The Youngest Hides a Lot - Chapter 105

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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 105
The Count straightened his spine and swallowed hard, his throat dry.
The Tracking Mage was staying at one of the mansions in Ipson that the Camelan Count had prepared, per orders from the Imperial Palace.
Leviathan had secretly ordered the Count to investigate her bedroom.
“She was quite vigilant, but it’s not like she stays cooped up in the mansion all day.”
With a soft rustle, hastily transcribed documents were placed on the table.
“I copied the notes the Mage left behind exactly as they were. Please take a look.”
“….”
“She disguised herself as an ordinary person and approached Rubian in that Maze Garden. I’m not sure what she was so desperate to confirm, but since the Examiner verified it too, it’s certain….”
In that instant, the paper crumpled badly with a sharp crack.
“She approached Rubian without my knowledge.”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
The Camelan Count wiped cold sweat from his brow. The air that had been soft enough for jokes to land turned sharp and uncomfortable in an instant.
‘He said yesterday at the Banquet Hall that she showed unnecessary interest in Rubian too.’
Leon’s report came to mind.
“And she hasn’t returned because of the portal malfunction….”
Leviathan muttered, grinding his teeth.
“Please, Your Excellency, don’t worry too much. There’s nothing more we can do anyway, and you’re returning to Zelocks tomorrow….”
The Count’s murmuring voice faded into the distance.
‘Don’t worry?’
Leviathan laughed bitterly to himself.
The Count would never understand.
How completely his entire life had been overturned by that Mage’s momentary malice.
He understood it, but he would never feel it in his bones.
Rosetta had been attacked by the very Mage she had kindly saved.
They were that kind of people. Especially those high-ranking Mages from the Kingdom—they were all rotten to the core.
Leviathan clenched his fist tightly.
“Where is that Mage staying right now?”
He couldn’t loosen his grip on that Mage for even a moment. Otherwise, everything would crumble.
* * *
“Take care, Miss!”
I waved my hand with a flutter.
In my hand was a knot tied with five-colored string.
“Thank you for teaching me the knot today.”
And a new knot technique at that!
“You’re welcome. I’ll miss you, Rubian.”
Sortie pulled me into a gentle embrace and whispered.
I stiffened a little, since it had been such a long time since I’d grown close to a female friend in this way.
“Can I write to you?”
“Of course!”
I chuckled and nodded.
I was scheduled to return to Zelocks tomorrow, so this was goodbye to Sortie and Licht.
“Can I write to you too?”
“Of course, of course.”
Licht grinned and shook my hand lightly.
‘He’s become gentle again now that he’s separated from Kalid.’
Kalid, who had been bickering with Licht for quite some time, was caught by Grandfather and Void, who were training nearby, and dragged off to the Training Ground.
Thanks to that, the inexplicable war between the two had at least reached a temporary ceasefire.
‘Neither of them are the quarrelsome type… how did things end up like this?’
They’re the same age—it would be nice if they got along.
I swallowed a sigh inwardly while breaking into a bright smile.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t see Olivia, but I had such a wonderful time meeting both of you in Ipson!”
Of course, there were some unpleasant things too.
Still, I gained something—aside from Kalid.
A friend my own age!
“Whimper. I’ll miss you, Rubian.”
Sortie whined while fidgeting with my hand.
“Why don’t you just stay a little longer here… Eek.”
Just then, the girl froze. A large shadow had fallen behind me.
A familiar hand tapped the crown of my head. I tilted my head back with a grin.
“Father! When did you come down?”
“Just now.”
Father raised his eyebrows slightly, then turned his gaze deliberately toward Sortie and Licht.
“I don’t even need to ask if you’ve been having fun.”
“Why?”
“All I’ve heard is your excited voice. The entire mansion has been ringing with it.”
Father covered both his ears as if fed up.
“What? No! I wasn’t really that loud…”
“Look at you now. Father’s ears hurt.”
“…You came down just to tease me!”
“What else would I have come down for?”
Father, you’re so annoying! Why are you like this!
I pounded Father’s side repeatedly.
Camelan Count, who had been standing nearby watching, couldn’t help but chuckle.
“You’ve become quite natural at it now.”
Father’s gaze and mine turned toward the Count simultaneously.
“At what?”
Titi had already peeked out from behind the Count’s back. The fact that she no longer cries is a form of progress, I suppose.
“The way you address him. When I first met you in Ipson, you seemed to have difficulty saying ‘Father.'”
The Count’s warm gaze turned toward me.
Ah, well… you’re right.
“I suppose I’m rather adaptable.”
I tapped my toes shyly as I spoke. Father let out an exasperated sound, but I brushed it aside lightly.
Soon after, the carriage arrived.
“Then I’ll be on my way. Rubian, see you again!”
“Take care, Licht!”
Licht bowed respectfully and boarded the carriage with the attendants.
“Titi, come now. You must greet the Duke properly.”
“…Y-yes.”
Sortie fidgeted with her skirt hem as she curtsied.
“Farewell, Your Grace.”
“Travel safely, young lady.”
His voice was as gruff as always, yet Sortie seemed reassured somehow, breaking into a small smile.
As Sortie carefully climbed into the carriage, she suddenly remembered something and spun around.
“Oh, that’s right! Rubian! Will you be going to the Academy next year?”
The girl’s casual remark caused the air around us to freeze abruptly.
“The… Ac… Academy?”
Father turned his head toward me stiffly, as if struck by an unexpected blow.
What’s wrong with him?
“That Academy… with the dormitory system…?”
It was a strange reaction for a parent who was already sending two sons there.
The Count smiled obliviously.
“Ah, now that I think of it, if you’re heading to Rieta, you’ll be attending around the same time. At the Academy, the two of you could become close friends…”
“Go, go. Leave quickly.”
Father hurriedly shoved the Count into the carriage and personally slammed the door shut.
“B-but, Your Grace?”
“Don’t put ideas in my daughter’s head. Now go.”
“What on earth—!”
“Depart.”
Neigh! The horse suddenly reared up and bolted forward.
Wow, so fast! This is fun! Take care, Rubian!
Sortie’s delighted voice echoed like a refrain before fading into the distance.
“Safe travels, Titi…”
I waved gently toward the rapidly disappearing carriage.
With just the two of us remaining, an awkward silence settled in.
Father stood still, glancing down at me repeatedly.
“Father.”
I spoke softly, keeping my gaze forward.
“What kind of place is… school?”
“…Huh?”
His broad shoulders trembled slightly.
I had never intended to go to the Academy in the first place because of my mana issues.
“What’s the dormitory like?”
“Rubian, Rubian.”
Father’s reaction to this was
“Where are you going already? Don’t even dream about it. No, I don’t mean you shouldn’t have dreams….”
“Heh.”
This was too funny!
* * *
That evening.
“Huh? Isn’t Father eating with us?”
I tilted my head in confusion the moment I entered the Dining Room.
Only Void and Rosetta were already seated at the table.
Grandfather had eagerly gone to the Hot Spring and would eat there, and I wasn’t expecting Liam anyway.
Void unfolded his napkin and answered.
“Father is eating separately. Don’t just stand there—come sit. Tonight we’re having Southern Region fish!”
“Huh? He’s in the mansion, so why….”
Oh no, did I tease him too much earlier?
‘So he got upset!’
I paused for a moment, wondering how to console my upset Father.
“He has a lot to take care of since he’s leaving tomorrow. Your mother sent up his meal, so don’t worry and come here, Rubian.”
“Ah….”
I see.
I nodded and sat down at the table.
That made sense. Since I wouldn’t be returning to Ipson for a while, there were probably many things he needed to handle.
‘Still, it’s always a shame not to eat together.’
I thought this while fidgeting with the edge of my spoon.
Well, I could eat together with him once I returned to Zelocks!
Soon, a plump fish dish with a savory, salty glaze arrived.
“Delicious.”
Void displayed the remarkable skill of his sword training by expertly deboning the fish with his fork so that I wouldn’t bite into a single bone.
Mother Rosetta clapped her hands in admiration.
“Is it tasty?”
“Incredibly so!”
“Who cut it for you?”
“My brother!”
Void puffed out his chest with a satisfied expression.
Even as I continued eating cheerfully with them, part of my mind was already recalling tonight’s plan.
My final objective here!
‘I must uncover the identity of the “Fourth” before I leave this place.’
I burned with determination, swiftly dispatching the fish before me and cleanly finishing off dessert as well.
“Thank you for the meal!”
I set down my utensils and bowed deeply.
After that, I brushed off Void’s pestering about playing card games, took a quick peek to confirm Liam was still alive, then soaked in a warm bath.
When I mentioned wanting to retire early, Mother dressed me in a new pajama set she’d recently purchased.
“Sleep well then, Rubian.”
Smack.
Mother gently kissed my forehead as I lay buried beneath the blankets. I rubbed my brow with a slightly embarrassed expression.
“You rest well too, Mother.”
Mother chuckled softly, glanced around my bedroom once more, and left.
“Miss, please get plenty of rest! If you need anything, just ring the bell.”
“Okay. Sleep well, Hazel!”
The moment Hazel left with the lamp, my bedroom was swallowed by darkness and silence. Father seemed genuinely busy—I hadn’t caught a glimpse of him all evening.
Flicker, flicker.
I counted the patterns on the ceiling, fighting to stay awake.
Tonight was a crescent moon night.
The faint moonlight made the surroundings feel dimmer than usual.
‘Is this enough time?’
After counting to one hundred, I rustled out of bed.
I cautiously cracked the door open to check outside, and… nothing seemed amiss.
“Let’s see…”
My feet moved without hesitation toward the table.
A pale green herb resting delicately in a transparent glass box!
Tonight, I planned to use this herb to verify whether the mage in my dreams truly was the “Fourth.”

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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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