Being reincarnated as the 2nd male lead's daughter

mother

Karl's pov
Over the past two months, Aurelia and I cultivated a profoundly enriching bond, akin to that of a father and daughter. Our days were filled with cherished moments, from leisurely strolls around the estate to  dining experiences shared side by side. The simple act of carrying her in my arms became a cherished ritual, symbolizing the depth of our connection and the joy that filled my heart.
I heard a knock on my door after getting permission Aurelia entered with her cheerful demeanor.
"Father do you wanna go on a picnic ?"
Before I could answer
"Oh maybe not "
She said looking at the piled documents on my desk . Her mood threatening to sulk.
"It's okay ,they are not important "
I said standing up from the chair
"Oh then can we go "
"Yes " with that I lifted her up .
"Why are you so light " I asked
"I am not light, you are strong "

We approached the duchy fields and I saw the preparation made for picnic. I looked at the little silhouette in my hand whose orbs were fixed on my face .
I smiled at her .
"Dad you are handsome"
"I am very well aware" I replied
settling her gracefully onto the mat .

"Your birthday is coming up in the next four months , should I hire a tutor to teach you noble etiquette " I asked
"Yes but ---" a pout tugged her cute face as she spoke
"I don't want to debut this early"
"Why ?" I asked amused it was definitely the most prestigious and anticipated occasion to a child .
Their debut into social world was really special unlike other empires Rodal had their nobility and royalty debut at a young age of six to ensure a more promising future and it did work many of the prominent swordmasters ,archers and scholars were of Rodal making it superior to any power on this land .
"Because after that I'll be considered and treated like a lady "
"Who said that "
"Isn't it like that ?"
"No you don't need to worry ,after the coming of age ceremony such things starts to happen"
"Ohhh"
"But if you don't want we can delay it ,you can debut later on -- when you wish "
"Can it happen"
"I'll make it happen"
"No need to make yourself a enemy of empire"
After this our conversation flowed flawlessly but suddenly a topic hit me so I bought it up.
"Your birthday is coming what do you want as a gift "
"How about a mother "
She replied instantly like she was waiting for me to ask .
I was taken aback by her abrupt response and diverted my gaze towards her, asking her to repeat what she said.
"Mother ... I want a mother can I get one"
"It's not easy and not mention it's such an abrupt request "
"Ohk" She looked down at her feet.
Just one after another pearl like tears starting falling on her dress.
"Look at me lia ? I am sorry but I don't think I can fulfill that request. You can ask anything else ,anything I mean it every luxury in this World "
She looked at me her eyes emotionless and empty like there was no soul in it .
"It's okay father you gave me everything already, I am sorry it was me being greedy and selfish I hoped for something that was not possible"
From her voice it was evident that she was hurt .
My heart ached at the scene,I hurted this little girl infront of me without even thinking . Maybe I should have been careful.
I took her in my embrace and patted her head.
I could not imagine this little junior turning into a monster just like me in near future who was deprived from any remorse or humanity. Her father instilled the seed of attachment and warmth in me and her mother helped in growing it . While being deprived from any kind of love from my own parents ,my brother and my sister in law were like the rain of love on that deserted heart of mine .
I could not pay them back .
It was my fault that she was deprived from her progenitor's love .
And I think getting married is a small price for it ,if I were to give her my life I would still be in debt with her and her parents.
"Ohk I will find a candidate"
Her tiny red orbs glimmered with happiness as she stood upright and gave me a peck on my cheeks.
"Thankyou Father I love you "
My heart swelled up with the small gesture.