BERTRANMIGRATED TO BE A VILLAIN IN THE NOVEL
CHAPTER 3. GRAND DUKE

Grand Duke Avington was seen as an intimidating man by most, with a large body, fiery red hair, and sharp black eyes. Saying his name alone frightened many people, but there was a side of him that only he revealed before three people.

In the novel, he is portrayed as a corrupt aristocrat. For me, he is the best father in the world. 

I paced around the entrance hall as we waited. Damian stood leaning against the wall while the servants rushed over, refining everything. The chef was preparing a big party for lunch and we were wearing our best clothes. I miss Mom and Dad so much, because they've been gone for almost a month. 

Finally, the words we were waiting for were announced. 

"Your Majesty, the Grand Duke of Avington, has arrived!"

Damian and I rushed out, as quickly as possible while maintaining the noble elegance. The servants had already lined up neatly on both sides of the road, bowing. Across the front yard at the beginning of the road, Dad got off his train. 

We walked down the stairs towards the castle elegantly and stood at the base of the stairs. As Dad approached, Damian bowed and I bowed perfectly. We welcome him in unison. 

“Welcome home, Your Highness.”

Up close, the grand duke actually had a terrifying face and aura. However, his face quickly turned into a wide grin as he pulled the two of us into a tight embrace. He easily lifted us up and twisted us, laughing out loud. 

"Ah, my angel, I miss you!"

I sniggered and hugged him back. Dad is so strong, he can protect us from anything in the world. He loves us, and we love him. He is the kind of man who should be a father. 

A flash of memory from another world flashed through my mind. I held on tight to Dad when he dropped us off. It feels like part of me is complete again now that he's here. 

“We missed you too, Dad. Val annoys everyone every day, asking when you will be back.”

Dad laughed and ruffled Damian's hair. I flushed and protested. 

“I don't! But I'm glad you're back.”

"Me too, my angel."

Because of my unwillingness to let go, she chuckled and fondled my hair. Then, he lifted me up and put me on his shoulder. I let out a surprised cry before the laughter exploded. 

Damian peeked behind Dad and looked up. 

“Where is Mother?”

Dad sighed and shook his head. 

“Duchess Finley asked her to accompany him next week. The poor woman was still desperate after what happened to her little girl, so your mother accepted it.”

I'm nodding. The eldest daughter of Duchess Finley is my friend, and her younger sister was recently killed by a demon. Still, I'm disappointed that Mom didn't come back. 

"Let's go in. I can't wait to see what the chef has prepared."

The atmosphere was bright at the dining table. A huge feast of the most delicious food was presented in front of us, from fried chicken to roasted pork to sweet macarons to cakes with too many layers to count. It was heaven for my taste, and things got better because Dad was here. 

"Caesar defeated himself once again."

Dad nodded in agreement as the last dessert, a large ice cream sundae, was served. Our chef does have unparalleled skills. 

Damian.

“How was the trip, Dad?”

Father's eyes sparkled, as if he could barely contain his excitement. 

“The diamond mine is very real. I've got to say, Valentina, I still don't know how you know, but the grand duke owes it to you. ”

He smiled at me and I smiled back, the pride increased. When mentioning Glenning Mountain some time ago, I thoughtlessly made a comment about the diamond there, not realizing that it was information I learned from the novel. 

Satisfied grin on my face. The diamond mines that would have completely tilted the political sphere after being discovered by Catherine were now under our control, and I didn't even do it on purpose. Now, the grand duke will be more important than ever for the royal family. 

Seeing that I had no intention to explain, Dad continued. 

“I've brought some stuff back for you two, and I've sent it to your room. There's a grimoire for you, Damian, and a big diamond from the sample we got, Valentina.”

"Dad! That's amazing, thank you so much!”

I grinned widely and couldn't help it even after Damian thanked Dad and the conversation turned to the details of the diamond mine, bore me. Although my attention was distracted, I enjoyed their presence, and I was still in a good mood when we finally parted ways. 

Dad cares about us. I love him and I love him. 

A memory from the past came to my mind. My father from another world is a good man. This particular scene was one of those rare happy moments, we watched a movie together. He wants the best for me, I know, but he has a method that I don't agree with. My safety and my future were prioritized above my happiness as a child, and I guess he never expected the consequences. There were times I was angry enough to consider killing him, or myself, and these moments only increased as I grew up. 

'Enough.' 

When I arrived back in my room, I turned my attention to the diamond in a box on my bed. Gently, I picked it up and examined it in the sun. The light is fragmented, reflecting the sparkling colors. It has a quiet beauty. 

This is my life and my world, here and now. No need to get lost in old memories, because this family is real. 

And that's all that matters.