That single word—Father—instantly moistened Oradin's eyes.
He drew a deep breath, trying to maintain the dignity of an emperor, yet the tremor in his voice betrayed both emotion and relief.
"Good… good… It's all in the past now."
When he looked again at Leo, gratitude filled his gaze.
"Sir Leo, for Elizabeth to follow you—it is her fortune, and also the Empire's.…Please, take care of her."
Watching the father and daughter thaw the years of ice between them, Leo's lips curved into a smile.
He was glad to see Elizabeth finally untie her emotional knots.
He preferred this spirited, genuine Elizabeth far more than the strict, over-disciplined executor she had been.
After all, as Lilith once teased—it's no easy feat to win a smile from Elizabeth!
"Your Majesty, rest assured," Leo said softly. "Elizabeth is the Marshal of Dalton, and our family as well. Her glory is Dalton's glory."
