Chapter 168: Commanding the Lords in the Name of the Emperor
Amid laughter and casual chatter, the two soon arrived at the open space in front of a large mountain villa at the foot of the northern slopes.
Before Leon could escort Maru into the house, he noticed a dark figure standing at Robin’s door. If it weren’t for the moonlight glinting off the blue shirt the figure wore, Leon might never have noticed anyone was there.
That figure was none other than Maru’s father, Demetrius.
The moment Leon saw him, Demetrius also saw Leon. But his gaze merely swept over Leon before locking onto his precious daughter. The sight of Maru’s radiant smile instantly darkened his expression.
Maru didn’t seem to notice her father standing in the chilly mountain night, waiting for her. Her eyes were fixed entirely on Leon, and Demetrius could almost feel his teeth grinding.
“Maru, your father’s here to take you home.”
It wasn’t until Leon’s reminder that Maru noticed Demetrius watching her from the doorway. She hurriedly called out, “Dad? What are you doing here?”
“Of course I came to wait for you. It’s late, and I can’t relax knowing you’re outside alone.” Demetrius quickly swapped his grim look for a smile.
“I’m an adult now. Why do you still treat me like a kid?” Maru muttered, a little embarrassed. She was used to this sort of overprotective care, but with Leon right there, she couldn’t help wondering if he might think she was being a spoiled brat.