Chapter 12

Lucky 12

Scarlett entered the mansion, the first thing that welcomed her was the wide hall. She saw that dozens of maids were waiting for her, the head butler was the first to greet her. He bowed and the maids followed his conduct, they moved simultaneously and with discipline.

"Welcome back Miss Robinson."

"Good morning, Alfred."

Scarlett tried to smile but her smile looked strained, she was anxious. Usually, she would greet Alfred with joy but she was anxious right now because she knew that her father was waiting for her. Alfred sensed her uneasiness, he wanted to shake away her fear but he knew that nothing could calm her.

They both know that General Bronal was a rigid and cold man, he wasn't like that in the past. Bronal was a good father before his wife died because of the Aberrant Invasion.

"Master Bronal is in his office, he's waiting for you."

"Thank you."

Scarlett nodded and began going in, she reached the stairs and went to the second floor. Her hands were sweating, she regulated her pounding heart and inhaled deeply. She didn't want to show her father that she looked weak. Before knocking on his door, she took a breath and closed her eyes. She controlled her emotions, the fear and anxiousness vanished from her face, only cold fierce expressions remained. She raised her arm and knocked.

"Come in."

Scarlett heard the approval, she gulped and opened the door. What she saw was her father drinking wine, Scarlett creased her forehead. Her father was strict and he didn't usually drink alcohol, he wanted to keep his mind always alert. In fact, this was the first time she saw him drinking.

Bronal saw that his daughter was stiff, her face may look cold and devoid of expression but her body was telling her true condition. Bronal put the glass down.

"Sit down."

"Yes, father."

Scarlett neatly sat on the chair, Bronal nodded. He looked at her, Scarlett hid her emotions well, she remained steady while her father was looking at her.

"I heard that you killed a third-class Aberrant."

"Y- yes."

His deep voice caused Scarlett to squeal her answer, she blushed and clenched her fists in humiliation. She was surprised that her father knew about the news. She felt that his father would scold her. Scarlett closed her eyes and waited for his reprimand, her fists turned white as she clenched them. However, instead of hurtful words, the thing that she heard was a chuckle.

Bronal chuckled and lifted his drink, he sipped the wine and his face became redder. Scarlett opened her eyes and saw that her father was not angry, Bronal laughed while seeing her expression.

"I can see that you turn into a strong warrior."

"Ah? Ah, yes! Thank you."

Scarlett bowed and thank him, she didn't know why but her father was in good mood right now. Bronal laughed again when he saw her formal reaction. Scarlett bit her lower lip and waited till Bronal control his laugh. The man was cackling hard and it took dozens of seconds before he stopped.

Bronal returned his vision to his daughter, she became beautiful just like her mother. Bronal usually had a strict expression but not now, he remembered that this day was their wedding anniversary. He gulped and a few tears came from his eyes. His wife, he loves his wife so much that he lost himself and became avid to revenge. He felt bitter thinking about how he hurt Scarlett through his strict rules. He wanted Scarlett to become stronger so that she won't experience the pain of losing someone. 

"You did a good job, I'm proud of you."

"Pardon?"

Scarlett tilted her head, she was confused. She started to comprehend what he said and realized that her father praised her. Her eyes widened in surprise, Scarlett didn't know what to say. Her mouth was opened but she didn't speak, although tears started falling down from her eyes. The emotions that she was hiding started appearing like a destroyed dam.

"Father…"

"It's fine you don't have to say something, I'm impressed because you killed a third-class."

Bronal explained, he knew that he was drunk right now. He wanted to celebrate his and his wife's wedding anniversary so he decided to drink even though it was early, he showed his true emotions. He smiled and reached for another cup, he filled it with wine and gave it to Scarlett.

"You are an adult now, you can now drink."

"Un."

Scarlett couldn't control her tears, she grabbed the wine while sniffing. Bronal didn't say anything, he just tapped her head which caused Scarlett to further cry.

They remain quiet and drink wine. Scarlett realized that her father still loved her, Bronal praising her was already enough to show his love. Scarlett understood that her father must become strong and hide his emotions. He must become steel to protect the country from the Aberrant and to protect her from the other members of the clan. Bronal was the clan leader but his brothers and uncles were still vying for the position.

This moment was already enough for Scarlett, she cried while Bronal was laughing at her. His daughter looked cute even though she was crying. Scarlett pouted and Bronal started wiping her tears. It was a simple act but for Scarlett, this was the best thing that her father did to her. Since she turned five years old, her father became cold and never show any affection to her.

While they were drinking, Bronal started talking about a serious matter.

"I heard that the young master of Cudgel Clan did something."

Scarlett was shocked. Because of drinking, she couldn't control her emotions and just nodded. It was true that young master Chen did a malicious action towards her. It was fortunate that Calix was there to save her. If not, she would succumb to the drug and lose her reasoning. She started blushing when she remembered Calix.

"How are you, did he hurt you?"

Bronal asked, his expression showing intense anger. He knew that Scarlett escaped. The despicable plan of Young Master Chen failed, but Bronal was still furious.

"No, I escaped from him before he can do something bad."

"Good."

Bronal nodded but he was not happy, he decided to pay a visit to the Cudgel company. He wanted to talk to Chen's father and asked him for approval to teach Chen a lesson that he would never forget. It was known that Chen was a lazy and hedonistic man, he had talent but he didn't sharpen it. Instead, he became a playboy who always flirts with girls, he surrendered his mind to pleasure. Bronal gritted his teeth. 

'I will make him pay.'

He almost cracked the glass of wine in his hand.