"Esteemed guests, may I assist you with anything?"
"..."
Miss puppet stood motionless in her place, gazing blankly at the modestly dressed man standing behind the counter, who was greeting them.
The man's simple attire belied his warm and almost ingratiating smile. Despite his handsome features, a pallor and minor imperfections lent his visage a certain roughness. His clothes, though not cheap, were far from luxurious, befitting his modest status —
A shopkeeper on the fringes of the Etheric Academy's influence, an ordinary man eking out a living without notable skills or connections.
Yet, this appearance was at odds with his true identity.
He was Leiden Ziegler, son of Eileen Ziegler, the fortunate heir to the vast legacy of a bygone alchemical master.
He was... the true father of Ravenna.
"What wares do you offer here?"
Ansel inquired with genuine interest and eagerness, engaging Leiden in conversation.
"We have the essential casting materials and alchemical elements required for the first and second stages, as well as a selection of basic alchemical apparatuses available for customization," Leiden, who had once rebuked Ravenna within the Ziegler estate, now diligently introduced his goods to Ansel.
"Sir, which type of item are you interested in?"
"I'll have a look around first... Helen, stand here and wait for me. Mr. Shopkeeper, I entrust you to look after my daughter for a moment."
"... Ah? Of course, I will take good care of her. Please be at ease."
Leiden replied, nodding repeatedly before turning his attention to the petite girl standing motionless before the counter.
Her mysterious attire, predominantly black, did not particularly concern Leiden. Confident in his ability to judge character, he noted that the young man, despite his youthful appearance and almost adolescent air, exuded an aura and demeanor that commanded respect. The man was undoubtedly no ordinary individual.
It was not unusual for someone of his extraordinary stature to have peculiarities—his daughter's unusual attire was hardly surprising.
As Leiden pondered this, he found himself inadvertently glancing at the girl again.
Her figure... momentarily captivated him.
He knew better than to speak out of turn, yet the sense of déjà vu compelled him to ask,
"Miss... may I inquire your name?"
"For my daughter."
Yet, ultimately, Leiden lowered his gaze, his voice slightly hoarse as he spoke such words.
Between them, a silence seemed to stretch indefinitely.
Time appeared to freeze over them, a blink lasting sixty ticks.
After what seemed an eternity, the girl, who had not once looked at the man as if she didn't care, finally spoke, "In that case, your father must have despised you."
"...Heh, indeed."
"No father despises his own child."
Ravenna turned around, staring intently at Leiden, who leaned against the wall, head bowed. Her voice slightly raised, her tone was very assertive, "Therefore, you must have done something unforgivable."
Leiden suddenly looked up, the anger in his eyes was vivid, but upon seeing the blurred veil, he quickly remembered his current identity, his current status, and concealed all his emotions deep within.
"You are correct, Miss," he said with self-deprecating laughter, using it to mask the anger in his heart.
It wasn't a particularly clever tactic, but it was effective, albeit somewhat cruel to himself.
"I indeed committed an unforgivable act in his eyes—due to my foolishness, my incompetence. That is what he could not forgive."
"... Are you certain?"
Ravenna's voice was barely controlled, "Is it because of this? How could a father not forgive for such a reason—"
"Miss, your father must love you dearly," Leiden interrupted Ravenna, unable to contain himself any longer, "I can only tell you, not everyone in this world is suited, or deserves, to be a father."
He said, lowering his gaze again, his voice weary, "Including me."
"My... father."
Miss puppet's voice was distorted, "He—"
"What is it, little Helen, do you need me?"
The young noble peeked from behind a shelf, "Are you getting along well with the shopkeeper?"
After a moment, the girl squeezed out a response, "... No, not well."
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