I Was Just Having Fun With The Time Limit - Chapter 14
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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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It had been such a long time since my Biological Father visited my room.
“Biological Father?”
I recalled yesterday’s image of him.
When he slipped the flower ring onto my finger, his hand trembled ever so slightly.
Seeing him up close like that, even his eyelashes quivered delicately.
In that moment, I understood.
My Biological Father felt the same way I did.
Thanks to that realization, it became much easier to face him.
“It’s been so long!”
“Did we not see each other yesterday?”
His voice was unmistakably gruff.
Yet the fact that I had a Mother and Biological Father who visited me, even occasionally, lifted my spirits.
When my heart swelled with warmth, I found myself acting childish without realizing it.
“But you haven’t visited Isabel’s room very often.”
Still, I knew what I knew and spoke honestly.
“Isabel has a longing.”
I truly thirsted for it.
Shamefully, I craved my parents’ affection.
“A longing?”
My Biological Father’s lips twitched.
I couldn’t fathom why he seemed pleased that his daughter had such a need.
“So you understand the value of something precious.”
….
My Biological Father wore something like a victor’s smile.
It was difficult to describe precisely, but it was an infuriating expression nonetheless.
That very infuriating expression was so devastatingly handsome that it only irritated me further.
My young body, beyond my control, betrayed my true feelings.
“Tch, is that all it takes—being handsome?”
“That’s all.”
“…Yes?”
“So you do find me handsome. That much is certain.”
….
“Am I wrong?”
“It’s not that you’re wrong, but it’s not that you’re right either….”
Dizzy.
My head felt tangled.
“Next time, you can simply say I’m impressive.”
My Biological Father, who truly was as impressive as he acted, remained expressionless.
I couldn’t tell if he was joking or serious.
“And I won’t be able to see you for a while.”
“Yes?”
Wow, my Biological Father. His speaking style seems a bit different from the novel.
He’ll meet with me?
What, does he think I’m some eager little child desperate to see my Biological Father?
I opened my eyes wide and gazed up at my Biological Father.
It was quite the stern look, if I do say so myself.
His face was so breathtakingly beautiful it seemed almost fraudulent.
‘I, I love you. Thank you for meeting with me.’
Every time I saw him, he felt new.
Every time I saw him, he felt fresh.
Every time I saw him, he felt refreshing—it was truly mysterious.
A face like that was a blessing in itself.
“I am grateful for your grace.”
My Biological Father could have questioned my nonsensical words, but he was different.
He was truly strong.
“Of course it would be.”
I decided to change the subject.
“But why can’t you come meet me?”
“There are pressing matters that adults must attend to.”
“Then when will you come?”
“I will return before your birthday passes.”
I counted on my fingers, folding them down one by one.
“One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven.”
“….”
“So you’re coming in eight months?”
“It seems likely.”
“I wish my Biological Father would come sooner.”
“Why?”
“Because I miss you.”
The corners of my Biological Father’s mouth twitched slightly.
It felt like I was losing somehow, but I loved that expression.
My Biological Father was clearly in a good mood.
Thanks to that, my mood lifted too, and my heart became all fluffy and light.
“Isabel will wait here for you.”
“You desire me that much?”
“Yes. Very much.”
“Then I shall come quickly.”
“I’ll be bouncing on my feet waiting.”
“….”
My Biological Father’s body flinched.
Something felt off—as if I couldn’t control my own body.
It seemed like he’d almost pulled me into a tight embrace but held back.
‘Tsk. He could just hug me.’
If he did, my gratitude would be even greater.
“Pinky promise!”
I extended my pinky finger.
My Biological Father seemed delighted by my response.
“Let’s make a special promise.”
“Pinky promise!”
My Biological Father linked his pinky with mine and made the promise.
Then he bent down and gave me a gentle kiss on my forehead.
After that day, I truly couldn’t see my Biological Father anymore.
Not only was I unable to meet him, but I couldn’t see Mother either.
I was quite upset about it, and then something else frustrating happened.
“Your Highness. It seems I must leave the Imperial Palace for a while.”
“Why, Viscount Biatonn? Where are you going?”
“I need to go kill someone… Ahem!”
“Pardon?”
“There’s a dear friend I wish to spend time with, but they’re far away.”
“I see.”
I felt quite sad that Viscount Biatonn, who’d been like a friend to me, was leaving the Imperial Palace.
But then Viscount Biatonn placed his hands on both my shoulders.
His large eyes were filled with grievance.
“No, Your Highness.”
“Yes?”
“I’ve spent far more time with you! I love you far, far more! I adore you far, far, far more! And I care for you far, far, far, far more!”
“Isabel likes Viscount Biatonn too.”
Viscount Biatonn said something incomprehensible.
“Sigh. A mountain that can never be crossed, a fortress, a barrier. The wall of blood relations is high and steep indeed.”
“Pardon?”
“It’s nothing.”
Viscount Biatonn smiled brilliantly at me again.
Ah, truly, I made the right choice possessing this body.
“I’ll return quickly. You must eat well and stay healthy.”
“Yes! Viscount Biatonn, don’t get hurt either. If you do, you’ll be scolded!”
At that, Viscount Biatonn’s expression brightened with vitality and joy.
“Will you scold me if I get hurt?”
…Huh?
I think I just heard something strange.
* * *
Before departing, Viscount Biatonn sought out the Emperor for a final report.
“…I have lost, Your Majesty.”
“If it concerns swordplay, you have never bested me even once.”
“No, not swordplay.”
In truth, losing at swordplay hardly wounded my pride.
But this—this was different.
“You were boasting about it yesterday.”
Ron had told Viscount Biatonn about what had transpired between him and Isabel yesterday.
Ron, who ordinarily disdained trivial gossip, was unusually forthcoming on this occasion.
“Come back quickly, I miss you, I’ll be waiting here, I’ll be bouncing on my feet.”
“….”
“To me, you only said to go carefully and return safely.”
The corners of Ron’s mouth lifted slightly.
“Was that all?”
“He did say he loves me too, but it was entirely different from how you said it. What am I to do with this overwhelming sense of defeat?”
“I have never regarded you as a rival.”
“That makes it even worse!”
“You seemed unbothered when you lost at swordplay.”
“That’s completely different!”
Ron answered calmly.
“Do not be so vexed. Blood runs thicker than water, after all.”
“Is composedly showing off like that also a talent?”
Viscount Biatonn shook his head vigorously.
“I find myself in foul spirits.”
A glint of killing intent flickered in his eyes.
“Wilhelm seems to be the culprit. Once I find evidence, I’ll crush him and return.”
“A commendable resolve at last.”
Ron was already fully aware of what had transpired within the Imperial Palace.
Someone of unknown identity had discovered the Princess’s magical talent and attempted to abduct her.
Ron spoke with dignity.
“It would be even better if you brought back what sits upon his shoulders.”
“Of course I shall.”
After concluding his report and departing the Imperial Palace, Viscount Biatonn cast a sidelong glance toward the Princess’s quarters.
That adorable face—the one that had threatened to scold him if he got hurt—came to mind.
He murmured softly to himself.
“Perhaps I’ll return a little injured.”
* * *
Eight months had already passed since my Biological Father’s birthday.
‘Wow, I’m already five years old.’
Five years had elapsed out of the twenty-one.
‘My growth is rapid, and time passes so quickly.’
Because this body belonged to a Villorian, my development was remarkably accelerated.
By Earth standards, I appeared to be nearly nine or ten years old.
My pronunciation had become almost perfectly clear now.
I could express my thoughts almost exactly as I conceived them, and my physical coordination had grown far more natural.
Everything was wonderful, except that my remaining days were steadily diminishing.
Luluka spoke.
“Tomorrow, I’ll give you candy.”
“Really?”
Luluka had issued a candy warning to herself.
The Isabel she observed possessed an unusually voracious appetite.
Particularly, she showed a tendency to pursue stimulating things that weren’t especially good for the body—candies, jellies, chocolates, and the like.
“Give me five pieces.”
“Five pieces?”
“Yes. It’s my fifth birthday, after all.”
Luluka hesitated for a moment.
Whether she should give five candies at all.
If she gave five, Isabel would certainly devour them all within fifteen minutes.
‘But it is her birthday, after all.’
Luluka nodded.
“Understood. I’ll give you five pieces.”
“I love you, Midwife!”
Isabel suddenly pulled Luluka into a tight embrace.
“Is it me you love, or the candy?”
“I love the Midwife who gives me candy.”
There was one thing Luluka didn’t know.
No matter how many unfulfilled cravings Isabel’s past life had harbored regarding food, she had never been quite so obsessed with candy specifically.
In truth, the candy was merely an excuse.
An excuse that allowed her to say “I love you” naturally.
As she grew older—though she was only five—her rationality gradually strengthened.
She had become somewhat closer to her past self’s mentality, and no longer behaved like a mere child.
“But Midwife, will Biological Mother and Biological Father be too busy again this time?”
“I’m not well-versed in the affairs of the two heavens, so I apologize, Princess.”
“You apologize for things you shouldn’t even apologize for. That makes me a little sad.”
To Isabel, Luluka was almost like a mother.
I didn’t want to see someone so precious maintain such excessive formality and bow so deeply.
“When we’re alone together, treat me more comfortably. That’s how you show me love.”
“That is….”
“Hmm?”
“…I understand. I’ll do that.”
“Hehe, how exciting.”
Luluka found herself laughing in spite of herself when she met Isabel’s pure, unblemished smile.
Her heart felt completely filled with soft, fluffy clouds.
“Anyway, my Biological Father promised to come by tomorrow, so he will. Right? Please tell me that’s true.”
“Yes. He will surely come.”
A day had passed.
Today was Isabel’s birthday.
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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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