Daddy, I Don’t Want to Marry!

Just then, he got up from his chair and asked, You seem redder than usual. Do you have a fever?

Startled, I forced a smile. D-daddy! Good morning!

I greeted him cheerfully, to which he put on a faint smile. Good morning. Youre up early today.

Perhaps saying good morning to ones dad was a normal thing for other people, but I was greatly moved. My eyes grew hot.No, Im not going to cry. Ill be able to greet him every morning now I managed to hold back my tears and grinned. By the way, Dad, about the coming-of-age ceremony Did you leave the preparations to Madam Perez?

Yes. He then glanced at me and smiled. Is there anything specific you want for the ceremony?

I nodded, and although nervous, I struggled to enunciate clearly. Yes, I want to prepare it myself.

He seemed surprised by my answer. You do?

Seeing the bewildered look on his face, I tensed up.I understand why hes surprised. Ive only prepared small tea parties until now. I havent done anything big like a coming-of-age ceremony.I was feeling a little down from my lack of experience but nodded and waited patiently for his answer.

That would make you busy Will that be okay?

There would be a lot of work to be done, and it would be difficult. Still, it was my banquet, and I wanted to be responsible for the preparations. Nodding vigorously, I said, It doesnt bother me at all! Ill make sure to do a good job!

He looked at me in amazement. All right. I have no problem with that.

I wanted to yell hooray at the top of my lungs, but I was afraid he would find it inappropriate.He gave me a chance Ill have to show him that Im reliable!With such determination, I smiled. Thank you!

* * *

Regis was flustered at first when Jubelian said she would prepare the banquet. As far as he knew, his daughter was a quiet child who liked books. However, she announced her desire to work diligently. It seemed that she was determined to take up some responsibility now that she was close to coming of age.

Im very proud of her.Regis almost patted her head without realizing it. He stopped himself before he could, afraid that she might not like being treated like a little girl. Just as he was pulling his hand away, a small hand wrapped around his.

I havent done anything like this before So thank you so much for trusting me.

She was pretending to be calm, but her voice was trembling. Regis wanted to say something to comfort her but couldnt think of anything. Holding her hand tightly, he said, Let me know if you need anything.

Despite his useless consolation, Jubelian smiled happily. I will.

Watching his precious daughter, Regis smiled bitterly.

* * *

Having returned to my room, I brainstormed some ideas for the banquet. The only problem was that I had no idea what I wanted. I had acted confident in front of my dad, but there hadnt been any big banquets held at our mansion for the past three years. It was no wonder I was lost. Madam Perez would be willing to help me, but the problem was that she had not hosted any parties since my debutante ball. She wouldnt be aware of the latest trends. I still remembered how much trouble she had preparing for the ball a few years ago.

It would be nice to have an adult relative at a time like thisI lamented. I was not close with any cousins from my dads side. On my mothers side, I had an aunt I was familiar with, but she did not live in the empire. In the end, I was mostly alone in my preparations.