Dad is Back From a Deserted Island - Chapter 90

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Father has returned from the Deserted Island
Chapter 90

It was the first time I had ever seen Luca, who was always so composed, behave in such a childish manner.
Eduard could not fathom where his grandson had picked up such a ruffian’s tone of voice.
“Equestrian?”
Vivian, who had been conversing with Elise, responded immediately and turned around.
Luca swiftly replaced his fierce glare with a smile.
“Yes. An equestrian competition is coming up soon. It’s held every summer, and now you’ve reached the age where you can attend such events, Vivian.”
While hunting competitions and balls were restricted to adults who had completed their debutante ceremonies, the equestrian competition was open to adolescents who had completed the Petit Debutante.
“Are you participating, brother?”
“I’ve registered for the obstacle course. I narrowly missed the championship last year.”
At the mention of narrowly missing the championship, Vivian’s eyes gleamed with admiration. Luca shrugged and rubbed the tip of his nose.
“I didn’t even win, so it’s nothing special. Anyway, I’m curious about his horsemanship skills. Since he’s reached the age where he can participate. Since he’s already visiting the Capital, it would be nice for him to create memories by competing in such an event.”
Of course, there was no genuine goodwill behind the suggestion. Luca desperately hoped the boy’s equestrian skills would be mediocre.
If he witnessed a pathetic performance, perhaps Vivian’s infatuation with that radiant appearance might diminish even slightly.
“That sounds fun, Diti. Let’s go cheer for brother Luca together.”
“Okay.”
“No, I appreciate you coming to cheer for me. But you have no intention of participating yourself?”
“Horseback riding is dangerous! Diti’s body is weak. How could he do something like that? Right?”
“Right.”
Dietrich nodded without a moment’s hesitation, and Luca watched him with a bewildered expression.
‘Does that fellow have no desire to appear impressive in front of Vivian? Did I misjudge him?’
He could not have been mistaken. The warmth in Dietrich’s eyes as he gazed at Vivian playing the piano was identical to the temperature in Luca’s own eyes when he looked at Elise.
‘Or does he lack pride? Look at that pathetic expression he’s putting on!’
Vivian’s eyebrows furrowed downward as she observed Dietrich’s bitter expression.
Of course, Dietrich harbored no regret whatsoever about his physical condition. Compared to when he was healthy, it was naturally inconvenient, but being by Vivian’s side now was simply satisfying.
“Have you never ridden a horse before?”
Dietrich nodded. It was not a lie. Even before the regression, he had never practiced equestrian skills. Horses, with their sensitive temperaments, would foam at the mouth and flee the moment Dietrich drew near.
“Brother. You said his body was weak. So why do you keep asking?”
Vivian cast a reproachful glance.
Knowing that Dietrich’s weakened body was her fault, Vivian ached deeply for what he had lost. She could not help but resent Luca for touching upon his pain.
Luca could not conceal his bewilderment at her reproachful gaze. Elise, observing his reaction, clicked her tongue and stepped in.
“Simply watching the equestrian competition will provide an enjoyable time. If his body is weak, he’ll need some shade. Isn’t that right, Luca?”
“Yes, yes. I’ll arrange for a sturdy tent to be set up. So please, relax your expression. Vivian.”
Vivian forgave Luca by pursing her lips a few times.
“Then, Vivian, please inform Jean of the news as well. I’m uncertain about the schedule, but if possible, I’d like Jean to attend too.”
“Yes, Grandfather. When exactly will it be held?”
“This coming weekend. I’ll see you then, Vivian.”
Vivian smiled and nodded in agreement.
She had completely forgotten that there were other people she would meet at the equestrian competition.

* * *

The Equestrian Arena where the competition was held already thrummed with excitement.
The circular viewing stands were divided by family, each section marked by banners bearing their crests fluttering in the breeze.
The summer sun blazed mercilessly, but Vivian sat comfortably beneath a shaded canopy.
Eduard reclined beside her with ease. Unfortunately, Jean was far too occupied to attend the competition.
Eduard and Jean had often taken the children out even without each other’s company, so his absence felt unremarkable.
“It would have been nicer if Jean could have watched with us. What a shame.”
“We promised to watch together next year. It can’t be helped. We spent months away during our trip to Norvalang, after all—”
Dietrich, who had also been leaning back beside Vivian, suddenly straightened up at her words. Noticing his reaction, Vivian waved her hand reassuringly.
The sandy track lay smooth and empty. Since all the competitors were young nobles from distinguished families, it was customary to spend the time before the competition began in the cool shade.
“Still, Luca seemed to be in excellent form. And Zephyros too.”
Zephyros was the name of Luca’s prized horse. Vivian had made time that morning to visit the Valmont Family Residence and had carefully checked Zephyros’s condition.
“I wonder if he can win the championship this year. He seemed quite frustrated about narrowly losing last year, and he’s been practicing diligently.”
“He’ll definitely win. Oh, oh! Here they come!”
As the competitors appeared at the entrance, the crowd erupted in cheers. The modest voices swelled almost instantly to a deafening roar.
Kiki and Dietrich, both of whom detested loud noise, simultaneously furrowed their brows.
When their eyes met, they quickly averted their gazes as if they’d seen something they shouldn’t have.
“There’s my brother! Luca!”
Luca emerged confidently from the procession.
Squinting as he searched for his family’s banner, Luca spotted Eduard and Vivian seated beneath it, and he grinned, waving enthusiastically.
Then he drew closer to the viewing stands.
“Wow, wow! Did you see? Lise just tied a handkerchief around Luca’s wrist!”
Vivian flushed and made a fuss about it.
Though it wasn’t a hunting competition, there was a custom where women would tie handkerchiefs around a suitor’s wrist when he competed in such events.
Elise, who had been waiting at the base of the stands for Luca to appear, had tied the handkerchief around his wrist and then lightly kissed his cheek—a moment Vivian had witnessed.
“Why are you so surprised? You already knew they were betrothed.”
“That’s different! This is something else!”
In Vivian’s mind, Luca and Elise were always bickering, yet now they were exchanging kisses so naturally! She found herself deeply moved by the sight.
Elise climbed the stairs with utter confidence, and when her eyes met Vivian’s, she flicked her hair with a flourish. Eduard laughed at the sight of Vivian pressing both cheeks in delight.
There was a persistent gaze watching over this warm, familial scene, but the surrounding commotion was too loud for anyone to notice. Only Dietrich glanced around once.

* * *

The equestrian competition was divided into jousting and obstacle courses.
Jousting commenced before the obstacle event, which required more preparation, and the sight of lances clashing atop galloping horses proved so nerve-wracking that I found myself rising from my seat repeatedly.
“Thank goodness Luca is competing in the obstacle course instead of jousting. If he’d been knocked from his horse by a lance, I… I don’t think I could bear to watch.”
Elise leaned forward from behind Eduard and whispered conspiratorially.
“I told him I wouldn’t forgive him if he entered such a dangerous event and got injured.”
So there was a secret hidden beneath the surface. My eyes widened in surprise.
“Even in the shade, it’s rather stifling. Four beverages, if you please.”
“Of course! Four beverages. They’re ready right away.”
A servant circulating through the stands with refreshments promptly brought the drinks. As Eduard handed over a generous tip, he felt an intense gaze boring into him and turned to look back.
‘Who is that?’
The Duke of Alençon was staring at him with the eyes of one who had encountered a mortal enemy.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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