The Youngest Daughter of the Snake Family - Chapter 25

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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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Episode 25
A stifled chorus of laughter rippled through the gathered attendants. The servants were making desperate efforts to hold back their amusement.
Some gazed toward distant mountains while others exhaled deeply through their noses.
Then someone strode toward me with purposeful steps.
It was Durias, whom I’d met in front of the Restaurant not long ago. With his gloved hand covering his mouth, he composed his expression and met my eyes. His golden gaze sparkled with mischief.
“My, when you spoke of a grateful little bird, and yet here you are attempting to wipe your mouth, it seems.”
“That’s not what Airin meant!”
“Then I’m relieved.”
Durias smiled and made a show of reassurance, as if all worries had been put to rest.
After a long while of carrying me down the corridor, Kaid came to a halt. We had already arrived at my room on this floor.
Setting me down from his embrace, Kaid gazed at me for a moment, then flicked my forehead gently with a soft tap.
Ow.
“I haven’t the faintest idea what’s rattling around in that little head of yours. There’s no debt to repay—just think about what to spend your next allowance on.”
My eyes widened in surprise.
Did that mean he was going to give me an allowance again next time?
* * *
“Rozaria! Airin’s here!”
As I burst through the door with enthusiasm, Rozaria was in conversation with someone I’d never seen before.
Who was that?
Rozaria, breaking off her serious discussion, welcomed me warmly and beckoned me over.
I scurried to Rozaria’s side.
“Hello, Airin. Did you have a nice time?”
“Mm-hmm. Papa and I’ll be back in a bit.”
While answering Rozaria’s question dutifully, I studied the woman seated across from us.
“So this is the young Miss Airin whom I’ll be teaching from now on.”
“Yes. Airin, say hello. This is Kasana, your teacher who will be conducting your foundational education.”
My teacher?
I looked at Kasana with curious eyes. With a calm demeanor, she had laid out a sheet that appeared to be some kind of schedule.
Though I hadn’t yet learned to read and couldn’t make out the characters, the way it was divided into many sections reminded me of something familiar.
“Airin is going to study?”
“Yes. Exciting, isn’t it? Set and Arban are already receiving lessons, you see. Now it’s your turn.”
The fact that Set and Arban were studying too suddenly piqued my interest.
“What kind of studying is it?”
“We’ll be proceeding with simple, playful education.”
“Is it the same as what the big brothers do?”
“Your curriculum differs from the two young masters’. The head of the household has given special instructions.”
I felt disappointed that I couldn’t take classes with them, but the mention of Kaid’s special instructions made me lift my head suddenly.
Kasana set down her teacup and began to explain.
“Normally, Successor Education requires all students to follow the same curriculum without exception, but given your age, we’ve determined that the lessons the two young masters are receiving would be too demanding. Somewhat… harsh, you might say.”
I wondered what kind of lessons could be so harsh.
Recalling Arban from before, coming through the window and jumping back out, I had a rough idea of what kind of training they were undergoing.
“The head of household seems concerned about that aspect as well. He’s requested that we modify the entire curriculum accordingly.”
That was a relief. Had they asked me to go into the forest and uproot entire trees, I’d have been in trouble.
Kasana seemed reassured as I gave a nod of understanding.
She must have been worried I might throw a tantrum wanting to take the same lessons as well.
“If your questions have been answered, I’ll take my leave for today. Lessons begin at two o’clock every afternoon, so Rozaria will make sure you’re ready.”
“I’ll make sure of it.”
“Then I’ll see you tomorrow, Miss Airin. Please feel free to call me Kasa.”
Kasana rose from her seat. I, having missed the chance to bow properly, quickly reached out and grabbed her finger.
“Kasa, goodbye. Have a good trip.”
“My, Miss Airin, do mind your manners.”
Kasana, her finger caught, turned back to look at me in surprise. She clearly hadn’t expected me to come running and take her hand.
“Airin’s going to study really hard. See you later.”
“Yes. I look forward to a fun lesson tomorrow.”
Kasana left the room with a faint smile on her face.
* * *
Beneath the darkening sky.
The Shadow Beings in black hoods emerged before the Mansion.
Around them, an overwhelming pheromone presence rippled through the air. One could truly understand what it meant to feel threatening merely from their existence.
Though they had traveled without rest from the Border all through the night, not a trace of fatigue showed on their faces.
“We’ve arrived at last.”
“Man, coming back from the Wasteland makes it feel like I’m returning home.”
The man who spoke with such energy drew in a breath. The familiar air awakened senses he’d forgotten during his time away.
“I understand you’re feeling nostalgic, but don’t be reckless. I’m about to go over the precautions.”
The man standing at the front issued the warning and pulled a sheet of paper marked “Precautions” from his pocket.
It was something Rozaria had sent ahead.
The red stars drawn on certain points indicated items of the highest priority. He scanned the precautions seriously, then began reading aloud from the very first line in order.
“First: suppress your pheromones as much as possible in Airin’s presence.”
At that, the pheromones that had been drifting carelessly stilled as if holding their breath.
“Second: keep your eyes on her at all times like you’re hunting prey, and provide Escort.”
“That much I’m confident about.”
“But I’m not really sure what Escort even means. Can someone explain?”
Having never been far from receiving Escort from the moment of hatching, the word felt alien even as it left his lips.
A brief silence fell, and then someone spoke in an uncertain voice.
“…Isn’t it about watching, and if something annoying shows up, dragging it away and dealing with it? That’s how we usually handle things that come near prey.”
“Huh? That’s how I understood it too. Probably close enough, right?”
Chatter and murmur. The meaningless exchange continued.
The man who’d given them a pitying look resumed reading the remaining precautions.
“Third: when unavoidable, prioritize defense over attack.”
“Okay.”
“Fourth: Airin is delicate in constitution, so be more careful than you would handling down. And finally…”
Three stars were drawn beside this one, marking it as the most important.
Thinking how childish it all was, he read the final precaution mechanically.
“Do not reveal yourselves unless it is a genuine emergency.”
If word spread that the Shadow Beings—already infamous throughout the south as gatekeepers at the Border—had gathered for this banquet, it would invite trouble regardless of intent.
Once the precautions were memorized, the black-clad Shadow Beings vanished from sight in an instant.
It had been only two days since Kaid’s recall order came down.
* * *
Today was the first lesson with Kasana.
I waited eagerly for the time to come, drawing in my Sketchbook.
I was sketching colorful clouds and a large house, waiting for class to begin, when two o’clock struck and there came a knock.
Knock-knock.
Rozaria, who had been preparing light refreshments for the lesson, approached.
“The teacher has arrived, I think, Airin!”
“Airin coming!”
“Shall I open the door quickly so the teacher doesn’t have to wait?”
“Yes!”
The Crayons I’d hastily set down rolled across the floor.
I, who had been lying on the rug-covered floor, scrambled to my feet. Then I dashed toward the door and called out.
“Airin going!”
When I reached the door and grasped the handle, Kasana appeared through the gap.
Kasana, holding the Teaching Materials, had her copper-red hair tied up and wore formal attire like yesterday.
I beamed and took Kasana’s hand, leading her inside.
“Airin waited for Kasana!”
“Is that so? Shall we tidy away what you were working on?”
“Yes!”
I neatly gathered the toys scattered about the floor and returned each one to its proper place.
Kasana, watching me work, offered quiet praise.
“You’re very good at organizing.”
“Airin do good?”
“Yes. I’ll give you a Praise Sticker.”
Kasana pulled out a sheet of paper with grapes drawn on it. A single green caterpillar sticker was affixed to an empty space.
As I couldn’t tear my eyes away, Kasana handed me the paper.
“This is now yours, Miss Airin.”
“Airin’s?”
“Yes. From now on, Miss Airin will manage it. Once you’ve filled it completely, please let me know. I’ll give you a gift.”
“Wow!”
Suddenly the grape drawing looked like a treasure wrapped in gifts.
And this was something I’d manage all by myself!
I quickly took the paper and ran to the Treasure Box where I kept snacks.
Inside the box were not only snacks, but all manner of things I held dear.
I’d need to keep it here.
I folded the paper into quarters, placed it in the box, and carefully closed the lid.
“Are you storing something precious there for Miss Airin?”
“Yes. Airin’s treasure.”

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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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