The Reason I Keep Avoiding My Childhood Friend

Chapter 18

At my fervent gaze, the Grand Duke murmured what he seemed to have heard from my father before.

“There really is no resemblance.”

Even my father nodded, so I was furious. No! You shouldn’t do that, father.

“There’s a resemblance here.”

I pointed my index finger at my curly hair– the only thing I inherited from my father– and the Grand Duke burst out laughing.

Acting so maturely till now, and then suddenly showing childishness at such a ridiculous place– this kid’s attitude was really unpredictable.

The Grand Duke pondered for a moment, and then finally promised me immunity. I could see that the promise also included the reward for my father.

Still, not yet satisfied with the situation, I went one step further and asked him to write it down, instead of just a verbal promise. No matter how solid the Grand Duke’s words might be, I could not trust it without evidence.

The Grand Duke was staring at me with his mouth hanging open at my thoroughness.

“I’m worried about what you’ll be when you grow up.”

“I’m going to be a civil servant!”

I firmly announced my dream to allay the Grand Duke’s worries.

And the Grand Duke burst out laughing again as if he’d given up. It was a ‘this really is an amazing kid’ reaction. Then he started patting my hair in earnest.

“Yes, be a good civil servant. I’m looking forward to seeing how much money a smart kid like you will earn when you grow up.”

I need to grow taller. You keep patting my head and it’s driving me crazy.

The day after this conversation, as promised, I received the contract of immunity bearing the official seal of the Grand Duke.

And a few days later, in the Grand Duke’s parlour, I slapped Kirsec on the face. Hard. It couldn’t have been more satisfying.

To tell the truth, I didn’t get immunity for the purpose of slapping Kirsec. I was just trying to live a peaceful life.

But I had no choice but to take action because I couldn’t stand the brutality of the intruder who interfered with said peaceful life.

The day after the discussion with the Grand Duke, when his subordinate visited me and handed over the contract of immunity he had promised, I jumped around with joy.

Not to show off my child-like act but in the excitement that I’ve finally, finally got this in my hands. This was more of a treasure than any lottery.

My father sighed and shook his head when he saw me like this. He must’ve been curious as to why I needed such a thing, but he didn’t ask me about it, true to his quiet personality, and I was rather grateful for it.

I kept the documents with me.

In fact, I hoped the day would never come when I’d have to use it. It was only an insurance policy, just in case.

My father’s wounds were quite deep and he was prescribed several more days of treatment at the temple. I stayed beside my father to take care of him instead of going back to the Grand Duke’s residence.

After the treatment was done, on the day he was to be discharged, the priest advised my father.

“The injury has been cured. But, since the wound was severe, I recommend you take enough rest at home for about a week.”