The Abandoned and Terminally Ill Lady Married a Monster - Chapter 111

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“I’m going to see Father.”

“I’ll go with you.”

“I’m going to go alone and… give him a present.”

The word ‘present’ felt foreign on my tongue. Just saying I was giving him a gift made my shoulders hunch slightly.

Uncharacteristically, Daykin let me go without any argument.

“Go on. I’ll be waiting.”

Perhaps his conscience wouldn’t let him protest a visit to his ailing father. Whatever the reason, I was relieved. Father didn’t want anyone to know I was treating him, and I had no desire to reveal it either, unwilling to bear the weight of their expectations.

I folded the handkerchief neatly. Clutching it carefully so it wouldn’t wrinkle, I hurried toward the tower.

***

“Father, I’m here.”

[…My dear.]

“Father? Are you in pain? Should I call for a doctor right—”

[No, it’s all right. I’m not in pain. That’s right… I’m not the one who is in pain.]

You say you’re not in pain, but your expression is grim. Just yesterday, you greeted me with a beaming smile. Today, however, you stood stiffly in the corner, observing me with a calm, unsmiling face.

[It’s not me who’s in pain. It’s you, my dear, isn’t it?]

“…What? What do you mean by that?”

[That day. Didn’t you say you were coming from a doctor’s appointment? Ha, what a fool of a father-in-law I am, to see you covered in blood and simply let it pass.]

“…”

[If you’re thinking of lying, don’t bother. It’s not as if I can do anything about it now anyway.]

“…I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m almost fully recovered, and besides, using my ability on you doesn’t affect me at all.”

I forced a smile as I spoke. Father stared intently into my eyes without a word, then finally sighed and shook his head.

[I’m sorry for frightening you. Is that my present in your hand? Thank you. Just leave it here and go home for today. And get yourself examined.]

“But I have to use my ability on you—”

[You are still young, my dear. You have all the time in the world, so what’s the rush? Or… is it that you’re in such a hurry because you don’t have much time left?]

At his calm rebuke, I bit down on my lip.

I had to treat him now. Otherwise, there would be no more time. But he was angry with me, ordering me not to use my ability out of concern for my health.

[Is there truly so little time left, my dear?]

“…”

[Do you intend to hide the name of your illness from me until the very end?]

I couldn’t bring myself to answer his question. His expression was one of utter devastation as his form wavered. Though I knew he was a spirit, I was startled and rushed to his side.

He murmured, his voice hollow.

[Why… why do you only hide it? Hm? It’s not too late, even now. If you get treated quickly, there might still be a chance. My dear? Child?]

“…I’m sorry.”

[Did you keep silent because you thought we would cast you out? If that’s the case, I must tell you that you are sorely mistaken.]

That’s precisely why I didn’t say anything. Because I know you wouldn’t cast me out—you would try to embrace me, no matter what.

At first, I was afraid that if you found out I was terminally ill, you would all be disappointed and come to hate me. But it was only fear; I thought I could bear that much. Everything changed, however, once I realized you would accept me wholeheartedly.

The thought that I might cause you sorrow in the future… that was something I couldn’t bear. All my life, I wished for people who would cherish me as I cherished them. But now that I finally have such precious people, I don’t know what to do.

I hope you won’t be too sad when I die. I’d rather you didn’t hold me so dear.

I steadied my trembling breath and took my sleeping father’s real hand.

“Father, the truth is, I don’t have much time left. Before it runs out, I am determined to wake you. I’m sorry for deceiving you. And I’m sorry for using my ability without your permission.”

Father was silent for a long while. I squeezed my eyes shut. When I finally opened them again, his form had become almost transparent.

[Child, then make one promise with me.]

“…I’ll decide after I hear it.”

[Then let me ask you a question first. Do you like blue pies—that is, blueberry pies?]

“Yes, I do.”

[That’s wonderful. I taught my son how to make them once, but I don’t know if he ever made one for you.]

“…He has. Once, a long time ago.”

[I told him to make one for the person he loves. It seems he put the lesson to good use. The boy takes after me, not Minerva, so he’s quite skilled with his hands. …After I wake, it might take me months just to walk naturally again. I have been lying here for five years, after all. And to regain the fine motor skills needed to cook… that will take even longer than a few months.]

I had a strong, instinctual feeling that I wouldn’t be able to keep the promise he was about to propose. I shook my head before he could even finish.