"...Offerings."
Mu En nodded vigorously. "Big Sister said that after someone leaves, the food they ate is called offerings."
Leon silently covered his face. "All right..."
"Then, Dad."
"Yeah?"
"Now that you're back, can Mu En eat your offerings?"
After comforting Mu En a little, the maid led her away.
Leon followed behind them.
When he reached Noa's side, Leon stopped.
Because Noa had been staring at him the whole time.
It was obvious that she had something to say to him.
The father and daughter, one tall and one short, looked at each other for a moment before Noa finally spoke.
"Next time you go out by yourself, remember to tell us."
After a pause, Noa added, "Mu En will worry about you."
If you'd inherited even a little less of your mother's personality, you wouldn't be this stubborn.
Leon smiled helplessly and nodded. "Okay. Sorry for making you—ah, making Mu En worry."
Noa sniffled and let out a breath. "Also, I... I need to apologize to you too."
"Hm? Why?"
"When we couldn't find you today, I thought you... you'd abandoned us."
Noa said, "I'm sorry. I didn't trust you about this."
A precocious child would always consciously take responsibility for her own duties and mistakes.
Even if she said nothing, no one would know about this mistake.
Leon smiled with relief and crouched down until his eyes were level with Noa's.
He understood his eldest daughter very well. She longed for family and love, yet she didn't dare take that crucial first step.
Leon couldn't make any promises to Noa using shallow methods like swearing or guarantees.
Nor would Noa believe them easily.
He could only slowly prove through his actions that he was a good father.
Leon reached out and patted Noa on the head. He