The next morning!!

Calvin quietly exited Roselet's room to join the pack members for their morning training, ensuring he didn't disturb her sleep. When he returned several hours later, he inquired with Nelina about Roselet's studies to stay updated on her homework and classroom activities.

"By the way, Calvin, I hope you remember about my retirement," Nelina reminded him, prompting a groan from him.

"You're leaving?"

"Yes, dear. I've been working with your family since Caroline was five or six years old, and now her daughter is around that age. My husband wants me to rest, and honestly, I want to spend the remaining years with him alone."

"Hmm. Though I'd love to be selfish and ask you to stay, I understand. If you're retiring, then please find another nanny just like you – perfect," Calvin said, as he checked the refrigerator to prepare breakfast for his daughter.

After glancing at the list, he saw that 'noodles' were on the menu for breakfast.

"Didn't I make Soba Noodles last week?"

"Yes."

"Alright then, I'll make Egg Noodles today." Calvin decided, as he started making coffee for himself.

"Why don't you think about getting married? You're already thirty-two," Nelina suggested. "Finding a mother figure for Rose might be better than a nanny."

"Do you think I haven't considered it? Or my parents?" Calvin chuckled. "The women who are interested in me don't want to take on Rose, and those interested in Rose – like single mothers – aren't what Rose wants. She wants someone who loves and cares for both of us. Unfortunately, women who've been through a lot or have their own kids tend to be hesitant about starting anew. So, it's a complicated situation."

"To be honest, Rose is the best thing that's happened to me. Initially, I thought the Moon Goddess was punishing me by sending her into my life, but in hindsight, she's been a blessing. Now I understand why Dad always said he loves his daughters more than his sons."

"By the way, have you learned anything about HER?" Nelina inquired, referring to the woman Calvin had been searching for since the night he found Roselet.

"Nothing so far. I've visited over a hundred packs in the last five years, but I haven't come across the unique scent that my daughter has. From what I've gathered, my father, Artemis, and Aunt Becca haven't sensed that scent either."

"I think she might have passed away, or something happened that's kept her hidden all these years," he speculated.

"Or maybe you should reconsider your search strategy. Perhaps she's not part of a pack, or she's not a pack wolf at all?" Nelina suggested.

"I don't think she's a city wolf or a rogue. I met her during a mating ball, which is typically attended by pack wolves seeking mates," Calvin mused.

"But it's possible she was banished from her pack and then turned rogue, or she chose to leave her pack and live in the human world as an urban wolf."

"Oh no!" Calvin groaned. "I didn't consider that possibility. If that's the case, I won't be able to find her among the 8 billion humans and rogues in the world... those wild, uncontrolled creatures who don't follow orders or listen to anyone. And their way of life..."

"We're well aware of their way of life, but you also know who can help you," Nelina said, leaving to attend to her other tasks.

"Lee?" Calvin mumbled, recalling his father's ultimatum. 'If anyone maintains contact with her, I'll cut all ties with that person.'

After finishing his coffee, Calvin left the kitchen to wake up Roselet, who was known to stay up late but disliked waking up in the morning.

****

"Here you go, Daddy! I'm all done," Roselet said, pushing her plate toward Calvin, leaving a quarter of her noodles untouched.

"I did mention earlier that you wouldn't be able to finish all of that," Calvin reminded her while finishing her leftovers, as it was their day off.

Calvin had his eyes on his own work while she was busy drawing.

"Need help?" he asked.

"No, Daddy," she replied. "This must be the hundredth time you've asked."

"This must be the hundredth time you've asked," he mimicked her, resuming his work. He observed her get up from her chair after a while.

"Daddy, I'm full," Roselet said, passing him half a sandwich.

"Learn to finish your food, sweetheart," Calvin said, eating her portion to avoid wasting it.

An hour later!

"Calvin, I don't want this piece of cake anymore," Roselet said, offering him a piece of chocolate cake that he couldn't turn down. He finished the cake as well. Afterward, Roselet went out to play with her friends.

"What are we having for lunch?" Calvin asked when he took a break from his work.

"Grandma Nelina!" Roselet rushed in after playing with her friends. "Can I have some cookies and milk?"

"Rose, if you have these snacks now, you won't eat your lunch properly," Calvin pointed out.

"Please, Calvin! I promise I'll eat lunch properly."

"Alright, but you do snack a lot," Calvin said, to which Roselet pouted. After having one cookie and half a glass of milk, she handed the rest to Calvin once more, earning a stern glare from her father this time.

•

During lunch!

Roselet made sure to eat every bit of food on her plate, while Calvin played with his own meal. He was already quite full and hadn't engaged in any physical activity between morning and noon.

"Look, Calvin, I kept my promise and finished my lunch," she said proudly.

"Good job. I'm proud of you."

"But why aren't you eating anything?"

"I'm not very hungry," Calvin replied, avoiding blame and not wanting to waste the food. He sat down to eat alongside her, seizing the chance to have lunch together since his work often prevented him from doing so.

"I know why," Roselet said, nodding her head.

"Why?" Calvin asked, amused and expecting her to take responsibility and promise not to repeat her actions.

"Because you had too many snacks," Roselet said matter-of-factly.

"What?" Calvin looked at the little mischief-maker in disbelief.

"Yes. Please finish your food, Calvin, so we don't waste anything," Roselet declared, almost ordering him.

"Alright, Mommy," Calvin agreed, amused by his daughter's cleverness, a sentiment echoed by both his human side and his wolf.

*

Roselet yawned as Calvin placed her in bed for an afternoon nap.

"You're already sleepy?" Calvin asked, and she nodded.

"And tired too," Roselet added. Calvin smiled, gently massaging her little legs with his hands. "You're the best, Calvin."

"You're the best daughter, love. Now close your eyes."

Half an hour later, Calvin left her room, closing the door quietly. "Nelina, pack Rose's things for a day. I've informed Caro; she'll come by evening to take Rose with her."

" Alright. Does she know where you're going?"

"No, but she'll understand," Calvin replied as he walked away.

'Strange how a father comprehends his daughter's unspoken question of 'where is Mommy?' and the daughter grasps her father's sudden absence as his quest to find her Mommy,' Nelina pondered.