I Got My Engagement Annulled… Even Though We Were Never Engaged - Chapter 17

Father was about a ten-minute walk from where we had pitched the tent.

Even though he should have emptied his leather bag by sending materials back to the mansion with teleportation magic, by the time I reunited with him, the bag was completely stuffed full. I was so exasperated I couldn’t even speak.

“I know you can use some magic, Father, but it’s dangerous for you to wander around alone! Honestly, you promised you’d only gather materials nearby, didn’t you?! I’m going to report this to Mother and have your material gathering privileges suspended for a while!”

“Ugh, I’m sorry… Please don’t do that.”

As I scolded Father with my hands on my hips, he shrank down dejectedly.

Lord Fevan, who had been watching me fume with wide eyes, started chuckling softly.

When I shot him a sharp glare, he raised both hands in a gesture of surrender.

“Sorry. I couldn’t help it. You’re cute when you’re angry.”

“Don’t joke around!”

“I’m not joking. When you’re angry, your eyes sparkle and you’re absolutely adorable.”

“Ugh…”

Thanks to Lord Fevan, all my anger had completely dissipated, and I let out a sigh.

Father was saying “Well done, Fevan!” and looking impressed, but just you wait, Father – I’m going to tattle to Mother when we get back!

“Well then, let’s go look for Moon Song Grass!”

Father, who showed no signs of remorse whatsoever, set off triumphantly.

Since many monsters become more active at night, we needed to be careful of our surroundings.

“Moon Song Grass grows in places where moonlight can reach, so I think it’s this way. There’s an open area just a little further ahead!”

Though such places were often used as resting spots by animal-type monsters as well. Father didn’t seem concerned about that.

“Lord Fevan.”

“Yeah, I know. We need to stay alert and be ready for an attack at any moment.”

“My apologies for my father.”

Given that our goal was Moon Song Grass, stopping Father would be pointless. Our only option was to quickly defeat any monsters we encountered, collect the materials, and promptly head home.

As I followed Father, we emerged into the circular open grassland he had mentioned. I had never ventured this deep into the forest before, so this was my first time seeing this place, but Father must have come here several times – he walked with confident steps.

“Well then, let’s get ri—”

“Count Cambrelive, stop!”

Just as Father was about to step from the forest into the grassland.

Lord Fevan called out sharply, and I gasped.

There was something in the forest on the other side of the grassland.

…Now that I thought about it, for an autumn forest, we hadn’t encountered any animal-type monsters at all.

So that’s why, I thought, as I focused my attention on the forest across the grassland, a cold sweat trickling down my temple.

“Father, step back. That’s beyond your capabilities.”

Father must have noticed it too – his eyes widened dramatically and he gulped audibly.

Lord Fevan said in a tense voice:

“A griffon. And a mated pair.”