How to Be a Dark Hero’s Daughter

* * *

That year, while teaching at the university, I finished writing a lengthy thesis. The title of the paper was ‘Doctor.’

It was about Doctor Siebel, a criminal consultant who had long ruled the underworld.

The story begins with the experiments the state conducted on Doctor Siebel.

A story about an incident now nearly forgotten, with most of its main players gone.

‘This paper will cause a huge sensation when published, won’t it?’

Until now, the state had meticulously concealed Siebel’s existence to avoid public panic.

‘Unsettling as it is, it’s true that he held affection for me, and thus, he was deceived by me.’

It’s the least I can do, having discovered everything.

‘In the end, he too…’

Must have been lonely.

I felt repulsed when I realized that. But let’s not have sympathy for a criminal. This is just out of obligation.

After all, my papers on the White Wizard are all heavily regulated, so I decided to wait for the right time to publish.

And before determining that timing, Cedric and I decided to take a long trip.

‘No matter how I think about it, I think I should marry Cedric.’

Otherwise, I’d feel like I’m misleading the innocent prince and ruining his life.

So, we made a promise. To live joyfully. To achieve a lot. And when we can’t avoid the royal obligations anymore, to join the royal family.

That means we’ve decided to enjoy life fully first. Whether tasting delicious foods from all over the country or…

‘Investigating unresolved cases.’

That’s the main goal, isn’t it?

‘I am Leticia. In my past life, I was Han Yuna. I am the ‘Lee’ of my deceased mother, the daughter of my Dad, the sister of Jade, the niece of Marianne, and Cedric’s lover, Leticia.’

I used to be just a random Lee on the streets, but now I have many titles.

I once imagined being called Queen Leticia.

‘Umm…’

I can’t quite picture it.

Being Cedric’s spouse, Leticia, is somewhat imaginable.

I unknowingly blushed. My engagement ring sparkled.

“Leticia, thank you for coming on this trip with me.”

“Thanks for inviting me on our first long vacation.”

Cedric took my hand. As the carriage jolted, a pleasant vibration passed through our intertwined hands.

“Leticia, you’re like my salvation. If you hadn’t appeared, I would have been unhappy all my life.”

“…”

“Thank you for coming back to me. And thank you for choosing me.”

“Cedric…”

Our time alone will finally start once we embark on this journey.

Dating Cedric without the watchful eyes of my father and brother will be a thrilling first. I guess it’ll be a string of secret and affectionate days for a while?

“That’s right, Leticia. You are the most precious being in my life. My life would have been so dull without you.”

“I feel the same, Leticia. You are my precious daughter.”

“Leticia, without you, I’d probably be drowning my sorrows in alcohol. So much has changed, hasn’t it?”

…But such events never happened.

Those were the remarks of Jade, Collen, and Marianne in sequence.

I looked at them, seated inside the large carriage.

“Do we really have to ride in one carriage when we have two?”

“They all wanted to ride with you, and it almost led to a fight. There’s no helping it.”

“Ah, right. If there’s an issue, Cedric can just get off.”

I exchanged glances with Cedric and smiled faintly.

My family never would have just let us go on our mystery national tour. Somehow…

‘It turned into a family group trip.’

Honestly, I don’t mind. Being with my family is the happiest time, of course. But I feel sorry for Cedric.

I glanced at Cedric.

“Leticia, I promise to treat your family well for the rest of my life, as much as I love you. After all, your father raised you, and he’s a benefactor to me.”

Oh, Cedric…

Such a considerate man… He’s dazzling.

‘I probably can’t marry anyone unless they’re as understanding as Cedric.’

…In many ways.

Collen, while reading a newspaper, remarked:

“They say that in the village famous for butterflies, our first destination, they found two corpses buried in a pile of butterflies.”

Collen and I subtly exchanged glances. Hmm, probably…

‘This trip will be full of memories.’

I smiled.

The carriage moved onto a smoother road, starting to trot with a gentle jolting sound.

( Main Story: THE END )