My Dad Is a Popular Villain in a Comic Book - Chapter 6

Zeman stood still, his lips pressed into a thin line, his presence cold and frosted. Mentioning the word “father” stirred a reaction in him, and he vaguely sensed that Edward had laid a trap. In the end, however, he only said, “As you wish.”

He turned and left immediately after saying those cold words, not wanting to say anything more. Edward rubbed his chin, deep in thought. The problem seemed more serious than he had imagined; it appeared something had happened that he wasn’t aware of. If Zeman hadn’t forbidden it, he would have tried to foresee Zeman’s future. Other than when helping or saving people, he generally didn’t actively pry into others’ futures.

Sigh, this little brother is truly worry-some. Being slightly older, Edward had always looked at Zeman like a younger brother and couldn’t simply turn a blind eye in such a situation. Edward’s mind churned with countless thoughts, yet he kept his usual “oh well” smile on his face as he walked into the hunting cabin to find Albin.

“Little Albin, let’s go! I’m going to show you some magic!”

Albin ran over enthusiastically, taking his hand with a look of anticipation. On the way, Edward asked him about his understanding of magic and was surprised to find he didn’t even know the attributes of the elemental forces; he was a complete novice. He rubbed Albin’s impeccably soft head and introduced, “There are seven types of elemental magic: Earth, Fire, Wind, Water, Lightning, Light, and Dark. Which element you have an affinity for must be tested by the Temple.”

Albin thought of his magical talent, which had been rated as “about the same as Zeman’s,” and felt his talent was merely average. He worried, “What if no elements like me? Can’t I learn magic then?”

“Not necessarily,” Edward said. “If your elemental affinity is lacking but your raw magical power is strong, you can specialize in pure magic, using it to reinforce your body or release magic as sword techniques, which can also grant great power. Like this.”

Golden-green magic permeated the air around him, instantly shifting his aura. He raised his arm, and a crescent-shaped blade of golden-green energy condensed in front of his palm. Albin held his breath as Edward suddenly pressed his palm downward, sending the green crescent blade whistling through the air. A sharp, thorn-like trench was gouged into the earth where it passed, as if split by an invisible axe, and shattered grass was tossed high by the gale.

The scent of fresh grass filled the air as Albin looked at Edward with shining eyes.

“So amazing!!” Is Mr. Zeman’s friend actually this powerful?! “Is this really not magic?”

Edward smiled confidently: “Of course not, this is just releasing materialized magic power. The advantage is no chanting, but the disadvantage is that it can’t be released very far, and the types are limited. If enhanced by a weapon, the power is even greater; it’s more suitable for close combat and defense.”

Albin couldn’t wait to ask: “Then what does magic look like?”

“Magic is manipulating the seven elements contained in the natural world through one’s own magical power and releasing it in the form of magic. Thus, one can achieve things impossible with just raw power, for example.”

As part of the demonstration, he began to chant. Albin opened his eyes wide with anticipation. Until he heard Edward’s operatic incantation:

“Oh~ my dear lover, I wish to offer you my deepest praise and homage! I yearn for you, your smile makes all things revive, your eyes are clearer than spring water, your beautiful figure is forever branded in my heart; you are the harbor of my soul, the hope of my spirit, the source of my courage and strength.”

As he chanted passionately, his golden hair was agitated by an invisible airflow, as if something was gathering around him. But Albin’s expression stiffened.

W-what’s going on? This didn’t feel at all like the magic he had imagined. His clear, watery eyes were filled with profound confusion. Why did he feel so uncomfortable just standing next to Edward, like ants crawling all over his body? He felt like he was getting goosebumps on his arms.

Edward chanted effusively for a long time before finally reaching the end.

“Flowers of love, bloom!”

As soon as he spoke, the ground trembled slightly. Golden-green light enveloped the large lawn before them. The previously gouged trench healed like a wound; shoots emerged from the sparse lawn, growing rapidly as if time had been accelerated. Flower buds appeared and, with a gentle breeze, bloomed in an instant.

Albin and Edward were surrounded by a sea of roses as brilliant as fire. Thousands of roses swayed, their light, soft petals connecting like red silk. As the breeze blew, the sea of flowers surged, and the air was filled with fragrance. It was indeed a dreamlike scene.

But Albin couldn’t help thinking: If I learn magic in the future, do I have to shout incantations like that in front of others? For some reason, he had a sudden urge to just give up on learning magic.

He asked cautiously: “Do all spells require such long chants?”

“Not necessarily.” Edward looked completely satisfied. “The magic I use is a bit different from others. As long as I can stir up the ‘energy of love’ in my heart, I can chant for as long as I like.” He sighed, troubled: “I don’t know why, but every time I start chanting, I get rudely interrupted. Those people really don’t understand the rules how can you interrupt a mage’s incantation!”

“You’re such a good child.” He looked at Albin approvingly, bent down, and carried him out of the rose-thorn enclosure.

Albin was shocked. What? So, he could have been interrupted earlier?

“Different from others?” Albin suddenly had hope.

Edward pointed to himself: “I come from the Temple of Love, and I use ‘Love Magic,’ which requires stimulating power with the things I love. Everyone’s object of affection is different; for example, some people love stones and devote their lives to collecting them. My source of power is romantic love.”

Albin suddenly realized. No wonder the incantation just now was like a love letter. He lay on Edward’s shoulder, thought for a moment, and said: “I don’t think I have that kind of ‘love’ yet.”

“‘Love Magic’ is a magic that can create miracles, but it cannot be cast if there is no love in your heart. It’s hard to master; some people never find their true love in their entire lives, or they might go astray or harbor hatred because of love.”

Albin figured that if he learned this, putting aside whether it was shameful or not, it just felt impossible to even get started.

“Are there any other categories of magic?”

Edward shook his head and set Albin down steadily on the grass. When he did, his gaze landed on the burn on Albin’s ankle. He was startled: “You’re burned?”

Albin gripped his pant legs with his hands, afraid to look at him. Although he didn’t regret being burned to save someone, he feared Edward would despise him for it. Thinking of the disgusted look Edward might wear the same Edward who had just enthusiastically introduced him to magic Albin’s nose grew sore. Would other burn victims feel this kind of sadness?

Contrary to his expectations, Edward didn’t show a hint of discrimination, only frowning: “Good grief, why didn’t Zeman heal you? This is no small matter; it’ll be troublesome if others see it.”

He crouched down with composure, cast magic, and chanted briefly: “Restitutio.” He didn’t know if Zeman was concerned about the Sun Temple’s scriptures, but he had no interest in the Sun God, and naturally didn’t care about a burn.

A green magic circle unfolded, and in the blink of an eye, the hideous burn disappeared.

Albin stared, lifted his trouser leg, and saw only clean, fair skin.

“Thank you, Uncle Edward!” Albin was pleasantly surprised. He grabbed his clothes and asked eagerly: “Uncle, since you have healing magic, can you cure Mr. Zeman? Mr. Zeman wanted to help me heal before, but he was injured and couldn’t use magic; he also kept having recurring attacks of his old illness—he looked so uncomfortable.”

Edward’s expression turned grim.

The sound of hooves rang outside the window. Zeman looked up to see Edward returning with Albin. Albin seemed to be riding a horse for the first time; unable to contain his excitement, he was carried down by Edward, then scurried into the hunting cabin to grab a carrot and run back out to feed the horse.

Zeman caught the scent of roses all over Albin and frowned.

Only an afternoon has passed, and the two have become so close.

This was a good thing.

Zeman’s mind recalled Edward’s earlier suggestion. Although Edward could be unreliable, he was a decent person, and due to the openness and tolerance of the Love Temple, he wouldn’t discriminate against burns or care if Albin believed in gods. Having him adopt Albin was the best outcome. After all, besides being the High Priest of the Love Temple, Edward was also a prince of the Rose Kingdom; he was the best candidate in terms of status, strength, and character.

Albin had saved him twice once from the fire and once from the curse so he had a responsibility to protect him and ensure his safety, away from himself, the source of danger. He would just have to face the curse alone.

Thinking of the lonely sea of demonic energy, Zeman looked down wearily.

At dinner, the three ate rabbit stew with bread. The rabbit legs had been pulled out and roasted on branches until they were golden and enticing. Edward smiled and handed a rabbit leg to Albin.

“I guarantee this is the most delicious thing you’ve ever eaten!”

Albin took a bite, skeptical, and his eyes widened in surprise. The rabbit leg had been brushed with honey, the skin was caramelized, and the rich juices mingled with the sweet fragrance of the honey as he chewed. He finished the entire leg and patted his bulging stomach, still wanting more.

“So good! Who made this? Roasted with honey, it’s delicious!”

Edward glanced at Zeman and smiled without a word. Obviously, someone from the Sun Temple made it. The Sun Temple worshipped fire, believing it could purify filth, and they were experienced in roasting food. As for the honey, it was likely compensation from someone who hadn’t brought any prey back. Albin caught his look and turned to Zeman.

He remembered what Uncle Edward had told him that afternoon that Mr. Zeman didn’t actually hate him clinging to him, he just wasn’t good at expressing it, leading to misunderstandings. Albin didn’t know if it was true, but as Uncle Edward had said, if he was in doubt, he should seek the truth himself, rather than trying to be as tight-lipped as Mr. Zeman.

He looked up, staring directly into the man’s eyes.

“Mr. Zeman… do you hate me?”

“No.” Zeman’s tone didn’t change, but he answered so quickly it was as if he’d been waiting for an opportunity to say it.

“Great! It was a misunderstanding. I thought Mr. Zeman wanted to throw me away.” Albin broke into a radiant smile. “The food Mr. Zeman makes is super delicious! I want to eat it again next time!”

Zeman’s gaze flickered.

After the meal, Albin helped wash the dishes he had done the same yesterday; he couldn’t let the cook wash up. Afterward, the adults provided him with hot water so he could bathe in the cabin. Zeman and Edward walked outside to talk.

As soon as Edward stepped out, he cast several major healing spells on Zeman without a word. “I heard from Albin that you have some recurring illness and your magic power is having issues.” Edward looked Zeman over, grave and worried, unable to understand what on earth had happened.

“I will handle it.” Zeman still didn’t intend to tell him anything, which clearly indicated his problem persisted.

Edward wanted to punch him in the face. But Zeman had always been this stubborn; when faced with problems, he would only solve them alone, never informing others or seeking help. He gritted his teeth and asked: “Where is your Vow Knight? Forget usual times, he should at least be by your side to protect you when you’re injured.”

“He is dead, too.” Zeman said blandly.

Edward stopped mid-sentence. “…Sorry.”

He took a deep breath and mocked: “Fine. You won’t tell me anything, you just dump a child on me, and then go off to face a mess of problems on your own. You’re truly the ‘Strongest Human,’ nothing can stump you.”

Now it was Zeman’s turn: “Sorry.”

“Am I going to hear the news of your death next?”

“…Not for the time being.” He hadn’t found a way to kill himself yet.

Edward exhaled in relief. “Looking at your current state, I take it you don’t plan on returning to the Sun Temple?”

Zeman nodded.

Edward crossed his arms: “I will keep my promise, but you must bring the child to me yourself.” He explained, “I asked Albin; you intended to do so from the start. I’m in Thorn City to clean up my own house. You know how dangerous it is for people in the Love Temple to go astray, right? Do you think it’s more dangerous for you to take that child around, or for me to take the child while I go capture those lunatics?”

Zeman fell into deep thought. He certainly couldn’t let Edward take Albin to face those lunatics, whose every thought was madness. The behavior of monsters could be predicted, but those people’s behavioral patterns were completely unpredictable.

But here…

Edward added: “Just three months. Take your time getting there; I’ve foreseen that we will meet in three months.”

Three months was a manageable timeframe. If they were to meet again, he wouldn’t be fully demonized within these three months. Besides, he couldn’t think of anyone more suitable than Edward.

Zeman nodded and agreed.

“I understand.”

Edward curved his lips into a smile, as if afraid Zeman would go back on his word, and immediately flipped onto his horse.

“No time to say goodbye tell that to my future son for me.” He waved and rode off, adding, “Don’t go giving my son away to someone else! Remember, you must bring my son to the Rose Kingdom in three months! Not a day earlier!”

Albin opened the door after his bath, looking puzzled at Edward’s departing figure.

“Why did Uncle Edward leave? Didn’t we agree he’d tell me a story tonight?”

Zeman walked into the room.

“He has a mission nearby; you’ll see him again later.”

“Oh…” Albin started, then hesitated.

Watching his reluctance to let go, Zeman paused and asked: “Do you like him that much?”

Albin nodded: “Uncle Edward helped heal my burns. Did he use magic to heal your recurring illness?”

Healing magic, of course, couldn’t erase the Sun God’s curse. But looking at Albin’s expectant eyes, he hesitated for a moment, looked away, and said: “It’s healed.”

“Great!” Albin hugged his waist, exhaling a long sigh of relief, as happy as if he had been the one healed.

Zeman looked at the child before him and asked slowly: “If you like him, do you want him to be your father? His status is actually the Prince of the Rose Kingdom, and he will protect you well.”

“Eh?” Albin blinked blankly. “He’s that powerful? Although I like him, I don’t have that idea.”

He looked up at Zeman, his eyes curving.

“I like Mr. Zeman the best, so can I have Mr. Zeman be my father?”