The Youngest Hides a Lot - Chapter 19

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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 19
As I pouted silently, Grandfather clicked his tongue disapprovingly.
Suddenly, his sharp gaze shifted toward the Butler standing behind me.
“What are you doing, Morris! You said the meal was finished, didn’t you? You should have mentioned she was having a snack! It’s basic manners not to disturb someone while they’re eating!”
“I… failed to account for Rubian’s snack schedule.”
I could practically hear the droplets of sweat falling from Morris’s forehead.
“Don’t just stand there!”
I reached my hand toward the fork with a creaking sound.
I glanced sideways, but the man who had been composing his expression merely raised an eyebrow slightly.
‘He’s not going to help me.’
I would have my revenge.
The more I examined the snack table, the more my expression crumbled.
“Why do you look like that?”
I, who had been complaining loudly until now, simply bit my lip and stared at the floor, causing Grandfather to pause for the first time.
“Is… is something not to your liking…?”
“The table…”
“Hm?”
“It’s all broken…”
Before my eyes lay a solid wood table split wide open.
“What? When did this happen?”
“How am I supposed to eat without it…?”
A melancholy feeling settled over me.
A mug that had fallen through the crack. A pale pink liquid soaking the floor.
I actually preferred strawberry milk to cake. It was sweet, refreshing, and had fruit pulp to chew on…
“…I really liked it.”
“Ugh…”
“And I haven’t even had a single drop yet…”
My shoulders sagged without my realizing it.
I’d noticed earlier that there were more fresh strawberries in it than yesterday… what a waste…
‘Hmph.’
Could this possibly be a Zebert-style test of mental fortitude?
A lesson not to cling to what has passed?
* * *
Of course it wasn’t.
In the end, Grandfather’s booming voice had caused all the strawberries in the castle to be ground up and fall into the milk…
‘Who knows…’
I gazed at the large jar of strawberry milk and tried to settle my complicated feelings.
“Are you satisfied now?”
Grandfather asked in a rumbling voice.
He simply sat in the middle of the Reception Room, yet his presence was overwhelming. The entire space felt cramped…
“Yes, yes. Thank you.”
I fidgeted with the mug as I responded.
Honestly, I couldn’t tell if the drink was going into my mouth or my nose.
“Hmm.”
Only then did his plush beard twitch with what seemed like satisfaction.
I cautiously gauged his mood before asking carefully.
“But what about you, sir?”
“He went to the Northern Outpost! There were signs of magical beasts.”
“Gasp.”
So this stubborn old man abandoned me and ran away at the mention of magical beasts?
“Are you frightened of magical beasts? Well, something small like you would probably be just a bite.”
Old Master seemed convinced my stiffness was due to fear of the beasts.
‘The magical beasts won’t drive me out of this house!’
They don’t even appear and smash through doors with their fists!
I set down the mug and declared boldly.
“Yes! I’m a little scared!”
“….”
“So it’s okay if I stay here, right?”
As earnestly as possible. Sparkling eyes.
Old Master’s shoulders, which were turned toward the window, suddenly went rigid.
Though his expression was hard to see, deep lines etched themselves around his eyes, which bore elegant wrinkles.
I recalled his words.
“Just hold on tight and don’t let go. The way you did to me earlier.”
It actually works?
I’m not going to get kicked out for whining weakly, am I?
“If you’re scared, you should stay!”
Surprisingly, it worked.
“I’m not so worthless that I’d cast out someone who’s trembling in fear!”
Though I wasn’t trembling.
‘He seems to have a soft spot for weakness.’
It seemed like he had that quality too. Is that a characteristic of people here?
I decided to drive the wedge deeper.
I sprang up from my seat and squeezed myself onto the large sofa next to Old Master.
It’s a two-seater sofa, but it’s quite cramped, isn’t it?
“Yes. So I’ll just stay here quietly. Outside is scary….”
Wait, hold on!
A tremor like an earthquake emanated from beside me.
“This ticklish sensation is driving me mad!”
“Ah, if I’m bothering you, I’ll move….”
“There’s no helping it!”
“Oof!”
My nape was suddenly seized. I found myself perched upon thighs as solid as stone.
Our eyes met at close range.
Thick brows arched at different angles. Deep creases framed cold, violet eyes. Beneath a well-groomed beard lay an ancient scar.
“…Even your appearance is irritating.”
Just as I had scrutinized Old Master, he now examined me with equal thoroughness.
One brow rose even higher.
“Are you truly male? Why are you so different from Void and Liam?”
Well…. Because I’m different?
Of course, I couldn’t say that aloud, so I simply laughed it off.
“But what in blazes are you wearing? A potato sack?”
“It’s clothing.”
“Tch.”
A voice dripping with disdain.
Old Master gestured toward Hazel, who stood nearby.
“You! Count how many times this brat’s sleeves are folded!”
Hazel replied calmly.
“Please calm yourself, Ballock. Evelyn was scheduled to arrive in three days to take measurements. She’s currently away on business outside the estate.”
“Three days? So this little runt must live in a potato sack for three whole days?!”
“It’s not that bad. I’m fine with it!”
I jumped in quickly, not wanting Hazel to bear the brunt of his ire. Though I was promptly ignored, of course.
The garment was oversized and loose, but hardly unwearable.
Since I wouldn’t be staying here forever anyway, I saw no reason to cause such a fuss.
Old Master grumbled on at length.
About my father, about how things would be if Rose were here, and so forth.
“I can’t stand this! Morris! When will those new weapons be finished at our Blacksmith?”
“It’s been quite some time since you submitted the designs… they should be ready soon.”
“Good. You come with me tomorrow.”
“Huh? Why?”
Old Master folded up my already-folded sleeves once more and bellowed.
“We need to do something about that potato sack of an outfit!”
“You’re buying me clothes? For me?”
“Is there another pint-sized brat around here?”
“First you said you’d throw me out….”
“And I will throw you out!”
“But you said if I was scared, I could stay!”
“Ah, never mind, never mind! I simply can’t bear to look at you any longer!”
What kind of capricious nonsense was this?
This fiery grandfather was driving me absolutely mad.
Enough of this weakness act! I need to stop this madness!
“You’re casting me out, yet you buy me clothes!”
“I’ll dress you in new garments, make you presentable, and send you off!”
“Where’s the logic in that!”
“Right here!”
“Capricious, stubborn mule!”
“So you’ve already grasped my nature—sharp-eyed and clever too, aren’t you!”
The onlookers turned their gazes toward us with keen interest.
‘Like father, like son indeed!’
Regardless, my throat had grown parched from all the bickering. I rose to reach for a mug, when—
Suddenly, my head felt oddly light.
Turning back, I caught a thick palm hastily withdrawing from the back of my head.
“….”
The stubborn lion feigning innocence.
What on earth was he doing….
That’s when it happened.
[ …! ]
A crackling static pierced through my mind.
“…What’s wrong?”
[ …Bi! ]
“You brat!”
It seemed I’d stumbled for a moment. Grandfather surged to his feet with lightning speed, gripping my shoulders.
[ Rubian. Rubian. Are you there? ]
‘Kalid Liork?’
Pressing my ear, the static cleared.
It was Kalid Liork!
“I, my stomach’s been aching a bit….”
“What?”
“I need the restroom!”
I bolted from the Reception Room.
Behind me, I heard what sounded like Father calling out, but that wasn’t important right now.
“Rubian?”
“I, just give me a moment alone!”
Slam.
Leaving a startled Hazel behind, I quickly shut the Bedroom door.
Pressing the symbol again, the crackling noise vanished instantly.
‘Kalid Liork! You blocked me like that and now you’re trying to kill me?’
[ I told you not to call me with my family name…. No, that’s not important. Master, you’re in Northern Zelocks right now, aren’t you? ]
‘Don’t change the subject! I’m not telling you.’
[ The Arkan King seems to have realized you’re alive and in the Babylon Empire. ]
‘What?’
What did you say?
I froze in the center of the room, my body turning rigid as ice.
The Mage King… has found my whereabouts?

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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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