"Of course, I'm your father. But I'm also the head of the Frankel family and a duke of the empire. I can't just think about you alone," Benedict replied, his tone calm yet firm.
"So you're ready to sell me out, right?" Arina's voice turned icy as she finally pieced together her father's intentions.
She understood that being born into such a powerful family meant that familial warmth was often a luxury. Yet she longed for the kind of care and love that ordinary people took for granted.
While she had felt some pride when her father was willing to go to great lengths to protect her earlier, her disappointment now was equally profound. For the sake of the family's benefit, he was asking her to endure something she found unbearable.
"Sell you out? To whom?" Benedict rubbed his temples, his stern demeanor softening slightly as he sensed his daughter's discontent.
"A child with an unknown background who suddenly shows up claiming I'm his mother. Just because he's powerful, you want me to put up with the constant threat of danger. Isn't that what you're asking of me?"
Though she had spent over ten days with Muria without incident, Arina still couldn't bring herself to fully trust him. Her guard remained up.
"You've already spent time with him, haven't you? He hasn't harmed you in all this time, and there's no reason to think he would in the future.
"In fact, having him by your side makes you safer. I can withdraw the knights protecting you and assign them to other matters."
"Ah, so that's it. With Muria around, the world will assume the Frankel family has gained another near-divine figure. Even if he does nothing, our family's influence expands," Arina said bitterly.
"Exactly. It's for the family's benefit. I hope you can tolerate this for now."
As head of the family, Benedict had weighed his options. Compared to the potential gains for the family, his daughter's discomfort seemed a small price to pay.
"And you didn't even stop to think about how this affects me, did you? I'm just a sixteen-year-old girl, and now I suddenly have a seven- or eight-year-old son. How do you think people will view me? Or the Frankel family?"
"I know this situation will lead to some gossip. But such rumors are fleeting. Over time, they'll fade away."
"But the benefits you gain won't fade, will they?"
"I understand your resentment, and I'm sorry. But as head of this family, I'm responsible for the well-being of thousands of people.
"When the family's interests are at stake, I have no choice but to prioritize them. I hope you can understand. I truly am sorry."
"Still upset with your father? There's no need," Muria remarked as he strolled through the picturesque gardens of the estate. The lush greenery and melodic birdsong made for a tranquil scene. He turned to Arina, who was perched atop the low roof of a wooden cottage.
"This is what any competent leader would do. You're old enough now. Surely you've been sacrificed for the family's interests before. Isn't this just par for the course?"
"You're right. My father is an excellent leader. I shouldn't have expected anything more," Arina replied, resting her chin on her knees, her arms wrapped around her legs. Her tone was subdued.
"And you really don't need to worry about me. I'll protect you. You won't face any harm from the outside world while I'm here, so relax."
"Ha!" Arina let out a cold laugh. "Do you think I've forgotten how we first met? That creature on your shoulder nearly killed me. You expect me to believe you won't let it happen again?"
"Ahem," Muria coughed lightly, raising a fist to his mouth. "That was an accident. It won't happen again—you have my word."
"Won't happen again? It shouldn't have happened in the first place!"
"I… wanted to test something. To see if, in a near-death state, my mother's consciousness might awaken."
"And the result?"
"Obviously, it didn't work," Muria admitted with a shrug, clearly disappointed.
"So doesn't that prove I'm not your mother's reincarnation?"
"No," Muria said, shaking his head firmly. "I've told you before—I can see it. My mother is within you, dormant."
"Whatever you say," Arina muttered, her tone laced with frustration. "Not like anyone in my family will intervene, no matter what you do."
Hearing this, Muria's golden eyes narrowed slightly, his expression taking on an unreadable quality.
"What's that look for? What are you planning?" Arina asked warily, noticing his change in demeanor.
"How about coming with me on a journey?" Muria suggested with a smile.
"What?"
"Don't you want to see the world? It's vast, full of wonders. Let's go explore."
"You're asking me to leave? To go where?"
"Anywhere. Wherever you want," Muria said, spreading his arms wide. "The sky, the seas—the world is ours to roam."
"No thanks," Arina shot back without hesitation. "Only an idiot would leave with a kid whose background is completely unknown but whose power is terrifying."
"Objections? That's fine. I'm just letting you know. If you agree, great. If not…" He trailed off, chuckling softly.
"You're trying to force me again! I'm your mother!" Arina snapped, her brows furrowing in indignation. "Did you talk to me like this before I was reincarnated?"
"Of course not. I wouldn't have dared," Muria replied honestly.
"Then why now?"
"Because you don't have your memories right now."
"So it's my fault, huh?"
"Anyway, is there anything you want to take care of here before we leave? If you have unfinished business, I'll help you resolve it. Once that's done, we'll head out."
"Head out? For what?"
"To find your partner—my father. And my wife—your daughter-in-law."
"They're missing? They've reincarnated too?"
"Exactly. They've also been reincarnated. We need to find them quickly before anything happens."
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