Help, I'm in Another World and All the Men Are Are So Dangerous! [BL]-Chapter 255: A Father’s Approval

"...Father..."

As he reached out to touch the luxurious fabric, his cheeks softened into a smile.

His father was a strict and stubborn man.

Once he said no, he rarely changed his mind.

And yet, despite having firmly denied Rocco’s request, here he was—silently presenting him with a gift that completely contradicted his earlier stance.

This wordless offering could only mean one thing.

His father had fully accepted his participation in the soirée.

The fact that he had gone so far as to commission something this special made Rocco incredibly happy...

But if he was going to receive such a precious gift, he would have preferred to get it directly from his father’s hands.

This kind of silent gesture was so like him.

After the argument, things had remained tense between them, and simply accepting the outfit without addressing the situation left an uneasy feeling in Rocco’s chest.

"...Strasbourg! Where’s my father?"

The moment he turned to ask, Strasbourg responded with an almost knowing smile, as if he had been expecting the question all along.

That smug look made Rocco pout.

"He’s waiting for you in his office."

Waiting for me...?

That single phrase told Rocco everything he needed to know.

Not only Strasbourg—but his father, too—had completely predicted his next move.

His cheeks puffed in mild frustration.

Still, it wasn’t unusual for his father to see right through him.

Quickly shaking off the feeling, he turned on his heel and dashed toward the door, brushing past Strasbourg without sparing him another glance.

"I’m going to see Father! Strasbourg, you stay here and make sure nothing happens to my outfit!"

"As you wish," Strasbourg answered smoothly, his familiar tone carrying the slightest hint of amusement.

With a triumphant grin, Rocco sprinted out of the room, his heart pounding with excitement.

Just before Rocco disappeared down the hall, he heard Georgio’s whining voice from behind.

"I’m coming too! Don’t leave me behind, Masterrrr!"

But Rocco paid no mind and kept running.

Leaving behind Georgio—who was practically a big child—was slightly concerning, but Strasbourg was there, and he seemed more than capable of playing babysitter.

Yes, yes, Georgio would be fine.

...

When Rocco burst into his father’s office, panting heavily, he realized he wasn’t alone.

Besides his father, who was slumped over his desk radiating a gloomy aura, Sylas stood nearby, looking down at him with a mix of exasperation and disbelief.

Rocco blinked in confusion.

Why was Sylas here too?

The excitement from his dramatic entrance quickly deflated, and he hesitantly approached, now much quieter.

He gave a small wave to Sylas before cautiously stepping toward his father.

"...F-Father? Papa?"

Was he not aware of Rocco’s presence?

His brows furrowed in concern as he tried again.

The moment his voice reached his father’s ears—

WHOOSH!

His father shot up at lightning speed.

"Uwah?!"

Rocco nearly jumped out of his skin.

That had startled him badly.

"R-Rocco...? Is that really you...?"

His father looked at him as though he were seeing a ghost.

His face was pale, his eyes sunken with dark circles, and his normally well-kept hair was dry and messy—clearly a result of stress.

Overall, he looked... defeated.

Rocco gawked at him, stunned.

W-Why is he acting like he’s just reunited with a long-lost child...?

"Oh, Rocco...! You really came to see me...!"

With the dramatic intensity of a movie climax, his father shot to his feet and crushed Rocco in a tight embrace.

"H-Hey! That’s a little... tight...!"

Squirming, Rocco managed to poke his head out for air.

As he caught his breath, he suddenly became aware of a heavy gaze.

"...Hm?"

He tilted his head and followed the source of the stare—only to freeze.

Sylas was glaring at them.

His previous look of exasperation had vanished, replaced by an envious glare directed solely at their father.

Right.

Now that he thought about it... Why was Sylas even here?

As soon as the thought crossed his mind, Sylas began walking toward them.

"...Father," Sylas said, a slight pout in his voice. "I’d like your approval on our previous discussion."

Huh?

Rocco blinked, realization dawning on him.

Had he just interrupted an important conversation?!

Oh no, oh no, oh no...!

Panic set in as he desperately tried to wriggle out of his father’s grasp.

But before he could escape, his father turned to Sylas with a composed expression and answered flatly.

Only seconds ago, he had been a pitiful mess.

His ability to switch gears so quickly was honestly impressive.

"That discussion is already settled," his father said. "Rocco’s partner will be me."

"...Huh?"

"As I’ve said, it is considered improper for a parent to act as their child’s partner at a soirée. I am offering to stand in. Just give me your approval already."

"...Huh?"

"You’re being persistent. I already said no. Social conventions don’t matter. If I say it’s fine, then it is."

Caught between the father and son’s battle of egos, Rocco could only blink in confusion and let out a puzzled murmur.

As the two men continued glaring at each other, he tried to piece together what was happening.

Then, realization struck.

Ohhh.

They’re fighting over who gets to be my partner for the soirée.

That made sense.

Entering alone wouldn’t be ideal, and since there were three of them, one person would inevitably be left out...

As unpleasant scenarios played out in his mind, he recalled past soirées and tilted his head.

"Um, but haven’t we always just held hands and gone in together...?"

At his innocent remark, both men stopped their argument and turned their gazes toward him.

Rocco blinked up at them, and in unison, they both narrowed their eyes before suddenly reaching out to ruffle his hair affectionately.

"Hey, hey! What’s with this all of a sudden?" he huffed, puffing out his cheeks.

"This soirée is different from the usual ones," Sylas explained while continuing to pat Rocco’s head. "That’s why Father was reluctant to let you participate."

"Huh? Different how?"

Rocco furrowed his brows, confused.