The Duke Dad I Chose Can’t (Really) See Well - Chapter 88

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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 88

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A few days later.

I skimmed through the paper that had been handed to me.

The paper contained the results of a survey on how much the number of visitors to Biroche Territory had increased.

Of course, at first, not a single person had increased.

Who would be interested in this tiny territory?

However, once the landslides stopped due to the reconciliation between the territory residents and the Snow Rabbits, visitors began to increase one by one.

They were people from territories adjacent to Biroche Territory. It seemed they had come to confirm whether all the people of Biroche Territory had indeed died in avalanches.

We deliberately let them wander around freely.

That way, they would try to look around every nook and cranny more thoroughly.

When we naturally showed them the Snow Rabbits with prosthetic limbs…

“I, I heard that you can treat animals here.”

People from neighboring territories came to Biroche Territory with their sick animals.

Most were horses or cattle. Since it was a frontier territory, there were many tenant farmers.

Ashirion treated those animals and made them swear to keep it absolutely secret.

“Yes. How could there be any question? I will absolutely keep it secret!”

Though they returned making such promises, if the neighbor’s livestock that had been on death’s door suddenly became energetic overnight, people around them naturally had no choice but to ask what had happened.

“I was told it must never be revealed…!”

Having no choice, the secret they said they would only tell you soon became an open secret.

Then, at first it was only livestock directly connected to livelihood, but soon even animals raised with affection began to be entrusted to them.

And from some point on, even sick people began to visit. Though we said we were sorry but could only treat animals, they shook their heads saying it was fine.

“I understand. But all this time I’ve only seen things dying, never getting better… I want to keep seeing them running around like that.”

However, the territory was too small. There was nowhere for them to stay for several days.

‘That’s why I built an inn.’

Then the number of visitors increased even more. Thanks to solving the accommodation problem for people who had heard rumors about Biroche Territory but had no place to stay.

Even when the day came when they had to return without getting better, the visitors were not disappointed.

Seeing the treated animals in the quiet nature covered with snow. That alone gave them hope.

‘If word of mouth spreads like this, then I could build an even bigger inn. I’ll put hot springs inside and create a shopping district nearby.’

Good accommodations and commercial development.

It was the first step toward a tourist destination.

‘And tourist destinations? Lots of money flows through them!’

If we provided employee housing to people visiting to find jobs, or received immigration consent forms in exchange for cheap rent, the number of people belonging to the territory would also increase.

If more people visit and live here, even Agnito and the Temple would no longer be able to interfere.

“Oh. Were there any distinctive people among the visitors?”

At my question, Count Karbendi said.

“There were people who didn’t reveal their affiliation. Their way of speaking was very stiff.”

“Ah. They’re probably Mages.”

If nobles had the Temple, commoners had the Mage Tower. Once upon a time.

However, when the Religious War ended with the Temple’s victory, the Mage Tower completely lost credibility. This was because mana, the main source of mages’ power, was completely opposite to divine power.

‘There were many injured people, and the Temple’s divine power was important, so naturally people came to avoid the Mage Tower, which was the Temple’s target of restraint.’

However, in reality, mages just used their mana to cast trivial magic like moving objects or muttering magical formulas.

Most of them were people who lived for the joy of huddling together and researching, rather than caring about wars or gods.

But no matter how reclusive otaku they were, they were bound to be mindful of others.

‘Since Stukkyia, who was a fellow outcast, seems to be gradually changing, they probably came to quietly observe the situation.’

And this was an opportunity.

“If they want to immigrate, please accept them. Allow research, but on the condition that they occasionally make magical tools that we want. Oh, please tell them that being beastfolk is also fine.”

Beastfolk had human appearance but were essentially beasts raised in nature. So they had better innate mana reserves than ordinary people.

‘Plus they’re smart too.’

I couldn’t keep assigning work to only Max and Ashirion forever. More intelligent people needed to help those two.

In doing so, people would naturally start thinking:

‘If animals can be healed, why not humans?’

-Like that.

That small gap. I just needed to create that trivial crack. That’s how progress begins.

If the ‘natural order to my taste’ that the Temple had firmly established crumbled, their authority would also diminish…

In the end, they wouldn’t be able to solely blame Stukkyia.

No matter how powerful they were, they ultimately couldn’t rule without people’s faith.

“That’s a very good idea, but…”

I was nodding my head in satisfaction when the count trailed off.

“I’m not sure if it’ll be okay.”

“Why?”

“They seemed to be hiding their identity, so I tried talking to them directly. But they couldn’t even make eye contact, kept looking down, and their speech trailed off.”

“Oh…”

Isn’t that just… otaku characteristics?

“I’m used to reclusiveness because of His Grace, but how should I put it. The feeling was somewhat different. Even though he’s often mischievous, I could have conversations with His Grace. But when I asked for their name, they mumbled, and when it came to talk about magical tools, they got excited and chattered away.”

Even getting excited and chattering when their favorite field comes up…

“Then they asked me if I knew the difference between two magical tools.”

“So what did you say?”

The count was over fifty, a real adult among adults.

To put it nicely, he was a serious person, and to put it badly, he was therefore an ‘old-fashioned person’ who didn’t understand non-mainstream people well.

“I asked if that was so important. After all, they’ll just turn to powder once their usage runs out.”

There it was. The innocent yet cruel question from ordinary people toward mages…

“By the way, I wish they’d take off those robes. I can’t see their faces, so it’s frustrating… They’re not children of darkness or anything.”

And even the typical adult response of not understanding their unique style…

I smiled awkwardly at the count, who had no malice but had greatly hurt them.

“Still, they’re probably not bad people.”

At least they didn’t participate in the war.

That alone makes them good kids for now. Probably…

‘Of course, their behavior completely changed after a new Mage Tower Master emerged…’

It didn’t seem to be a serious concern, as the count nodded.

“Then I’ll give instructions according to your wishes, Princess.”

“It’s not my wish, I just thought His Grace would think that way.”

I subtly shifted the idea to the duke.

He probably knows my personality completely, but still, it’s a bit awkward to reveal it so openly.

“Yes, I’ll convey His Grace’s intentions.”

The count, who noticed my intention, chuckled and nodded.

That’s when it happened.

“How did you know?”

At the sudden voice, I quickly looked up. Without me noticing when he’d arrived, the duke was leaning diagonally against the door.

“I didn’t know my daughter even had mind-reading abilities.”

“Duke!”

I quickly approached his side. Several retainers were behind him, as if they had just come out of a meeting.

“Hello.”

“Good day to you, Princess.”

They greeted me warmly.

After the incident in Biroche Territory, the retainers had become noticeably more favorable toward me. I had essentially removed the troublesome label of “living tomb” that had been attached to Stukkyia.

“Princess, you’re adorable today as well.”

“There hasn’t been a single girl in Paterre Castle until now. So girls are this small…”

“Esther’s Maids really love that hair of hers. I’d have no regrets if I could just touch it once.”

Hmm… but it doesn’t seem like they’re praising me because of my achievements?

Just then, the Duke straightened his body. As his frame blocked me from view, the retainers grumbled.

“Do you think the child is here for viewing purposes? Don’t give her unnecessary stress. Your cheeks will fly away.”

“Cheeks… you don’t mean the flesh on my cheeks, do you?”

I remembered what he had said when he threatened to make flesh fly, so I asked back.

“You understood perfectly even though I spoke crudely. Who did you take after to be so smart?”

“Du…”

I was about to say “Duke,” but the Duke raised one eyebrow.

That’s not it, right?

“I take after Daddy!”

“That’s right.”

The Duke smiled with satisfaction and poked my cheek.

Then he looked back at the retainers.

“Did you all hear that? What my daughter called me.”

He didn’t forget to pat the head they had all wanted to stroke so badly. The retainers, who had been making sour expressions, closed their mouths enviously.

I smiled awkwardly at that.

Having my head patted felt nice, but the title “Daddy” was still embarrassing.

Acting cute while calling him “Daddy” felt like it was cousin Esther’s exclusive privilege. It didn’t roll off my tongue easily either…

“Daddy’s in a good mood, so shall I grant you one wish?”

“Daddy!”

But the embarrassment was only momentary. I clung to the Duke’s leg and said,

“I have a wish. It’s…”

That’s when it happened.

“Sorry to interrupt your affectionate conversation.”

An unfamiliar voice interjected between us.

It was Caron, who had gotten his butler uniform back from the Duke, but since the size had grown, he had new clothes tailored and looked even more dazzling.

“A guest has come to see you, Princess.”

A guest? For me?

When I heard the name that followed, my eyes widened.

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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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