In the days that followed, Edward had the Aurora Order continue searching for this "Tarik," while also assigning men to quietly keep watch on Marcia.
"Of course. It's written all over your face."
"The truth is, Roselle…I need a favour."
"Go on. If it's within my power, I'll help."
"I don't know if Bernadette mentioned it, but I also have a daughter. We were separated years ago."
Roselle's smile faded. His brows knit together. "How could you lose her?"
Ever since becoming a father, he had been painfully sensitive to such matters. In his heart, he felt a stab of anger—what sort of father lets his daughter slip away?
Edward's words were half fabrication, half truth, but the sorrow in his tone was genuine. "At the time…I was being hunted by enemies. To draw them away, I had no choice but to separate from her. After that, we were lost to each other completely."
"I've been searching for her all these years. Part of why I came to Trier, why I've tried to integrate into noble circles, is to meet 'important people' who might help me."
"Oh? So now I count as one of these 'important people'?" Roselle gave a solemn nod. "Very well. Give me her description, her portrait. At least within Intis, I'll do all I can."
"I've been searching for so long…"
Edward's expression dimmed. "Sometimes I wonder if perhaps she's already…"
Roselle cut him off firmly. "No. She's alive."
"I've told myself that again and again. Later, I thought—since ordinary means have failed, perhaps I should try extraordinary ones."
Edward looked at him intently. "To be frank, during my years at sea, I learned of the existence of Beyonders."
Roselle's brows lifted, though he wasn't particularly surprised.
His first thought was Zaratul. "I do know someone skilled at finding people…"
Edward's eyes lit up, his voice trembling with hope. "Truly? Where is he? What must I pay to hire him?"
"This…"
Ever since Zaratul had fled, there had been no word of him. He had always been elusive, and Roselle had no idea where he was now. "That person…I may not be able to contact him for some time."
"I see."
Watching the light of hope fade in Edward's eyes, Roselle frowned and thought hard. "Don't despair. There are other ways."
Edward hadn't even needed to remind him—Roselle quickly thought of the Church of the God of Steam and Machinery. Surely the church possessed Sealed Artifacts capable of locating people?
As it happened, that evil god had also asked Roselle to retrieve a Sealed Artifact from the church. It would kill two birds with one stone.
Roselle lowered his head in thought for a moment. "I…I'll think of a way for you."
"Thank you so much, Roselle."
Roselle smiled easily."You risked your life to save my daughter. Helping you find yours seems only fair, doesn't it?"
At first, he felt that helping Edward twice already counted as repaying the favour. But now that he knew Edward had been searching for his daughter all this time, he no longer wanted to be so precise about counting favours. It was the empathy of a fellow father.
He stood and patted Edward's shoulder. "Don't worry. You'll find her."
Edward nodded. "Mm."
———
When he returned to 28 Emerald Street, it was just after eight o'clock.
Roselle had agreed to help—and he had clearly thought of borrowing a Sealed Artifact from the Church. But the odds of it happening to be Arrodes were still quite slim.
Still, progress had taken another big step forward.
If not this time, then the next. And by the next time, success would be almost certain. The only regret was that "next time"…might have to wait until Roselle came back from his voyage.
"Boss, you're back."
Dubois was waiting at the door, as if he had been standing there for some time. "I asked Endili to prepare a hangover soup."
"No need. I didn't drink much."
"Boss, did everything go smoothly tonight?"
Edward gave him a look, teasing. "Are you asking because you're worried about me…or worried about Roselle?"
"Of course you."
Edward sat down on the sofa. "It went smoothly enough. But…smooth doesn't mean success."
Dubois opened his mouth, hesitating whether to press further.
"You're a smart man, and you've helped me a great deal these past weeks. So there are things I won't hide from you." Edward said frankly, "It's true—I came to Trier for Roselle. But only because I hoped he could help me with one thing."
"What thing?"
"To find my daughter."
Dubois was stunned. "You have a daughter?!"
"For certain reasons, we were separated. You know how vast the world is. Normal means won't suffice. So I thought to use…special ones."
"I understand."
Dubois exhaled in relief.
———
At the grand villa of the Roselle family.
Once Bernadette learned the exact date of her father's voyage, her little face had been drawn tight for days.
Daddy is a big liar!
He clearly said long ago that he would take me with him to see the world, but now he's going back on his word!
She sat on her bed, propping her chin in her hands, every line of her face spelling: This young lady is furious.
Of course…she could beg Mr. Sparrow to take her to sea. But that wasn't the same. Mr. Sparrow didn't owe her anything—he couldn't always be expected to help her unconditionally.
It was all Daddy's fault!
At that moment, the door creaked open.
She glimpsed Roselle sneaking in, hands hidden behind his back. At once she turned her head with a sharp huff.
"My darling~ my angel~ Bernadette~"
Roselle grinned shamelessly, leaning toward her. But whichever way she turned her face, he darted around to follow. At last, when she was brimming with irritation, Roselle revealed what he had been hiding: arms full of dolls.
"Ta-da-da-da!"
Bernadette calmly glanced at them. "So, you feel guilty, and you think you can make up for it with toys?"
"…"
Sigh, kids are too smart nowadays. It's really a headache for us parents.
Roselle sat beside her. "The truth is, no one wishes more than I do that you could come with me."
She cocked her head, narrowing her eyes. "But…"
"But…this is my first voyage. Everything is unknown, uncertain. I don't want to drag you into danger."
To his surprise, Bernadette shouted back: "That's exactly why I'm angry!"
"Wha…what?"
"Because it's dangerous, Mama and I can't stop worrying about you! You'd leave us at home, while you go off alone to risk yourself? If something happened to you, what would become of us?"
"N-nothing will happen."
"Then take Mama and me with you."
"Too dangerous."
Bernadette jabbed a finger at him. "See? You're contradicting yourself!"
"…"
Roselle pressed a hand to his forehead. He had never felt so helpless—not even when facing evil gods.
After a long silence, Bernadette sighed. "Forget it. I know. Once you've made up your mind, not even a dragon could drag you back."
Roselle scratched his head, muttering, "A dragon…really could drag me back, though."
Her voice softened. She clasped his large hand in her little one. "Daddy, you must promise me—be careful, and come back soon. Mama and I will be here, waiting for you."
She stuck out her pinky finger. "Pinky promise!"
———
[Note]: Don't forget to VOTE. It keeps me motivated.