with an embedded emerald that looked the most delicate. I wanted to give her something better, but Marianne said this was enough.

“I’m going to wear it often, and if my picture appears in the newspaper sometimes, check it out.”

“Yes!”

“They will be extremely jealous. Those two.”

My face turned pale at those words.

“R-Really?”

When I think about it, I’ve been freeloading in the duchy all this time. Even if Collen and Jade don’t work out, maybe I should sell this and cover my living expenses?

“Aah, I know what you’re thinking. No, it’s not that. I’m saying they will be jealous because I received a good gift.”

Marianne chuckled softly.

“Give me a kiss on the cheek later. Collen, my brother, has everything good, and Jade, that brat, has way too much money compared to other heirs, so he would find expensive gifts bothersome.”

Curiosity sparked in me at her words.

“Why Jade?”

“Oh, Jade’s mother was as wealthy as Collen’s. They didn’t get married, but Jade is not a bastard. Ask him sometime.”

That’s another enigmatic remark. Marianne laughed mischievously, diverting the conversation.

“Shall we try the birthday feast our baby prepared?”