Chapter 1 : Prologue – There’s No Such Thing as Unconditional Love

Paternal love is often called unconditional.

A father accepts his child’s whining, and even when the child throws tantrums, he forgives with generosity.

A father never asks for endless gratitude in return for his boundless love.

There’s only one reason for that: Because he is a father.

“Unconditional love… it might be a phrase more fitting for a mother’s affection in some past life or another world…”

With a bitter smile, he entered the luxury officetel complex.

Beep.

Beep.

He punched in the door code.

As he opened the door, dragging his weary body inside, a bright and gentle voice greeted him.

“Dad. Thanks for working so late again today.”

A girl came running barefoot to the entrance to welcome him.

It had been ten years since he lost his wife.

His daughter, Sewon, whom he had raised alone without lacking in anything—that’s how it was supposed to be.

“Yeah. Were you okay today, Sewon… huh?”

Sewon suddenly grabbed his tie, and he let out a surprised gasp.

“Tie it too tight like that and it’ll leave a mark on Dad’s neck.”

“Thanks. You really are my daughter.”

“You didn’t eat dinner, did you?”

I nodded.

Naturally, I followed her and sat down at the dining table.

“Tonight’s menu is curry.”

But not the kind of curry made from powder and water.

It was Indian-style curry, beautifully plated in what looked like expensive dishes.

The fragrant aroma burst in my mouth the moment I took a bite.

I finished it in an instant.

“How is it? Good?”

“It was really delicious.”

“Aha, right? Hearing praise from Dad gives me energy.”

Sewon covered her mouth with her palm and giggled.

I smiled along with her.

Then she added, as if just remembering something:“Your dress shirt is completely soaked.”

“It’s because the curry was spicy. When I eat spicy food, I sweat a lot.”

“Then, shall we take a bath together for the first time in a while?”

“Sewon… You shouldn’t say things like that so carelessly. You’re a grown woman now.”

“I don’t mind.”

“……..”

“Hmm…? Dad?”

A brief silence followed.

I wiped the smile clean off my face and opened my mouth.

I spoke in a businesslike, firm tone.

“Dear customer, adding the bath option will incur an additional charge.”

Unconditional love is truly an illusion.

Even fatherly affection can be bought with money.

Because in a gender-reversed world, papakatsu works that way.