Chapter 79 - Seri's Parents Take A Vacation

Many days past and I am no longer a child. Now I'm an adult....

... Just kidding I'm now 8 years old.

Although, I am a bit taller and closer to becoming an adult. So that fills me with a bit of comfort.

I still have 8 more years until it's considered acceptable for me to drink here. Sigh. I hope these years will pass quickly.

But I won't be distracted. Because currently I'm facing a situation of life and death!

I grabbed clothes out of a suitcase and threw it out.

Lona snapped, "WON'T YOU STOP THAT?!"

"NO!"

She angrily placed the clothes back in, but I threw them back out. Her eyebrows twitched in irritation, "You don't have a choice! Stop making things so difficult!"

"I refuse! I won't spend two weeks with those idiots! I refuse!"

She groaned, "Bertram! Some help?!"

He looked awkwardly to the side and made no attempt to help. He mumbled, "Please don't drag me into this."

Lona groaned, "Ugh! Why are you being so stubborn?! Both Bertram and I are coming with you."

I threw my hands in the air, "Don't care! I refuse to be babysat! I'm an adult!"

She scowled at me, "Then act like one."

My mouth dropped, but I quickly closed it. I crossed my arms, "Why can't I just go with my parents? Why do I have to go over to those idiots?!"

"I keep telling you. Your parents are going on a vacation to rekindle their love. I thought you'd be happy about that. After all, it was your brilliant idea to give your mother advice. Aren't you happy it worked?"

I pouted my lips, "I didn't really think she'd take my advice."

I also didn't think it would cure her attitude either, but I was wrong about that. She was like a totally different person. She didn't get on my case over every little thing anymore. She barely even talked to me. It was nice and peaceful.

I shook my head refusing to see this situation as a good thing, "But why do I have to go to Prince William's house?! Why couldn't I go to Millie's?"

She started packing my suitcase once more, "Because Miss Millie has too many siblings. Your parents didn't want to inconvenience them."

"Well then why can't I go to someone else's house?"

She looked at me with a serious expression, "Because you have no friends."

"Guh." I hung my head.

It's true that I don't have the best reputation around school... So I'm not really surprised.

Oh well. Who needs friends?

I looked back at her seriously, "Then why can't I go to a relative's house?"

I'm pretty sure that's what usually happens in these types of novels.

Lona looked startled by this, "Don't you know? The only Halgraaf's are this house. Your mother was cast out from her family and your father doesn't have any family."

"Wait.. Halgraaf? Who the hell is that?"

Lona scowled at me impatiently, "That's your last name. Honestly, did you really not know?!"

Now it was my turn to be surprised, "What?! I thought Kane was our last name! That's why everyone says 'The Kane Residence' when they refer to this house."

"No. They only say that as a way to belittle your father. Nobles recognize wealthy families by using their last name. Don't you realize that noble's don't recognize him because he used to be of low social standing?"

I blinked in confusion, "I don't understand nobility."

She sighed in exasperation, "I know you don't."

I don't really like how she said that, but I will ignore it.

"Okay, okay. But why would father ever agree to let me stay with the boys?! I thought he would have a meltdown knowing I'd be spending the night with them."

After all, we had to keep him drugged the last time to make sure he didn't murder anyone. Then when the boys went home, he must have busted hundreds of pens out of anger.

She smiled weakly, "Well, whenever Queen Luna wants something, she can be quite terrify- I mean, convincing. Also, your father didn't have a choice. It's not like many families would gladly let you stay over."

I pouted, "You don't have to keep pointing that out."

She smiled, "Cheer up. Queen Luna said she has lots of surprises for you."

I groaned, "That's exactly what I was afraid of."

"She's also letting you bring along the cats. You've been begging for a family reunion."

I nodded, "Yes... I know they miss their siblings. But still. Two weeks is a long time."

Too long to not have my secret collection.

Lona decided to use her trump card, "I heard that the kitchen workers are also preparing varieties of cakes just for you."

I scratched my cheek, "Then I suppose it won't be so bad."

I didn't stop Lona from packing my suitcase any longer, but I didn't stop grumbling about the situation.

Sigh. I think the only thing that will make me feel better is torturing William. Luckily I've been raising some bugs just for the occasion.

After we were all packed, we walked out to the main hall where my parents were waiting.

My father was close to my mother and whispered in her ear, "Oh my lovely wife. Your hair smells so lovely."

She giggled, "Hehe. Oh stop it you!"

"I can't help it. I just want to touch that beautiful skin of yours."

My mouth hung open in disgust.

What the hell were they doing in broad daylight?! This is NOT for children's eyes!

Unfortunately, it's been like this ever since my mother took my advice. My father's been at my mother's side constantly fawning over her. And my mother has been giggling and acting so flirty.

It's seriously making me sick!!!

Lona quickly shielded my eyes from the lovey-dovey scene. Bertram cleared his throat awkwardly.

My father looked over and smiled, "Ah! When did you get in here?"

Bertram forced a smile, "Just now."

My father and mother strolled over. Lona drew back her hand after she ensured that they wouldn't act so indecent.

My father smiled down at me, "So you've finished packing?"

I nodded, "I have."

He picked up and hugged me tight, "Ahh. My adorable daughter is becoming too big. What shall I do?"

I chuckled dryly, "I guess you'll have to stop holding me then."

His face grew serious, "That day will never come. I won't let it."

Does he really intend to hold me forever?! Even when I'm an adult?!

Oh f*ck. Anything but that.

He held me closer, "I can't believe my little girl is going to spend the night in the wolf's den."

I looked up at my father who had watery eyes, "Daddy. I was curious about that. Just how did Queen Luna coerce- I mean, just how did Queen Luna convince you to let me stay over?"

He chuckled, "She made a sizable donation to my company."

My mouth dropped. He can be bribed that easily?!

Lona bowed, "My lord. We should be leaving. We are running late."

He put me down with a disappointed face, "Very well. But Seri- make sure you don't let those boys touch you. They are wolves after all."

I forced a smile, "I know daddy."

He looked to Bertram, "You know what to do."

Bertram cracked his fists with a frightening expression, "Yes. If they dare touch her I will personally take care of them."

My face twitched. How do I attract all these weirdos?! Do I smell or something?

I sniffed myself lightly.

We stood in the doorway and my father smiled with his arm wrapped around my mother. "Be careful."

My mother gave a light smile, "T-take care."

Ugh. I can see her struggling to force herself to say that. Oh well. At least she's trying now.

I waved back at them, "You better bring me back the best gift ever or else I will really hate you!"

My father's face fell, "Wh.. What?!"

I turned to leave, ignoring his blubbering and whining.

Lona sighed helping me into the carriage, "When will you stop telling your father that?"

I shrugged, "When it stops working."

As we pulled away I glanced at his worried face. I chuckled.

I guess being a daddy's girl isn't so bad.

____

We arrived at their estate a few hours later. Lona nudged me, "Get up."

I whined, "I can't. I'm dead."

She frowned, "No you're not. Bertram."

He held me in his arms carefully and carried me out. I frowned when he put me back on the ground. William, Dante, and Queen Luna were already waiting for us inside.

Queen Luna smiled, "Ahh! Seri! My darling daughter. We are going to have so much fun together!"

Uhm. Sorry? Who is your daughter?

The servant behind her looked troubled, "But, my Queen. You're duties-"

"Sh."

She held a finger to her mouth. The servant looked down dejected.

Poor guy. Looks like he has a tough job.

William frowned and nodded to me, "You're late."

I smiled, "I am fashionably late."

He frowned at this, "Still late."

Luna gave him a stern look, "Now, William. Stop being grumpy. Give her a hug."

He blushed, "Wha-"

She pushed him over to me and he straightened up awkwardly. His face twitched from embarrassment.

A hiss came from inside my dress. William jumped back, "Wh-What is that?!"

Kitty Dante stuck his head out from the top of my dress, hissing and swiping at William.

Queen Luna covered her mouth, "Oh my."

Lona looked horrified, "WHY IS THERE A CAT IN YOUR DRESS?!"

I shrugged, "He likes it. It makes him feel warm and safe."

Dante stood off to the side trying to hold back his laughter. I scratched Kitty Dante's head calmly to get him to relax.

Lona bowed low to Queen Luna, "Please forgive us for our rudeness! The Young Miss does not know manners or how to behave properly yet."

Queen Luna chuckled, "It's alright. This is what makes her so interesting and unique after all. She will act properly eventually. She is a child after all."

Lona's face twitched. She muttered, "Somehow I doubt that."

Luna giggled and held her cheeks, "Soon she will start her Queen training and then I'm sure she will behave just like a Queen!"

Like hell I will!

Luna looked at William, "Prince William. Please show the guest to the room."

He frowned, "Isn't that the job of a servant?"

She frowned, "What was that?"

He looked away timidly, "Nothing. Please follow me."

I followed William and Dante towards my room. It was strange being escorted by them since I already knew this building like the back of my hand.

William sighed, "I can't believe you'll be here for two weeks."

I forced a smile, "I know. It's going to be awful."

Dante looked at me with sparkly eyes, "We'll get to train even more."

My face fell. "Dante. Do all you ever do is train?"

"Yes."

"Well I guess it makes sense you're a monster then." He glared at me. "Eek! Did I say that out loud?"

"Yes."

I forced a smile and ran my fingers through my hair anxiously. I changed the subject, "So Lona told me there would be cake."

William frowned, "Do you ever think of anything other than food?"

"I do too!" I raised my voice defensively, "I think about how to take over the world!"

William gave a low chuckle, "You? I doubt you could even take over a small town."

I chuckled dully. Technically I already took over several towns, albeit in the shadows.

I tossed my head arrogantly, "Don't you know that if you're a bad boy, the Black Death will come after you."

He looked flustered, "Oi! How do you know about that miscreant?!"

I chuckled, "I know that he has his eyes on you. Didn't he say he owns you?"

William grabbed his arms and shivered, "He doesn't own me! A-Anyways! I'm not scared!"

I chuckled in triumph watching him shake. I'll just let him think the Black Death is some scary fiend. It's more entertaining.

I glanced over at Dante who was looking at me suspiciously. I forced a smile, "What?"

He looked away, "Apparently the Black Death was sighted in the Imperial City. The same time we were there."

I felt a cold sweat break out on my back. I scratched my arm nervously, "Oh really?"

William's eyes lit up, "I bet that's who was behind Seri's kidnapping!!"

Dante glanced at me, "I wonder."

I forced out laughter.

Oh f*ck. Does he know?! No. He can't know. I've been careful. F*ck.

Luckily, we arrived at my room before we could talk more about the subject.

I took out Kitty Dante from my dress and pushed him into Dante's arms. "Here. Watch Kitty Dante for a bit. I know how much you like him."

Both Dante and the cat glared at each other. I could see the sparks flying between them.

See? They love each other!

I sneakily placed something on William's shoulder.

"William. What's that on your shoulder?"

He glanced over and let out a shrill shriek, "GET IT OFF! GET IT OFF!"

He started trying to wipe the bug off in a panic and fell to the ground thrashing around. Dante sighed and reached a hand out, grabbing the innocent caterpillar from his shoulder.

William scooted away from it, "KILL IT!"

I chuckled at his reaction.

I suppose this won't be so bad.