I’m The Real Daughter, But I Don’t Want To Go Back To The Duke’s Estate - Chapter 103
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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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That evening.
A dinner gathering was arranged at the Lusert Ducal Family.
The attendees were the House of Lusert.
And Rudrick.
“Thank you for inviting me like this.”
Rudrick, who offered his greetings, appeared somewhat shy.
Though he knew well that he should manage his expression, he couldn’t help but feel excited.
Usually, being invited to a family meal only happens in intimate relationships.
Which meant.
‘Does the Princess’s family also… think of me with some intimacy?’
At that moment, the Duchess gently replied.
“Not at all. Our Milena has always received great help from His Highness the Second Prince, hasn’t she? I really wanted to arrange such a gathering once.”
However, Cecilia and Elias’s expressions weren’t particularly pleasant.
The two had somehow sulky faces and were staring intently at Rudrick.
And.
“Teacher, it tastes better if you add some salt to that.”
When Milena spoke affectionately to Rudrick, the two siblings’ expressions became even more fierce.
The Duke sitting across smiled with his eyes.
“This research was truly excellent.”
“Thank you for your kind words.”
Rudrick, who bowed his head, answered bashfully.
“Without the Duke’s help, it would have been difficult to even submit it. I’m truly greatly indebted.”
“Not at all. I have eyes too, don’t I?”
The Duke lightly shrugged his shoulders.
“I helped with the submission because I thought it was excellent research.”
“…I’m glad you say that.”
Rudrick’s cheeks flushed faintly.
The story was like this.
Milena, who had heard about the Mage Tower Master’s interference, had briefed the Count of Lusert about this research in advance.
The Duke was also an evaluator belonging to the Round Table Conference.
At first, it was just to ask if he could receive support to submit this research.
At that time, the Duke was somewhat negative.
“Of course, it’s true that I have recommendation authority, but directly using my influence would be somewhat difficult.”
But when he actually saw the research results, the Duke’s reaction completely changed.
“The Mage Tower Master said this research must be submitted under the Mage Tower’s name?”
The Duke couldn’t hide his complex expression.
Even to his civilian eyes, it was clear how valuable this research was.
Would the Mage Tower Master, who represents the Mage Tower, not know that?
Which meant, in other words.
…The Mage Tower Master had coveted this research, so he deliberately wanted it submitted under the ‘Mage Tower’s’ name.
“For now, I’ll help you with the submission.”
After much deliberation, the Duke decided to help Rudrick.
Thus, after much trouble, with the Duke’s support, it became possible to go up to the Round Table Conference.
They even applied under Milena’s name in case the Mage Tower Master would interfere belatedly, which turned out to be a good choice.
“So don’t belittle yourself. It was an excellent achievement that anyone would acknowledge.”
“…”
Rudrick pressed his lips tightly together.
It was the first time in his life he had received such an evaluation.
Whether it was his father, the imperial people, the Mage Tower Master, or anyone else.
They had always only pointed fingers at him…
“See, our father also says it’s excellent.”
At Milena’s voice that happened to be heard, Rudrick suddenly came to his senses.
And.
“Here, take this.”
Huh?
Rudrick’s eyes widened slightly.
Because Milena, with a bright smile across her face, handed a large bouquet to Rudrick.
“…What’s this?”
Rudrick, who received the bouquet in bewilderment, blinked his eyes blankly.
Milena continued affectionately.
“You finished your presentation magnificently this time. I prepared this to celebrate that.”
“You’re giving this to me?”
“Of course.”
Milena nodded and added coyly.
“That bouquet, I personally selected each flower one by one to make it.”
“You did, Princess?”
“Yes. Since I was giving it as a gift with good meaning, I wanted to pay attention to things like flower language too.”
Perhaps feeling a bit embarrassed, Milena’s earlobes were tinged red.
Rudrick pressed his lips tightly together.
His heart tickled as if he had swallowed a handful of feathers.
“Lately I keep receiving things from the Princess. I haven’t really done anything for you…”
A moment later.
A suppressed voice flowed from between Rudrick’s lips.
Then Milena’s eyes widened.
“Why haven’t you done anything? You included me as a co-researcher.”
“Huh? That’s because the Princess gave me the idea…”
“But you’re the one who actually conducted the research. Yet you still included me as a co-author.”
Milena lightly shrugged her shoulders.
“I don’t know much about research, but I know how much that action considered me.”
“…Princess.”
“So don’t say such things. I’m grateful enough.”
After answering seriously for a moment.
Milena playfully curved her eyes mischievously.
“How about it, there’s no student as good as me, right?”
“…”
For a moment, Rudrick felt a bit choked up.
He quietly caressed the petals and slowly raised his gaze.
Then he answered with a bright smile.
“That’s right. Teaching Princess Milena seems to have been the best thing in my life.”
Huh?
Milena blinked her eyes blankly.
‘What? What does that mean?’
In front of them, Elias and Cecilia’s expressions looking at Rudrick became even colder.
‘Hey, stop hitting on our Milena!’
…They had already completely forgotten that Milena was the one who gave the bouquet first.
* * *
At the Imperial Palace, hearty laughter burst out after a long time.
“Haha!”
The owner of the laughter was none other than the Emperor.
The Emperor, who had been enjoying himself for a while, asked a question with gleaming eyes.
“Yes, I heard Rudrick achieved great success at the Round Table Conference?”
“….”
“….”
The Empress and First Prince, mother and son, sat side by side with heavy faces, their mouths tightly shut.
However, the Emperor paid no attention to their somber atmosphere.
“He’s always been a fellow with no ambition whatsoever, but when he does act, he really delivers. Haha!”
The Emperor nodded repeatedly with a pleased expression.
“Of course, we must maintain amicable relations with the Rusert Ducal Family. Absolutely!”
“….”
“And he received praise at the Round Table Conference? Earning merit and winning over the Rusert Ducal Family! It couldn’t be better!”
“Father, but Rudrick is….”
Unable to listen any longer, the First Prince tried to object.
Then the Emperor raised his voice irritably.
“Silence!”
The First Prince flinched and stiffened his shoulders.
The Emperor glared at the First Prince with blazing eyes, as if he had never been smiling.
“Do you even have the right to speak up now? You’re always full of smooth talk, but what do you actually accomplish properly?”
“F-Father.”
“Your relationship with the Rusert Ducal Family isn’t harmonious either. You even got humiliated in front of the Princess.”
The First Prince’s face turned bright red.
The startled Empress quickly interjected into the conversation.
“Y-Your Majesty. I humbly report that the First Prince is also doing his best. So….”
Tsk.
The Emperor clicked his tongue audibly and looked at the Empress with a furrowed brow.
“You too. No matter how much you love your child, how can you try to cover up even his shortcomings like that?”
“Your Majesty, I….”
“Enough. In any case, Rudrick is also my son, so both of you stop your chatter.”
The Emperor shook his head and stood up.
The mother and son watched the Emperor’s retreating figure with hardened faces.
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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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helloworld15
Thank you for the TL so far! Can we look forward to more chapters?