I Don’t Need a Dad Like This! - Chapter 102
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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<Chapter 102>
Gilren answered in a dejected state.
“…I couldn’t bring it.”
“You said you took the child’s bonnet? There should have been a few strands of hair attached to it.”
“Well… it turns out Rie was wearing Olivia’s bonnet.”
Evelyn also seemed at a loss for words at the unexpected name and closed her mouth for a moment.
“Why would she do that? Don’t tell me she noticed something.”
“I was surprised too. I never thought Olivia would know that I was targeting her hair. When the handkerchief went missing, I expected it was something Rie had done.”
When Gilren said he would find the handkerchief, his approach to Olivia and Rie was actually intentional.
The child named ‘Rie’ who was often mentioned when he had conversations with Evelyn.
‘Olivia really likes Rie, but I’m a bit worried. She has tremendous abilities but she’s still just a child. What if she uses them for something bad… If someone loses something and that child is nearby? I feel like people might think Rie used her abilities to do it.’
Gilren didn’t take lightly even the things Evelyn said in passing. He remembered them, thinking she would be pleased if he used them usefully later.
So when the handkerchief suddenly disappeared, he went to find Olivia and Rie just in case.
If Rie had really used her abilities to steal the handkerchief? He planned to scold her severely and educate her that such behavior was wrong.
To separate Rie from Olivia to ease Evelyn’s concerns, and at the same time show Olivia the image of a stern father to make her depend on him.
But who could have known that the two children would switch bonnets and make him look foolish.
Moreover, if Olivia knew his intentions, she might have deliberately asked Rie to steal the handkerchief. To ask a favor from a time ability user.
“The children were smarter than I thought.”
“Or maybe Gilren is more stupid than I thought.”
Evelyn, who shot back at Gilren, sighed.
“Anyway, don’t appear in front of Olivia for a while.”
“Yes, I understand. But Evelyn.”
“What?”
Gilren, who had been hesitating for a moment, asked.
“Why are you so obsessed with your daughter’s hair?”
On the day she came to stay at the marquis castle, she had subtly told Gilren that she wanted Olivia’s hair.
‘Gilren. Could you tell the maids that when they clean the child’s room, if they find any hair, don’t throw it away but collect it all. Don’t say I told you to do it.’
‘Why, Evelyn?’
‘Why? Would you understand if I told you? Ugh, this is why you can’t communicate with people who don’t have children.’
He thought she might have a strange collecting obsession due to excessive love for her child.
However, Gilren could do anything if it meant he could marry Evelyn.
So even though the child treated him strangely, he continued to watch for Olivia’s hair.
But after being this embarrassed, he was gradually becoming curious about the real reason.
‘If I pester her more here… she might abandon me. What should I do?’
Gilren, who was glancing at Evelyn who wasn’t answering, decided to try being a little greedy.
She too might have developed deeper affection for him. When Olivia even said she would leave home, she had chosen Gilren.
“Evelyn, whatever thoughts you have, I understand them all. I can’t imagine life without you now. So please tell me the truth, Evelyn.”
“Really?”
When Evelyn crossed her arms as if she couldn’t believe it and slightly turned her head, Gilren nodded excessively.
“Of course!”
“Alright, then…”
She finally gave up and approached Gilren with a resigned expression.
And whispered something in his ear.
* * *
Olivia sat with Rie and Emilia during the second part of tea time, chatting happily.
Unfortunately, Jair didn’t return throughout tea time, and Casselik and Philip also didn’t appear, seemingly with him.
On one side, the winner of the flower-finding game was giving their thoughts.
It was Mint from the Blooming Count’s family.
“I want to dedicate this honor… to Lady Rie of the Birdwell Barony!”
How long had she waited to clear up the misunderstanding from tea time.
“If Lady Rie is alright with it, I’d like to have tea time with His Majesty the Emperor together with Lady Rie.”
The child who smiled shyly while fidgeting raised her head suddenly, but Rie was nowhere to be found.
That’s right.
Rie had already left the Imperial Palace.
“I’m so sorry, could I ask for just two days?”
Before getting in the carriage, Countess Rioletta, who came out alone to see them off, smiled awkwardly at Emilia.
“Since Rie likes it so much, even longer would be fine. I’ll send a letter when we arrive at the manor.”
Actually, Emilia was still displeased with Count Gilren who had messed up Rie’s hair, but she smiled benevolently at Evelyn who was sincerely apologizing.
Thus the carriage carrying the three people departed.
Birdwell Baronet Manor.
The viscount couple, who had received word in advance and came out to greet them, welcomed them.
“I hear we’re getting one more little one for a while?”
“Yes. Due to circumstances, I ended up bringing her. Her name is Olivia.”
When Emilia introduced her, Olivia noticed it was her turn to step forward and politely greeted them first.
“Hello, Viscount Birdwell. Lady Birdwell. I’m Olivia from the Rioletta Marquis family. I’m Rie’s best friend!”
“Aww! Have fun playing!”
“My, what bright eyes she has. Make yourself comfortable during your stay. We should feed you first.”
“Thank you for preparing a delicious meal!”
Rie, who was watching, opened her mouth wide.
‘Olivia is… amazing.’
Was it because she was six years old?
The way she walked with her long legs that were a span taller than Rie’s and greeted them seemed adult-like.
Could Rie look confident too if she became that tall?
‘Hmm.’
Rie touched her round belly with her baby starfish-like hands.
Four years old.
An age where her baby belly was more prominent than her legs.
“I’m back-!”
If she bowed her head deeply like Olivia, she would stagger from the weight of her head at this age.
“Oh my, everyone here knows our baby has arrived.”
“I’m not a baby. Rie is a child too.”
“I’ll acknowledge you as a child when you turn five. But for now, you’re still a baby.”
“…Eeeh.”
Rie felt wronged and made duck lips.
‘Rie is actually five years old. I became four because of the time ability!’
Regardless, the viscount couple chuckled and naturally patted the silver-haired head.
“…”
Meanwhile, Olivia, who had been staring at that scene, lowered her head.
She remained quiet throughout the meal.
When the viscount couple asked her something, she answered clearly with a bright voice, but otherwise she just looked down at the dining table.
Perceptive Rie tried to comfort Olivia…
“Grandmother, Rie is full!”
Swish, swish. Swish!
“You can eat more. When will you grow if you get tired already.”
Swish, swoosh.
It would have been nice if she could, but Rie was busy quickly dodging Morgana’s hands trying to feed her one more spoonful.
Her cheeks shook back and forth as she avoided the spoon.
Finally, the child who negotiated for one last bite came into the room with Olivia, letting out a small burp.
“Phew. That was almost a disaster.”
It was fortunate it ended with just one bite. If she had eaten everything given to her, her body might have swelled up like a balloon?!
“Olivia must be struggling too, right? But there’s still dessert time left after the meal. If we move quickly now and push down the food, we can eat dessert too…”
“Sob, sniff…”
But suddenly Olivia burst into tears.
“Olivia!”
Startled, Rie hurriedly ran over to check on her friend.
“Olivia, are you okay? What’s wrong? Is it because Grandmother… fed you too much and it’s hard?”
“Sniff, it’s not that, Rie. It’s just… sob, I felt envious of you as my friend… sniff! I’m pathetic for feeling this way…”
“What’s there to be envious of about Rie? Rie thinks Olivia is so amazing and wants to be like Olivia!”
Rie fumbled around to get her handkerchief and wiped Olivia’s wet cheeks.
Then Olivia, who made a sniffling sound as she swallowed her runny nose, carefully opened her mouth.
“Being happy as a family… My mom used to be kind like Viscountess Birdwell in the old days… but she changed after Count Gillen came. No, actually it seemed like she lost interest in me even before that man came. Maybe it’s because she got a boyfriend?”
“Olivia…”
“I wish mom would go back to how she used to be… sniff!”
It was when Olivia was sobbing.
Step, step.
Footsteps were heard from outside the door, and soon Emilia’s surprised voice could be heard.
“…What brings you here?”
At that sound, the two children perked up their ears.
“Olivia, Countess Rioletta must be back!”
“Mom…?”
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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