The Youngest Daughter of the Snake Family - Chapter 27

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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 27
“Oh, is that a pen?”
“Yes.”
“So you’ve already learned your letters from Kasa’s lessons?”
“Airing can write Kaide’s name now. Look, it’s good.”
“My name?”
When I pressed down on the pen, black ink flowed out smoothly.
As I wrote out Kaide’s name letter by letter, an appreciative “Ah!” escaped him.
“Did you learn this today?”
“Mm-hmm. I asked Kasa to teach me.”
“So you came here to show off.”
Kaide reached out and stroked my head as if pleased with me.
Praised, I broke into a bright smile.
“It makes teaching worthwhile, the way you bring something new each time you learn.”
“Airing did good?”
“You did very well.”
Kaide took the paper with his name written on it and, touching his chin, wore a satisfied expression.
It was a peaceful afternoon.
* * *
At last, the day of the Banquet drew near.
Today, I would reveal to everyone that I was the youngest daughter of the House.
I sat before a large mirror at the vanity, being adorned with great care.
Though I’d been sitting for hours already, I bore it without complaint.
Today, I would look more beautiful than anyone else!
Fortunately, Seri had sent a Banquet gown at just the right time, so preparations could proceed at a leisurely pace.
“Rozaria. Airing is so nervous.”
“There’s no need to worry so much. Everyone will be beside you, after all.”
“Everyone?”
“Yes. The Head of House and the young masters will be at your side, and the House members attending the Banquet will be with you too.”
Rozaria, who had been brushing my hair, smiled softly as she looked at me in the mirror.
Her reassuring words seemed to ease the tension I’d been feeling.
“Mm. Then Airing won’t be nervous at all.”
“That’s right. There’s nothing to be nervous about. Shall we stand up and have a look, Airing?”
“Okay.”
I carefully climbed down from the tall chair.
In truth, the preparations had all been completed this morning; what Rozaria was doing now was merely a final check before the Banquet.
I found my reflection in the mirror strange and unfamiliar to me.
My hair was braided and pinned up in a neat circle, and the curled side locks swayed gently against my cheeks.
On the chest of my dress, a ribbon shaped like a butterfly was folded in pretty pleats, and the skirt flared out toward the hem for easy movement.
I stared into the mirror as if I’d been entranced.
The pink One-piece Dress trimmed with delicate lace was far more beautiful than I had imagined.
“Rozaria.”
“Yes, Airing?”
“Airing is a princess now. Make Airing a real princess.”
I spoke with eyes wide and sparkling, and Rozaria smiled faintly as she fetched the Hair Band from the table.
The Hair Band, adorned with a delicate white flower, was carefully placed upon my head.
“There, all finished now. You just need to go see your friends!”
“Yay! Friends!”
“It might be cold, so shall I drape a Cloak around you?”
“Yes!”
Though the Banquet would take place indoors, Seri, concerned that the sleeveless One-piece Dress might leave me chilled, had sent a Cloak as well.
After I put on white Stockings and white Shoes with rounded toes, I was finally ready.
“Shall we go to the Head of House now, Airing? You’ll be entering together this time.”
“Mm. Okay.”
I took Rozaria’s hand and made my way toward Kaide, fingering the ribbon tail at my chest as I walked.
Knock, knock.
“Head of House, it’s Rozaria.”
“Come in.”
As I entered, Kaide came into view, dressed in formal black attire. The white Tie embroidered with luxurious gold thread paired perfectly with the fitted suit that hugged his frame.
Kaide, who had been looking at himself in the mirror while wearing white Gloves, tilted his head slightly and lowered his gaze as I approached.
I gasped without meaning to.
“Wow. Father is so cool.”
“You think so?”
“Yes! Father is the coolest in the whole world!”
At my enthusiastic cry, the people helping Kaide began chiming in one after another.
“The young lady certainly is fond of the Head of House.”
“Indeed! Just how much do you like the Head of House, young lady?”
Kaide seemed to be waiting for my answer, so I grinned broadly.
“Father is the very best in the whole world!”
“My, so the Head of House ranks first?”
“Yes! Father gave me Hair Band and sent Kasa to me and raised me and also…….”
The more I listed, the more reasons there were to count. As my list grew longer, Kaide’s expressionless lips curved upward with satisfaction.
I laughed along with him.
Baon entered amid the warm atmosphere.
“Head of House.”
“Yes?”
“It is now time to attend the banquet. Everyone is waiting.”
“Where are Set and Arban?”
Now that I thought about it, I couldn’t see Set and Arban anywhere.
Were they not coming together?
“Both are waiting in front of the Banquet Hall.”
“I see.”
It seemed they had arrived early since their preparations finished quickly.
Kaide noticed my nervousness and spoke.
“When the banquet begins, you’ll be able to introduce yourself without trembling in front of everyone, won’t you?”
“I can do it well.”
“Impressive.”
Kaide held out his hand. I grasped it firmly. The trembling seemed to fade away.
“Then I wish you an enjoyable banquet, Airing.”
“Rozaria won’t come?”
I turned to look at Rozaria in confusion as she stepped back with a bow.
I had assumed she would come along, of course.
“Having too many people from one House at the banquet could be problematic, so I’ll stay out of sight and cheer you on.”
“Okay, I understand, Rozaria. See you later then.”
“Yes.”
It was disappointing, but unavoidable.
I left Rozaria behind and headed with Kaide toward the East Hall.
Kaide, who had been matching his pace to mine at a leisurely gait, opened his mouth.
“I’ve had toy gifts prepared at the entrance to the Banquet Hall as well.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Take a look when we arrive.”
“Let’s go quickly!”
Eager to see them, I quickened my steps. I hoped everyone would like them.
As I passed through the corridor connecting to the East Hall, the Lobby and Garden were filled with people I’d never seen before.
I could see people dressed in styles completely different from those in the South, and I often spotted those with entirely different bearings.
As I passed through the crowds, marveling at everything, someone approached Kaide as if they knew him.
He was an exceptionally radiant-looking man.
“Aren’t you the Head of House Astropel? It has been quite some time.”
“It has indeed.”
“You seem to have put considerable effort into this banquet. My child received a gift and is absolutely delighted.”
“Is that so? That’s fortunate then. By the way, that was actually her proposal that made it happen.”
“Her……?”
When Kaide gestured toward me, the man with a massive white cloak draped over his arms turned his head in my direction.
Now it was my turn to introduce myself.
I took a deep breath and spoke carefully, word by word.
“Hello. I am Airing.”
“……Airing?”
“Airing it is. ……Airing.”
What am I doing? My expression crumpled. Despite my confident start, my pronunciation had betrayed me.
I tried correcting my name several times over, but the result remained the same.
When I grew dejected, the man seemed to grasp it at last and opened his mouth.
“Could your name be Airing?”
“Exactly right! Airing!”
I nodded and broke into a bright smile, and the man’s eyes widened. Then he burst into hearty laughter.
“What a charming child—is she your heir, Head of House Astropel?”
“She’s my daughter.”
“Oh? But I thought there were two heirs?”
I noticed the people gathered in the Garden and Lobby beginning to turn their attention toward us.
They wore expressions of particular interest as they looked at me.
When I quietly slipped behind Kaide, the man who had been stealing glances at me all along made his eyes shine.
He seemed curious about my existence.
“Three. She’s a daughter born to House Astropel for the first time in fifty years.”
“I see.”
“Now that the Banquet hour approaches, I hope you’ll enjoy yourselves thoroughly.”
Kaide marked the end of the conversation. But the man lingered, his gaze fixed upon us, so I merely peeked my head out slightly.
After exchanging looks for a few seconds, the man murmured in a voice thick with longing.
“……A daughter is something quite different, I must say. I am Hoshit of the Fox Clan. Should you visit the West for leisure, do reach out, Airing.”
I nodded in agreement almost without thinking, and Hoshit smiled brightly before vanishing into the Banquet Hall.
I placed a hand over my heart, which was pounding.
Good. I handled that well, without trembling. I just need to keep going like this!
Following Kaide toward the entrance of the Banquet Hall, I could see Set and Arban waiting, dressed in sharp formal attire.

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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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