Jan 04, 2026
To:HVM
Short answer: not really, but considering the dad's personality and priorities, (keeping all 3 of his children alive and trying to give them a good future), I thought a mildly forceful approach, away from the others was the most plausible option.
I'm not sure comments should be this long, but I'm writing you an entire letter! 😅
First up, thanks for reading as well as your comments.
As stated in the author's note, I am not exactly an experienced writer and my schedule is currently a lot more filled with writing than I'm used to.
I'm trying my best to phrase things as clearly and correctly as I can, but I barely have time to go for 1 reread per chapter after finishing. Checking mostly grammar, but also if characters' possible motivations and personalities fit what I wrote.
But honestly I am also partially just winging what I don't quite understand and hoping I end up with a coherent story that takes me through the main storylines in a hopefully fun to read and coherent fashion .
as for the specific answer to your question: It doesn't have to be kidnapping, but does it have to not be forceful? The kid leaves home to fight scary monsters, comes home more injured than ever before. His father is worried witless about both Francis dying on one of his trips very soon, as well as him influencing his youngest sister to follow in his footsteps (she looks up to him and people in all surrounding villages are singing praises of the hero defeating all of the magic beasts.)
Maybe he wanted to get himself to ask Francis about going willingly, yet he failed to get the words out of his mouth. In my head, the father is stoic and has a very very hard time showing his emotions as well as understanding other people's thoughts. He hasn't a clue how to mention something like this nor does he realise that if he asked, Francis (who is a lot stronger than him) would accept.
Finally, giving your child up for adoption is not exactly looked highly upon in this society. As such, the less people know, the better. Especially a confused 9 year old daughter who might overspeak without realising the consequences (financial and societal ruin for parents as wel as both their remaining daughters).
If you get cast out of your village in medieval times, I'm pretty sure you are royally screwed. As a married couple it sucks, yet might be doable, but as a young woman that has yet to marry? yeah...
