Chapter 9: Chapter 9

Marquis Bale looked at the child in astonishment. It was the first time Lia had ever asked for anything. Of course, his efforts to raise her as privileged as possible played a hand in that, but she had always been selfless by nature. But here she was, earnestly asking him for a favor with a glimmer in her eyes—eyes that took after him.

"Lius. Do you really wish to go that much?"

"Yes, I've always wanted to!"

Even if she cut her hair and dressed like a boy, the child was still a daughter in his eyes. And she was getting more beautiful by the day, so much so that he was even considering barring the gates to the gawking crowd.

Because he knew how unruly and rowdy boys could be, the marquis occasionally regretted raising her as one. There was nothing he could do now, but he believed Camellius could still go back to being a girl one day. He did not want to risk that by exposing her even more to the rest of Corsor.