"What are you saying?" asked Victor.
Leahlya replied, "I want to carry on the family business. Father, you were the head of the 'Crime Investigation Knights.' So, I guess it's time for me to carry on. My inheritance."
Victor nodded and said, "I understand."
Leahlya smiled, "So, is this a 'yes?' Thank you! Father, I knew you would understand!"
"Daughter, I am glad that you have found your enthusiasm back. But the answer is a 'no.' I don't want you to join the 'Red Knights.' As for a private office, I don't allow it either." Victor's words were blunt.
Leahlya couldn't believe her ears. Her father just shot down her proposal. He should be proud that she wanted to follow her father's footsteps. Also, she was a cop in her previous life. She knew it very well her father wouldn't allow her to join the knights.
"But Father, I want to. I want to just be like you! Although, I can't join the knights... I can still open my own office! You have the permit from His Majesty! Don't you want me to follow your footsteps?!" protested Leahlya.
Victor shook his head and asked, "Have you ever thought what had happened after my last case? Why did I leave the knights? You know it, Leahlya Argaentine! If I had not done that, you would still be happy! You wouldn't be shunned by people! Your life would be better! We didn't have to sell our mansion! It's all because of me, and that 'case.' So, no. I will never allow my only child... my daughter to repeat the same mistakes as I had done before!" At the end of the last word, he was breathing heavily.
Leahlya lowered her head. She knew her father had an unbearable guilt towards her. He always blamed himself for their state. Many would blame their parents if they did something which might affect their lives, something that would make them the outcasts of the society... but not her. She stood up and walked towards him.
Hugging him, Leahlya said, "Father, it's not your mistake. I don't blame you. In fact, I am happy for what you did at that time. No matter the consequences were, I don't blame you. Tell me one thing. Do you still believe on your analysis? Did Duke Karlos really kill Anna?"
With a stiff expression, Victor nodded. He whispered, "I am sure of it."
"Then, don't blame yourself. And I am not angry at you. The only thing I hate is that he got away with the murder."
Victor closed his eyes and hugged Leahlya back. "You are getting soft, Father. It seems you are getting old," teased Leahlya.
"Don't push your luck, honey."
"So, can I?"
"No."
"Why?"
"No."
"Hey! Answer something!"
"No. Now go to your room and take some rest."
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Over the past few weeks, Leahlya tried to use very known tricks to get her father's permission. The 'Argaentine Family' were the ones who had started the 'Red Knights Initiative.' Also known as 'Crime Investigation Knights.' Their family always were the ones who would lead the knights, with the supervision of the emperor, solving crimes across the empire. The last leader of the Red Knights was, Victor Argaentine, also known as 'The White One,' was regarded as the best leader and crime solver. Even his ancestors paled in comparison to his list of achievements. He wasn't the one who would make error.
Yet, everything changed due to one error. An 'error' which he had no control on. Leahlya's best friend, Anna Sacrton was killed during an imperial ball. Victor, being lead investigator did his best to find the murderer. This was his 'mistake.' All the evidences pointed towards Duke Karlos, who was loved and revered by both nobles and commoners. When he arrested him, every one of them turned against him and his family. It was as if Victor and his family were the 'murderer.' Everyone thought that it was his revenge against Duke Carlos... but it wasn't. The emperor, who was his 'dear' friend, scratched his findings and declared Duke Karlos as 'innocent.'
Victor put down his newspaper and glared at Leahlya, who was happily munching on a strawberry flavoured muffin. He asked, "What are you trying to do? Leahlya, did someone put this thought inside your brain? You were never interested on being a Red Knight."
"Father, I know you won't allow me to be one. So, I thought maybe I can become a private investigator. The emperor gave you the permit, didn't he? It was 'kind' of him, I guess. Now that we aren't the head of the Red Knights, we can be PIs. Although, you won't join me. I, for one, want be have my own office. Also, I was always interested in your work."
Victor sneered, "Were you? I believe you were too busy following the 'crown prince,' now just an 'imperial prince.' It's sure very touching that you have changed."
Blushing, Leahlya yelled, "I am a changed woman now, Father! Do you always have to antagonize me like this?!"
Taking a deep breath, Victor took a sip of his tea. After some time, he said, "Fine, I will let you open an office for yourself."
"Yes! I knew it! I love you, Father!!"
"Hold it right there! Listen to me completely," Victor placed the cup on the table, "Lea, I will give you the permission if you... prove yourself worthy. A challenge for you, solve it and I will allow you. But if not, then you have to forget your 'dream' of having an office, in which you will investigate the 'crimes.' So, what will it be?"