Chapter 119
With this, my next course of action became clear. Having learned about Miru's identity, I needed to return to Tempus and hear the real truth. Although I had some understanding of the situation from Miru's story, it was still vague, like only seeing the tip of an iceberg. A clearer explanation was necessary.
"Miru..." I said, comforting her as she continued to shed sorrowful tears.
"Really, you've done so well, and I'm sorry... for causing my daughter such hardship in the future... I'm such a helpless father."
Honestly, I still felt uneasy about accepting her as my daughter, but seeing her cry so bitterly, I couldn't help but respond sympathetically.
"No... it's okay... You were a wonderful parent... and it's okay that you left in the future... there must have been a reason...!!" Despite my self-blame, Miru, the real victim, defended and clung to me strongly.
"So... even now, if you listen to me... if you can stay safe in the present, I'll be okay!"
Her face, a blend of sorrow, hope, and determination, looked up at me pleadingly.
"Dad, please don't leave this time...?"
Her eyes, childlike and earnest, made it impossible for me to refuse her request.