One Day, I Picked Up a Mom - Chapter 86

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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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One Day I Picked Up a Mother – Episode 86

“What do you plan to do now, Count?”

Kairon’s question once again broke the silence.

What was he planning to do.

The game had already tilted according to Uncle’s intentions. Even so.

“I have to try something.”

A self-deprecating voice flowed from Ludrio’s mouth.

Then, after running his face through his hands once more, he stood up from his seat.

“First, I need to see what justification Uncle will present, what exactly he’ll say while trying to give up his succession rights.”

To do that, he had to go to the council, and to arrive on time, he had to leave soon.

Click.

Quiet footsteps followed behind Ludrio as he threw open the door.

“Count…”

Kairon’s call continued weakly, as if worried whether there was really a proper plan.

To this, Ludrio briefly added an explanation.

“Since he said with his own mouth that he’d give up the throne, I’m thinking of using that selflessness myself.”

Though I can’t know if it will work as intended.

“He’ll surely package it as a decision for the Emperor. So I’m thinking of turning that logic right back at him. If he truly cares for the Emperor, wouldn’t there be better options than an impossible measure like giving up succession rights?”

“That would be…”

“The succession rights renunciation declaration will obviously be rejected by the council anyway. Uncle must have thrown it out knowing that too. So I’m thinking of digging into that point. Withdraw the declaration that won’t be realized anyway, and instead hand over the regency with a sincere heart for the Emperor. I’ll have to push him like that.”

The original plan was to completely destroy Uncle’s disgusting reputation on Gaien’s coming-of-age day and snatch away his real power all at once.

Of course, now that he’s declared his intention to renounce succession rights, exposing his greed to the world might be impossible forever.

“The councilors will also want to dissuade him from giving up succession rights somehow, so they might agree with my words.”

“I see. That would be the best option for now.”

If he could at least snatch away the regency, it would be about a third of what was originally planned…

Wouldn’t that count as an achievement?

“But, Count…”

As Kairon still seemed to have lingering questions despite the kind explanation, Ludrio stopped and turned to look at him.

“I think it would be good to fix your hair and clothing.”

At Kairon’s unexpected point, Ludrio finally realized his own state.

His roughly loosened necktie and messily disheveled hair.

His anger, bewilderment, and despair were completely exposed.

Just as Ludrio was about to clear his throat and smooth down his hair.

“…”

The dining room door opened and they came out.

Iban and Luna.

As soon as their eyes met, Ludrio quickly fixed his hair and resumed walking.

It wasn’t a sight worth showing them.

“…”

Kairon’s footsteps followed once again.

“You can go now.”

“Yes, understood.”

He adjusted his necktie to fix the loose knot and exited through the entrance.

The cold winter air filled deep into his lungs.

Ludrio immediately boarded the waiting carriage.

As he turned his head after Kairon, who bowed lightly and left first.

The entrance door opened slightly again.

…I said it wasn’t necessary.

“Take care.”

“Please be careful.”

It was Iban, who had followed them out and was bowing at the waist, and Luna, who was bowing her head.

Luna’s hair fluttered lightly in the cold winter wind, and Iban’s small shoulders visibly hunched up.

They must be cold without outer clothes.

Soon the carriage began moving.

Ludrio quietly nodded toward the window.

Then he immediately turned his head away.

The carriage exited the estate’s main gate and quickly entered the main street.

“…Carefully.”

Ludrio quietly repeated Luna’s farewell.

It was a strange greeting he’d never heard before.

It wasn’t like he was going to war, just attending a council meeting.

‘Please be careful.’

As he’d thought before, she often seemed to forget that he was the Empire’s count and a robust man.

So it was as if she regarded him as her seven-year-old son.

Ludrio closed his eyes after reflecting once more on Luna’s absurd worry.

* * *

The murmuring noise hit the high ceiling and scattered chaotically.

The council chamber was already filled with a strange fervor.

Normally, the councilors would have been yawning before the tedious budget review, but today was very different.

Every time the entrance opened, their gazes shot out sharply to identify the person.

“…”

Not long after Ludrio took his seat.

“Count, what on earth should we do?”

The middle-aged councilor sitting next to him couldn’t contain himself and leaned close to Ludrio.

“Giving up succession rights, you say. In the midst of such turmoil in the Empire, such a choice couldn’t truly be a plan for the country’s benefit. What could he possibly be thinking…”

The elderly councilor sitting on the opposite side also let out a rough breath and shook his head.

“His Majesty the Emperor hasn’t even ascended to the throne yet. Naturally, he has no children either. But to withdraw like this.”

“It shouldn’t happen, but if that one-in-ten-thousand moment comes, wouldn’t the Imperial Family’s legitimacy be shaken?”

The councilors’ reactions were even sharper and more intense than expected.

‘Uncle must already have logic ready to calm this situation and package it as loyalty.’

Just as a councilor who seemed frustrated was about to continue speaking.

“Count…”

The heavy main door opened once more and the chairman in splendid ceremonial dress and the parliamentary clerks entered in a line.

The chaotic noise in the hall subsided like a lie the moment they ascended to the chairman’s seat.

Bang, bang, bang.

“Please be quiet. We will now open the regular session of the Imperial Council.”

The chairman’s firm voice filled the hall.

He adjusted his glasses and looked over the documents placed before him.

“Before today’s agenda, Regent Count Orick has requested to make an official statement. Additionally, there will be a presentation of important agenda items, so please listen carefully.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the atmosphere in the hall tightened again.

All eyes turned to the platform next to the chairman’s seat.

There stood Orick in black formal uniform.

He who was praised as the Empire’s guardian slowly walked forward to the front of the platform.

“…”

Ludrio’s eyes narrowed as he tried to examine his expression more closely.

Uncle with his calm face took out a single document from inside his coat.

Without any haste, carefully catching his breath, he slowly opened his mouth.

“Fellow councilors. And citizens of the Empire.”

A low, sincere voice filled the hall.

“For the past 10 years, to fill the void left by His Majesty’s disappearance, I have not slept peacefully for a single day.”

He briefly closed his eyes, then opened them and continued speaking.

Though his voice was calm, the content was a very emotional beginning that mentioned his own hardships.

“I did my best to fulfill my duties, and fortunately luck was on our side, so we were able to endure those harsh years well. Contrary to past worries, the Empire has improved in many ways.”

He raised his head and looked around the Grand Hall.

“I believe the excessive praise currently pouring in from all sides is your generous recognition of the efforts made during that time, and I am deeply grateful for it.”

The corners of his eyes, which had curved kindly while expressing gratitude, gradually settled.

“However, at some point, people began appearing around me who sent subtle hints along with flattering praise.”

The statement that followed from Uncle’s mouth was unexpected.

In an instant, Ludrio’s brow furrowed sharply.

It was an extremely direct revelation.

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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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