《My Papa is my Demon King》


 Chapter 1: Crooked Road (Revised)

    "Shying away, are we now? Hmm, i thought we had a deal?"


    A person with physical makeup of a teenager spoke in a soft tone whilst fiddling with a pointed object in his hand, shrouding him in a pseudo-gentle aura.


    "What!? Shut your sweet mouth, you set me up! Then you steal my shit, you god damm cocksuckers!"


    "This F- "


    A looming figure of a bald man stepped forward, raising his fist to the tied man.


    "Calm down gentlemen."


    The only sitting person in the room stood up, raised his hand at the glabrous man. He wiped the screwdriver in his hand using a handkerchief, then he stuffed the blood stained cloth inside his luxurious tuxedo. He raised a finger to the bald man.


    "We did had quite a few bad moments... You break in the target, we ''organize'' the loot, isn''t that how this thing works?"


    "Don''t fucking screw with me!"


    The ''boy'' put down his finger and the men around them pulled the restrained man out if the room. After a few moments, gunshots can be heard in another place.


    The bald man approached the boy and spoke in a manner that differs from his demeanor.


    "Se?or, i''m impressed the negotiation broke down even before it even begun."


    The boy scoffed at the man''s sarcastic remark, and stared out the window.


    "Judas, surely you jest. Rivals camped overnight for that deal and i just went and ruined it, shocks, and please don''t give me insincere applause."


    "Ah, Sure.. sure. Even though we earned 15% more profit from your actions. I''ll turn a blind eye to that. Because i''m sure this is your way of saying ''I want to take a vacation.'' Si."


    The boy in the extravagant suit, Leonardo Ajustus. A man of unknown origins paced out of the room and into the cold air outside.


    He adjusted the bangs of his smooth-golden hair, making sure it''s in a perfectly comfortable position. Leonardo smacked his lips in an elegant manner then sang.


    "Who knows, sire.. Who knows... "


    Then just like that, the door went shut and left the bald gentlemen collapsed in the only chair in that room.


    "Maid, please bring me alcohol.. Warm. kind, thank you."


    ---


    Out on the streets, Leo stood still staring at the sky, thinking about bits and pieces of the past, all but which is regretting to him.


    "I wish to have kids."


    Leonardo prayed, een though Leonardo is an aethist, he still thought that some unknown god could fulfill those little wishes of his. But alas, he knows it''s futile since his body is incapable of procreation.


    He moved on and walked serenely along the concrete pavement. The air made him blink a couple of times in cold, his pricey outfit isn''t that much fit for resisting the cold. But with his strict training and addiction to cold baths, this kind of breeze was nothing.


    Soon enough, as though to challenge him, snow fell. The sky opened and gentle snowflakes glided downwards, piling the ground with thin layers of snow.


    Leonardo opened his mouth with a sigh.


    "This ought to thicken sooner or later... Hey A1."


    "Yes sir!"


    A person in a pitch black outfit appeared from nowhere and took a kneel beside Leo.


    "... It''s cold. Don''t you think?"


    "Yes, the temperature sharply declined to single digits and will soon approach negative after a few hours. Sir, if i may suggest, it is best to return home and soak in a geyser for a while."


    "No, no. No need for that, i won''t fall from mere cold. I wanna sightsee for a while.. "


    The way Leonardo whined is similar to the act of a spoiled young boy from a rich family. The woman in a dark suit frowned and turned stiff before continuing.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    "In that case, we shall have portable heaters at places you go, i''ll go assemble my- "


    "Selena, will you nag more? Calm a bit."


    Selena, the head of Leonardo''s personal security team and also taking part of Leo''s large business chain, knows better than to nag excessively in front of this man. She breathed sharply before exhaling in an exaggerated manner.


    "There, you half calm now? Good. Because i want you to get your girls and head back to the mansion first. I''ll be heading back after a little walk."


    "But- "


    "I''m invoking my master status here."


    Selena couldn''t talk. No, she knows that her employer is a thick-headed arrogant man who listens to no-one. Even going as far neglecting his own bodyguards who protects his ownself.


    "Suit yourself... Sir. "


    "Good girl."


    She really didn''t have to worry about this man''s safety because this man could take on a 100 of herself and come out unscathed. A real monster he is, and she just hope today''s event won''t end up reducing her salary.


    ---


    ''The snow is deep on the ground. Always the light falls, softly down on the hair of my belov¨¨d.''


    Leonardo recalled words from a poem about winter, a poem of love and warmth, though he couldn''t understand both.


    Winter is here, so as christmas. Leonardo felt somewhat gloom after the thought of the word christmas. His thoughts on that topic are certainly NOT giving presents to former comrades and his bestfriend and brother Mihcael, surely not.


    "Christ is Santa? Maybe i should convert to christianity."


    After a chuckling at a silly thought, Leo walked passed by cars with windshields full of snow. The more he steps he take the more his stomach was filled with an unpleasant feeling. Not a physical one but one that frosts his heart and giving him a sense of desolation.


    "Something isn''t right... "


    Leonardo thought of the thing missing in his life. Something to fill up the vacant spot in his chest. Was it lust? Was it anger?


    He scoped forward while thinking and found himself in an alleyway between two large condominiums.


    "This place is... "


    Surprisingly dry? Isn''t it? Leo thought. Maybe it was the balconies of the rooms above hanging by the ledges or the roof themselves.


    "Or maybe god pities the souls that seek shelter here."


    He saw forlorn figures of humans, some small and big. But what makes them all similar is are the dark shadow over their faces. It''s either from dread of having to starve in the cold, or the fear for the numerous hostile elements in their surrounding.


    ''Maybe like them.''


    Leonardo stared at a group of men in large shabby coats, exchanging goods with quivery hands.


    "I had my time at a place like this."


    The wind carried his whispers as he continued treading in this familiar yet foreign territory.


    The smooth smell of human waste lingers, same as the toxic stench from the heap of garbage. All of them are neglected here, away from the world so they cannot be criticized by the world. That applies too for humans themselves.


    What a world of suffering, is what he thought as his feet unknowingly stopped at one point.


    "Oy kid, you hear me? Hey, wake up!"


    A bulky man crouched down on one of the stairs. His face cannot be seen, only the wool hat on his head.


    He appears to be slapping someone awake, a child.


    "Oy, Wake up brat! I told you not to sleep on the job."


    He slapped her again and again until the tiny girl finally aroused from her slumber. She neither cry or scream in terror or shock but instead she looked up and bowed her head to the ground.


    "I''m... S-Shorry, i c-cuden''t ern any mune.. "


    Even with teeth chattering in cold the girl managed to speak with voice devoid of any life.


    Leonardo''s mouth curved up. The land of dread, huh? The strong devours the weak. He thought. One could already imagine what punishment the man would give to the poor girl, first he''ll open her ripe to get every bit of value he could and maybe sell to those people with sick tastes.


    "Not that it got anything to do with me... "


    He slowly walked away, the small wails and pleads of the girl slowly grew far.


    "P-pleas... Gib- mi w-wan... One mor day."


    "Shut up you wretch, no second chances for you, you crippled fuck. Should''ve known you ain''t worth shit. Should have sold you off to them sick f**ks while i had the chance. Even if you''re real hideous."


    The man started talking to himself ignoring the crying girl grovelling at his feet.


    "Now where do i- "


    His words were cut off short as a loud crash echoed in the area.


    The head of the man flew towards the wall and made a violent noise before being followed by defeaning screams and shout of forsaken souls around.


    "Seriously... Blood of dirty people such as these are filled with an inelegant stench.. "


    Leonardo tried wiping blood off his suit to no avail. His hands and well-proportioned face were dyed with streaks of red.


    Obviously he was the one who punched the man over to the wall. The impact of the crash lingers and Leonardo could clearly see the small girl shaking.


    He noticed this late but she had rag over her eyes, it is unknown if she is truly blind but her dim violet eyes were revealed after the shock blew away the rags.


    "H-Ha... I-i''m sh-orry... don''t hit.. don''t hit... no mor."


    The girl begged restlessly, Prostrating at Leonardo''s feet. He kneeled in front of the girl then spoke words that seemed to surprise the girl.


    "Child, i destroyed that man who troubles you earlier, are you satisfied?"


    Leo thought he was going to be met with a grateful expression silled with joyful tears but instead he was shown tears of sorrow and resentment.


    "N-No.. W-whay.. Did u took him..? T-tat mister... Let me hab food.. H-he gibs food.. So i do.. n''t hungry... P-pleas... B-bring.. B-back.. "


    The girl, shaking from either hunger, cold or hate, perhaps all of the above. Her frail little fingers grabbed onto the hems of Leonardo''s suit.


    "Hahahaha! Is this a challenge?"


    Leo''s laughter brought spine-chilling fear to onlookers that all of them flee except the ones who are crippled or are cold corpses.


    His words confused the trembling child, but Leonardo''s inner thoughts were convinced of something.


    "Very well, child! I shall give you food, i shall bring you wealth! I shall give you everything and we''ll see if you would want to return to this life of despair."


    Leonardo lifted the girl in his arms. Her shallow breathing reaches his ears and her trembling figure is a pitiful sight to look at.


    Today, Leonardo Ajustus made a vow -a bet- to give this poor soul, everything and anything it needs or wants. Even at the cost of everything in his life.


    END

 Chapter 2: Proper Answers (revised)

    An oak door gently swung open, brushing off dust and cobwebs from within the room. The floors were unpolished and furnitures felt of 300-year history of neglect.


    A young man stepped inside, while carrying something wrapped in a dirty tuxedo covered in dirt, blood and a veil of light snow. The man''s figure is covered in the same thing but in greater quantities, like he walked thru a snowstorm and stepped on dirt puddles, which in fact he did.


    "Now, shall i call some sirvientas."


    Leonardo placed the object wrapped in his tux on the bed, unveiling it, revealing the sleeping figure of a small child, aged ten to eleven, malnourishment hinders accurate estimation of her age. Maybe she''s younger.


    He brushed the girl''s hair. Red strands from depigmentation are evident on her brittle dark hair.


    Leonardo peeked at the sunken cheeks spotted with wounds and frostbite.


    "Don''t you find it amusing that the world robs the innocent and frail, as if it''s a price to pay for this false sense of peace."


    His soft whispers were carried by dust and wind, from the curtain he opened to let out sunlight.


    ''No, that is mad! How cruel the world is. The white who faulted no one paying the price in blood for the prosperity of the wicked and tainted.''


    As if to reply to his words, a faint voice spoke in an exasperated tone. Leonardo just smiled and tapped on his phone.


    "Hmu, Henry... Toppat... Mr.Garack... Seals?"


    Leonardo browsed through his contacts, which are filled with prestigious people and groups, even those who are in high political positions. His eyes hovered on the word seals, if his memory serves right, it''s the little group where his little brother does works.


    For now, they are irrelevant. With a toot sound, the receiver picked up after ringing a few.


    [Yes, se?or.]


    "Yes, yes. This is... Hannah, Right?"


    [I am here to serve.]


    "Hmm, yes. Can i trouble you for a task? Please assemble thirty maids at the 3th floor of my residence here at my business location. Oh, and be a dear and bring tools for cleaning."


    [Will we be doing a full house cleansing?]


    "Oh, no. Not that, one room needs a bit of airing out."


    [But if it''s one room. Five of the us are sufficient enough. Why send thi- ]


    "?C¨¢llate!." (Be quiet!)


    Leonardo exclaimed, nearly crushing his phone out of temper. But soon enough, he calmed down and spoke in mellow tone.


    "Pardon me, what you said is sensible. But this matter is of upmost urgency, so i wish it done as efficient as possible."


    [Certainly, master Leo.]


    Leonardo hanged up and placed his phone on the night stand, and glanced at the girl, her soft breathing intertwined with the sound of the cold air outside.


    "Sleep well, child. You will wake in a new world of extravaganza."


    The attention of the man turned towards the door. From it, an elegant figure of a woman emerged. Long hair tied in one big ponytail stretching to the back of her long maid dress. Her glasses glinted in the light, her aura screams of doncella.


    "My maids sure don''t have a sense of fashion trends. Don''t maids nowadays wear tad short skirts and legs stockings? Or do they call those knee-socks?"


    Leonardo walked towards an antique wing chair and stooped and brushed off the grains of dust with his hands.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    "For sure, master Leo. Those odd trends are wide and famous, but mostly used by their master''s fetish and types. Luckily our master doesn''t seem to have the same tastes."


    "Well, i like it quaint. It''s foolish to act young when my flesh is wrinkling."


    "Surely, you jest. Master''s looks no older than a man in his 20s, and if Master donned makeup he could easily pass as a young teenager."


    "Yes, sure. Then kindly wake and treat that child to a bath."


    "Right away."


    Leonardo''s gaze landed on the little girl. The maid, Katarina, moved without hesitation. She knows not the identity of the child but it''s not a part of her job to ask.


    With practiced steps, she neared the bed and tapped the child''s cheeks. Katarina noticed the wounds on the girl''s brittle skin so she took care not to apply pressure.


    Perhaps it is because of the cold, or her sensitive wounds. The child slowly opened her eyes. When those eyes were fully open, Katarina finally realized.


    This child is blind.


    the blank pupils slightly shook. The maid can''t discern if it''s the cold or fear of the different atmosphere she felt.


    "Take calm, little miss. I have been ordered to bathe and wash you clean."


    Perhaps, she''s hungry or just out of energy. The girl spoke no words and resigned her body to the maid.


    "Katarina."


    "Yes, master."


    She hoisted up the girl, under her arms, she is surprisingly light. Like a pillow, soft but as fragile as glass pane.


    She didn''t turned around, afraid that the child might slip down off her arms.


    "Give Doctor John a call when you''re done, i need him to do a check-up. Oh, and call that bastard too when you''re at it."


    There''s only one person in the face of the earth whom he would call ''bastard'' with such contempt. His master Leonardo Ajustus isn''t exactly an emotionally expressive man, and most of the time his words contradicts his intent.


    But when it comes to that ''Man''. He gives zero effort to hide his hatred.


    ''I have no qualms about their hostility with one another, but these brothers are quite a handful.''


    ---


    Soft, fragrant odor tickles her nose. Bliss like softness envelops her body as though she was floating in air.


    She felt her mind melt at the feeling. But the instincts that has been tempered through the harsh environment ticked at her, the painful memories resurfaced and desperately screamed at her to wake up, so she won''t die. She have to stay conscious. The last words of the child''s mother echoed in the depths of her mind.


    ''please live.''


    Her senses returned, and the familiar darkness of the world welcomed her. But to her confusion, this darkness wasn''t unpleasant as the one she remembers. No noisy clattering and glass shattering could be heard.


    She could hear the buzzing of bugs but not the barks of dogs or shouts of adults.


    The smell was pleasant enough to make her raise her nose up high. The foul stench of hole she call home in the past was nowhere to be felt.


    She used her tiny little hands to cope a feel around the surroundings. She felt the warm texture of something underneath her, it was so soft that her hands sinks in. It was softer than the flabs on her legs.


    Scared, she felt alarmed. She thought the object below her would swallow her like a swamp.


    "I see you''re awake."


    The girl turned towards the voice, her ears twitched at the unfamiliar voice. She can''t remember such voice as warm as this.


    "Who.. you.. are? "


    The girl fumbled at her words, clearly lacking in even the most basic vocabulary.


    The man in front of her stood up elegantly, though knowing she is blind she still practiced etiquette in front of the little girl.


    "I believe i haven''t introduced myself earlier. I am Leonardo Ajustus, master of this house. The one who took you from the hands of unpleasant bugs. Pleased to make your acquaintance."


    The girl hears a tapping sound getting closer. She momentarily blanked at the soothing voice of the person, but she trembled yet again when she heard the word''s ''Master''.


    "... A m-master? I was... selled?"


    "Sold? Hm, not quite. Although i AM a master, but not yours. I''ve given those bugs who kept you their due compensation so worry not."


    Leonardo replied with a wicked grin on his face.


    "Don''t be mistaken. From now on, you are not a beggar nor a servant, you are now also the master of everything i own!"


    The girl, confused at Leonardo''s declaration, spoke in a strained voice.


    "Mistah.. Liyon- "


    "Just call me Leo."


    "Yes... Misteh Leo.. i want to.. give thank you."


    The child bowed at his general direction, Leo pleased at her show of gratitude, advanced towards the bed.


    "I have fully decided. You will be a daughter of mine, i care not about your past, either it be deeds or name. You will live from now on in my name."


    The little child is still lost and confused at the unexpected flow of events, she doesn''t know how to react to this abrupt declaration. All she knows is there''s an unknown feeling inside her chest making her want to jump in joy.


    She was petrified at the spot, not from fear and sorrow as she had in the past, but joy that stems from her heart.


    The last time she felt like this was when her mother was still alive.


    She was happy because she again received a person in her life that she would call her family.


    "My name is... Agnes. May i call you father then?"


    Agnes smiled with glee, she was genuinely happy. Her smile was filled with gratitude and hope.


    But that smile had a different meaning to Leonardo Ajustus. A smile that looked innocent yet easily corrupted with maliciousness.


    Leonardo Ajustus wondered. How long will it take for her to mature and come up with clever schemas to take down his new father.


    The child''s eyes look so shallow yet so deep, so clear yet so muddy. Leonardo will give everything she needs and see if she has what it takes to take him down.


    Excitement fills him, anticipating how this child would turn out. He could hardly wait for the day she stabs him in the back and take the absolute glory.


    At last, once again in his life, he had  found purpose; to sit and wait like a demon king on his throne for the traitorous heiress to usurp his crown.

 Chapter 3: Needle in a dream (Revised)

    Tap, tap, tap.


    Noise from solid heels resounded in the hallway, the quiet house made it more so audible.


    A man wearing shoes made in a foreign country, pants of a famous brand. After checking his classy suit, he knocked at the oak door in front of him.


    The door opened after two knocks. A blooming maid greeted him, face befitting of a princess but dress of that a servant, still her charming demeanor could easily charm a hundred hearts.


    The man gave a simple thanks before going inside, he doesn''t seem to commend the beauty in front of him.


    "Hum.. Here''s the man with no fancy. Seriously, won''t you give my beautiful maid a bit of a compliment?"


    A young man, wearing a long gown used for sleeping greeted his guest. Leonardo Ajustus, who woke up just a minute ago with his eyes are still soggy. But even with that sleepy face he still manages to appose in a dignified fashion.


    "Humor me a bit. I acknowledge your house''s servants. But i know better than to dilly-dally in a place of yours."


    "Doctor Johnson, you''re too tense. I didn''t call you here for an extreme operation that includes high-profile fugitives or any criminals."


    Malleri Johnson, a middle-aged surgeon who received the ''Lister Medal'' in england at a mere age of of 22 and had received ''Ambroise Par¨¦'' Medal for three consecutive years in his time in the academy of surgery. Few could name a better surgeon than Johnson who have a 98.30% success rate and his miracles saving important names in history from certain death.


    "Last time i came, that was what i did. Prison shootout, arsonists, shredded by a speedboat? What ridiculous accident does my patient had this time?"


    Johnson rebuked at Leonardo. Which he replied with a chuckle, with a snap of a finger, The maid diagonally behind him came with a platter of drinks and snacks.


    "Care to have some tea?"


    The master of the house offered liquid of a wood-ish hue in a ceramic cup.


    "Thank you."


    Johnson was sipping at the tea when he saw the cookies on the platter. Leonardo took one and started munching on them.


    "These cookies are good, tasty. wish i had some milk."


    The maid behind him was about to move when he stopped her.


    "Doctor, won''t you try some? It''s delicious."


    Johnson felt out of place. He couldn''t perceive what he was seeing. Even though the tea looked lush and costly the same couldn''t be said for the cookies who looked plain, brown chips and all.


    "No?"


    "Huh, actually i want some too."


    Then they started eating away all the cookies on the platter in a matter of seconds.


    "I would like to get down to business."


    In a split second, the light and carefree atmosphere turn heavy and tensed. Johnson could clearly see Leonardo''s serious eyes through the thick lashes of his golden hair.


    Johnson nodded, clasping his own hands.Stolen novel; please report.


    ".. This time you can''t take this job carelessly. Sure those criminal are all right since they pay quite a sum, but this one''s personal. Money is not a problem but if you fail this operation the consequences would be heavy. Nothing short of death."


    Johnson had never seen the man in front of him made such a scary expression. Of course he''d seen him lash out threats and what-not but never to this extent. Something inside him tells Johnson that this threat is more of a death sentence.


    As anxiety consumes him, he saw a peek at the light of determination in the eyes of Leonardo. This man who has everything in the world, had compassion about something?


    He cannot help but laugh inside, this ridiculous situation perplexes yet amuses him.


    "I''ll get the job done."


    "You have my gratitude."


    Leonardo instantly returned to his carefree attitude. Like all his stern act was nothing more than a facade.


    Johnson took out his phone and ringed a number on his contacts, he never thought he would use again.


    "Hello, Duke. Send my whole crew."


    ---


    It''s dark... It''s cold...


    ''What the fuck are you doing?! You useless piece of shit!


    You''re nothing but a burden. That''s why your father died, the mother is sick because of your antics. Get up, be useful!


    You can at least sell yourself for some fucking grub.''


    ¡¸Are you awake, my child?¡¹


    With a gasp, the little girl aroused from her deep sleep, bouncing up the bed she makes out her surrounding .


    " ... "


    She felt perturbed at the continuous noise inside her mind, the voice of the bad people who takes away her mother, her weak voice as she tells Agnes that everything will be alright.


    "Ma.. ma... i miss you..."


    The memory of her mother is unforgettable, the painful tone of her voice is enough to make the little child weep once again.


    Agnes rested her head on the soft pillow once again, wanting to shut off her mind.


    Suddenly, she heard the door open. From her whole day of hearing the door open and close she can finally discern when someone comes in the room.


    "So the patient is awake."


    Agnes felt disappointed for a moment, the voice was not familiar. A new voice yet again. She hated hearing new voices, she felt scared.


    "Looks like that man made a blunder of picking a consort... Don''t look strained child, i am not here to hurt you."


    Agnes''s face crumpled in vigilance, the one in front of her was certainly not the person who made Agnes his daughter.


    It''s a voice of a man. Unlike her father... Mister Leo whose voice was gentle and kind, this voice is rasped and un-energetic. Agnes can''t understand what he spoke but she felt that his words were aimed to mock her benefactor.


    ''No, fathe- misteh Leo deserves no of those words! Please take that back.''


    Agnes wanted to rebuke but she couldn''t. She must be respectful of adults and friends of Mister Leo.


    "H-hello... Can i help you?"


    Agnes spoke in small voice which almost sounded like a squeal.


    "Oh, your father sent me here to... Make some adjustments. And seeing your pupils it''s obvious what''s the job. I should immediately start working."


    Agnes then heard a SMACK! in the background like something hitting skin, what is it?


    "Misteh Leo did?"


    Agnes replied in a naive tone, trying to understand the meaning of his words.


    "Oh dear, i thought you''d be his... Nevermind, i''m not intrigued in any illegitimate affair. Get this started."


    The man sounded like he had a companion. Agnes stayed still, percepting noises from around her.


    "Okay, young miss. This will prick a bit but be at ease. The pain will disappear quickly."


    A soothing tone of a woman entered Agnes'' ears. It''s a beautiful voice but not as much as Mister Leo, she thought.


    The sudden sharp pain abruptly woke her up from her thoughts. Agnes felt something sharp like a needle piercing through her skin.


    "W-What are yo-you doing?!"


    Agnes exclaimed in shock. This sensation, her fear is coming back. How she cried and wept in hunger and the man who kept pricking her forearm regularly with needles so her hunger subsides for a whole day. She thought it was good because she wasn''t hungry anymore, but in her head was the intense pain and blurry scary visions. Nonstop and spinning.


    "N-No! No! Do don''t do to me! It Hurts!! I don''t wanna!"


    The hunger will fade but the unbearable pain takes its place.


    "Sir, this child seems to be traumatized with needles. Are you sure you don''t want to use alternatives?"


    The assistant of the famed doctor Johnson asked for the alternative pills to take instead of injecting anesthesia directly in her blood.


    "We''ve got no choice, Time is limited. Ajustus is not gonna be patient. He wants it done today, and i got a load of appointments tomorrow so we''re going to need this full day to operate. Got it?"


    Johnson was just checking the tools and equipment that the master of the house had prepared.


    "Yes sir." His assistant replied.


    Johnson nodded and hovered his eyes through the high-class, high-tech equipment around him.


    "Not even the most expensive hospital gets their hands on these machines. Huh, he sure did make preparations."


    As much as Johnson was surprised to see cutting edge technology in front of him, he wasn''t too surprised by Leonardo acquiring them.


    That man''s connection rivals the state.

 Chapter 4: Gold and litter

    "Is she awake now?"


    Leonardo Ajustus barged through the pair of men guarding the door, the two who is twice the size of him gave way with utter respect.


    "Yes, master. Currently she''s sitting on the bed, staring out the window. There seem to be no abnormalities so rest assure, is what the doctor said."


    The maid answered swiftly with no hesitation, Like her words are practiced beforehand.


    "Very good! you two, go back now."


    Leonardo gestured at the two hulking men and they left without a word.


    "Master, i do not understand why you would hire mercenaries to guard the room of the little miss."


    The maid said before Leonardo reached the handle.


    "Is it not obvious enough?"


    "Forgive me for my ignorance."


    Leonardo fell into thought, rubbing his chin.


    That''s right, if people already knew then there''s no point in it being a scheme would it?


    Leonardo became delighted for some reason and replied to the maid in a jolly tone.


    "Of course! It''s to spread word of my newborn daughter! Hahaha!"


    He laughed heartily and went inside, which attracted the attention of the small girl resting inside.


    The maid breathed a sigh and stared at the closing gap in the doors.


    "May god and the devil prosper."


    She whispered under her breath before walking away.


    ¨C¨C¨C


    "Good morning."


    Agnes stared. Stared at the unknown man in front of him. She kept staring at him to the point her mouth was gaping open now.


    "Oh dear, what''s wrong? Have you gotten used to your new eyes?"


    The man in front of Agnes reached his hand, aiming to touch her with skin so bright it seems it would blind her again.


    "Are you misteh Leo?"


    Agnes don''t know the face or the figure of the man called Leonardo, but there is no doubt, his scent, his voice and the warm feeling when she sees him.


    "C-can i t-touch you?"


    Agnes almost immediately regretted her request, embarrassment filled her but she didn''t back down, she felt like she needed to do it.


    "Of course. I''m your father, aren''t I? And you''re not obliged to call me with a formal name. Call me father or daddy, which suits you fine."


    Agnes felt joy for the first time in forever as she held Leonardo''s hand, it felt so warm and so firm. She felt at ease at the touch.


    "Oops, i almost forgot it''s your first time seeing. There''s a lot of things you have yet to experience."


    Leonardo casually sat beside Agnes on the bed and placed his hand on her head.


    "Y-yes... I dinnt know... There''s bright lights everywhere."


    Agnes tongued tied at simplest words. Perhaps she will need education right away, Leonardo thought.


    "Lights?"


    Leonardo looked around, it has been one day since he took Agnes and the early morning shines shy amounts of light through the window.


    He tilted his head, he couldn''t comprehend then Agnes pinched his red t-shirt and stared at it for a while.


    "Oh, so that''s what you meant. Of course a child who has lived in a world of no light see colors as such."


    "Colars?"


    "Colors my dear. My shirt is the shade of red, as bright as the anger of a minotaur!"


    Agnes'' eyes sparked with curiosity at the words minotaur, she wanted to know why they are angry.


    "A minotaur is a creature mixed with half of a man and half of a bu¨C cow."


    Leonardo explained, although he thought this child wouldn''t know the animal bull, he sought to use the name of a more commonplace livestock.


    "Cow? Isn''t that food? Mama fed me meat of cow one time on a occasion... "


    Sadness seeped into Agnes'' eyes. Leonardo didn''t miss this, he frowned at the face her new daughter is making.


    "Fret not, you''ll get to eat all the dairy meat  as much as you want. I''ll see to it that you taste all kinds of dishes this world has to offer."


    Agnes'' felt overwhelmed at Leonardo''s declaration once again, she could only reply a meek ''Y-yes..''.


    "You, come here."


    Leonardo pointed at the maid on one corner of the room, she hurried to his side and bowed gently.


    "Prepare appropriate outfits to wear, we''re going dining."


    The petite maid with one long braided hair on her head set out at once at his command.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    "At once, master."


    ¨C¨C¨C


    Agnes was escorted to the car. She wasn''t used to walking with sight so she tripped and stumbled on her own feet. Leonardo pondered about carrying her but ultimately decided it''s good practice for her.


    They sat at the passenger compartment. Agnes who noticed she has been gripping Leonardo''s hand all the way here for support, blushed and placed her hands on her lap.


    Leonardo scanned Agnes'' figure. She''s wearing a pure white dress with a pink ribbon tied to the waist, the maid insisted on a summer hat to protect her from the blinding sunlight.


    As she have difficultly walking on normal footwear the maids decided on a pair of pink boots, bought just an hour ago.


    "Are you feeling well, my child?"


    Agnes who was feeling flustered got startled when Leonardo spoke.


    "A-ah! Y... Yes, this place is warm and comfy."


    Agnes'' scarred cheeks tinged with a rosy color. Leonardo thought about appropriate food for children, should he start with easy to chew dishes? Porridge...


    While contemplating Leonardo suddenly felt a pair of shaking hands on his suit.


    "What''s the matter?"


    "I-It''s shaking... the ground shaking..."


    Leonardo immediately realized that this would be her first time riding a vehicle. He turned to the chofer and tapped on the glass.


    "Would you kindly move slower, my child is uncomfortable here."


    Leonardo''s tone was kind and sincere but the driver felt his real intentions of irritation.


    "Y-Yes! Certainly, I''m sorry for the blunder."


    The car''s movement noticably slowed down along the shaking with it.


    "Do not worry, it is normal for cars to shake. It''s safe, i assure you."


    Leonardo reassured Agnes as the latter slowly pulled away her fingers and calmed down.


    Leonardo fought the urge to pat her head and settled on adjusting the brim of Agnes'' hat.


    ¨C¨C¨C


    After a long while their car arrived at their destination. A large structure where people with stylish outfits come and go.


    Most of the people around stopped in their tracks and stared at the trio of  Leonardo, Agnes and their driver. Especially at Agnes who were crouched down at the ground and touching the porcelain floor.


    "Oh dear, my child. You shouldn''t do that."


    Leonardo picked up Agnes by the hand, wiping off the dirt on her tiny fingers.


    "Ah, s-soryy... It''s just so smooth.."


    "It''s alright, if you must, the tiles at our home is smoother than here so you can feel it all you want."


    "Y-yes."


    Agnes felt more embarrassment on this day than she did her entire life.


    Leonardo thought it''s quite normal for a child to be curious not seeing the flushed expression under the hat.


    The duo of father and daughter walked through the lobby. The people making way for them like numerous herbivores seeing a lion.


    "Come, my child."


    Leonardo brought Agnes to an elevator. Everyone inside and those who was supposed to go in immediately scattered and backed away.


    Now the two of them are alone in the elevator as it goes up to their destination.


    Leonardo could feel Agnes'' hand shake within his grasp. So he confirmed her condition.


    "Are you feeling ill?"


    "Nn, i feel like i''m floating."


    "Oh, yes. We are floating in a sense. We need to float up to reach the higher floors."


    Agnes nods her head like she understood. She held strong and forced the unpleasant feeling back in her throat.


    "We''re here."


    With a ding! the doors opened and what Agnes saw is the most brightest and most people she saw since having light in her eyes.


    "So many..."


    Agnes cowered behind Leonardo, tucking in her hat to cover her face.


    "Do not worry, this place is too noisy for my taste. We will go to a more private one."


    Leonardo already made a private reservation for this restaurant. He wanted to rent out the whole place but his servants decided against it since it would be bad for Agnes.


    Certainly a desolated place isn''t the most appropriate atmosphere for a child who had lived in dark thus far.


    "This way sir Leonardo."


    The two were guided to a room with a big glass window to the previous dining area.


    A couple of tables were set with cloth and tables but they would only use one.


    Leonardo pulled the chair for Agnes and she teetered up the chair, trying her best to look respectful.


    "What do you think of this place, is it to your liking?"


    Agnes turned upright when she heard Leonardo speak, his eyes fixated on her.


    "Unn... it''s amazing. There''s many people, many amazing bright lights, it''s warm too... Ah! but not as warm at our home! uhn, i-i mean your home.. "


    Leonardo bellowed in laughter, sliding his fingers across the food menu.


    "Didn''t i tell you, my child. Everything i own, everything i possess is yours also. So you shouldn''t hesistate to call it as yours."


    Leonardo flapped open the menu and peeked at Agnes through the gap. Agnes was fidgeting while looking back up at him, out of words to speak.


    "Let''s have a meal and we shall see through more places."


    Leonardo noticed Agnes poking at the utensils other than the small fork and spoon for tea. He looked at the attendant on standby and the man nodded, fetching a pair of plastic spoon and fork while taking away the silver utensils.


    "Ah.. ta-thanks.. "


    Agnes thanked the waiter as he''s leaving, she also turned to Leonardo but the latter pretended to be busy reading the menu.


    After a couple of minutes of silence and Agnes swinging her feet in boredom. The food finally came.


    "Thank you for waiting master Leonardo, miss Agnes. The food is ready."


    Agnes saw a cart with plates covered in half covered metal pieces. She''s intrigued why the food is hidden but excited all the same too.


    Leonardo on the other hand fixed his eyes on Agnes. Like he was expecting something from her.


    "Isn''t there something we''re missing, my child?"


    He spoke directly to Agnes, which put her on the spot. She turned to the waiter then back to Leonardo then to her hands.


    She raised her hands and wiggled it.


    "Very good, we should always wash our hands before and after eating."


    Agnes bobbed in joy from being praised by Leonardo. The two went to the bathrooms and split up at the intersections between pink and blue.


    Agnes navigated her way to the stalls, her boots squeaking against the floor tiles. She knows how to use a toilet but she have never experienced going in a room specifically made for toilets.


    While Agnes was in the bathroom, two handsome men were lurking outside the door.


    "You sure she''s in there? Did you properly lock that door?"


    "I confirmed she went inside, and don''t worry that lock would hold up to bolt cutters, only a monster''s jaw could break that."


    The one with blonde hair pointed at a 15cm lock shaped like a box with no keyholes, it"s only purpose is to lock not to be opened. There''s no use worrying about the door, it''s their fault for making the door blast proof and sturdy to avoid breaking in.


    "Easiest job of my life. Sorry for the kid but her fault for being born to a greedy father."


    The men pulled out guns pre-loaded with bullets and silencers.


    They only came here for one task, and one task only. They needed to do it cleanly and efficient. No mistakes and traces were to be left, the tedious process of waiting for an hour for their target has finally come to fruition.


    Their job was to kill the daughter of the man they call the Demon king, Leonardo Ajustus.


    Their target was Agnes. It''s morally troubling to kill a child but they can''t show mercy to the child of the demon king.


    The pair of men inhaled a long breath. Their bodies were tense but they don''t know the reason, when they turned the knob on the door and took one step on the bathroom.


    They found, the source of all their anxiety. In the form of a strong grip on their neck, which crushed them lifeless in the next instant.


    "Haaa... Now i gotta wash my hands again."


    Said Leonardo as he whisked the fresh blood from his fingers.


    "Clean this up."


    Three women in black came out and silently dragged the lifeless corpses of the two hitmen. Leonardo stared at the shattered steel door painted in blue and spoke to the remaining woman in black.


    "Give the ones who gave this a present with my regards. Also tell the chef i''ll be paying for his door."


    The man smiled warmly but with blood on his cheeks it came out as eerie and terrifying.


    The woman set out immediately and the place was cleaned up. Enough time were given for Leonardo to change into a new suit and his face washed.


    It seems Agnes had a hard time using the bathroom because there''s buttons and what-not in the stall, she''s troubled how to wash herself but she found there''s a button for it that made her giggled when the water sprayed on her.


    "Oh, are you finished?"


    Agnes nodded and showed her hands.


    "Good girl, let''s go eat."


    Agnes glanced at the broken down door of the male bathroom, it looked like a rhino plowed through it with brute force.

 Chapter 5: Departure

    "Have you seen the whole house yet? Do you want delicacies? Does my child need anything to amuse herself? Do you need a smoke?"


    "Master, i do not think it''s appropriate to tell a child to smoke."


    2 weeks has passed since Agnes officially became the child of the master of the house, Leonardo Ajustus.


    She has been learning from Katarina. Since then she had been studying elementary level topics, Agnes'' tongue and vocabulary needs improvement but she needed to learn to write above all else.


    Proper etiquette is also required for the child of Ajustus. But Leonardo dismissed it saying his child should be able to learn at any pace she pleases.


    Agnes had been very hard-working and determined to learn. Leonardo doesn''t know this but Agnes wanted to repay her new father by being a responsible and amazing person.


    For days she had been staying in the library learning from the head maid. Katarina was amazed at how fast she can pick up to the point of calling her a prodigy.


    In a few days she learned to read and write albeit only short words as the longer ones ties her tongue more often than the head maid count.


    Agnes also showed enthusiasm about cleaning and gardening, as she was seen watching the maids work at the garden and clean rooms in her spare time.


    This gave her almost little time for leisure contrary to what Leonardo intended. But he thought her daughter is still only curious and will soon crave for material things and sensation.


    Before he can see those happen in reality, he received a call.


    "I am quite sure Agnes would be distressed at my departure, i wanted to make sure she is not feeling vexed and anxious."


    "From the looks of it, it is you who are feeling anxious."


    For the last two hours, Leonardo had been showering Agnes with words and questions of what the girl wants. It might not show but his worry of being away from Agnes is apparent in his actions.


    "That is not the case. I am merely concerned that my child would be lonely while i''m gone for my business trip."


    Leonardo got a call about a meeting with important personnel. He wanted to decline it immediately since it would cut his time with Agnes but he had been postponing this particular one for a while.


    "It''s okay f¨¤ther. I well behave well."


    Agnes is obviously distraught, she still haven''t spent a long time with her father and now he''s leaving, although temporary it''s enough to bring her to tears.


    But she held strong, her desire to be a person to be proud of for her father is stronger than her longing for affection.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    She also understands that her father would be going to work and work is important. Agnes in her pink dress is quite charming but it made Leonardo more adamant about not going.


    "I trust my child will not disappoint me."


    Leonardo puts his hand on top of Agnes'' head. Her soft silky hair tickling his palm.


    While Agnes has her eyes closed from feeling the sensation of the hand, Leonardo spoke some more.


    "I would be leaving for a few days, i will leave little cati here to take care of you. My child also needs education so i will have a tutor for you by the next morning."


    Leonardo phoned in a few contacts and talked to his head maid for arrangements. Finally it''s time for him to leave.


    Agnes waited by the door to see her father off, this greatly touched Leonardo. The little girl was quite reluctant to let go of his shirt so Leonardo crouched down and held Agnes'' hand.


    "Don''t be hesitant to ask for anything you want while i''m gone. Everything here are yours even the people inside."


    Leaving a confused Agnes on the doorway, the master of the house left in a stylish sedan. Leonardo''s words of goodbye felt ominous and the servants on standby couldn''t help but imagine preposterous scenarios like them getting beat up and treated like slaves with the master gone.


    They all look at the child who was staring at the closed gate. Her ashen hair flowing with the wind.


    "Little miss, will you come inside now?"


    "Ah, y-yes."


    Agnes'' clumsy response awoke the maids from their stupor. Agnes went inside the house and faced the maids.


    "P, please take care of me."


    This adorable gesture captured the hearts of the maids, they felt stupid for thinking that such a lovely girl would be the same as their tyrant master.


    " " "Leave it to us! Little miss!" " "


    The band of maids spoke in unison, Agnes was taken back for a moment before being taken by the head maid by the hand.


    "Let''s get you back to your room, little miss."


    Agnes still felt weird being called ''little miss'' but she thought it would be best to be used to many nicknames.


    As Agnes was thinking names her father would come up with, the maids were already having a short meeting about the young mistress.


    "Everybody, we shall do our best to give the little miss the best service and convenience during the master''s absence. Do not slack!"


    " " "S¨ª!" " "


    From that day onward marks the creation of Agnes'' cuteness appreciation club. Leonardo would only know of this when he found posters of Agnes in one of the maids room.


    ---


    Agnes spent the rest of the day memorizing the alphabet, her enthusiasm amazes Katarina but she worries that the girl would get too absorbed in her studies with no time for herself.


    "Little miss, perhaps it''s time to have a snack."


    A light meal was prepared for Agnes who was still engrossed in the alphabet book.


    "A, ah. Thank you."


    Agnes stepped drown from the study stool and nommed on the sandwiches prepared by Katarina.


    "Little miss, it''s good to be diligent in your studies but sometimes it''s best to go at your own pace."


    Little Agnes just stared at Katarina while chewing her food, after a while she spoke.


    "Deegent?"


    Katarina noticed her mistake, the girl''s vocabulary is still narrow. Perhaps the time invested in studying is appropriate.


    "It means to be hard-working and a good student."


    Pair of eyes shined at the head maid''s words. Agnes'' mouth formed ''good-good'' while munching bread.


    After she finished her sandwich, Agnes headed to the study table but was held by the head maid''s words.


    "Little miss, do not forget to drink water."


    "Y, yes. Sorry.. "


    The embarrassed Agnes held and drank from the glass of water thinking how she''s thankful that her father Leonardo didn''t see her disgraceful behaviour.


    On the other hand, the head maid stares at the girl all-smiles with joy in her heart. She didn''t know she would feel such a thing after working in the tainted side of society.


    She vowed to help and assist the little miss to achieve her goal whatever it may be. She would see through Agnes'' future till the end.


    "Thanks for food!"


    Agnes returned to her studies and by the time it got dark she was brought to bed.


    Tonight little Agnes sleeps soundly for tommorow her real challenge starts.


    Her private tutor will come by the next morning.