The Youngest Hides a Lot - Chapter 177

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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 177
Click, click.
Kalid habitually unfastened and refastened the golden ring bracelet on one wrist as he moved forward at a leisurely pace.
“That damned monster….”
Allen hastily pulled a waterproof cloth from his pocket and wrapped it around his shoes while muttering under his breath.
The Allied Forces?
They could go to hell for all he cared.
This battle was nothing more than a hunting ground for that brat to sharpen his skills. While Kalid had charged forward alone and slain a hundred demonic beasts, the other reinforcements had managed to fell only about ten through their combined efforts.
And that wasn’t even the half of it. He’d also dispatched that final colossal demonic beast sleeping in the depths entirely on his own, without a single reinforcement. A legendary creature that no one had managed to subjugate for centuries.
‘Of course, Liam Zebert’s strategy guide played a role.’
Liam Zebert, who was churning out research papers at the Academy like a madman, had heard about this battle and sent over a tactical manual detailing the characteristics of the surrounding demonic beasts.
With its detailed descriptions of habits, weaknesses, and strategies for conquest, it must have been tremendously helpful in defeating them.
‘Still, this destructive power is…. Damn, is he a demonic beast?’
Had that bastard finally transcended into a demonic beast?
At this rate, wouldn’t he end up defeating Leviathan Zebert?
“Whoa….”
Two monsters on this land.
And I’m on his side?
Allen smiled with satisfaction.
“Kaliiiiiid!”
Long life, huzzah.
Allen, oddly grateful for the throbbing sensation in his artificial eye, quickly pursued Kalid.
He was venturing deeper into the cave, examining a stele that emanated an enigmatic aura.
“Hmm. Still ignoring everything I say, that brat. Truly consistent.”
Despite Allen’s muttering, Kalid merely scrutinized the inscriptions on the stele with unwavering focus.
Finally, I could return.
I could see Rubian.
That singular thought consumed me entirely.
I illuminated the area with magic and transcribed the formula inscribed on the stele using a pen infused with mana.
“Is that it? That formula the princess was looking for or whatever? Let me see, let me see. Can I take a look….”
Then Kalid lifted his head. His gaze, utterly devoid of warmth, fixed upon Allen as though he were merely a pebble on the ground.
“Get out of the way. Don’t block the light.”
“Damn, this kid grew up fine in every other way, so why didn’t his manners grow up with him?”
Allen grumbled and stepped back.
‘I wonder if this is truly the formula for breaking the seal.’
It was far too complex to discern with certainty.
‘…It does seem to be some kind of release formula though.’
If so, was the likelihood high?
I could only hope I was bringing something that would be of use to Rubian.
“Hey, hey. By the way, how long has it been since you’ve seen the princess? Huh? Over a year and a half? Two years?”
Allen chuckled.
“I wonder how the Princess will react when she sees you. I still drop by the Duchy from time to time, and—wow, the Princess has gotten so beautiful. She’s cute but beautiful, you know? Her height hasn’t grown much though… Oof!”
A small pebble struck the forehead of the man who wouldn’t stop chattering.
“Ow! You bastard!”
“Shut your mouth yourself, or should I shut it for you?”
“You already shut it, so why are you asking?”
Kalid smiled crookedly.
“Don’t make careless comments. It’s annoying.”
“I prefer to live autonomously. Next time, use words instead.”
It was meant as a joke, but no response came back.
Yet being accustomed to this, Allen let out a long yawn before suddenly lifting his head.
A face more serious than ever caught his eye.
‘More focused than in battle.’
Tch, that handsome bastard.
No, his body is ridiculously impressive too.
‘When he stood next to Zebert Duke, I was genuinely shocked.’
I couldn’t believe when he’d caught up like that.
“Sigh, when he was younger, he seemed like a cute little brother…”
He suddenly felt the passage of time and inhaled sharply through his nose.
Broad shoulders with taut, densely packed muscles honed through fierce combat. The straight neckline and sharp jawline gave him an enigmatic charm—making him appear both a formidable warrior and an elegant, refined nobleman.
“What will the Princess say when she sees you? Will she cry from joy? Laugh? Come running and embrace you? Man, that would be something.”
As always, it was just idle chatter thrown into the air, yet unexpectedly, an answer came back.
“…Come running and…”
“Huh?”
“She’ll probably kick my shins first.”
A quiet voice echoed through the cave.
“…? Did you steal money from the Princess or something?”
“That’s one way to put it.”
Kalid let out a short laugh and refocused on the monument.
“I left only a note and disappeared.”
But I truly can’t bear to part without seeing her face.
“She’ll be furious.”
Then I’ll have to go apologize.
Kalid touched the remaining bracelet on his wrist as if making a vow.
Then suddenly, feeling a sharp sting in his arm, he rolled up his sleeve.
“Hey. You’re injured?”
“…”
Seems so.
“Sigh, it doesn’t look like a serious wound though. Come here. Let me at least apply some medicine…”
Kalid looked at the slightly scraped skin, then quietly lowered his sleeve.
“That’s enough.”
“Why?”
“We can treat it once we’re back.”
“…?”
Why on earth? This cave had an emergency medical kit practically equivalent to a walking physician.
‘Of course it’s for me!’
Then Allen’s eyes narrowed as if he’d remembered something.
Oh ho.
‘That cunning bastard.’
Allen chuckled and crouched beside Kalid, playfully shoving his shoulder before bouncing back with a thud.
“Geez, what an iron wall you are!”
How could a shoulder be so solid?!
“Stop being annoying and go.”
But Allen refused to give up.
“Hey, are you going to confess when you get back?”
Silence.
In that moment, it felt as though all the air in the cave had frozen.
“…What are you talking about?”
“A confession. Aren’t you? The princess is an adult now anyway. What’s the harm?”
Kalid looked at Allen with eyes colder than the lowliest worm.
“Look, you’re already sweet-talking the King of Casalia into giving you a count’s title. He’s offering you territory too. You’ll probably get at least a baron’s rank when you return to Babylon. Right? You have nothing to lose now, that’s what I’m saying!”
“….”
“You’re becoming a noble yourself! You’ve done your time with the Knight Order, so you’ve got your socialization or whatever!”
Kalid stared at Allen without responding. His eyes gradually widened.
“You’re not still….”
“….”
“Don’t tell me you’re still spouting that loyalty nonsense?”
“….”
“Ha! I knew it. How much more do we have to spell it out for you? Hey, that’s not loyalty, that’s lo——! Mmmph.”
Thud.
Finally, Kalid manipulated his mana and plastered Allen against the cave wall like cheese.
“Either close your mouth yourself, or I’ll close it for you.”
“Tell me before you smash me into the wall…! Ahhhhh. Help me. There are monsters here.”
“If you have time to talk nonsense, go back to Babylon first and run errands for Rubian. I’ll clean up here and follow.”
“Yes, yes, yes. Of course, our Lord Kalid the Emperor-King-Noble, of course….”
Allen barely managed to extract himself from the cave wall.
“Cough, cough. Let me give you some advice, kid.”
Kalid was increasingly tempted to stuff a monster corpse into that mouth.
“The one who confesses first wins, got it? Huh?! Plus, you’ve got a two-year gap to make up for! Understand?!”
“Allen.”
“Huh.”
“You got married?”
Allen blinked stupidly.
“No, I didn’t.”
“Do you have a girlfriend?”
“Not right now.”
“In the past?”
“…I never did.”
Kalid curled his lips into a smile.
Damn it, why am I tearing up?
While Allen sniffled, Kalid gestured carelessly toward the cave entrance.
“You reek of Uncle. Get out.”
“That’s ridiculous!”
Reek of Uncle? And I’m not even married!
* * *
‘Ugh. I really burned that bridge….’
The conversation with Mother….
After chatting with Mother all through the night, I finally fell asleep as dawn broke.
I thought I could sleep longer, but my eyes opened before morning was even over. After washing and eating, I headed to the Imperial Palace.
Since I’d been staying in the Capital while attending the Academy, trips to the Imperial Palace had become oddly routine.
It was probably because of the Imperial Palace Archives.
Through Licht, the Emperor had granted me special access to that place.
“Young Lady, this way, please.”
“Yes.”
I followed the Attendant toward the Imperial Palace Archives.
The Archives were vast, but naturally, the sections I could freely access were limited.
Mostly areas related to ancient records.
I investigated ancient place names that had monuments here. Besides that, there were many materials needed for Academy studies, so I often stopped by to consult documents.
‘Right, the Academy graduation thesis presentation isn’t far off now.’
After the Imperial Palace, I had to head to the Academy.
So busy, so busy.
“Then please look around at your leisure, and let me know if you need anything.”
The Attendant spoke respectfully and withdrew.
I settled into a familiar spot among the densely stacked records.
‘Today, I should try investigating Zelocks’ past place names in reverse.’
That way, I could verify whether the final word in this document really refers to Zelocks, couldn’t I?
‘Hmm, should I pull out that document?’
I gazed at the haphazardly arranged shelves and reached out my hand. But it didn’t reach, and I felt a bit frustrated.
“A stepping stool….”
In that moment, as I glanced around looking for one.
“This?”
A massive shadow fell across my back.
In that same instant, the pleasant scent of soap enveloped me, and I felt myself drawn into a warm embrace.

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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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