The Baby Raising A Devil - Chapter 136

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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 136

 

All the party guests witnessed Elizabeth’s rudeness. At the same time, they found it unpleasant, and they’re all on my side.

 

‘Ah, it was a perfect party.’

 

I looked at Princess Ingrid, whose face was flushed red and couldn’t even make eye contact with Father, and giggled inwardly.

 

* * *

 

“Elizabeth!”

 

Ingrid, who had returned to Nodeli Manor, knocked on her daughter’s tightly closed door.

 

“Can’t you come out here? Hurry!”

 

“What’s all this commotion?”

 

Marquis Nodelli frowned at his wife, who was filled with anger.

 

“Leave her be. She’s been holed up crying ever since we returned from the party. What on earth did Dubbled do to my daughter…!”

 

“The one who did something was your daughter. How bad must it have been for all the young ladies to overturn their teacups?”

 

“What? Those girls dared!”

 

Marquis Nodelli, furious beyond measure, shouted angrily. Many young ladies from families with good relations to Nodeli had attended this Dubbled party.

 

‘Ignorant fools.’

 

All they know how to do is huddle together and sip tea like stupid girls. I need to let them know who their fathers serve under.

 

‘There’s a need to reorganize the hierarchy.’

 

Princess Ingrid let out a bitter laugh looking at her frowning husband.

 

“You don’t even ask how embarrassed I was, having gone to the party together.”

 

“It’s not like Elizabeth throwing tantrums happened just today, and if you’re a mother, you should cover for her instead of…”

 

When Marquis Nodelli clicked his tongue, Princess Ingrid’s expression hardened.

 

“Because you constantly coddle her, she can’t tell right from wrong. Do you even know what terrible things she said to Lady Dubbled when we had to visit that mothers’ meeting party we weren’t invited to? Calling her an orphan, impure…”

 

“She wasn’t wrong though.”

 

“Because you always spout such nonsense in front of the child, I was embarrassed in front of Theodore…!”

 

“Spout? Theodore?”

 

Marquis Nodelli’s face hardened. Princess Ingrid bit her lips tightly and turned her head away.

 

“Why? Do you want to divorce me this time and become Dubbled’s mistress? Just like you begged Duke Dubbled for the position of wife over ten years ago? Is that why you prioritize Theodore Dubbled’s daughter over your own?”

 

“Philip Nodeli!”

 

Princess Ingrid turned pale with humiliation and glared at her husband.

 

“That’s right. This time it’s my fault too. It’s my fault for being born!”

 

Marquis Nodelli turned his back as if he no longer wanted to continue the conversation.

 

“Where are you going! You’re always like this. You never try to talk with me. If you had truly loved me…!”

 

“Didn’t you say it’s all my fault? Since the Princess is always right, this bastard who deserves to be beaten to death will take his leave. Damn this household.”

 

After Marquis Nodelli left, Ingrid sank to the floor and covered her eyes with one hand.

 

At that time, Elizabeth, who was fuming in her room, threw whatever she could get her hands on.

 

Crash─!!

 

With a sharp shattering sound, the child’s eyes turned fierce.

 

‘This is all because of those fools who don’t know their place. How dare they break teacups in front of me… No, that’s not it. It’s all because that vicious orphan girl made it this way.’

 

Elizabeth, grinding her teeth, rummaged through the bedside table.

 

She gripped tightly the small medicine bottle that Black Hat, her father’s client, had given her.

 

‘You need to be taught a lesson, Leblaine.’

 

The child’s pupils rippled darkly.

 

* * *

 

A week later.

 

I looked with enchanted eyes at the invitations that came from the young ladies who had attended the party.

 

“They came from the Hadeloro Family and Ragnos Family too.”

 

As I cupped my flushed cheeks with both hands, the butler across from me, who was flipping through documents, let out a small chuckle.

 

“Are you that pleased?”

 

“The Previous Duke of Hadeloro passed away and left all the abandoned mines to the Young Lady as inheritance.”

 

“Since it’s useless property, there probably wasn’t any particular problem with a young granddaughter having it.”

 

“If I make a good impression and buy them…”

 

I drew a beautiful future with sparkling eyes.

 

‘Suwon, come out quickly.’

 

“Don’t you have any pride as a powerful Young Lady? Young Lady has been enjoying glory as Lady Dubbled for five years now. Even though you lived as a Duke’s Young Lady in your previous life, you seem to find it easy to make a good impression.”

 

“If I act prideful and end up completely ruined, I’d have to beg under bridges, so this much is nothing.”

 

I grinned and carefully put the invitations in the box. Then I picked up my teacup and continued speaking.

 

“And I do show pride when I need to.”

 

“When you’re being attacked, you mean?”

 

“That depends on the situation. This time I’m planning to put my pride aside.”

 

“For what reason?”

 

I took out the most luxurious envelope among the invitations and placed it on the table.

 

“Isn’t that an invitation from the Imperial Consort?”

 

The butler, narrowing his eyes, added in a low voice.

 

“…The virtual battle winner’s privilege.”

 

“Right. The matter of joining the Prince’s guard. It seems the business that was postponed due to the Valois incident and the attack on the great nobles is slowly proceeding.”

 

“Since Young Lady chose Prince Adrian, Empress Yvonne must be anxious. Seeing how she invited Young Lady all the way to the Imperial Palace.”

 

“She didn’t invite only me. Other great nobles were invited too. Of course, the Nodelli House as well.”

 

“That makes sense. If she only invited Young Lady, her intention to win you over would be completely obvious.”

 

I tapped the invitation lightly.

 

“I should go and flatter her thoroughly.”

 

“Unlike Elizabeth Nodelli, you mean?”

 

“That’s part of it, but I have another purpose too.”

 

I lightly shrugged my shoulders and giggled with a villainous expression.

 

And a few days passed like an arrow, and the day of the Imperial Consort’s tea party arrived.

 

I started preparing early in the morning and visited the Imperial Palace earlier than others, as the Imperial Consort had requested. Johan came with me.

 

Before getting out of the carriage, Johan warned me about several things.

 

“No matter what the Imperial Consort says, don’t give her a definitive answer.”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Good.”

 

“But do I look like a good child today?”

 

I spun around in front of Johan with sparkling eyes. For today’s ‘purpose,’ I couldn’t look cunning.

 

Johan narrowed his eyes.

 

“Same as usual.”

 

“Same as usual?”

 

I dropped my shoulders with a shocked expression like I’d been struck by lightning.

 

“Cute as usual.”

 

Johan smiled faintly and patted my head.

 

Somehow my cheeks turned red. Seeing Johan like this, I could understand why the sisters from the Johan Admiration Society would huff and puff saying he could be quite charming sometimes.

 

Johan extended his hand, so I quickly took it and entered the Empress Palace.

 

‘It’s incredibly luxurious.’

 

Even though I’d gotten used to Dubbled’s money smell, the splendor of the Empress Palace was somewhat overwhelming.

 

As soon as we entered the palace, the Imperial Consort’s lady-in-waiting who had been waiting greeted us.

 

“Welcome, Young Lady and Young Master. I am Audrey Noshear, the head lady-in-waiting of the Empress Palace.”

 

“Hello, Lady-in-waiting Noshear.”

 

The lady-in-waiting smiled softly and curtsied slightly.

 

“You’re much more lovely than when I saw you from afar. I admired the excellent skills you showed in the mock battle.”

 

‘She’s someone accustomed to flattery.’

 

Excellent social skills.

 

But she definitely wasn’t someone who gave off good vibes. Audrey was an elegant and beautiful middle-aged woman, and despite having flawless etiquette, gaze, and expressions when dealing with others, she strangely made me feel uncomfortable.

 

It wasn’t like I had any bad history with Audrey in my previous life either.

 

But I skillfully hid my feelings and cheerfully greeted her saying “Thank you!”

 

Johan and I followed Audrey’s guidance toward the Imperial Consort’s reception room.

 

Upon entering, I could see the Imperial Consort sitting in a luxurious chair with her back to a window where sunlight was pouring in.

 

Johan greeted her first.

 

“Glory to the Imperial Family.”

 

“May there be glory to the Imperial Family. I greet the Empire’s little master.”

 

I’m just as skilled at social maneuvering as Audrey!

 

When I deliberately mentioned “little master” in my greeting, the Imperial Consort’s eyes curved gently.

 

“Come, little masters of Dubbled. I’ve been waiting. Now, sit here.”

 

The Imperial Consort gestured with her hand, so we straightened our posture and sat where she indicated.

 

‘Six teacups?’

 

We arrived much earlier than the tea party time at the Imperial Consort’s request. But six teacups? Are there more people coming?

 

While I was wondering about this, I heard a knock.

 

“We’ve come to see the Imperial Consort… Duke Dubbled’s son.”

 

Marquis Nodelli, who had entered with hearty laughter, suddenly frowned deeply upon seeing Johan, who resembled a miniature version of Father so closely.

 

‘Ugh.’

 

Why did that man come so early? Not only Marquis Nodelli, but Princess Ingrid and Elizabeth were with him too.

 

“Please sit here.”

 

The members of the Nodelli family, along with Johan and I, looked at each other with uncomfortable gazes.

 

At least we didn’t show our displeasure on our faces, but Marquis Nodelli’s face was completely distorted.

 

“If I had known Duke Dubbled’s son and daughter had a prior appointment, I would have come at the proper time.”

 

Despite his grumbling words, the Imperial Consort maintained her smile.

 

“I deliberately called the Duke’s children early. I heard there was an unpleasant incident between Lady Nodelli and Lady Dubbled. The Empress Dowager is greatly concerned.”

 

Elizabeth was about to snort dismissively but flinched and hunched her shoulders upon seeing Johan.

 

‘I guess she was embarrassed by the last incident?’

 

She didn’t approach Johan as boldly as before. But she couldn’t hide her shy expression.

 

Elizabeth hurried over faster than her own father and sat in the seat next to Johan. Since it was a round table, it was possible to claim the adjacent seat.

 

“Lady Nodelli is very cute today as well. Perhaps His Imperial Majesty cherishes Lady Nodelli because she has an innocence that the Imperial Family lacks?”

 

“Please call me Elizabeth as usual, Imperial Consort! You always address me so warmly!”

 

Elizabeth glanced at me smugly. I lightly shook my head inwardly.

 

‘You fool, the Imperial Consort is criticizing you.’

 

It meant she shouldn’t act so carelessly like a child.

 

Elizabeth was giggling obliviously, but the Nodelli couple’s expressions weren’t good.

 

“I know my daughter is pure, sister. But isn’t Andre just as innocent?”

 

When Princess Ingrid spoke in a sarcastic tone, the Imperial Consort’s lips stiffened slightly.

 

I heard Princess Ingrid had severely scolded Elizabeth, but it seemed she still couldn’t bear to watch others criticize her own child.

 

‘Good, good. Go ahead and fall out with the Imperial Consort like that.’

 

I covered my rising lips with my teacup.

 

“How wonderful that they match in family status and are of similar age. Lady Nodelli and Lady Dubbled could have a close relationship.”

 

The Imperial Consort seemed to want to reconcile Elizabeth and me. So that I wouldn’t dislike people associated with that child because I avoided Elizabeth.

 

‘So you want me to choose Prince Andre’s guard unit?’

 

Not a chance, but unlike Elizabeth who was showing her displeasure, I bowed my head gracefully.

 

“I’m ashamed to have caused the Imperial Consort, who must be busy with state affairs, such concern.”

 

“My goodness, how admirable Lady Dubbled is. The more I see of this child, the more I like her.”

 

Elizabeth whipped her head around and glared at me. She seemed annoyed that I had received praise from the Imperial Consort.

 

“I want to go to the bathroom.”

 

As Elizabeth rose from her seat, Marquis Nodelli also quietly stood up.

 

“I’ll also excuse myself for a moment.”

 

Princess Ingrid, left alone, remained in low spirits throughout. Her expression was so poor that Empress Yvonne had to step in.

 

“Princess, let’s talk privately.”

 

“…Yes.”

 

The Imperial Consort asked Johan and me for our understanding and rose from her seat together with Princess Ingrid.

 

‘Well then, shall I now find a way to completely destroy Marquis Nodelli?’

 

“Elder Brother, I’d like to use the bathroom too.”

 

“Alright.”

 

I quietly slipped out of the reception room and, pretending to go to the bathroom, headed toward where I had heard Marquis Nodelli’s footsteps.

 

‘Since the Marquis is an idiot, if I provoke him just a little… Ah, it would be perfect if he hit me. Won’t he get excited and raise his hand like Duke Valois did?’

 

Just as I was thinking this while turning the corner.

 

“My, what if others see us?”

 

It was the voice of Audrey, the Imperial Consort’s lady-in-waiting.

 

“Who would come all the way here? Come now, let me smell my woman’s scent.”

 

“You really are something.”

 

I gaped at the sight of Marquis Nodelli caressing Audrey’s waist.

 

‘Things are working out so well when they’re supposed to go right?’

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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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