ADVISOR? YOU MEAN DAD

Diaval stared, puzzled and confused, as Mira and Eldric continued their conversation.

The revelation that Eldric was Mira's father left him reeling.

How had he not known this?

'There was nothing of the sort mentioned in the story....'

'Maybe I don't remember it right...but it should've been in the first chapters.'

He watched as Eldric's stern features softened, revealing a depth of emotion that seemed almost out of character for the usually composed advisor.

"Mira, how have you been?" Eldric asked, his voice gentle and filled with a warmth Diaval hadn't heard before.

"I've been well, Father," Mira replied, her voice steady but her eyes betraying a flicker of sadness.

"Thank you for the tea,"Diaval chimed in but withdrawed from the Father-Daughter conversation that was going on.

Eldric nodded, a small smile playing on his lips.

"You take good care of the young master. I'm proud of you."

Mira blushed slightly, glancing at Diaval, who was still trying to wrap his head around this new information.

The connection between the two seemed to be more profound and complex than he had initially realized.

As Mira poured the tea, Diaval's mind drifted, piecing together fragments of conversations and observations that now made sense in the light of this revelation.

Eldric, one of the most respected and trusted advisors in House Astarot, had a tragic past.

It was a story known to few, whispered in the shadows of the grand halls of the mansion.

Years ago, Eldric had fallen in love with a human woman named Elara.

She was a healer, known for her gentle touch and kind heart.

Despite the societal taboo and the inherent differences between their races, their love blossomed, a rare and beautiful thing.

Elara's humanity and Eldric's dragon heritage made them an unusual pair, but their bond was unbreakable.

They had Mira, a child of both worlds, inheriting her father's strength and her mother's gentleness.

Mira's birth had been a joyful event, a symbol of their union and the love they shared.

However, tragedy struck when Mira was just a child.

Elara fell gravely ill, a mysterious illness that no healer could cure.

Eldric, despite his vast knowledge and resources, was helpless as he watched the love of his life wither away. Elara's last days were filled with pain and sorrow, her once vibrant spirit dimming with each passing moment.

Eldric's grief was immeasurable. He had lost his wife, the woman who had brought light into his life, and he was left to raise their daughter alone.

He threw himself into his work, using it as a means to cope with his loss.

Mira, meanwhile, grew up in the mansion, surrounded by luxury but always feeling the absence of her mother.

Despite the heartbreak, Eldric ensured that Mira had everything she needed.

He trained her, taught her, and made sure she was prepared for the harsh realities of their world.

Mira's strength and resilience were a testament to her father's love and her mother's enduring spirit.

Diaval, now aware of this painful history, felt a pang of sympathy for both Eldric and Mira.

The strong, silent advisor had carried such a heavy burden, and Mira, always so composed and diligent, had grown up without the warmth of her mother's embrace.

'Advisor? More like the perfect and protective dad,'Diaval thought knowing that Eldric wouldn't allow any harm to befall her daughter long as he was breathing.

Eldric's voice brought Diaval back to the present.

"Mira, thank you for the tea," he said, his tone still gentle.

"I have some important matters to discuss with the young master. Please, take care."

Mira nodded, her eyes lingering on her father for a moment before she turned to leave.

"Of course, Father. Young Master," she said, giving Diaval a respectful nod.

Eldric cleared his throat, breaking the silence that had settled over the room.

"By the way, young master, Lady Jade mentioned something interesting during breakfast."

Diaval felt a sinking feeling in his chest.

"Oh? What did she say?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady, but inwardly panicking about what his mother might have revealed.

Eldric gave a knowing smile.

"She commented on how you and Mira have been spending more time together lately."

Diaval's heart plummeted, a wave of anxiety washing over him.

Did Eldric think he was a pervert?

"It's not what you think!" he blurted out, his face turning as red as a tomato.

"Mira and I, we're just... I mean, she's been helping me with things, and—"

Mira, who had been quietly standing by the door, also scrambled to defend herself.

"Dad.... I've just been assisting Dia- I mean the young master with his duties and tasks around the mansion.

There's nothing improper going on, I swear!"

Eldric raised a hand, a chuckle escaping his lips. "Calm down, both of you. I was merely making an observation."

"Just know that I trust both of you, and I have no doubts about your intentions.

Now, let's get back to our plans, shall we? Unless, of course, you two want to share any juicy gossip?"

Diaval and Mira exchanged a glance, both of them silently agreeing to move past the awkward moment.

"No dad, I'll be leaving now,"Mira said leaving embarassed.

As the door closed behind her, Diaval took a deep breath, trying to process everything he had just learned.

"Diaval..."Eldric said.

The sudden mention of his name made Diaval jolt.

He wasn't referring to him as Young master now.

"Y-yeah?"Diaval gathered the syllables that slowly came out of his mouth.

"Mira is everything to me....take really good care of her,"Eldric said.

Diaval who was a bit confused answered, "okay, Sir Edlric...."

Eldric turned back to him, his demeanor once again that of the wise, composed advisor.

"Now, young master," Eldric said, his voice steady, "let us continue with our plans. We have much to do."

Diaval nodded, still shaken but determined. The weight of responsibility felt heavier now, knowing the depth of the lives intertwined with his own.

As they delved back into their discussion, Diaval couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of purpose.

'Was that a go ahead directly from the source?' Diaval thought.

The notion lingered in Diaval's mind like an unwanted guest: the idea that Sir Eldric and his mother, Jade, harbored suspicions about him and Mira.

It left him feeling uneasy, as if they believed there was more between them than just a working relationship.

Despite the insinuation, Diaval had no intention of crossing that line.

Mira was a diligent young woman, dedicated to her duties, and Diaval admired her for it.

But he also saw her youth and innocence, qualities he didn't want to compromise. He couldn't fathom dragging her into a situation that might burden her with responsibilities beyond her years, especially motherhood.