If I Were Reborn, I Wouldn’t Marry You - Chapter 59

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

Chapter 59

“Foxes are also part of the canine family.”

Leonhardt said with a sigh, pressing his forehead.

“Really?”

I quickly abandoned the ‘cute thing + cute thing’ strategy.

“I’ll think of another method.”

Since I couldn’t use the visual effect of a divine beast, the conditions became a bit more complicated, but I’d come up with a good idea soon.

‘If the situation gets more complex, Leonhardt’s acting skills will be needed even more, but we’ll manage somehow.’

Leonhardt could act cute and charming enough to cover for the divine beast’s part, right?

I thought while glancing toward Leonhardt.

Leonhardt seemed even more anxious now that I had given up so easily.

“Still, it’s not a dog, so maybe it’ll be okay? Though I’ve never met a fox before.”

Or perhaps the strategy he had disliked until just now suddenly seemed acceptable.

‘Is he thinking he’d rather endure dog fur allergies than not knowing what I might make him do?’

Since Leonhardt safely proving his ability awakening was the top priority, I had been keeping my mischievous side in check…

I smiled wickedly at Leonhardt, making sure he could see.

“Will you be okay? Isn’t your dog fur allergy severe? There must be another way.”

When I spoke in a deliberately sweet voice, Leonhardt flinched.

“No, it’s not that severe. Since it’s a divine beast, it might be different from ordinary animals…”

‘What have I done that was so mischievous to make him react like that?’

However, upon reflection, it was true that I had teased him quite a bit since my regression, so I decided to reflect on it.

“True, it would be a bit much to treat a divine beast the same as ordinary canine animals.”

Honestly, if not for the dog fur allergy problem, there wasn’t a better method.

“Right. It’s a divine beast, after all.”

Leonhardt eagerly tried to seize the opportunity like someone throwing a rope to a drowning person.

“Still, just to be safe, let’s check once before the New Year festival.”

Since he said being in the same space only caused sneezing and eye swelling, it seemed fine to just briefly check if symptoms appeared with a physician present.

Leonhardt nodded with visible relief.

And after checking, Leonhardt showed no symptoms to the divine beast’s fur.

Having received confirmation from the physician that he was fine, Leonhardt smiled with subtle relief.

“Great! Now I just need to think about how to create a scene with a majestic and adorable divine beast.”

Though his smile quickly disappeared at my deliberate muttering.

The rumors about Leonhardt’s awakening that had been spreading secretly seemed to have reached the Imperial Palace as well.

The Emperor, who had sent Leonhardt to Roderick and then withdrawn his interest, personally sent a letter.

‘Since it’s been a long time since you left the palace, I’m curious about your well-being, so let’s have a family meal…’

Reading Leonhardt’s letter together from the corner of my eye, I secretly snorted while the messenger wasn’t looking.

‘That concern for well-being wasn’t there for four years?’

No, I was curious how long it had even been since the Emperor had met Leonhardt face to face.

Even after I had revealed Leonhardt’s presence through various methods since my regression, the imperial family continued to treat Leonhardt as if he didn’t exist.

‘Not to mention the Crown Prince.’

The Empress also acted as if she had forgotten Leonhardt’s very existence, as though the Crown Prince was her only son.

The Emperor seemed to have shaken off his faint pangs of conscience after dumping Leonhardt on Father, and even the Empress Dowager, who showed the most interest, had only sent maids a few times.

I wanted to tell him not to go since he’d only get indigestion during the meal, but I couldn’t.

I had to watch Leonhardt obediently say he would go.

Mother and Father, who had dropped everything and come upon hearing that the Emperor had sent someone, also had dark expressions.

After the messenger left, Mother looked at Leonhardt for a moment before speaking with forced brightness.

“His Majesty the Emperor must have missed Prince very much.”

It was a considerate remark, thinking that four-year-old Leonhardt would long for family affection.

But Mother’s consideration didn’t have much effect.

Leonhardt didn’t have much affection for his family.

‘But he couldn’t have been born without it, right? He’s still a baby.’

Since no love was given, he lost hope and closed his heart.

However, Leonhardt, who had learned social skills since my regression, successfully held back his scorn.

“Is that so?”

But he didn’t seem to have enough composure to manage a smiling face.

“Haaaam.”

Before the atmosphere could get heavy, I deliberately yawned loudly to draw everyone’s attention to me.

“I’m sleepy.”

“Come to think of it, it’s bedtime for the little ones.”

When I whined as if I was suddenly unbearably sleepy, Mother smiled gently and glanced toward the clock.

“Mm-hmm. Good night, everyone.”

When I rubbed my eyes and said goodnight to the family, Father suggested that Leonhardt should also go to bed.

“Your Highness should also retire now.”

If it was my bedtime, then it was past bedtime for Leonhardt, who was younger than me.

Leonhardt, who nodded obediently, ended up returning to the bedroom with me.

Walking up the stairs to this floor side by side, I spoke just loud enough for Leonhardt to hear.

“Your family is here.”

I swallowed the rest of my words.

‘So don’t get hurt.’

Perhaps understanding my comforting intention, Leonhardt smiled faintly.

“Right, my family is you. Thank you, Miela.”

Leonhardt stopped in the middle of the stairs and whispered as he hugged me.

The already small child felt even smaller, so I patted Leonhardt’s back for a long time.

“Have a good trip!”

The journey to the Imperial Palace with Miela’s encouragement was better than expected.

“How do you find this outing after so long?”

“The weather is nice.”

I could even answer Lady Grace’s question with composure, as she had come along instead of the Rodericks, who found it awkward to accompany a ‘family’ meal.

Perhaps thinking Leonhardt would be nervous, Lady Grace continued trying to make conversation.

“Perfect weather for going out to play, isn’t it?”

“Yes, I’m thinking of suggesting an outing together with Miela and the young masters the day after tomorrow.”

Leonhardt spoke longer than usual and continued the conversation to respond to Lady Grace’s kind consideration.

However, since the Imperial Palace and the Ducal Palace were quite close, the carriage stopped after a short distance, and the brief conversation quickly ended.

“We’re already at the Imperial Palace.”

Lady Grace, who got out first, smiled gently and adjusted Leonhardt’s outfit.

“Since you’re meeting your family after so long, you should look your best.”

Perhaps regretful that she couldn’t accompany him to the Imperial Palace dining area due to her status, her hands lingered.

Leonhardt quietly accepted her ministrations.

Only after the grooming continued until not a single wrinkle or speck of dust remained on his clothes did Leonhardt calmly bid farewell to Lady Grace before heading to the Imperial Palace garden.

Following the guide’s directions, Leonhardt walked while only moving his eyes to survey the Imperial Palace garden, which differed from the one in his memories.

Though he disliked flashy displays and hadn’t particularly touched the garden prepared in the previous Emperor’s time, he could still spot small differences.

‘This feels quite novel.’

Like playing spot-the-difference, he leisurely walked while touring the garden, and upon entering the dining area, everyone else had already arrived and was seated.

As if showing that she had made reluctant steps, the Empress sat quietly with a stern expression, while the Emperor was smiling and making jokes as if wanting to improve the Empress’s mood.

The Empress Dowager and Prince, who seemed to have arrived just before him, were still exchanging greetings.

Though Leonhardt was missing, it was already a perfect composition.

“Prince has arrived.”

When the attendant announced Leonhardt’s arrival, a momentary silence fell over the previously cheerful garden.

The Empress’s expression, which had at least shown a polite smile at the Emperor’s jokes, hardened again.

The natural smiles of the Empress Dowager and Emperor became awkward.

Only Prince waved his hand in greeting as if he had been waiting.

“Hello, Leon. Have you been well?”

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