008: Preface ~ A New Start with a Daughter ②

January 16, 2021 - 3 minutes read - 523 words

Certainly, Allen said she was free for the afternoon, it was her time to spend as she wants. That’s the literal meaning of the word.

But, who would count the wood grains on the floor? Even if you don’t have anything else to do? Isn’t that beyond a last resort activity?

“Oh, Charlotte. Come over here.” Allen

“Yes?” Charlotte

Allen stands up from the sofa and has Charlotte sit down. He crouches down in front of her and stares into her eyes. Allen is able to spot lies by watching other people’s eyes while they talk.

“Charlotte… I’d like to ask you something, do you have a hobby?” Allen

“A hobby?” Charlotte asks as she bends her neck.

It’s like Charlotte has never heard the word before. Allen was worried she didn’t understand the word, but then Charlotte responded.

“Hmm… Nothing in particular, I’m sorry.” Charlotte

“So what would you do at home during your spare time?” Allen

“Well, I would do cleaning and needlework when I wasn’t undergoing bride training… I guess that counts as spare time?” Charlotte says as she puts on a lonely smile.

Allen’s heart is touched by the gesture.

“Then, was bride training any fun?” Allen

“Well, was it fun? I don’t know… I just remember being scolded by the tutor for my mistakes.” Charlotte

“So, what was your most recent happy memory?” Allen

“Ah, well, hmm… Oh! I know!” Charlotte says with a lilting tone.

Allen perks up a small amount.

“Around two months ago, I got a reward for working hard every day. Ms. Natalia… well, my sister… gave me a fruit! It was badly bruised, but I rarely get fruit. I was happy when I feasted on it!” Charlotte

Allen is stunned at that response. He thinks it must be bullying or some disgusting sibling dynamics.

“Oh, that? Mr. Allen, is my face upsetting you?” Charlotte

“Why would your face upset anyone? Don’t worry about it, well, how old are you?” Allen

“Well, uh, seventeen” Charlotte

“17?!” Allen

She’s four years younger than Allen. When Allen was that age, he was still attending the Magic Academy. Every day, he bombarded the professors with difficult questions to the point that some would cry. He also blew up several school laboratories with experiments involving magic compounds. Although his research results were highly regarded, he was considered something of an idiot savant.

Charlotte is quite different in comparison. She’s a teenager who should be having fun, but has no hobbies or fun memories. She’s been exploited by the people around her as a free maid. In the end, she was betrayed and chased until she collapsed in the middle of a forest.

Is it fine to have such a cruel background?

Allen can tell that Charlotte isn’t lying in any way. Even though she deserves sympathy, she doesn’t seem to want it.

“Ok, I’ve got it.” Allen

“What do you mean?” Charlotte asks while cocking her head to the side.

Allen stands up with purpose, he points his index finger at Charlotte.

“Charlotte, I’m going to teach you all the pleasurable activities of this world!” Allen

“Yes?” Charlotte