Chapter 55 : Layla Heartfilia

"Good son-in-law? Again with the 'good son-in-law'?"

Knight couldn't help but feel like complaining. Only recently had Jiude made it clear that his daughter lived in a "different world," and now, he was calling him a good son-in-law.

"You've misunderstood," Knight said firmly. "Lucy and I aren't actually dating."

"Huh?" Jiude blinked in surprise.

Had he misread the situation? But considering his knowledge of his daughter, Jiude remained skeptical. He had noticed the way Lucy looked at Knight—it wasn't just a casual gaze shared between guild companions.

"Well, I won't meddle in you youngsters' affairs," Jiude said with a small smile. "But today, Lucy expressed her thoughts to me honestly for the first time. She's really grown up."

"Knight, could you do me a favor and tell her that I won't interfere in her life anymore? I didn't handle things well before, and I owe her an apology."

Knight nodded, understanding the weight of Jiude's words. "I'll make sure she gets the message."

"And one more thing," Jiude added with a sigh. "Lucy will be staying with the guild. Please, take good care of her. That's all I ask as her father."

"I'll do my best."

…

Knight left Lucy's villa and walked through the garden toward a nearby hill where an angel statue stood. Beneath it was a memorial: Layla Heartfilia, 7-07–777.

"Mom… I'm sorry I haven't visited in so long," Lucy whispered, standing before the tombstone, her voice trembling with emotion.

Her eyes drifted toward the year 777 engraved on the stone, and a sense of unease began to stir in her chest.

"777… It's the same year the dragons disappeared, like Natsu and Gajeel's cases." A chill ran down Lucy's spine as her mind raced with the possibility. Could her mother's death be linked to the mysterious disappearance of the dragons?

Before she could delve deeper into her thoughts, Knight's voice interrupted, "Lucy, your father's calling for dinner."

Startled, Lucy turned around, but her mind remained fixated on the date. Grabbing Knight's arm, she pointed to the tombstone, her excitement bubbling over. "Knight, look! My mother died in 777—could she still be alive? Maybe… maybe she's inside me somehow?"

Knight paused, unsure of how to respond. He knew the real reason Layla had passed away. Her death had no connection to the dragons. But before he could say anything, Lucy continued.

"My mother died on July 7, 777—the exact same day the dragons vanished!"

Lucy's excitement quickly faded, replaced by a sinking realization. She had seen her mother's body with her own eyes. No, her death wasn't some magical disappearance like the dragons.

"But it's still strange, isn't it?" Lucy murmured, biting her lip. "The dragons disappear, and my mother dies… all on the same day. There must be some connection, right?"

Knight gently rested a hand on her head, offering comfort. "You could always look into it more on the Magic Network. You might find something useful."

"… Yeah." Lucy nodded, though her cheeks flushed slightly from the sudden touch.

"Come on, let's get back to the guild."

"Wait, before we go, I spoke to your father again. He wanted me to tell you he's sorry."

"Wait… Dad apologized?" Lucy's eyes widened in disbelief. "Are you serious?"

Knight grinned. "He also said he won't interfere in your life anymore."

Lucy looked skeptical. "I'll believe it when I see it. What else did you two talk about?"

"Oh, you know, business," Knight teased. "He also mentioned something about wanting me to be his son-in-law. Lucy, looks like you'll have to work hard for that!"

"Why should I have to work hard, you idiot!" Lucy's face turned beet red, and she quickly stormed back toward the villa, her reaction making Knight chuckle.

…

That evening, Jiude prepared an elaborate dinner to entertain Knight. It was rare for Lucy to sit down and eat at the same table with her father, but tonight, the two men seemed to be getting along like old friends. Jiude laughed heartily with Knight, treating him almost as if he were already part of the family, while Lucy sat quietly, watching the exchange in mild disbelief.

As the conversation went on, Lucy's frustration grew. At one point, she stealthily kicked Knight's leg under the table. Without skipping a beat, Knight reached down and grabbed her foot. To his surprise, it was clad in a delicate, dark stocking.

Lucy, feeling his grip, froze, and Knight, never one to back down from a playful challenge, clamped her foot between his legs and tickled her.

"Ah!?" Lucy yelped softly, quickly covering her mouth to stifle the sound.

Jiude looked over, concerned. "Everything okay, Lucy?"

"N-Nothing!" Lucy replied through gritted teeth, trying her best to keep her composure. She pinched her thigh to distract herself from the tickling.

"Are you still upset with me?" Jiude sighed, shaking his head. "I'm sorry, Lucy. I'll refuse the arranged marriage, and from now on, I'll respect your decisions."

Lucy's eyes widened in shock, her gaze shifting toward Knight as if asking what did you say to him?

Knight returned her look with a teasing smile, gently caressing her foot now instead of tickling it. His eyes said it all: Guess.

Lucy blushed furiously, her ears turning bright red as she felt his warm hand moving across her foot. Her breathing quickened, and she shot Knight a glare that promised revenge.

Jiude, while no fool, merely smiled knowingly. He had a hunch about the nature of their relationship, but chose to keep quiet.

…

Dinner ended on a pleasant note, and afterward, Jiude called Lucy into his study to have a long-overdue heart-to-heart conversation. Knight, meanwhile, was escorted to the guest room by one of the maids.

"Master Knight, your room is ready, and the bath is prepared. If you need anything, just let me know," the maid said respectfully.

"Thank you," Knight replied, closing the door behind him. He took a deep breath and relaxed, impressed by the luxury of the room.

As he prepared for his bath, a private message notification suddenly flashed on his device.

It was from Ultear, the Witch of Pain: [Black stockings selfie.jpg]

Knight smirked. This woman never missed a chance to tease him.

Ultear had long, slender legs, and in those black stockings, she looked absolutely stunning. Knight felt a familiar sense of excitement.

Witch of Pain: [Today, the Council discussed the defeat of the Six Demon Generals.]

Knight's amusement faded. Ultear was serious for once.

Sigma Man: [I still prefer when you send pictures.]

Witch of Pain: [Knock it off! Be serious.]

Knight rolled his eyes. Weren't you the one who started with the pictures?

Witch of Pain: [Remember when I told you about Eligore from the Iron Forest and Lullaby? They were captured by Angel from the Six Demon Generals.]

Witch of Pain: [The Council messed up, and now they're scrambling to fix it. Guess who they're sending to deal with the Six Demons?]

Knight sighed. He had a feeling where this was going.

Witch of Pain: [I recommended you! Say thank you, big sister~]

Sigma Man: [I'll post your photos on the forum!]

Witch of Pain: [Wait, no! Sorry, I was joking! Please, don't!]

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