The Villainess is Filthy Rich!

𝓣𝓱𝓻𝓮𝓮 ➳ Thanks, Dad!

His grin widened as he gestured on the couch at the center of the room. "Let's take a seat first. My gift is still not here yet." I nodded as I followed my father to the couch. "Do you want some desserts and milk? I can call some maids to prepare some."

I shook my head with a smile. "No need, Father. I had some tea before I came here." His eyes widened as he gazed at me with furrowed brows. "Tea? Isn't that too bitter for you, Alyn?"

I shook my head for the second time. "No, Father. I prefer tea and it isn't that bitter." His eyes got wider before letting out a soft chuckle. "Haa...When did you grow up so fast?" I just shrugged my shoulders, smiling sheepishly.

He let out another chuckle before leaning onto the couch, closing his eyes. I stared at my father's face, worry slowly etching onto my face. "Father, have you been getting any sleep?" My father opened his eyes and glanced at me. He just gave me a small smile, making me frown in response.

"You should take a break and get some sleep, Father. I don't want you to get sick. I understand that you value your work, but your health should always come first." He stared at me in silence, eyes boring holes onto my face, before letting out a relieved smile. He placed a hand on top of my head, patting it gently, careful not to mess my hair.

"I'm glad you're growing up so well. I was worried you would continue to be in your rebellious phase before." An inexplicable warmth filled my heart as I stared at my father who was gazing at me affectionately. "Though, I don't mind if you continue to be that way." No, Father. You should mind. Your daughter's life is on the line! My face showed a look of disapproval, earning a small laugh from him.

A knock on the door interrupted our father-daughter time as we glanced at the door. "Your grace, I have brought what you asked." Wallace's, father's closest aide, voice sounded out from outside the door. Oh? Is my gift finally here? My heart thumped wildly in my chest as anticipation filled my entire being. Father took a quick glance at me before telling Wallace to come in.

Wallace entered the room before stepping aside to reveal a handsome boy around 12 to 13 years old. He guided the boy towards us, stopping a few feet away. Don't tell me... I glanced at my father who was grinning widely towards me. "Alyn, I'd like you to meet Ageon Mades. From now on, he will be your personal knight."

I stared blankly at my father before staring at Ageon, my gaze bouncing back and forth between them for a few times. The boy had black hair that covered part of his forehead and indigo eyes as serene as the water. Is this for real? "Is this your surprise for me, Father?" My father nodded happily. Noticing my dry expression, a frown replaced his smile.

"Do you not like it?" Well, I was expecting something else and having someone to tail me all the time is a bother but... I gave the boy another glance before flashing my father my biggest smile. "No, I like it." I can compromise if that reassures father and mother. Yep, it's definitely not because of his handsome face.

My first gift from my family... Overwhelmed with happiness, I gave my father a tight hug, startling him. "Thanks, Dad!" A soft gasp escaped my father's lips as he hugged me back. "Can you call me that again, Alyn?" A smile broke out of my lips. "Dad."

"You're welcome, my dearest daughter." Even though, I couldn't see his face right now, I could feel his smile through his words. He broke the hug, smiling warmly at me. "Dad, let's go have a picnic with mother tomorrow!" His eyes crinkled slightly, giving me a light nod.

I glanced at the boy who was silently watching us with a straight face. "Then, Dad, I'll take my leave now. I still have to show Sir Mades around." I gave him a curtsey before grabbing the boy's hand and leaving the room.

Once the door shut close, I turned to the side to see Celsia standing patiently at the side. I walked towards her with a smile with the handsome boy in tow. "Sia, have you been waiting long?" I called out, catching the redhead's attention.

She flashed me a small smile, shaking her head. "It's alright, Miss," She glanced at my back before shifting her gaze back to me, "and may I ask who this person is, Miss?" I beamed at her as I gently pulled him forward. "Sia, this is Sir Mades. He will be my personal knight from now on."

Ageon did a small bow. "Sir Mades, this is Celsia, my personal maid." Celsia returned the bow with one of her own. After the introductions, we decided to proceed to the garden to have tea. Upon reaching the garden, Celsia left for the kitchen to prepare the tea and the snacks, leaving me alone with Ageon.

I turned my head to face him, staring at him intently. Feeling my gaze, he stared back at me with a blank look. "Sir Mades, how long have you been training as a knight?"

Silence.

Oh, was I too forward? "Sir Mades, let's get along well in the future!"

Silence.

This is slowly starting to get on my nerves. Okay, let's do this one more time! "Sir Mades, are you usually this quiet?"

Silence.

A vein popped in my head, my lips forming a thin line. Is this guy seriously ignoring me right now? I fought the urge to curse at his face as I tried my best to calm myself down, dropping my gaze to the floor. Patience is a virtue, Alyn. Patience is a virtue.

After managing to calm myself down, I met his indifferent gaze, flashing him a smile as if I didn't just want to rat him out before. If this kid won't talk after this, then I might really start thinking that he's mute. "Sir Mades, come have a sit and chat with me. It must be tiring to just stand by my side."

"No, my lady, I do not dare to sit on the same table as my lady." My eyebrows rose as my smile went stiff. So he can talk. I thought I would be talking to myself for the rest of my life.

"I do not mind. Besides, it is just the two of us here." He gave me a firm shook of his head, bowing slightly. Just how aloof can this guy be? "My apologies, my lady, but I refuse. It is not proper etiquette for a knight to sit on the same table as my lady. You might get subjected to weird rumors."

I barely resisted the urge to click my tongue as a sigh escaped my lips. Seriously, this guy...well, he's not wrong, but... I glanced at his face who kept an indifferent look. I guess I'll have to take this step by step. A sigh escaped my lips as silence filled the air between us. Ugh, I never knew my personal knight would be such a tough nut to crack!

A/N: A little father-daughter time for y'all ❤️