I Adopted a Villainous Dad Vol. 4 (novel): I Adopted a Villainous Dad, #4

I ADOPTED A VILLAINOUS DAD

VOLUME 4

YUNSUL

TRANSLATED BY

ASTRAL RABBIT PUBLISHING

Yunsul © I Adopted A Villainous Dad, Volume 4

Copyright © Shinyoung Media Services, Inc., 2023

English translation copyright © Astral Rabbit Publishing, Inc.

Translator: Chloe C. | Editor: Annalise L.

Published by Astral Rabbit Publishing, 2023

All Rights Reserved.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

English translation rights arranged with Shinyoung Media Services, Inc. First published in the Republic of Korea by Shinyoung Media Services, Inc.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without writ permission from the copyright holders, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Astral Rabbit, Inc. supports the right to free expression and the value of copyright. The purpose of copyright is to encourage writers and artists to produce the creative works that enrich our culture.

ISBN 978-1-954707-94-8 (digital)

CONTENTS

Act 19: Regardless of What Others Say, I Shall Remain Steadfast on My Own Path

Act 20: The Twisted Triangle

Act 21: The Person You Love the Most Is Also the One Who’s Most Difficult

Publisher’s Note

About the Publisher

ACT 19: REGARDLESS OF WHAT OTHERS SAY, I SHALL REMAIN STEADFAST ON MY OWN PATH

L ord Hessen? Perhaps it was because the hallway was dimly lit, but for an instant, his blue eyes which met mine seemed to coldly reflect the endless darkness of the night sea. A flicker of recognition lit up his eyes when I called out his name, but it disappeared just as quickly.

As I expected, it’s Your Highness, he said. Long time no see, Your Highness.

How did he know it was me? Just as I was about to laugh awkwardly, he offered me formal greetings. Instead, I replied, It’s been a while, Lord Hessen. After the exchange of polite greetings, Hessen fell silent as he regarded me with an unreadable expression. Was he trying to deduce why I was here? Though I hadn’t broken any rules, my mind immediately began to formulate several excuses.

I’m glad you look healthy, Hessen said, seemingly relieved.

Huh? Oh, yes. I’m a lot healthier. Thank you for your concern. Hessen had acted with indifference towards that unknown girl and her attempts to court him, yet oddly enough, he gave off a completely different vibe standing in front of me now. I couldn’t put my finger on what it was exactly, but somehow he seemed… vulnerable. Then again, wasn’t he always like this in front of me? While he displayed an impenetrable toughness in front of others, he was always gentle with me. For a moment, I wondered if it was because of my relationship with Achillios, but didn’t Hessen despite his uncle? Unconsciously, I cocked my head to the side as I pondered this question.

After hearing my response, Hessen nodded and waited for me to continue, but when I fell silent, he asked, Where were you headed? If you were on your way back, I shall escort you.

Oh, I was on my way to the inner lounge. Would you like to come with me, Hessen? Before I knew what I was doing, the words slipped out of my mouth. I was on my way to meet with Countess Isset, so it’d be normal for me to send him on his way after exchanging a few words. However, I’d somehow ended up suggesting he accompany me instead.

Pardon?

The look of surprise on his face momentarily made me feel embarrassed for making the suggestion. Still, Countess Isset and Hessen were mother and son—since I’d be talking about matters relating to their family, I didn’t think it was so bad for him to join. Nevertheless, without knowing who they were meant for, I began to make excuses as I smiled awkwardly. If you have somewhere else to be—

I’ll come, Hessen interrupted.

When his overly aggressive response caused my eyes to widen, Hessen coughed awkwardly and the tips of his ears reddened—it was cute. He was always described as serious, cool, and reliable by other noble ladies, but strangely enough, I seemed to be the only one who found him cute. Was it because I’d been watching him ever since I was small? He honestly felt like a childhood friend to me. Of course, I was always careful to keep myself at a distance from him because of my overprotective father, who had a habit of sending away young noble sons—names I couldn’t even remember—for the mere reason that I’d smiled at them. Still, we’d crossed paths with each other since we were young, so I felt a certain closeness to him.

As Hessen began to escort me down the hallway, I turned to look at him and said, By the way, it’s been a long time since I saw you at a party, Lord Hessen.

Today, my mother…

It sounds like you were dragged here, I smiled. When he shrugged and smiled back softly, as if to say it couldn’t be helped, I ended up inadvertently gawking at him. I was unknowingly bewitched by the smile he rarely showed others. How could one smile leave such a different impression? Hessen was a blunt person, but when he smiled, he was like a different person—the juxtaposition of the unexpected beauty thrilled me. My admiration of his smile was cut short when I suddenly sensed another person’s gaze on us. When I naturally turned my head in search of the source, my gaze met the green eyes of an unfamiliar brown-haired girl. Was she the same girl from earlier? The mysterious young girl flashed me a smile as soon as she noticed my gaze and winked, then she disappeared around the corner. Confused, I turned to look at Luciana for confirmation that my eyes weren’t deceiving me. Lucy’s shrug confirmed that she’d seen the same thing I had, but it didn’t clear up anything either. Just who was that K-Pop idol-like girl?

Countess Isset seemed a little surprised when I arrived with Hessen in tow. Glancing anxiously between us, I wondered if she was worried that my dad would somehow punish Hessen for daring to approach me. The countess turned to her son and asked, How did you end up accompanying the princess?

Swooping in to answer on his behalf, I smiled brightly to reassure her and said, I met him on the way here. Even if dad were to have any ideas of punishing Hessen, Achillios would undoubtedly speak up. Moreover, I wouldn’t stand by and let it happen either, so I thought it would all be fine. However, despite my best efforts, it didn’t seem to be convincing enough because the countess let out a heavy sigh.

Then, please excuse me, but may I ask what it is that you wanted to tell me? the countess asked.

Her straightforward manner and unusually pointed words were considered rude by the standards of nobility, but I personally found it refreshing. Without wasting any time, I immediately began to lightly probe into the matter between Achillios and Catalina. However, the answer I received was completely unexpected. An arranged marriage? I choked.

Yes, even though she’s a collateral heir of Grandbleon, Catalina is ultimately Count Gelom’s daughter. It’s the right of the parents to make arrangements for their children’s marriages, Isset explained with a dark look on her face.

Then, the news of Count Gelom and his wife arriving in the capital… Are they here to arrange the professor’s marriage? When Isset sighed and gave a reluctant nod, I gasped. Though I wasn’t privy to all the details, I was familiar with my professor’s circumstances and couldn’t help but be upset on her behalf.

Oh gosh… What’ve they done? They cast her aside and treated her like an abandoned child, so why are they inserting themselves in her life now? Why are they suddenly trying to arrange her marriage? Don’t they have other children of marriageable age?

I heard the groom’s family specifically expressed an interest in Catalina.

"How’s that a good reason to marry off their daughter? Do they have no conscience? They were the ones who declared Catalina to be an abandoned child! And now they’re just going to come crawling back because of a chance to profit off her marriage? Do they have no shame? How can this even be allowed? I refuse to accept this! What kind of bull is this!" I exploded.

Please calm yourself, Your Highness, Isset said, trying to soothe my raging self.

"How can I remain calm? My teacher cried because of this! I’m against it. I won’t allow it!" Not once had Catalina ever raised her voice or scolded me—not even when I skipped on my homework or played pranks—but this matter had caused my dearest, precious teacher to cry. Alright, since the subject is marriage, the opinions of both parties are what’s most important, no? What did Catalina have to say about this marriage? I’m sure she expressed her opposition, right?

Your Highness… Isset looked at me with an expression that was a mix of puzzlement and pity. She seemed to find my tenacious gaze burdensome, as her face conveyed this wasn’t an issue that would simply resolve itself because I was against it. Smiling awkwardly, she began, Um…

Her response made my stomach churn and I exploded, "What? Professor actually agreed to it?" At that moment, I strongly believed that the whole world had gone insane.

Since ancient times, marriage has always been considered a pivotal event in a person’s life. Its importance is evident from the inclusion and use of the word ‘soul’ in the ceremonial rites. That’s why Count Gelom and his wife’s utter disregard for the sanctimony of marriage infuriated me.

Your Highness, please don’t be so upset. Here, eat some of this.

Your Highness, drink this as well.

Thank you, Hessen. Thank you, Lucy.

After pouring out my anger in front of Isset, I was dragged back to the party, lest I inadvertently destroy Count Borcella’s mansion in my continued rage. Taking a sip of the cool water Lucy handed me, I felt my mind begin to clear. The more I thought about it, the more ridiculous the Gelom couple seemed. Summarizing Isset’s explanation, Catalina had been contacted out of the blue by the parents that had abandoned her with a request to meet. In a display of filial piety, she agreed and met with them, only to find out that they were ordering her to marry—to a bald-headed groom in his 60s that they’d chosen without her knowledge nor consent no less. Even though the pairing was far from ideal, the Gelom couple insisted on forcing their daughter, who was only in her 30s, to marry a man who was twice her age. Not only had they already met with the groom’s parents, all the arrangements had been settled against her will—even a wedding date was set. All Catalina could do was watch them leave after they’d unloaded all this information on her. Naturally, when Achillios learned of the news, he immediately contacted the Gelom family to cancel the arrangement. However, the bullheaded count and countess remained steadfast that the marriage would proceed. Finally able to think properly, I muttered, No wonder the professor looked unwell in class. This is beyond ridiculous.

Please calm yourself, Your Highness, Luciana urged. All aristocrats are supposed to receive your blessings over their impending nuptials. How about dragging it out by not granting your permission?

That’s a great idea, Lucy! Suddenly, I clutched my stomach and muttered, Oh, did I drink too much cold water? My stomach is starting to hurt.

Hessen jumped up and hurriedly declared, I’ll bring you something warm to drink.

As he rushed off to fetch me something warm, I realized the gazes of several young ladies in the hall trailed after him. Until that moment, I hadn’t noticed that he garnered so much interest. He must be very popular, I remarked.

There’s no other man who’d make for as great a husband as Lord Hessen.

Is that so? Hmm… I cupped my chin and watched as Hessen walked across the hall. He wasn’t an overwhelmingly attractive beauty like Kais or Miltiades, but he was quite dashing himself. When he returned with a cup of warm water, I unwittingly straightened my posture while accepting it. After taking a sip, I felt the warmth spread inside me and sighed contentedly, Oh, I feel so much better now. Lifting my head, I was momentarily dazzled by the tenderness of his smile. Why did he keep smiling at me like that? And why did it feel so good? Without much thought, I asked, Hessen, have you started considering marriage?

Bewildered by the unexpected question, Hessen stiffened and his eyes darted about nervously. Realizing it was a rather invasive and disrespectful question to ask, I was about to change the subject, but he answered with darkened eyes, I think it’s too early.

Oh, that’s right, I nodded. Hessen was between seventeen to eighteen years of age, so he wasn’t in a rush to be married. Nonetheless, it was common among the nobility to enter into engagements at the age of ten and finalize their marriages at the age of eighteen, so claiming it was too early didn’t quite hold up either. Will you also go through an arranged marriage?

No.

Oh, so Lord Hessen is also interested in a marriage born of love? It wasn’t too surprising considering his uncle, Achillios, still carried a torch for Arianne, while his mother overcame the obstacles of differences in social status to be together with her guardian knight. Surrounded by such role models, it was hard imagining that Hessen would consent to an arranged marriage. In a mischievous tone, I asked, Then, do you have someone you like?

Well... He fixed his eyes on my face and answered, Yes, I do.

Oh! I murmured a silent prayer for the dashed hopes of all the girls pining after him. Could you tell me a bit about her? Who is she? When I looked up at him, he smiled softly at me and began to lean in close. Suddenly, I felt incredibly conscious about the lack of distance between us—it felt much too intimate—but before I could pull back, I heard his voice.

It’s a secret, Your Highness, Hessen whispered.

I felt my cheeks heat up as I realized that Hessen was truly a master in teasing others. While it was fun when I was the one doing the teasing, it was weird being on the receiving end. You seem to be enjoying yourself, Lord Hessen, I grumbled. I guess it’s amusing to make fun of me.

I’m sorry.

Despite his apology, neither the tone of his voice nor the smile on his face indicated he was the least bit apologetic. Nonetheless, I wasn’t upset at all. I wondered whether it was because this meant that we were close enough to trade jokes like this. After pretending to huff indignantly, I narrowed my eyes and asked, Then, were you lying earlier when you claimed there was someone you liked?

No, I truly do have someone I like, he replied in a serious tone. However, it isn’t the right time to reveal my feelings because I don’t want to be a burden to her.

Perhaps it was the low timbre of his voice or the seriousness of his attitude, but at that moment, Hessen appeared almost bewitching. Finding my voice, I said, Whoever she is, she’s a very lucky lady. I’m sure she’d be happy. To my confusion, my compliment elicited a bitter smile from him. I cocked my head and wondered why he reacted in that manner. Were things not going smoothly between him and the person he was interested in? Before I could ponder on it too deeply, my attention was grabbed by the sound of a ruckus breaking out elsewhere in the hall. When I glanced in the direction of the roaring voices, I discovered two young ladies in the middle of a fight.

How dare you! one girl shrieked, before slapping the other girl on the cheek. You’d better watch yourself next time.

Yes, I will, lady, the other girl replied, lowering her head as tears streamed down her puffy cheeks.

"I guess we’ll see if you’ll truly be careful."

Though I wasn’t aware of the events leading up to that moment, I watched the scene with great interest. Since I didn’t want to get myself embroiled, I considered making my escape from the hall. However, when Luciana saw the earnest look in my eyes, she shook her head. Fortunately, Countess Isset and another senior noblewoman intervened before I had to step in. It was an ironclad rule in high society that a noblewoman was well within their rights to make a scene in public if they were treated with blatant rudeness, so in such cases the offense was almost 100% attributable to one side. That’s why the matter wasn’t as big a deal as it seemed. However, what caught my interest was the tearful girl at the center of the incident. She looked oddly familiar, and I tilted my head as I tried to recall where I’d seen her face before. It didn’t take long for me to realize she was the same girl I’d seen with Hessen earlier! Even with tears streaming down her face, she still had that K-pop idol shine to her. Naturally, that meant she was also a belle of high society.

What’s going on? I asked.

Apparently, the daughter of Baron Nogella was rude.

I see… Well, not just anyone could cause trouble in high society.

The other girl was being rather heavy-handed in her reprimanding of Lady Nogella, but it looked to me like she’d been ordered to act in such a manner. The Nogella baronetcy was part of the southern