Rebirth Of The Duke's Daughter

Chapter 85

Turning around, Mila saw Duke Reynard standing there, clearing his throat as he fixed his gaze on her. His expression held a mix of sternness and curiosity, clearly questioning why she had decided to show up at the training grounds instead of attending her lessons. The knights, sensing the tension, discreetly took a step back, not wanting to get involved. They cared deeply for Mila, but they knew better than to challenge the authority of her father, who was known for his strictness and unyielding discipline. Not that they knew that he was very kind-hearted to Mila.

"H-Hi, father," Mila stammered, her heart racing as she tried to gauge his mood. She could only hope he wouldn't give her a hard time for being where she wasn't supposed to be.

"Mila, come with me," Duke Reynard instructed, his tone leaving no room for argument. He looked down at his daughter, who was visibly nervous, her earlier confidence now replaced by apprehension. She knew she had no choice but to follow him; otherwise, his disappointment might deepen into genuine anger.

"Yes, father," Mila responded meekly, falling in step behind him as they left the training grounds. The knights exchanged concerned glances but remained silent, watching as father and daughter walked away down the long corridors of the mansion. Mila quickened her pace to walk beside him, trying to steady her nerves.

After a few moments of silence, Duke Reynard spoke. "Mila, you've been ignoring your lessons for some time now. Why do you keep ditching them as if they don't matter?" His voice was calm but firm, the tone of a father who couldn't understand his daughter's recent behavior.

Mila bit her lip, searching for the right words. "I'm sorry, father. It's just... well, these lessons don't seem to suit me," she admitted, trying to explain her feelings without sounding too rebellious. The lessons Lady Angela taught were all about the history, culture, and expectations of the Mireraweth Kingdom, but Mila had seen so much more during her travels. 'The Mireraweth Emperor doesn't want his people to know about other kingdoms, their culture, or their knowledge. How can I be content with just this narrow perspective?' she thought, frustration bubbling inside her.

Duke Reynard glanced at her, his expression softening slightly. "What do you mean?" He asked, genuinely curious now. He had noticed a change in Mila since her return, a broader understanding of the world that seemed to clash with the education she was receiving.

Mila sighed, leading them down a less-used corridor, a quiet part of the mansion where they could speak more freely. Once they reached a small alcove, she stopped and faced him, gathering her thoughts. "Father, I've traveled to two other kingdoms for almost three years. I don't think that learning from books alone is enough for me anymore. I've seen a much bigger picture, a broader world out there. Learning from experience, from the people and cultures of other lands, is far more enriching to me," she explained, her eyes lighting up with the memory of her travels. She recalled how much she had learned from Aiken and Kayla, how they had shared their knowledge and experiences with her, and how they had even helped her through some of the most challenging times.

Duke Reynard watched her carefully, processing her words. "Did you perhaps meet someone of nobility during your travels?" He asked, his tone measured. He could see the passion in her eyes, but as a father, he couldn't help but worry. 'Who did she meet? Was it someone who could influence her? A man, perhaps?' His mind raced with possibilities, concern flickering behind his calm exterior.

Mila smiled, a small giggle escaping her lips. She could sense her father's unease and didn't want to alarm him further. "You could say that," she replied, trying to sound casual, though she couldn't entirely hide her amusement. She noticed her father's expression shift, his brow furrowing slightly, and she quickly added, "But don't worry, father. The people I met were far kinder than you might think. They had no ill intentions towards me, I promise."