The Baby Who Regressed Refuses Childcare - Chapter 96
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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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“First, how about we conduct a paternity test?”
Jayden spoke in the tension-filled meeting room.
“It’s better to be certain about these things.”
However, Sharon Abner, who sat at the head of the table, remained silent.
Several vassals who had been waiting for a chance to speak stepped forward.
“But she does seem to resemble Princess Isabel quite a lot, to the point where a paternity test might not be necessary.”
“Especially the letter the child had—wasn’t that Your Grace’s handwritten letter? The fact that the child possesses a letter known only to Your Grace and Princess Isabel seems practically conclusive…”
“If we conduct a paternity test, there will surely be much gossip. If it’s unnecessary, wouldn’t it be better to skip it?”
Their reason for opposition was singular.
Such matters were often entangled with affairs of the heart.
Therefore, most high-ranking nobles subtly avoided these paternity tests.
Of course, there were other opinions as well.
“I have a different opinion. I think the more important the matter, the more precisely we should address it. After all, this same test was conducted at the Longton Duchy a few months ago.”
“That was because they had difficulty finding their lost daughter, so it was for confirmation…”
“Isn’t our situation the same? Of course, we didn’t know the child existed, but she’s still Abner blood, isn’t she?”
“That’s exactly why we shouldn’t test! It’s already been proven in various ways, so if we conduct a test and the family’s honor falls…”
“Everyone, be quiet.”
Sharon Abner cut off the vassals’ words.
“If we decide not to proceed with the test, it won’t be for other reasons, but for the child’s sake.”
Everyone looked at Sharon Abner in confusion.
“She’s only five years old. If we drag her to an unfamiliar place and tell her we’re going to test whether she’s real or not, wouldn’t the child be frightened?”
The vassals closed their mouths as if they hadn’t thought that far.
“She’s not at an age where she knows nothing. Just look at Annellia…”
Sharon Abner, who had unconsciously mentioned Annellia, stopped speaking.
Her eyes slowly grew complicated.
It was when Sharon Abner sighed shallowly and pressed her forehead.
“I didn’t know Mother had that side to her.”
Jayden stepped forward with a somewhat amused tone.
“I thought you would unconditionally insist on conducting the test. It’s not just anyone… it’s the child I brought, isn’t it?”
Sharon Abner’s brow furrowed slightly.
“Mother, you always look at me unfavorably. I naturally thought you wouldn’t trust me. Ah… are you believing me because all the circumstances are too certain?”
Chuckle, Jayden laughed.
The vassals were restlessly watching Sharon Abner and Jayden’s reactions.
Sharon Abner opened her tightly closed lips.
“I’ve said this many times already. I have never once looked at you unfavorably.”
Jayden froze momentarily.
“I’m just waiting for you to come to your senses. That’s a mother’s role.”
Jayden’s expression slowly turned cold.
A trace of inexplicable contempt briefly appeared and disappeared in his purple eyes.
“A mother’s role… Ah, I see. I didn’t know you were looking after me for that reason. Does this incident raise my evaluation a little? Honestly speaking, this could be considered an achievement.”
Sharon Abner looked at Jayden for a moment, then nodded.
“…Yes. You’ve finally done something proper.”
The vassals’ expressions brightened.
Though Jayden Abner was a scoundrel, he was currently the most suitable heir candidate to succeed Sharon.
If he could come to his senses and become capable of inheriting the family, that would be a blessing for Abner.
Whatever the case, it was better than seeking an heir from elsewhere.
“Come to think of it, Your Grace’s insight is truly remarkable.”
“I heard you haven’t been drinking lately either.”
When the vassals subtly inquired, Jayden looked down indifferently as if it were nothing.
“Seeing my niece, who appeared out of nowhere, working hard made me feel like I should do something too.”
“…”
“Ah, come to think of it, do I have two nieces now?”
Jayden smiled.
Several vassals laughed awkwardly along with him, but Sharon Abner did not.
She remained silent for a long while before muttering.
“Senianna… let’s observe her for the time being.”
And she added.
“We can conduct the paternity test anytime we decide to.”
At those words, one vassal’s eyes widened.
“Ah! Come to think of it, Princess Annellia has the Mage Tower Lord at the academy…!”
Paternity tests were conducted with disposable magical tools.
The principle was that when two people’s blood was placed in a crystal, the color would change according to the degree of match.
“Since the Mage Tower Lord is so close by, there’s certainly no need to wait, haha.”
While the vassals were chattering among themselves, Jayden muttered.
“Still, I’m worried whether that child and Senianna will get along well. Well, they’re similar ages, so they should get along fine.”
Everyone laughed awkwardly.
Sharon Abner only maintained her expressionless face until the end.
Senianna seemed like an ordinary five-year-old child.
Though she appeared somewhat withdrawn due to the unfamiliar environment, she basically knew how to approach people without hesitation.
“So where is this person called Soya?”
I quietly watched Senianna tugging at Miel’s apron.
We had just finished eating a simple snack in the kitchen dining room.
Miel answered awkwardly.
“Well, Soya is currently at a place called Evehill. She was originally a maid, but now she’s the personnel manager of the greenhouse…”
“What’s a personnel manager?”
“Ah, it’s a place that hires and manages people.”
“Then when will Soya come?”
Miel looked at me with troubled eyes.
“Well, Soya is the young miss’s advisor, so she needs the young miss’s orders…”
At those words, Senianna’s gaze shifted slightly toward me.
“Young miss?”
“Yes. Lady Annellia here.”
“Mm, I see…”
Senianna fidgeted with her fingers and lowered her eyes.
“They always call me Lady Senianna though…”
Miel’s face was colored with bewilderment.
She opened her mouth restlessly.
“That, that’s…”
“No, Senia is fine. Annellia has been here longer than Senia.”
However, contrary to her words, Senianna’s face looked completely dejected.
“Se, Lady Senianna, that’s not what I meant…”
“Senianna, do you like Miel?”
At that moment, I asked.
Senianna’s gaze turned toward me, and Miel’s eyes widened.
“Do you like Miel and Soya?”
Senianna seemed surprised but soon nodded.
“Yes. They’re like the neighbor sisters when I lived with Dad in Otium, so I like them.”
“I see… I understand. Miel, stay with Senianna for the time being.”
“Young miss!”
Miel exclaimed in surprise.
But I spoke calmly.
“Senianna is Grandmother’s granddaughter. She’s going to live here from now on, so she shouldn’t feel uncomfortable from the start.”
Miel couldn’t respond, and Senianna’s face gradually brightened.
The child asked in a voice filled with anticipation.
“Then what about Soya?”
“Soya is somewhere else right now.”
Senianna frowned.
“You could just tell her to come back and stay with Senianna.”
“I can’t do that right away.”
Senianna’s eyes widened slightly, then her expression turned sullen.
I quickly said then.
“Instead, I’ll give you my toys.”
Miel looked at me in surprise.
“Toys?”
“Yes. I have lots of teddy bears, and an Imperial Palace soldier play set too. Marbles and colored blocks as well.”
“Really…?”
But Senianna’s expression wasn’t dramatic at all.
Rather, she looked more expressionless than even the surprised Miel.
“You don’t like them? All the friends at the Orphanage loved my toys.”
I saw sullen Senianna flinch and freeze.
She glanced at Miel, then soon opened her small lips.
“Senia doesn’t know about those things… I’ve never had toys before.”
“I see.”
I took a sip of the milk that was placed in front of me.
Then I continued speaking.
“Then if you need anything else, tell me whatever it is. I’ll help you find it.”
Only then did Senianna’s eyes sparkle again.
I watched her answer ‘Yes! I’ll think about it and tell you!’ as I finished all my milk.
And as soon as I returned to my room, I summoned Chairman Hermann.
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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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Mara55
I’m not liking this girl, I’m getting she wants to take everything from Annelia vibes. The Duke needs to do this paternity test asap.