Another One to Tame

In a discreet manner, Kalliope sucked in a deep breath, trying to stay patient. Her smile remained hanging on her lovely face. She had to keep up with this image of an adorable daughter since she still needed this man as her shield. And technically, adults were usually weak against a child, especially a cute and obedient one. Hence, she needed to make sure that her action didn't appear too rebellious.

While the duke took another sip of Earl Grey from his cup, he asked unhurriedly, "So, just give me the list and I will procure them for you."

Kalliope was stumped once again. Ha ha ha... she didn't know whether to laugh or fling this man into the sky. He confidently made his own decision and completely disregarding his daughter's opinion. Simply self-centered and no manner.

Pursing her lips slightly, Kalliope obviously rejected his 'kind' offer and started playing the push and pull game, "No need. If I'm not allowed to visit the academy, then it's fine."

The young lady threw in the bait and the duke stiffened as he slowly put down his tea again. He then observed his daughter and found her acting natural. There was no displeasure laced in her eyes as she gracefully drank her tea in silence.

However, although he did not detect any pouting or crease on her expression, the previous smile was also nowhere to be found. Basically, his daughter simply gave him a straight face which pushed him into a game of guessing.

His heart jolted slightly beneath his cold exterior. Then, he hesitatingly probed his daughter's mood, "Alicia?"

Unlike the others who casually used her nickname to call her, the duke was rather reserved and his rigid personality made him referred to her original name. But, to his dismay, his daughter didn't directly answer him. She merely shot him a smile before savoring the cake again. It made him even more confused.

Usually, if the duke was ever faced with such a predicament, he would just dismissed it nonchalantly. He didn't have time to care for such a troublesome thing and why would he? Most of the time, the other party would concede and gave him face. Who would dare to act brazenly in front of the grand duke in the first place anyway?

Yet now, despite all odds, the duke found himself being given a cold shoulder by his own daughter. It caught him off-guard and he was at lost on what to do to placate her. He had never encountered such a situation in his life.

Alice's three older brothers had pretty much similar temperament as the duke. Unlike other children, they were smart and carried themselves elegantly ever since they were a child. Obedience and discipline seemed to come naturally to them.

They were very much mature to the point that the duke had never heard any negative reports from their tutors either during private lesson or when they had gone to the academy. It had all been flying colors and rainbow achievements in their reports.

Even when it came to his niece, Ophelia Penelope Brooks, although she was a bit willful at times, she had never troubled him. There had been no difficulties until today.

In all honesty, the grand duke didn't really care that much about Ophelia. Yes, he was worried because no matter what, she was still his responsibility the moment he had given his words to Viscount Brooks to take care of her. Besides Ophelia's strength was also needed against the church and he also still cared for his wife who seemed to be the most affected by Ophelia's condition.

But that was it.

However, it was a completely different matter when it came to his own daughter. The duke had never been close to Alice or took the time to sit with her in the past because all he ever saw was Alice's fear or uncomfortable expression whenever she was with him.

He didn't want to stress his own daughter so he decided to give some space. But, since yesterday, he had noticed the change and the duke was in fact happy about it. He immediately seized the chance to spend time with her.

Unlike his casual approach towards the others, the duke was particularly sensitive to his daughter's change of mood. He didn't want to upset her and go back to being estranged.

"Alicia, are you... are you angry with daddy?"

For the first time in history, there was hesitation in the voice of the usually indifferent duke. In fact, if one were to listen closely, they would also detect a hint of nervousness in his tone, though exceedingly faint.

Kalliope's body stiffened as well when she heard him while the corner of her lips twitched. For whatever reason, she felt the duke's behavior right now didn't match the man's image. She really couldn't see him as a father even though he was one.

The duke kept staring intently at her and Kalliope also noticed his tensed shoulders. She couldn't help but smile evilly while she was sipping her tea. Her expression was completely shielded by the cup in her hand.

However, eventually she ended this game since she didn't want to waste the whole afternoon having tea time with her so-called father.

Thus, she chuckled and said, "Whatever are you talking about, Dad? I'm not--"

"Don't be angry," the duke didn't bother to wait for her to finish and interrupted since he thought she would just be lying out of her fear towards him.

The corner of Kalliope's lips twitched once again. She couldn't help but wonder, 'Isn't the duke supposed to be well-mannered? Then, why the hell did he keep cutting her off?'

She could feel her temple throbbing as she drew a sigh and stressed her sentence word by word, "I'm not angry."

When she saw the doubt in his eyes towards her confession and the duke parted his lips once again, Kalliope made sure to be one step faster this time.

"I'm really not angry. It's just I hope you can be more lenient towards me, Dad."

The man pursed his lips and tried to explain, "It's not that I forbid you to go out, Alicia. Besides, the academy doesn't allow anyone unrelated to step into their compound."

"But, my brother is there," Kalliope didn't give up.

"Still..." he sighed, "Anyway, if your purpose is to read, dad would procure you for you and you can read at home."

Her smile was truly about to falter this time. But, she still calmly persuaded the duke, "Dad, it's not about the books but I also want to go out. I've always want to explore the city and not just occasionally come out for parties. If my safety is what you're concerned of, you may very well assign a few knights to guard me. I'm perfectly fine with that."

After that, the duke was silent for a couple of minutes. Kalliope tried to predict his response from his face but the man had always managed his expression well. Hence, she could only have a staring contest with him.

But, the moment she heard his light sigh, a smile came to her face. She knew she had broken his conviction.

She couldn't understand the reason why the duke wouldn't consent her visit to the academy. However, that didn't matter because whatever obstacle there was in her path, Kalliope trust herself to be able to get through it.

"Alright. I permit you to visit the academy," he relented helplessly.

Kalliope immediately rejoiced as she clapped her hands and exclaimed, "That's great! Since it's already late today, I shall go there tomorrow. Will that be alright with you, Dad?"

"Yes, yes," he waved his hand carelessly while rubbing his temple. Thereafter, he told her, "But, as you said, I will assign a few knights to follow you."

"I have no comment for that," Kalliope concurred as she took another bite of the cream cake on the table. Unfortunately, the duke's next words gave her another round of 'turning to stone'.

"In addition to the knights, I will also inform you brother Tristan to accompany you."

Kalliope whose hand froze midair, "...."

Here comes another stranger whom I have to tame.