The Youngest Hides a Lot - Chapter 180

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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 180
* * *
Leviathan was listening to Leon’s report at the Knight Order Building.
The news was of another small pack of demonic beasts appearing.
“This time it’s the Hedden District in the eastern part of the Capital. Yugen happened to be passing nearby, so he’s already headed there.”
“On his way back… You’ve all been working hard.”
“The numbers aren’t large, so it shouldn’t be too difficult. So…”
Leon, who had been delivering his report with a stoic expression, let his words trail off slightly. Leviathan read the meaning behind it and chuckled softly.
“Right. Let’s not mention it to Rubian.”
Leon nodded with a noticeably relieved expression.
Ever since Delmon of the Knight Order had died, Rubian had been excessively worried at the slightest news of expeditions.
‘The occurrence of demonic beasts has increased. And around residential areas at that.’
Leviathan marked the map laid out on the large table with red lines as he pondered.
Recently, demonic beast sightings had become frequent throughout the Empire. What had once centered on the Southern Towns had now reached the Capital itself.
‘Zelocks is actually safer these days.’
It was thanks to the protective barrier enveloping all of Zelocks. The barrier inscribed on the bell of the Watchtower, created by Rubian.
In any case, the Empire had increased its security forces and raised its alert level to the highest stage in preparation for demonic beast appearances. There had been painful cases like Delmon, but no major incidents had occurred yet.
‘Though because of that, we’ve lost considerable forces to track the Mage Kingdom…’
Leviathan tapped his index finger on the desk. Tap, tap.
‘Those mages seem to be slowly making moves and scheming.’
Could these irregular demonic beast appearances really be coincidence?
‘For now, it’s only suspicion.’
His violet eyes flashed with intensity.
“What about movements from the Mage Kingdom?”
“No significant activity has been detected yet.”
A new reconnaissance expedition was scheduled to depart in secret soon. Leviathan briefly considered whether to accompany that expedition.
“What about Allen?”
“He’s returning before Kalid, so perhaps… he’ll arrive soon, I would think.”
Leon added as he suddenly remembered something.
“Ah. Now that I think about it, Kalid has taken on the escort of the Casalian royal family upon his return.”
“I can already imagine the sour expression on his face.”
“He should arrive at the outskirts of the Capital in four days. Should we send additional support from our side? Since they’re state guests, it would be better to provide a more thorough escort.”
At Leon’s unusually verbose explanation, Leviathan chuckled again.
“Just tell him you want to give Kalid a break.”
“…That’s not it.”
Leon scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
Since he’d been rolling around in the Knight Order since childhood, everyone treated him like an impudent younger brother.
‘I hope the formula Kalid brings back is the answer.’
Leviathan thought.
According to Rubian, only two steles remained now.
One of them was what Kalid had gone to find this time, and the remaining one was….
“Well, since I’m not entirely certain yet, I think I need to investigate further.”
As she spoke, Rubian clenched her fist to show her determination to interpret the documents more diligently.
‘She calls it support, but it’s really an excuse to meet him early.’
He recalled Rubian’s bright, curious face as she had asked about Kalid.
‘If she wanted to, arranging an earlier meeting wouldn’t be….’
Then suddenly, reason snapped back into focus.
No, why? Why should I arrange for them to meet early? Is there any reason? They’re friends anyway. Meeting a bit later is fine. What does it matter if they meet? What!
Snap. The pen in his large hand broke cleanly in two. Leon took a step back.
“Your Excellency? What’s wrong? Has an enemy appeared….”
It was then.
“Your Excellency! Your Excellency!”
An aide came rushing over frantically, gasping for breath.
Leviathan’s expression changed in an instant, and he slowly rose from his seat. News that arrived in this manner was rarely good.
“What is it?”
“Well, you see….”
The aide swallowed hard.
“Please, don’t overthink this or draw your sword first. Just listen calmly. Ah, the young lady….”
Leviathan reflexively gripped his sword and began to let his imagination run wild with countless possibilities.
* * *
Goodness, what a fright.
A sudden nosebleed? Where did that come from?
“Pinch your nose and bow your head. You’re fine.”
“Mm.”
I held my nose firmly with a handkerchief and brushed away the drops of blood that had fallen on my clothes.
“First Prince, could you arrange a carriage for me?”
“Yes, yes. I’ll have one prepared right away.”
Licht hurried off.
“Mmmmgh.”
“Sprite, don’t drink the blood. Let it flow.”
At his suddenly sharp tone, I lifted my eyes slightly and looked up at Liam.
His tall frame, the neat black hair that always fell in the same way, and the glasses that made his sharp features appear even colder—all of it caught my attention.
‘His personality is a bit peculiar, though.’
But his face alone has certainly grown quite conventionally handsome.
“It’s fine, youngest sprite. Don’t worry.”
“Yeah. I know. It’s fine.”
What’s the big deal about a nosebleed?
I was just startled because everyone’s attention suddenly focused on me.
‘Still, I’m grateful my brother is here.’
I leaned slightly against Liam, who stood firmly behind me, and felt reassured. I heard the sound of Liam clenching his teeth.
“I’ve had nosebleeds plenty of times myself. So really, it’s fine. When my body gets a bit tired, that’s when it happens. But I’m not sure why you’re tired. If you eat well and sleep well, it shouldn’t happen. Does that mean my little brother hasn’t been eating and sleeping properly all this time? That can’t be right. It shouldn’t be like that. Who exactly should I be complaining to about this?”
Trembling, trembling, trembling, trembling.
What is this? An earthquake?
My entire body was shaking.
“O-o-older brother, c-c-calm down.”
“It’s okay, little fairy. I’ve had nosebleeds plenty of times myself. So really, it’s fine. When my body gets a bit tired, that’s when it happens. But I’m not sure why you’re tired. If you eat well and sleep well, it shouldn’t happen….”
This is bad.
My older brother’s dialogue is just looping on its own.
I returned to the Duke’s Residence with my older brother in the large carriage with wide windows that Licht had prepared.
I have no idea who spread the word, but the mansion….
…was turned upside down because of me.
“Don’t run around so fast, you hear me!”
“Hot water! Clean towels!”
Who’s giving birth here?
The servants were running in all directions—north, south, east, and west—and even Mother, who had been out, hurried back to check on me.
“Rubian, if your body feels tired, you should say so.”
“I didn’t really feel tired, though….”
I had changed clothes and was sitting on the bed.
I inhaled sharply, and the metallic taste of blood filled my mouth again.
Hazel lifted a blood-soaked handkerchief with trembling hands. The other maids gasped in alarm.
“Where is Borbel? Where on earth is Borbel!”
“Girls? It’s finally time to take off the maid uniforms and move into action. First, go out and sweep up all the medicinal herbs in the Capital, then grab every physician you can find. Dismissed.”
“No dismissals!”
I tried to stop them with all my might, but there was nothing I could do to prevent the maids who had already vanished like smoke! (How did they even do that?!)
“It’s just a few drops of blood! And it’s already stopped!”
“A few drops? It was pouring down.”
At Liam’s retort, Mother, who had been listening calmly, smiled gently.
“Rubian, could you write down the names of the people you met today for me?”
“…If I write them down?”
“We’ll handle it according to our family motto…. Hmm, we’ll take care of it. Blood for blood. You remember, don’t you?”
Mother smiled brightly while rubbing the area around my nose, reddened from blood. What flickered in those blue eyes was…. Flames?
“Yes, a proper nosebleed is what we need.”
“I didn’t get hit by anyone…!”
Captivated by Mother’s magnificent smile, I almost wrote down the First Prince’s name, but I exercised restraint.
Just then, Liam, who had been rummaging through his bag, pulled out a very strange greenish-brown potion and held it out to me.
“Drink this first.”
“What is this?”
“It’s a medicine I just developed using demonic beasts as ingredients. In clinical trials a few days ago, it showed excellent effects in relieving fatigue. Even the Imperial Palace physicians are coveting it, so it should be quite effective.”
I narrowed my eyes suspiciously.
“Please disclose all the ingredients.”
“A proprietary blend of demonic beast excrement, reproductive organs, and entrails in a 213 ratio….”
“Rejected!”
I’d rather have a nosebleed!
Just as I was about to shout in protest, the door burst open with a thunderous crash.
“Rubian.”
“Father?”
Father strode in with a deathly pale expression etched across his face.

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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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