The Baby Raising A Devil - Chapter 130

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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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Chapter 130

 

The Tower of Rosario, the highest decision-making body where those with voting rights in the State Council gather.

 

It is a space accessible only to seasoned politicians who move the nation – those whose family histories began before the founding of the country, those who grasp inexhaustible wealth, those who possess armies numbering in the millions.

 

“Five years ago, the great drought and typhoon caused Valois Territory to lose its function as farmland. With William Valois’s tyranny, uprisings are occurring everywhere. We need someone with the leisure and public trust to govern them.”

 

At Count Wiltro’s words, an old noble with age spots twisted his lips.

 

“Speaking of public trust alone, there’s no place like the Wiltro family, who strive to help the poor every year.”

 

“I won’t bother with false modesty. At a time when the people have lost faith in their lord, wouldn’t noble reputation be needed? I could quell the territory’s chaos.”

 

Marquis Schuheil, who had been sitting with his arms crossed, let out a chuckle.

 

“There have been several precedents where lands whose ruling families fell were incorporated into adjacent territories. The territory adjacent to Valois Territory is mine. So that the territory residents can easily find stability, I, who know the circumstances well.”

 

“That would only apply to minor territories under 100,000 pyeong. But Valois Territory is a massive estate where 33 local noble families have gathered. The attribution of estates follows His Imperial Majesty’s decision according to national law.”

 

“Then what need is there for us to hold a meeting? We could just wait for His Majesty’s decision. In Imperial Year 21, after a meritorious family fell, there was a precedent of attribution decided by the Tower of Rosario.”

 

As the excited men began raising their voices, someone stepped forward, tapping the table with a tak, tak sound.

 

“Whatever decision is made in the meeting, it is the role of the Five Dukes to convey the nobles’ will to His Majesty. We need to hear the opinions of the parties involved.”

 

The nobles’ gazes turned to the two people seated at the head table: Duke Dubbled and Duke Marche.

 

Duke Marche wore his usual benevolent smile on his lips.

 

“Let’s hear Duke Dubbled’s thoughts first.”

 

Duke Dubbled, who had been observing the meeting with a strange expression, opened his mouth.

 

“This bastard and that bastard are all just spouting nonsense.”

 

In an instant, the conference room froze.

 

Theodore Dubbled slowly looked around at the nobles who couldn’t hide their bewilderment and continued speaking.

 

“Is there even one person here who gathered for the sake of the Valois people? You’ve all come running like moths to a flame with your eyes rolled back from greed.”

 

“Duke Dubbled, please watch your words! How can you say that nobles prioritize personal gain over the people waiting for relief!”

 

Count Wiltro reproached Duke Dubbled with an angry voice, but Theodore Dubbled let out a chuckle.

 

“Drop the act among people who all know each other. You covet the technology that Valois monopolized and the Empire’s greatest fleet based on that technology.”

 

“Duke Dubbled!”

 

“Then why don’t you hand over Valois’s materials and fleet to the Imperial Palace, and only put Valois’s diseased land on the agenda?”

 

The conference room fell silent once again. Theodore, with his eyes closed, lightly massaged his temples.

 

“Don’t muddy the argument. In the end, this place is an auction hall. Which bastard will buy Valois’s technology and fleet at the highest price.”

 

The nobles groaned but couldn’t refute. As the atmosphere grew heavy, Theodore looked at Duke Marche.

 

“Since it’s ultimately a fight between you and me, let’s finish this easily.”

 

“That’s troublesome. I’m also quite tempted by Valois’s fleet.”

 

“You’re old – what use is such greed? Whatever amount you offer, I’m thinking of adding one more duke to it.”

 

“Oh my. Then I absolutely cannot back down.”

 

The gazes of Theodore Dubbled and Igor Marche clashed in the air. Very sharply.

 

* * *

 

Having returned from a brief rest in the rest room at the Grand Duchess’s suggestion, I opened my eyes wide upon seeing a familiar boy.

 

“Johan.”

 

“Yes.”

 

Johan approached me with his usual expressionless face.

 

“What brings you here?”

 

This was the center of the Imperial Capital’s social circles, not a place Johan, who attended a Foreign Academic Institute, would typically visit.

 

Johan stared at me for a long moment before slowly opening his mouth.

 

“…I was just passing by.”

 

“Just passing by?”

 

Though this place was in the Shopping District, it was on the outskirts. More importantly, as a gathering place for the wives of powerful figures, it boasted thorough security.

 

‘It’s not a place you’d just happen to pass by.’

 

As I blinked in confusion, the Grand Duchess beside me covered her mouth and shook her shoulders.

 

“Yes, what a coincidence.”

 

There was laughter in her voice, making me tilt my head in puzzlement, but Johan calmly paid his respects to her.

 

“I hope I’m not an unwelcome guest.”

 

“The Eldest Son of Dubbled could never be unwelcome.”

 

The Grand Duchess was right.

 

In Social Circles, those who barged in uninvited were considered ruffians, but at least in this gathering, no one seemed displeased by Johan’s visit.

 

The Young Ladies couldn’t take their eyes off Johan, and even the older Noble Ladies were watching us with curious faces.

 

Johan was a genius who had entered the Continent’s finest academy directly without even going through the Theological Academy. For anyone passionate about their children’s education, he couldn’t help but be fascinating.

 

Moreover, as the heir of Dubbled who would certainly inherit the title, and a boy who didn’t even have the usual engagement that would be arranged at this age, he was prey that parents with daughters would drool over.

 

The people’s gazes were so burdensome that I grabbed Johan’s arm and whispered.

 

“You’ve greeted Godmother, so please go back now.”

 

“Why?”

 

“You hate crowded places, don’t you? It’s crowded here.”

 

“It’s fine.”

 

Johan frowned at the fanatical gazes directed at him and added.

 

“I’ll think of it as penance.”

 

It feels like penance to that extent?

 

‘Could he have come here on purpose because of me?’

 

This was a place where all the other children came with their parents, but I was only here with my Godmother – was he concerned about that?

 

‘No way, surely not…’

 

Just as I was thinking that, the Noble Lady who was the host of the gathering laughed softly and offered him a seat.

 

“Since you’re here, why don’t you join our conversation? You rarely show yourself in Social Circles, so everyone has many questions.”

 

I could feel the unspoken pressure of ‘Especially whether you’d get along well with my daughter!’

 

“We’re seeing a celebrity in person. We often meet the second Young Master and youngest Young Master at parties, but we’ve never seen the eldest Young Master.”

 

“But lately you seem to go out frequently. To the First Prince’s birthday celebration, and to the Mock Battle. Oh, my daughter greeted you at the Mock Battle.”

 

I was anxious that Johan might get annoyed.

 

But then.

 

“L-Leila Nelcock. It’s an h-h-honor to m-meet you…!”

 

“Johan Dubbled.”

 

He even gave me a proper greeting!

 

As I stared with wide eyes, the Grand Duchess chuckled softly and looked at me.

 

“The Young Lady has a wonderful older brother.”

 

“…Did he really come here on purpose?”

 

“Johan Dubbled is a more thoughtful boy than he appears.”

 

Just then, Johan called out to me.

 

“Leblaine.”

 

“Yes?”

 

“Come here.”

 

He pointed to the seat next to him.

 

Unlike Henri and Isaac, Johan had spent less time with me, was quiet, and had so many rumors surrounding him that he seemed like a difficult person to approach.

 

But thinking about it now, he had taken care of me much more delicately than Henri or Isaac.

 

Realizing this, I felt like a warm breeze was gently blowing through my heart.

 

I giggled and said to Johan.

 

“Johan-nim, please have some tea.”

 

“…”

 

“We have Darjeeling, and Assam too. And, and Orange Pekoe and…”

 

“Why am I still ‘Johan-nim’ to you?”

 

“Huh?”

 

“…Don’t you call Henri and Isaac differently?”

 

“I call those two by their names though?”

 

“You don’t add ‘-nim’ to theirs.”

 

When I blinked, Johan said “…Never mind.” and reached for his teacup. Only then did I go “Ah!” and nod my head.

 

“Johan big brother.”

 

“…”

 

His hand that was reaching for the teacup froze.

 

‘Is this not right?’

 

Did I get too excited and overdo it after realizing that Johan actually liked me?

 

I fidgeted with my hands, looking slightly dejected.

 

“Should I just call you Johan?”

 

“…No.”

 

“Huh?”

 

“Big brother is good.”

 

Johan was smiling faintly as he said this.

 

‘Wow…’

 

His expression looked completely different when he smiled.

 

Expressionless Johan looked exactly like Father and felt incredibly cold, but when he smiled, he looked very gentle.

 

‘I think this is the first time I’ve seen him smile like this… Huh?’

 

I was startled as I casually turned my head.

 

“Haah…”

 

“Haaaah…”

 

The Young Ladies around them simultaneously let out lovesick sighs, and even the Noble Ladies were looking at Johan with extremely pleased expressions.

 

* * *

 

‘It’s Lady Dubbled.’

 

‘It’s Miss Leblaine.’

 

‘It’s the Child of Fate!’

 

The shortest route to get close to the Dubbled Young Masters!

 

They had heard stories that the Duke’s House people were completely smitten with their newly acquired daughter, but they had been half-doubtful.

 

Would those monsters with blue blood truly cherish someone as a daughter or younger sister?

 

They thought she was being doted on for some ulterior purpose. Until they saw Johan Dubbled’s smile!

 

The eyes of the Young Ladies and Noble Ladies were fixed on Leblaine as she sipped the juice Johan had given her.

 

“Lady Dubbled, there’s an interesting opera being performed recently. Our family owns the largest performance hall in the Imperial Capital. If it’s alright with you, would you like to come with me…!”

 

“Opera has been out of fashion for ages. We’ve brought in two very cute deer to our mansion. Do you like animals? If it’s alright with you, would you come to our home…!”

 

“Our family runs a jewelry business. We have special gems that would suit you perfectly, Young Lady. I’d love for you to accept them, if it’s alright with you, would you come with me…!”

 

The reaction was even more enthusiastic than when she first arrived at the party venue.

 

Seeing the Young Ladies practically courting her, Leblaine was startled.

 

Their passionate gazes were enough to bewilder even Leblaine, who had experienced all kinds of battles on land, sea, and air.

 

“Ah, well…”

 

While she was stammering in confusion, the communication stone flickered.

 

‘Perfect timing!’

 

“Oh, I’m getting a communication. I’ll excuse myself for a moment!”

 

Using it as an excuse, Leblaine got up and headed to the corridor.

 

‘Johan really is popular.’

 

The child sighed and connected the communication stone.

 

[This is Nuanok.]

 

“Yeah. What’s going on?”

 

[I’ll share the conversations that took place at the Tower of Rosario today.]

 

It seemed the Tower of Rosario was indeed heated with discussions about Valois Territory.

 

Hearing that Duke Dubbled and Duke Marche had begun clashing in earnest, the child swallowed a groan.

 

‘In the end, it’s a competition of wealth. If Marche comes out like this, it’ll be difficult to get funding from Father to buy the water source…’

 

“I understand for now. Keep a close watch on the situation and…”

 

Leblaine, who had been talking, hurriedly ended the communication upon hearing footsteps from the end of the corridor.

 

“So I’m telling you, a boy with silver hair and blue eyes, handsome like a painting!”

 

“There was no boy matching your description on the lower floor, Young Lady.”

 

“That can’t be right. Today’s salon only has the mothers’ meeting party and the lower floor party. Someone who wasn’t at the mothers’ meeting party… What?”

 

Elizabeth Nodelli, who had been talking as she approached, suddenly frowned deeply.

 

“Why are you staring at me like that?”

 

“I was wondering if you hadn’t left yet.”

 

“Hmph, why should I leave as if I’m avoiding the situation? If anyone should leave, it would naturally be the Young Lady who doesn’t suit this kind of party.”

 

“You still think I’m an impurity, I see.”

 

“You are an orphan and a commoner, aren’t you?”

 

Elizabeth, with her eyes narrowed venomously, approached Leblaine closely and spoke.

 

“Let me be clear. I hate you, Young Lady.”

 

“That works out well. So do I.”

 

“Really, how terrible. Not knowing your place…!”

 

That’s when it happened.

 

“Leblaine.”

 

Elizabeth froze solid upon seeing the boy who walked out from the party venue.

 

A beautiful boy with silver hair and blue eyes.

 

He who had instantly become Elizabeth’s prince!

 

“Your Prin… Oh, no, Young Master! Hello.”

 

It was when Elizabeth bowed her head with a shy expression.

 

“Brother Johan.”

 

…What?

 

At Leblaine’s words, Elizabeth froze solid.

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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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