The king looked down at me with curiosity.

Standing beside him, my height was downright laughable. Honestly, I should grow taller. This man was practically a giant. Well, considering he’s nearly 190 centimeters and I barely scrape 126, the difference is… obvious.

We watched Mother and Father dance. They seemed to be enjoying themselves—unsurprising, given how rarely they got moments like this.

Now… what exactly do I say to someone this intimidating?

"Why so lonely, Your Majesty?" "Where’s your wife, Your Majesty?" "Why not dance with someone, Your Majesty?"

…Ah. That last one had potential.

"Your Majesty," I began.

"Yes?" he replied instantly.

Shit. Too fast.

"Uh… why aren’t you dancing with everyone else?"

"My wife isn’t here."

"Then… what about your daughter?"

"She didn’t want to come."

Right. Short and direct. Expected.

Still, I pressed on.

"Why not find someone else to dance with? You should be having fun too."

"I’m not the kind of man who dances with others when I’m married."

Hmm. At least he’s committed to fidelity. But he could still enjoy the festival alone.

"You should at least try to have fun by yourself, no? That’s what people do when they’re alone."

The king turned slightly, giving me an inquisitive look.

"What are you getting at, Lucius?"

Lucius, huh? I guess we're on friendly terms now.

I remembered his earlier words—that today, he was just another civilian. So I matched his tone.

"What I mean, Lord Leo, is that you shouldn’t be this alone at a festival you ordered to be prepared just days ago."

Silence.

He studied me carefully—but instead of bristling at my bluntness, he smiled.

…Wait.

He smiled?

"Hahaha. You’re just like your parents," he laughed, clapping me on the back.

"Ack—!"

The force nearly sent me face-first into the dirt. If not for my balance, I’d have eaten soil.

"I don’t think I can enjoy the festival alone," he continued, his voice softer now. "Without my daughter… perhaps there’s no point in the games."

I watched him quietly.

I didn’t fully understand a father’s love for his child. Maybe that was my old parents’ fault. Even now, the affection from my current ones felt… strange. Different.

"Can I ask where your daughter is?"

"Mmm… At home, enjoying the company of her friends."

I see.

No, I don’t see.

Why is his daughter at the castle while her father stands here, completely alone?

She should be beside him. Sharing in the joy of the people.

But she isn’t.

And for some reason… he didn’t insist.