"So this is what it feels like to have a father."

They're simple but powerful words.

Deruth couldn't contain his emotions as he smiled dearly towards Rok who uttered those words. He patted his head and silently promised himself that he'll fill their memories with warmth and happiness until the day they decided to leave his side.

He looked at Cale, who, in return, looked at him in confusion.

It may take time, but by the time he has to let go of them, he promised himself that he'd never regret anything.

The ceremony went by flawlessly.

One can tell how proud Deruth looked right now. One can tell that he didn't care whether his reputation would be tarnished by the twin's appearance.

Truly, he was a noble man who would go high and low against all odds for his children.

Instead of people looking down on him for his illicit actions, people began to admire him.

He really is benevolent and kind.

**

A month after the banquet, several invitations for the twins were sent to the county. However, Deruth was overprotective of his children and refused every invitation to them.

It's not that he wants them to properly take on the title of a noble; they can freely do whatever they want, but entering the noble settings would make them the target of humiliation.

That's the least that he wanted for them.

"Count."

He raised his head and looked at the tutor he had hired for the twins.

"They're exceptional, My Lord."

Deruth smiled satisfactorily and leaned back, listening to the wonderful report.

"They excel in academics, especially politics and economics. They're good with maths and literature. There is nothing I can teach them. Please send them to the Academy."

Deruth raised his brow and said, "That would be impossible."

If they enter the academy, Deruth won't be able to spend time with them.

He knew that the only time he could be with them was as long as ten years.

"But Milord!"

"I am sorry." he said apologetically, "but I can't send them somewhere I can't reach them."

He'll find greater teachers and instructors, teach them how to protect themselves - he'll do whatever it takes so that they can protect themselves before that.

"Count...", the tutor wanted to protest, but his smile took the better of him.

"Those children will soon leave me..." he spoke. "That's why let me spend what little time I have with them."

Deruth stood up and patted the tutor's shoulder, "I hope you understand."

He left his office and decided to check on the twins. It was bright as the day and warmer than the sun. Beautiful red hair shone brightly with sunshine. They had beautiful warm smiles on their faces and jolly laughter along with a toddler's sweet giggles.

This is the sight.

The sight that Deruth longed to see.

It was this very moment that he wanted to paint on a canvas.

When they decided to leave him.

For when they can't be with him.

He will be left with nothing.

"Dad!" Hearing Bassen's voice, Deruth looked up and welcomed the running toddler. Cale and Rok were both sweaty, but they still had smiles on their faces. It was as if nothing had changed between them, it was as if they had resigned and accepted this very fact.

"Lord."

He bit his lip and looked at them. He shook his head and gestured for them to come close. He took his handkerchief and carefully wiped their sweat.

He carefully caressed their cheeks and hair and combed their messy hair with his fingers.

He lovingly smiled at them and held their hands.

Rok and Cale looked at each other and then towards him.

No one said anything. Not one of them spoke of what they felt.

"Have you had snacks?"

"Not yet," Cale answered. His hand slowly tightened while holding Deruth's hand.

"Let's have some sweets and tea then."

He took Bassen into his arms, but he didn't let go of Cale's hand. Rok, on the other hand, led the way to the greenhouse.

He could see Rok smiling from ear to ear while Cale looked a bit hesitant towards him.

Well, this is fine.

This way is fine.

Deruth promised himself that he wouldn't force them any more than he did when he took them into the household.

"Um."

"Yes?"

Cale looked at Roks, who gave him a knowing nod.

"Can we... go outside?"

Deruth stopped, and that made him nervous.

"We won't go anywhere, we'll come back," Cale said and looked at Rok.

"We're going to visit some cake shops. If that is alright, we won't go anywhere."

Deruth wanted to refuse, but in the end, "alright, at least take Hilsman and Vicross with you..."

Seeing how bright and wide their smiles are, Deruth felt something light lift from his heart.

He's guilty. The guilt of wanting to keep them in the castle slowly left his heart.

"We might run away. Is that alright?"

"No..." he said, "both of you are the kinds that keep your promises."

Feeling the soft snore in his arms, Deruth spoke lightly, "At least, return to me. I'll tell you when I'm ready to set you free... so until then, stay with me."

Hearing that, Cale and Rok looked at each other and looked at him, "Is it alright..." they were hesitating, "to treat you as a father then?"

"I am your father. Why would you even ask?"

"It's painful," Cale spoke, "we're pushing you away. Why are you even accepting things the way they are?"

Yes, it's painful but none of them has a choice.

Their decisions and choices outweigh family.

But this is fine. This is enough. Deruth knows that whether he imprisoned them they can't be bound by anything.

That's why he decided, that he'll beg them to stay until he's ready to set them free.

He expected them to ask, but he only had one dream, "I just wanted to be the father I am supposed to be."

He just wanted to love them and give them everything in his power so that they could live in peace and happiness.

That's all he wished for.

"Dad."

Deruth looked down and saw Cale blushing furiously. He couldn't stop himself from smiling from ear to ear.

"Hah! My shy little bro is blushing!"

"I am not!"

"Such a sissy!" Rok teases.

"Rok!" Cale let go of Deruth's hand and chased after his brother.

Deruth was even more content than he had ever been in his life.

This is the moment that he wanted to protect.

Deruth followed the twins, but someone stood in front of him. It was the head of the collateral Henituse line. He looked at him and greeted him.

"Lord."

"It's a fine day, don't you think."

The branch family head looked at him and said, "I didn't think you'd stoop so low. Didn't you think taking them in would tarnish the noble name?"

"Selvior Henituse..." Deruth called out, "Between you and me, who is the count?"

Selvior, his cousin replied, "you, My Lord."

"Then that is a problem that I, the Count, would handle."

"But —!"

"You are dismissed."

Deruth sighed and looked at the twins waving at him. He wore a soft smile and patted his cousin's shoulder, "Don't cross the line."

He warned and followed the excited twins for some afternoon tea.

"You are the one that shouldn't cross the line, Deruth."

Deruth replied, "it's Count Deruth, Brach Family Head."

They won't lay their dirty hands on his children.

TBC