The Oracle of the Villainous Baby - Chapter 6
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 6
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The morning of the summoning ceremony dawned.
I had read through the night until my eyes grew heavy, finally succumbing to sleep in the late hours of dawn, and now I rubbed my puffy eyes with the backs of my hands as I stirred from bed.
Still half-asleep, I clutched Toto to my chest and swayed my body back and forth, struggling to shake off the lingering drowsiness as I clumsily climbed down from the bed.
I propped Toto against the headboard and, grunting with effort, dragged a chair over to open the window.
Then I hopped down from the chair and, with my small hands, firmly grasped the rumpled blankets and pulled them taut, smoothing everything into neat order.
Thanks to my morning efforts of running back and forth across the four corners of the bed, pulling everything straight, my bedding was now perfectly arranged.
“Yawn…”
I wiped away the tears that trickled from my eyes with my sleeve in a grown-up manner, then placed a child’s step stool at the sink and managed to brush my teeth thoroughly—something even Luriel found tedious.
After splashing my face with refreshingly cool water until my whole body tingled, I washed my hair carefully, then spread a towel across the floor and flopped onto it, rolling across the ground while clutching the towel’s edge.
I wrapped the towel around myself, grabbed a fresh one and plopped it on my head, kneading my hair to dry it, then flung open the wardrobe.
“Hmm…”
Today… I wanted to look stylish!
I put on the pale blue dress the Director had given me as a gift and pinned the hair clip from my friend at the Orphanage into my hair, nodding with satisfaction.
I stared at the two wet towels trailing across the floor, then kicked them aside and shoved them into the corner.
Finally, I tied the Bear Doll—my courageous demon king mascot—to my back using its cord, and the look was perfect.
“Bunny, perfect.”
Hmph.
I smiled happily and nodded to myself.
Water dripped from my not-quite-dry hair, dampening my shoulders, and the haphazardly tied Bear Doll was bent backward at the waist, its head nearly dragging on the floor—but to me, it was absolutely perfect.
“Bunny really is a genius.”
What if I’m such a genius that potential dads line up to adopt me?
With that thought, I stuffed the notebook I’d read through the night into Toto’s pocket to hide it, then laid both Toto and Elephant down and tucked them under the blanket.
“Let’s go. Magoma!”
I walked forward with confident strides alongside my courageous demon bear—or “Magoma” as I called the Bear Doll—and recalled last night’s events.
So the Young Lady opened this page! That must mean she’s finally been adopted into the Udiah Duke Family Estate and the summoning ceremony is approaching! Young Lady, are you worried about what to do?
“Gasp! How did you know?!”
But don’t worry. You’re a special genius, Young Lady. Trust in me, Luriel. I’m certain you’ll summon something absolutely amazing and incredible. As I understand it, the family you’ve joined has a guardian system, doesn’t it?
Wait, Luriel knew I’d come here?!
‘Just as I thought. Luriel truly is an incredible genius, worthy of being recognized by genius Bunny!’
I lay sprawled across the bed, gazing at the elegant handwriting written in neat characters, my legs kicking excitedly as I covered my mouth with my hand.
Everyone will definitely fall head over heels for you, Young Lady, and line up to be chosen. I guarantee it!
(If that doesn’t happen, turn to Page 227)
“Hmph.”
No matter how many people line up, the selection criteria is simple: handsome or beautiful people. That’s just how it works—the more attractive you are, the more important your role becomes.
Handsome or beautiful people!
The role’s importance depends on that!
When I went down to the First Floor, I saw other children who appeared to be participating in the summoning ceremony with me. Most of them looked to be in their early teens. Among them, I was clearly the smallest and youngest.
“Young Lady Bunny.”
“Oh, Roden!”
At the greeting from behind, I widened my eyes and raised one hand high, palm open.
“Hello.”
“Yes, good morning. I hope you’ve been well?”
“Yep! I’ve completely adapted to Gongja-kka without any setbacks—it’s been a whirlwind! I’m about to get perfect marks soon.”
I grinned and gave a thumbs up as I answered.
At that, Roden Heiner let out a small laugh. The children gathered here and there widened their eyes.
“…The knight is laughing?”
“That iron wall, Roden Heiner?”
“…No way, we must’ve seen wrong.”
“How do we all see wrong together?”
As bickering voices drifted from not far away, Roden Heiner quickly composed his expression.
He glanced at my wet shoulders and waist, then at the Bear Doll folded in half behind me, before kneeling on one knee.
“That’s the Bear Doll.”
“Yes! It’s my precious friend who gives me courage!”
“I see. It looks like it might fall off—would it be alright if I tied it back on?”
“Oh no, don’t lose my friend!”
Crying out urgently, I blurted out something strange and quickly flipped my body around.
Watching the bear doll sway limply as I bounced, Roden Heiner barely suppressed the corners of his mouth from rising. He retied the string for me.
“All done.”
“Thank you.”
I faced Roden Heiner and bowed my head deeply forward. At the sight of me bowing so low my head nearly touched the ground, Roden Heiner’s eyes widened.
“Pfft.”
“What is that…”
“She bowed to the knight.”
More than the snickering from all around, the sight of me bowed so deeply I was losing my balance and about to topple forward seemed to confuse him more.
Roden Heiner hastily reached out his hand.
Flap flap.
Flap flap.
Realizing my body was tilting as I’d bent myself in half, I instinctively flapped both arms for a while, bounced in place, and straightened up perfectly.
“…”
Only Roden Heiner’s awkwardly extended hand was left with nowhere to go, hovering in empty air.
I stared at his hand that had nowhere to land, my eyes widening.
“Ah!”
Realizing something, I dashed over and, standing on my tiptoes, gently placed my head against his empty hand.
‘Pat pat!’
I’m already so popular!
My pink eyes sparkling with a smug expression as if I understood everything, Roden Heiner unconsciously moved his hand and gently stroked my head.
“…Shall we go?”
“Yes!”
Bunny answered with vigor, and now, finally bound together with Bear Doll, she began her journey back to the main residence.
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“After so long, their faces finally show themselves. Whether it’s the one living in the Holy Temple or the one holed up in his room refusing to come out. They’re all determined to drive their father to an early grave.”
“Come now, they do show up for events, don’t they? They even come to watch those summoning ceremonies—the children’s talent shows and whatnot. Surely you can overlook their usual negligence.”
The Dark-Skinned Muscular Man chuckled and spoke with casual irreverence.
Ludbreed Yudia, the Marquis of Udiah, cast a disapproving glance at the man dressed in such an unconventional manner, his chest left unbuttoned.
“Father, really now. Don’t be like that. My brother seems quite busy with gambling and entertainment, after all~”
“Hey, watch your mouth. Don’t go spouting nonsense.”
“What…? Gambling?! You little brat…! Klein, how dare you call yourself a member of the sacred Udiah Duchy while carrying on like this!!”
“No, no, that’s not it! I’m just gathering information, you see. It’s not as if I actually enjoy gambling or anything like that… Tsk, anyway, what brings you out, youngest? You’ve been cooped up in the Holy Temple, never showing your face.”
The man, sensing he was at a disadvantage, quickly changed the subject.
Among the people seated around the lively tea table, the ‘youngest’ sat in silence, sipping from his teacup, then raised an eyebrow slightly before setting it down with deliberate slowness.
Black hair cascaded softly downward.
“Father said if I didn’t attend this time, he’d send me on an extended business trip.”
Ludbreed Yudia clicked his tongue at the palpable ennui and languor emanating from the man whose voice was infinitely gentle despite his utterly dry demeanor.
“Rather than that, shall we begin and finish quickly? Time is precious.”
“The children are arriving now.”
The dark-skinned man spoke while running his fingers lightly through his hair.
Grrrrr.
A low animal growl echoed from somewhere.
“By the way, those defective little ones are participating today, I hear? A half-beast and a stray cat included.”
“Mind your tongue in front of the children.”
“I’m curious whether they’re duds or winners.”
Despite the Marquis’s warning, the dark-skinned man laughed lightly and rose from his seat with a grin.
“Well, I don’t have high expectations, but… shall we go?”
The moment the languorous youngest finished speaking, the four of them rose and left the White Mansion Decorated with Gold.
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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