Five names, even—Papa.

When I asked Muskel to tell me more, it turned out Father was someone who never smiled, even in ordinary times.

It all started with Agiel.

Father had fallen head over heels for Agiel as a child and had endured her constant pressure ever since.

Agiel, possessive and jealous, pushed her influence even onto Father’s friends, doing whatever she pleased—naturally, that isolation was bound to happen.

Father tried to speak with his own father, the lord of Vanclift at the time, but was told nothing could be done—Agiel was of royal blood.

From a young age, Father had been taught to endure, to suppress himself when facing those above him.

That repression took its toll—Father hardly ever smiled in public.

The only time he ever smiled was when talking to the spirit he’d made a contract with.

(…So Papa has always been supporting Papa all along…)

I’d been warned by Mother in advance, but I’d mostly just stood by, watching Agiel’s condemnation like a spectator. Still, if I’d known it would be this bad, I’d have gladly taken the lead in condemning Agiel myself.

Now I finally understood why Mother had been so strongly against throwing that ball of flame.

They say beautiful women are scary when they don’t smile—but Father was the perfect example of that.

That’s probably why he ended up getting nicknamed “the Ice One” or whatever.

“The Knight of Death’s Smile?”

“Well, you see, Lord Lovell….”

“Ah!! Ahhh!!”

Father’s trying to interrupt with a shout, so I clamp both hands over his mouth and signal Muskel to keep going.

He mumbles and squirms, but doesn’t actually try to pull me off.

Probably thought I’d start crying and fall apart if he did.

Papa’s mumbling into my mouth—those vibrations are *so* ticklish I can’t help but giggle, squirming and shouting “hurry up, hurry up!” at Muskel.

Muskel chuckles at us, then explains the origin of Papa’s nickname.

“Lord Lovell—he always looks quite… *dreadful* in battle… During swordsmanship drills, he once gave such a terrifying smile, radiating such murderous intent it was practically visible.”

…Now I get it. Anyone who saw that must’ve been absolutely terrified.

It was just Papa letting off steam, I realize now.

If that smile came with such lethal intent, then his nickname probably means “Prepare to die when the knight smiles at you.” I find myself staring at Papa, dead serious.

He notices, and instantly turns away with a huff.

“Papa…”

“…What?”

"Fightin' with that face on your mug—guess you were having a blast, huh?"

"Can't deny it..."

"Ah, well, missy. Lord Lovell, he’s a downright genius with the blade. Still holds the academy’s records—no one’s broken 'em yet."

"Is Papa really that strong?"

"Indeed. So much so that everyone at the academy calls him the 'Sword God of Spirits.'"

"Bluh-ff!"

"What was that?! First I’ve heard of that!!"

Oh no—out came that weird laugh.

But I’m already hooked. Can’t stop.

Shaking my shoulders, trying to stifle the giggles, when Dad pokes my cheek with a sour face.

"Elen..."

"Papa... s-sorry... huff-huh!"

"Come on, you’re laughing too hard."

"But—but... fff—! A nickname? That’s not even a real name! It’s got *four* names!"

Five names, even counting heroes?

I noticed Van, who’d been waiting behind the sofa, sparkling with excitement.

"…Van?"

"Truly, Lord Lovell! To be likened to a god already here!!"

My father, usually so unshakeable, was utterly flustered.

***

With Kai returning, pushing a wagon loaded with lunch for everyone, we paused our chatter for a moment.

When Father invited both Kai and Van to join him for a meal, the two sat down on the sofa, clearly delighted at the chance to eat together.

"Hmm. You’ve been blessed with a fine master, Kai."

"Yes. It’s an honor beyond measure, to serve alongside my father."

My father looked a bit awkward at Kai’s words, but I think, if things keep going like this, he might just come around to accepting it.

The meal had far more meat dishes compared to the manor's usual fare.

Especially since Kai, a student of knightly studies, had gone to pick it up, everyone assumed he’d be eating it all—so the quantity was enormous.

"Papa, I can't possibly eat this..."

"Hmm. Kai, Van, could you take some of it?"

"Yes."

Seeing the small amount left that my father and I were sharing, Muskel's eyes widened.

"Lord Lovell, that amount is..."

"Ah, it's because of the influence from the Spirit World. My body's changed—no longer needs much food."

Father casually explained it, but I could tell he realized it wasn't just the unusual hair and eyes. Muskel suddenly let out a quiet sob.

"Mm... I shouldn't be crying like this. Getting old, I guess..."

"I, on the other hand, am quite happy to be sharing a meal with my daughter like this."

I’ve developed a habit of opening my mouth wide whenever Father tries to feed me "ahh."

And if Father feeds me with “ahh,” then I’ll feed Father back with “ahh” too.

We were laughing together, saying how delicious it was, when even the sight of us made Muskel’s brows twist into a frown.

I thought, *This is it—right on the verge of tears*, and instantly jabbed a chunk of meat onto my fork and shoved it straight into Muskel’s mouth.

“Uncle Muskel, ahh!”

No time to argue—I shoved it in, and Muskel’s startled tears stopped mid-stream.

I patted myself on the back, thinking *Good job*, and kept eating. Dad was shaking with laughter, shoulders bouncing.

Kai and Van were frozen, utterly dumbfounded.

“Muskel-sensei, isn’t my daughter something else?”

Father chuckled, “Heh heh heh,” and Muskel just nodded with a grin, chewing slowly, his eyes crinkling.

＊＊＊

Afternoon class was to be held out in the schoolyard—Father’s practical training, he said.

The other students from the knight-training class crowded in upon hearing the news.

Even the teachers were practically glowing with excitement, so Papa let out a sigh.

Elen and Van stayed back at a distance, watching Kai as he assisted Papa—keeping out of the way, like we were supposed to.

“Papa’s quite the celebrity, huh~”

“I’m honestly surprised. No wonder he’s the father of a princess!”

It’s a little awkward, having a family member be so popular.

Since Papa’s half-spirit, he can cast magic on his own without needing Mama.

Everyone’s eyes lit up watching Papa demonstrate—thinking they could do that too if they became spirit mages. But of course, real spirit mages couldn’t do that. All I could do was smirk at Papa’s little trick.

“Pardon me, Princess… have you heard from Lovell-sama?”

“What’s that about?”

“The boy. You know… the one.”

"…Kai-kun?"

I blinked, wondering what was wrong, and Van made a worried face, saying, "You haven’t heard yet, have you?"

"So you mean… it’s something I’ll be told in time? Is something wrong?"

When I pressed him, he admitted, with a sorry look, that he was troubled by what his father had said. I was honestly surprised by the news.

"…Kai-kun?"

"Yes. I think it’s more about surveillance than anything else…"

"If that’s the case, I think Kai-kun would be thrilled."

I figured Kai looked at his father with that kind of admiration. If he knew the truth, he’d probably be heartbroken.

Van frowned at that.

"Heartbroken…"

Hmmmm… Van grumbled under his breath.

We’ve only known Kai and Van for a short while, but they’ve been traveling with us as guards day after day.

I’d heard they were slowly becoming friends—so maybe that’s why I’m worried this might be the start of things going sour.

“But even if you told Kai the truth yourself, I think he’d accept it.”

“Huh…?”

“Actually, I think Kai’s the kind who’d work extra hard to earn Van’s approval.”

“Huh… huh…”

“Van, I don’t think motives need to be pure at all. Whatever the trigger, it’s the process that matters, in my opinion.”

“…Process.”

“And besides, Van, you’re not exactly indifferent, are you? You must respect Kai a bit, otherwise that guilt wouldn’t even be there.”

“…………”

"I agree with Father’s opinion, practicality aside. But it’s up to you, Van, to judge him."

"My… own…"

"Yes. Van, please judge Kai. I’m sure he’ll answer whatever you decide."

I smiled sweetly, and Van—perhaps finally letting go—nodded seriously.

"So this is going to be fun!!"

"...Is it?"

"Kai will definitely be thrilled!!"

"Really...?"

Laughing at Van’s hesitant tone, I asked when the actual execution would happen.

"It’ll be on the final day of the Princess’s stay here."

"Ahh, I see..."

So that was the signal from Father—get distracted by that, and then strike.

"This is a serious responsibility."

I gave a wry smile and glanced toward Father.

Once this lesson ends, I’ll need to sit down with him and plan things properly.

I was watching Father’s little show from a distance, already plotting my next move.