The Youngest Hides a Lot - Chapter 194

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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 194
* * *
Several days had passed.
Next week was finally my long-awaited coming-of-age ceremony!
“Hmm.”
I emerged onto the Training Ground wrapped snugly in a blanket, clutching numerous temperature stones for warmth.
‘If the Mage King is targeting me, how would he approach it?’
The Princess, who was staying at the Imperial Palace, hadn’t sent any significant word yet.
I recalled the recent visit I’d made with Father to see the Emperor.
“I had a suspicion, but so it really was the King of Casalia.”
The Emperor, whose beauty remained undiminished despite the passage of years, still enjoyed stroking my head as always.
And he continued to gaze with envious eyes at Father’s and my tightly clasped hands.
“Very well. For now, I must spare no effort in hosting a grand party.”
“Pardon?”
“Without clear evidence at present, I cannot confront him directly. Besides, there’s time before the spring Round Table….”
The Emperor laughed richly.
“I’ll have him imprisoned without even realizing he’s imprisoned. If he lets his guard down and reveals his true colors, that’s when we gain justification—all the better.”
“I see.”
“In other words…. Imperial imprisonment?”
Was that even the correct way to use that term?
I was somewhat confused, but since the Emperor said so, I decided to accept it as well.
“By the way, how many times a week does the young lady dine with our Licht?”
“Pardon? These days, not particularly….”
“And how many times a week do you dine with Baron Liorke?”
“Well…. Seven times?”
We live together, after all.
Gulp.
The Emperor’s face took on an expression of shock.
“…Since the young lady frequents the Imperial Palace Archives so often, perhaps arranging temporary quarters at the Imperial Palace would….”
“Save your imperial imprisonment for the King of Casalia.”
“Tch.”
“The air here is terrible. Let’s go, Rubian.”
“It’s quite pleasant, though.”
In any case, from that point onward, the Imperial Palace hosted a succession of grand and modest parties.
I heard that the King of Casalia, believing himself to be warmly welcomed, was absolutely delighted.
“Hmm.”
I turned my attention back to the Training Ground.
Nearby, Liam and Void were sparring with wooden swords, clashing and bickering as they hadn’t in some time.
‘He probably won’t use the direct method of sending Tracking Mages like before.’
That approach had already failed multiple times. So then….
Just then, a wooden sword rolled across the ground with a thud.
“Ugh, brother….”
Void collapsed onto his back, gasping for breath.
“You lured me in with a solo portrait commemorating Rubian’s twelfth birthday. My body moved on its own.”
“You’re one to talk. Using a signed exchange diary from the youngest fairy—how did you even know I hadn’t collected that one? You really got me where it hurts.”
My eyes widened in shock.
“Hey, you two! Don’t set traps using my precious childhood memories!”
This was ridiculous!
I rushed over and confiscated their secret weapons. The two brothers lying on the ground let out anguished cries.
I looked down at the radiant twelve-year-old me in the portrait and the exchange diary scrawled with childish handwriting.
‘Ah. So using something precious to me as leverage and baiting me with it—that’s a viable strategy.’
The more I thought about it, the more frustrated I became.
“But I’ve gotten stronger too!”
I threw off my blanket and spun around the Training Ground in circles. Look at this! I can now circle the entire Grand Training Ground with ease!
“Rubian! Please give me the portrait!”
“Fairy, sign it for me. Here! Right here!”
“Ahahaha! That’s it! That’s the spirit! My little rascal!”
Grandfather, who had come outside without my noticing, clapped his hands and laughed heartily.
Leaving the commotion behind, I cut through the air and clenched my fists.
‘My weakness is my family!’
The most precious thing I possess!
I imagined it.
If someone kidnapped one of my family members and tried to extort me, I’d fall for it completely even knowing it was a trap.
‘Ugh….’
Just thinking about it was terrifying.
“Wait, but.”
I stopped mid-stride as I circled the Training Ground and looked around.
‘If they’re my weaknesses….’
What’s the condition of these weaknesses?
“We need to expand the Training Ground! Morris, we’re expanding!”
“Ah, then I’ll arrange the construction schedule….”
“Now!”
A tremendous boom echoed out!
Grandfather’s fist shattered the fence. Void’s face split into a grin.
“Grandfather! If you keep destroying the fence like that!”
“Huh? Are you really complaining to your grandfather now that you’ve become Deputy Knight Order Commander!”
“Thank you for destroying it!”
Well….
Let me set those two aside for now.
“Oh my, oh my. The little thing who used to sit on the windowsill and just loaf around has grown up and now goes around wearing an aura. Oh my, oh my.”
“Please forget about that past….”
Because I don’t think I’d even get kidnapped in the first place!
While I was shaking my head, Father walked over from a distance. Seeing a sword in one hand, it seemed he was planning to train for the first time in a while.
“Why is it so noisy again?”
“Father. Your button has come undone.”
“Liam, when did you come home?”
“The button….”
“Aren’t you tired of talking about the button? I’m asking when you came home.”
“Tsk, I got lost on the way from the Academy and ended up here.”
“…Really, aren’t you tired of this?”
Hmm…. Those two…. The other side would probably avoid kidnapping them altogether….
At that moment, the second-floor window of the mansion burst open with a bang. Flames blazed and tumbled from the wide-open window.
“Liaaaam! Your mother told you to come home often!”
Liam’s broad shoulders trembled slightly. He asked Father cautiously.
“…Would you hide me if I asked?”
“I’d like to.”
“…!”
Mother landed gracefully after jumping through the window.
“Just you wait!”
“My wife is the strongest in this house.”
Father shrugged and Liam took a cautious step back.
“When on earth will our son graduate?!”
Pink hair fluttered wildly, and I had the illusion that each strand was moving on its own.
“Hehe….”
I plopped down on the floor and laughed without restraint.
Kalid, who had approached nearby, tapped the soles of his boots and asked.
“Why are you suddenly laughing?”
“Probably because I have no weaknesses.”
“…?”
“I’m truly perfect. Absolutely flawless.”
Kalid’s gaze followed mine.
“Ah, Grandfather! Still, destroying the entire fence is a bit much!”
“Great! Today this old man will take a walk with just you!”
“I don’t want to…!”
“Neither do I!”
Grandfather placed his hand firmly on Void’s shoulder and laughed darkly. Even Void, who was as tall as a telephone pole, could only wear a troubled expression before Grandfather.
“Our good Liam, you’ll graduate from the Academy this year, right? Do you know how many letters your mother receives from Principal Odeli?”
“I’ll have my school records address changed.”
“Do you really think that makes sense?”
Mother’s voice became infinitely warm. It was a crisis like no other.
“Wait. Rose. The Principal is harassing you through letters? Obron, prepare for departure.”
“Yes, sir.”
Bang, bang, bang.
Kalid turned his head toward me sharply. His expression was utterly bewildered.
“…Is that flawless?”
“Ehehehehe.”
Well, at least….
It didn’t look like I’d be getting kidnapped….
‘My weakness is family, that’s true.’
But they were far too strong and far too strange to be exploited as weaknesses. In short.
“Long live our household.”
Very long live indeed.
* * *
Just as I reached that conclusion.
The problem I’d been worrying about emerged from an entirely different direction.
That is to say….
The evening before my coming-of-age ceremony.
While heading to the Reception Room with Kalid after dinner.
“Princess!”
“Uncle Allen?”
Allen came rushing toward me from afar, breathless.
“Ugh, Kalid.”
Allen’s gaze fixed on Kalid standing beside me, and he stiffened slightly.
“What is it.”
Kalid asked.
“No. Our men in the Southern Region just sent an urgent report.”
At the word urgent, my brow furrowed.
Generally, news that arrives that way is never good….
“Five mages who deserted the Mage Kingdom have been captured!”
“What did you say?”
I exclaimed in surprise, and Kalid stepped closer to Allen.
“Deserted? What fool would believe that? Obviously they were caught attempting to invade the Continent in secret.”
“No, well, that does seem like a strong possibility…. The problem is, one of those mages….”
Allen stammered, casting a quick glance in my direction.
“Says he absolutely must meet with Zebert Duke.”
“Suddenly? No. Does he think Father meets with everyone who wants to see him?”
“No, Princess. His Excellency….”
“Huh?”
“He said he would meet with him only after confirming something that mage sent secretly.”
“What is it?”
Surely not….
I furrowed my brow deeply.
“Portraits and belongings from when the young lady was very young….”
Ha, Kalid let out an involuntary laugh.
“So this is just my speculation, but.”
“….”
“It seems he’s claiming to be the young lady’s biological father….”
“If you need my assistance, please contact me anytime.”
Why did the Princess’s words suddenly come to mind?

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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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