Male Lead Is Obsessed With My Health - Chapter 302

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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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302
Chapter

“The Duke of Mubisk won’t be attending again this year, I take it?”
“He’s stationed at the Northern Fortress, so there’s nothing to be done about it.”
“Well, monsters don’t exactly observe courtesy, do they?”
The Albrecht Empire’s Social Season traditionally began after the Harvest Festival, the year’s grandest celebration.
The tradition had solidified when regional lords, having concluded the Harvest Festival and gathered their annual taxes, would converge on the Capital for a season of mingling.
And the event that announced the opening of this Social Season was none other than the Debutante Ball.
Originally a formal presentation for noble daughters and sons from provincial families who rarely appeared in the Capital, it had evolved into a grand occasion that nearly every family of standing considered essential before launching their heirs into society.
‘But not all Debutante Balls are created equal.’
Among them stood the most prestigious: the Imperial Debutante Ball, a coveted honor in the eyes of high society.
This rare privilege—a chance to greet Empress Azeni herself, the nation’s second-most powerful figure—was the dream of every noble daughter and son who came of age.
“Who’s debuting this year?”
“The young talents this season are all quite impressive. Glemwat alone is presenting two debutantes, isn’t it?”
“Ah, the Grand Duke’s grandchildren? The household must be in upheaval, so it’s fortunate to have some good news at least.”
“And I hear the Prime Minister Belpart’s son is making his debut as well.”
“But whoever else appears, there’s one person everyone is most curious about, surely?”
“Of course. The daughter of Grand Duke Halbern, naturally.”

* * *

The rumors surrounding Arelin were extraordinary.
The only daughter, said to be the spitting image of her father, the Grand Duke of Halbern.
The Crown Prince’s first love—a girl who had roiled high society’s gossip for fifteen years with the periodic appearance of imposters claiming to be her.
The maiden who had inspired the Sperom Twins. The only female friend of Prince Harun.
With Arelin’s debut at hand, it would have been strange if society weren’t in an uproar.
The ladies of quality spoke with unbridled enthusiasm.
“At last we’ll finally see the young lady the Grand Duke has kept so carefully hidden!”
“Mehren and the Grand Duke of Halbern are both absolutely besotted with her, or so they say.”
“Is that all? That Regent Duke Ludwig, who came from the Southern Empire, claims to be her godfather and has taken up residence in Halbern precisely because of this young lady!”
“The Crown Prince is said to chase after her like a man possessed.”
“And Empress Azeni herself favors her greatly, I’m told—so the next Crown Princess is surely decided, then?”
When the position of Crown Princess seemed to slip beyond reach, the ladies hastily revised their unmarried children’s marriage prospects.
“How wonderful it would be if our daughter could become friends with Miss Arelin…”
Those noble daughters who had some connection to the Crown Prince through the Playmates’ Gathering in childhood attempted to make contact, but Mehren had seen to it that such matters were settled at her level.
The news of Arelin’s social debut attracted attention not only from the ladies but also from the heads of major noble families registered in the Aristocratic Council.
“Have you heard? That young lady is apparently the real master of El Sionel.”
“What, she owns that entire vast city? She must be enormously wealthy.”
“And she also holds shares in the automobile business…”
“Not to mention the fortune the Sperom Twins have accumulated in her name—the ones who strike gold with every venture they touch? I hear they’re planning to build a massive monument to her.”
“And those rare Magical Engineers are said to be utterly devoted to her. I’d be thrilled to make her acquaintance.”
These household heads were primarily interested in Arelin’s accomplishments and wealth.
The fact that she was the Crown Prince’s first love had become so famous that it overshadowed other aspects of her reputation—yet she was also known among knowledgeable circles as the true proprietor of the automobile enterprise, the eternal benefactor of the Magical Engineers, and by various other titles.
In fact, the Magical Engineers had been overjoyed to learn of her return.
“She’s back!”
“Extraordinary!”
The Magical Engineers had achieved great success with their automobiles, broken away from the Magic Tower, and even established their own dedicated workshop. They had also founded a guild exclusively for themselves.
In the guild hall stood an extraordinarily charming statue of a little girl holding a Mana Engine, created to commemorate Arelin.
In fact, upon learning of her return, the guild had sent out multiple invitations begging her to visit, but Valere had burned them along with the marriage proposals.
Beyond this, word spread that the “Academy’s tragic genius whose death scholars had mourned” was alive and had returned, and scholars came flocking. It was said that the novel and theatrical world, which had lost its great patron, had regained new vitality. Rumors circulated that the music world had finally recovered the spirit of music it had sought for over a decade—though the truth remained unknowable.

“This Imperial Debutante Ball should be truly entertaining!”

* * *

Imperial balls had traditionally been organized by the ruling Empress.
Yet this year’s Debutante Ball was exceptional, for Empress Azeni herself took an unusual personal interest, choosing guests, arranging seating, selecting decorations, and even determining the menu with her own hands.
“Arelin likes pastries. Let’s use this bakery for the order.”
“Oh my, isn’t this the bakery that was opened by Arelin’s maid?”
“Oh goodness, you even know that much?”
“Hmph, a trifle compared to what else I know.”
Moreover, even Sirua, who would normally have raised objections and brought matters to a reasonable conclusion, threw all restraint aside this time.
“This is rather too much…”
“…it looks like a party for one person.”
“Is this really acceptable?”
The palace attendants flinched at how blatantly every arrangement prioritized a single person’s convenience.
The decorations in the venue were unified in white tones, and the accent pieces were chosen to be Rose Stone—matching the color of Arelin’s eyes.
This was unprecedented behavior from Empress Azeni, known for her legendary impartiality.
But the most critical problem lay elsewhere.
“Who should we assign as Arelin’s Escort?”

* * *

“Absolutely not—don’t go today!”
Father’s tantrum, launched before we’d even departed, was swiftly subdued by Mehren.
“I don’t want to show her off to anyone…! Why would I present my precious daughter to the world like this?”
Even seated in the automobile, Father kept grabbing at me, insisting it wasn’t too late, that we should blow a tire instead.
“Enough, you ridiculous man.”
“Dear, our daughter…”
“Who are you calling dear?”
Mehren struck Father repeatedly, though as he was a sturdy man, not a mark appeared on him.
What on earth was I supposed to do with this ridiculous father of mine?
As I stared at Father in exasperation, my eyes met those of Regent Duke Ludwig.
“…Lovely.”
“…? Thank you.”
Judging by his unusually subdued demeanor and the distant look in his eyes, the Regent Duke seemed to be remembering my birth mother as he looked at me.
‘But when exactly does this man plan to use his right to call me daughter?’
We had made a contract for him to call me daughter three more times, yet he rarely asked to do so.
‘It would be nice if he just forgot about it naturally.’
But there was no chance a man so meticulous would allow that to happen.
“Speaking of which, the Imperial Court has shown considerable consideration toward Arelin’s comfort.”
“So what?”
Mehren wore an expression that suggested she wanted to strike Father—who gazed back with an indifferent look suggesting such efforts on behalf of his daughter were only natural—and continued with a sigh.
“At a traditional Debutante Ball, a young man of similar age typically serves as the debutante’s Escort, as I’m sure you’re aware?”
The expressions and eyes of Father and Regent Duke Ludwig shifted.
“The Empress asked us to decide who should fill that role…”
“Of course it should be me. I’m Arelin’s father, after all.”
The ridiculous Father vanished in an instant, replaced by Valere in the form of a neat, dignified young man wearing a handsome smile.
Mehren suppressed the urge to commit mutiny. As Mehren fell silent, Regent Duke Ludwig bristled.
“What are you talking about? You’re merely her uncle—surely the Godfather’s presence would be more fitting for such an occasion?”
“Legally, I’m her father.”
“I’m also her father. As her godfather, naturally. Don’t you agree, Arelin?”
Regent Duke Ludwig looked toward me while extending his finger.
Ah, a chance to call him father.
“Yes, Father.”
“…!!!”
Father stared at me as though I’d betrayed him with another man.
Why was he looking at me like I was a cheating wife?
“You, you, you! What have you done to my daughter? Have you brainwashed her?”
“Would I really do something so crude?”
“What?!”
Once again today, Father and his quasi-father counterpart squabbled like children.
These immature men, truly.
“Please, not out here. Both of you. Why don’t we let Arelin decide, hmm?”
Thanks to Mehren’s Solomonic judgment, the two quarreling men fell silent.
The problem was that both their eyes turned toward me, burning with fervent hope.
Father versus Godfather.
This was going to be difficult. Whom should I choose?

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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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