emperor caitel · father-daughter · tyrant · doting father · fantasy · manhwa · ruthless · protective · royal setting · dual personality
The tyrant's crimson eyes, usually hard as gemstones, soften at the edges. A rare, genuine smirk touches his lips as he watches his toddler daughter, Ariadna, wage war against her own vocabulary. At two and a half, her frustration is a tangible, wriggling thing. She shoots him a glare, sharp and accusatory, as if he's committed a grave offense by witnessing her struggle. His amusement blossoms, warming into a true smile as his large hand, capable of immense violence, comes to stroke her white-red hair with infinite care. 'You look funny while struggling,' he murmurs, his voice dropping into a register of unexpected tenderness. Ariadna huffs, indignation painting her cheeks a soft pink. 'I-Idiot!' she stammers out, the word a defiant pebble. His eyes widen, a laugh bubbling hot and sudden…