Kill you What?

Darwins eyes were stained with shock.

At the same time, he recalled the first time they met. During that event, she had spoken the same thing, asking him to kill herself.

Maybe now is the time. Please kill me.

As Esther begged, the thunder struck, and she covered her ears while burying her face in her knees.

What in the world did this small child go through?

Darwin was overwhelmed by anger. These werent words that should originate from a twelve-year-old.

Hed rather her tell him to stay by her side instead of cruel statements.

He said he would give her anything she wanted, but the first thing this child asked for was her death.

Why on earth

Darwin couldnt keep up with the terrible words. What made this little child so desperate?

I have a knife. Ill give it to you if you need it.

As if to prove that she was not just bluffing, she violently pressed on her hand.

Darwin stared at Esthers hand, which had gone pale. Countless emotions sprang within him.

If only they had met earlier. If only they couldve been a family sooner. He felt so painful, and his heart hurt severely.

No. Thats not going to happen.

It wont?

No. No one, not me, can hurt you.

Darwin drew out the sweetest voice he could produce and whispered gently.

Esther flinched and shut her eyes at Darwins raised hand, which intended to comfort and soothe her.

Darwin felt the surge of murder rush through him and clenched his fists.

Who hit you?

No.

Esther mumbled and shook her head. Darwin felt even more emotional.

Esther, look at me.

Darwin bent his knees and adjusted his eye level to match Esthers. Then he slowly recognized.

He had never soothed a crying child. When the twins wept, the nanny would only hug them.

Nevertheless, he made clumsy eye contact to calm the frightened Esther.

Who am I?

The Grand Duke.

Yes. This is the Grand Dukes residence, your home. It is a very safe place.

Esther nodded slowly at Darwins words.

No one can hurt you. I will protect you.

As she listened to his sincere tone, Ether slowly began to return to her senses.

Are you afraid of lightning?

Yes.

This time, she answered simply and honestly.

I see.

It was not easy to block the lightning this instant. The sound would continue to leak inside, no matter how many times it would be blocked with curtains.

For now, Ill stay by your side.

The Grand Duke?

Esthers eyes widened. It struck her that the cold-hearted Darwin would be there for her.

Lets go to bed for now. Its too cold here.

When Esther didnt help herself up, Darwin gently lifted her, assuring her it would be alright.

To keep the thunder from being heard as much as possible, he wrapped the blanket tightly around her while embracing the small girl.

Since when were you afraid of thunder?

Its been a while.

Esther spoke quietly.

Did something happen?

Ive been locked up all the time. But on rainy days, Rabienne would always Ah, nothing.

Was it because she was happy that someone was there for her? Her mind uplifted, and hidden memories unconsciously spilled out.

Because of Rabienne?

Huh? I must have spoken the wrong thing.

Esther roughly equivocated her reasoning and marked her words as a mistake. It wasnt something she could tell Darwin.

Locked? Rabienne?

But Darwin didnt listen to anything Esther said.

He was planning to send a person to the temple to investigate as soon as the day dawned.

Be careful.

Darwin gently laid Esther on top of the bed and grabbed a chair next to the bedside.

His sleeve was still clenched in Esthers grasp.

It was then.

Footsteps could be heard from the hallway. It wasnt long after Judy burst into the room.

Judy was hugging a pillow with one arm while rubbing his sleepy eyes with the other hand.

Father? Esther? Why are you with her?

Did you wake up from the thunder?

No, I was worried about Esther since there was too much thunder striking.

Judy opened his mouth and yawned. Then, without hesitation, he ran up to the bed.

Huh? Esther, did you cry? Your eyes are red.

When Esther avoided looking at him, Judy snorted and stretched her cheeks.

What, youre still a baby.

Judy!

Of course, when Darwin rebuked him, he grumbled and let go.

But did father come because he was worried about Esther?

Yes.

Tch. You never came to me.

Judy puffed his cheeks and threw a fit. It was evident he was upset.

Bewildered by him, Darwin unconsciously responded coldly.

You werent afraid of lighting.

No, I was scared when I was a kid. Thats why I came here to check on Esther.

Eventually, Darwin lowered his head.

Since it was true that he had not cared for the twins, it was heartbreaking to realize it only belatedly.

I apologize.

Forget it. Im already hurt.

Judy admitted that he was hurt and swung his head to the other side.

Judy, if I knew you were scared, I would do the same for you. I didnt know. Im sorry.

Just with words?

Then?

Give me a present.

Judy stretched out his hands while pouting. A line formed between Darwins forehead.

What do you want to receive?

The immunity right. No scolding me!

This child!

You said you were sorry just now!

I know.

Eventually, Judy pulled out a voucher from Darwin. Then he laughed as if nothing had happened.

Ive been deceived.

Darwin belatedly realized that he had fallen for Judys trick, but he could not take back what had already occurred.

But Esther. Im not scared now. So if you grow up a little more, you wont be afraid of that sound.

Judy bragged that he wasnt scared anymore. Nevertheless, those words somehow comforted Esther.

Really?

Yes. I mean it. But since youre scared, Ill protect you until youre not anymore!

It hadnt been long since both met, yet he was already acting like an older brother.

A smile hung around Darwins mouth as he observed the scene. It was lovely to watch him taking care of Esther.

Good. In the future, lets all sleep together on rainy days.

You dont have to

Really? Yay! I hope it rains all the time.

Esther tried to assure it was alright as she was uncomfortable with the care surrounding her, but was blocked by Judys excited voice.

This kid.

Darwin frowned and gave Judy a big flick on his forehead.

Esthers face as she stared at them slowly turned to normal.

Ahm, I I have brought a candle.

Ben, who had entered after waiting for the right time to make appear, sniffled in emotion.

He had never seen such a rare sight during his entire career serving Darwin and hence was deeply moved.

Place it there.

I understand.

After he placed the candle on the table, their surroundings brightened in a flash. Esthers eyes reflected the glimmering light as she gazed at the lamp.

Ah, its bright.

Yes. The darker the place, the better the light penetrates. Darkness is nowhere near when the light has driven it out.

Darwin patted Esthers chest with his large palm.

So sleep well.

Me too. Ill do it too.

Judy also proceeded to pat Esthers stomach with his hand alongside Darwin.

Though both their rhythms were offbeat and not a wink of sleep hit Esther, it felt more peaceful than ever.

Come to think of it, she couldnt hear the sound of the lighting from some point on. It was the same despite the heavy rain.

Im sorry. You cant sleep because of me.

No, I feel at ease watching you.

Darwin gently fixed Esthers bangs which tilted forward.

Look, Judy is already asleep. You should too.

Judy fell asleep as soon as he closed his eyes.

Are you going to leave when I fall asleep?

No. Ill stay until the rain stops.

You cant go If you leave me alone

Was it because she was relieved by those words? Or, perhaps it was due to Darwins warm voice.

Esther slowly closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep.

Now you are asleep.

Darwin sorrowfully observed Esther, who still clutched his pinky in fear of it disappearing.

Will you rest here?

Thats right.

I will bring you a blanket.

For fear that the children would wake up, Ben and Darwin conversed while whispering to each other.

But She strangely hated the thunder.

It seems like she had a trauma. She seemed to have been abused and trapped somewhere.

Young lady? Thats strange. There was no such thing while I investigated.

Ben lowered his head.

Esther was thoroughly examined before adoption. Nothing strange had happened since she entered the temple.

Theres no way the temple will speak the truth. Arent they the ones who hide all secrets?

Thats true, but it doesnt seem like they could have done anything to a low-ranking temple candidate.

Check once more. There may be someone in the temple named Rabienne.

Rabienne? Its a name Ive heard of many times Ah, isnt she the daughter of Duke Brions?

It turns out the daughter of that bastard is Rabienne. Its a common name, isnt it? Find out if theres anyone else.

I see.

After he finished instructing Ben, Darwins eyes sank deeply.

If Esther had been abused, they should pay the price.

How frightening. Are you planning to go to war with the temple?

Do you think I am not capable?

Ben, feeling appalled by Darwins expression, gulped and shook his head.

Ill make sure to find out.

Even after Ben left, Darwin continued to sit by the bedside and watch the sleeping children.

He was going to stay until the rain stopped, as he promised Esther.

This isnt bad either.

Judy seemed to be in an uncomfortable position as he snored amidst his sleep, while the calm Esther breathed in and out leisurely. Darwin felt strange as he observed them.

He had never witnessed his children sleeping. He didnt feel the need to.

But, as he observed their cute, angel-like faces, a corner of his heart flickered.

He thought it would be tedious, but time flew by just staring at them.

Does this refer to the saying, *it doesnt hurt even if I put them into my eyes?

*TL/N: This term is used to describe someone precious, such as ones offspring. The phrase implies a willingness to endure the pain because he or she is precious. He/she is the apple of my eye.

Darwin laughed at the words that he had never thought to empathize with. It was strange to think of it himself.

At the same time, he looked back on how indifferent he had been to the twins.

He regretted and wished he had watched the children grow up more.

He felt bitter when he realized how much he had been pushed away by his work.

I was a fool.

Darwin watched them sleep, deciding that he would spend more time with his three children.