The Youngest Hides a Lot - Chapter 35

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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 35
“Understood. You mentioned he’s a healer’s son? Since I still have contacts, I’ll send word.”
Borbel gathered his medical bag and turned to leave, but something suddenly occurred to him, and he spun back around.
“Now that I think about it, Rubian made medicine using herbs, didn’t she?”
“Yes. She learned by watching over someone’s shoulder, or so I heard.”
It was a remarkable remedy that had moved not only the knights’ hearts but even the Old Master’s, which had been as unyielding as diamond.
“Is there a problem?”
“Not at all. Quite the opposite. Converting the salve into a patch form was a remarkably creative approach, and the results were excellent. The same goes for the bruise salve using Abelita herb. I must confess, I was impressed.”
One of Leviathan’s eyebrows shot up. His body, which had been resting against the backrest, instinctively leaned forward.
“Well, I’ve heard there are kingdoms with salves that heal wounds in a single night, but… in any case, Rubian seems to possess quite considerable skill.”
Borbel stroked his chin thoughtfully, but only two phrases lodged themselves in Leviathan’s mind.
Considerable skill. Remarkable creativity.
“Your Grace? Why that expression?”
Borbel’s brow furrowed as he observed the duke lost in contemplation.
“So… Rubian is…”
A deep breath drawn from the depths of his core. Whoosh.
His face bore the look of someone steeling his resolve.
“A genius, perhaps?”
“Well, I wouldn’t quite say that… Ugh.”
Borbel’s knees buckled as he tried to offer his honest opinion. When he spun around, he saw Adolf standing there with a benevolent smile.
“Adolf?”
“There was a fly bothering you. I took care of it.”
“…”
His eyes blazed with what seemed like actual flames.
‘Do you wish to live much longer?’
It felt as though I could hear the unspoken words.
Ah, I see.
Borbel, who dreamed of a long and peaceful life, wisely sealed his lips.
“Ahem, ahem. Well then… if Rubian has an interest in herbalism, would it be possible for me to teach her a few things?”
“You?”
“Yes. Since she already possesses foundational knowledge of herbalism, studying healing arts alongside it would surely prove beneficial.”
“Hmm.”
Leviathan’s eyes narrowed to slits. Reading the intent behind that gaze, Borbel let out a loud, deliberate cough.
“Of c-course, if Rubian’s village has any traditional herbal formulations passed down through generations, I was merely thinking of inquiring about them… would that be acceptable?”
Iosia was a nation formed by the gathering of numerous ethnic minorities.
The medical knowledge unique to each tribe, passed down through generations, contained far more secrets than what had been revealed to the world.
“Your thoughts are far too transparent, Borbel.”
“If we b-become closer, perhaps you might allow me to examine your condition…”
“That excuse just now was decent, I’ll grant you.”
Leviathan pondered briefly, then nodded his head in agreement.
“If Rubian says she likes it, do it that way. Don’t push her too hard.”
“Of course. Naturally!”
Who brought her here anyway? How dare he.
Borbel wiped away cold sweat and retreated.
Leviathan took the opportunity to order him to get acquainted with the owner of the Herb Shop as well.
He was oddly exhilarated.
Not because the child was a genius.
But because it seemed he could let her do whatever she wanted here in the Northern Region.
And if she had talent on top of that, wasn’t it the best of both worlds?
After wrapping up the paperwork, Leviathan headed to the Knight Order. It was time to begin preparing for the spring subjugation campaign.
“Sigh… Really. The way she runs over calling me ‘Dad’… it’s so adorable.”
His footsteps halted abruptly as he was about to enter the Armory.
“Wow, the portrait alone is incredible.”
“Heh. The clothes are so cute. Your wife’s skills are no joke. Tell me where you got the fabric.”
The voices of young knights polishing their swords continued. It seemed to be one of the few fathers’ gatherings in the Knight Order.
“I just want to leave work early and go see my daughter~”
“I seriously wonder how something so precious came from me. I think I’ve used up all my luck in life.”
Daughters were rare in the Northern Region.
Children themselves were scarce, but it was almost unnaturally only boys who were born.
Perhaps the gods had arranged it this way, given how harsh this place was, where one had to fight monsters day and night.
It was unknowable.
In any case, daughters, being relatively few in number, were treasured by everyone. It was customary not to make them do anything too dangerous.
‘Especially making a daughter into a knight… it’s practically taboo.’
To let someone you’ve pampered and cherished roll around on a blood-soaked battlefield?
No parent would make such a decision unless they were mad.
That was why female knights were rare in the Knight Order. Other territories might be different, but…
“Alright, alright. Let’s collect this month’s dues for our ‘Daughters of the Northern Region Knights’ Club’—or the ‘Daughter Fools’ Club’ for short.”
“What kind of abbreviation is that?”
…Such a club existed?
Leviathan’s head tilted slightly.
“Hey, you guys. Keep it down. Don’t let the Commander find out about this.”
The voice that followed quietly was Leon’s.
It seemed he had been steadily polishing his sword beside those fools all along.
“Of course. Bragging about our daughters in front of the Commander…”
“That’s insane.”
The knights spoke in bitter tones.
“…”
Leviathan leaned against the wall. For some reason, it had become even harder to show his face now…
“So, Brad, you’re transferring to the Capital Knight Order?”
“…Yeah. I’m sorry.”
“What are you apologizing for?”
“Once you have children, you become selfish. I wanted to give you all a safer place to live. I’m truly sorry to you all.”
“Forget it. Hearing beast cries all day long—moving to the Capital is better anyway.”
“Yeah, I would’ve relocated too if I had the means.”
The knights offered their quiet consolations.
‘So that’s why Leon said we needed more personnel.’
Most of those who had started families and borne children eventually relocated to townhouses in the Capital.
Of course, their earnings would be halved, but in exchange, they purchased safety for their families and peace of mind.
“….”
Leaving suddenly felt far more awkward now.
Leviathan ultimately decided to postpone his preparations. He swallowed a sigh and turned away.
Somehow, he found himself wanting to see Rubian.
“Where could she be?”
He moved without hesitation.
* * *
Bang.
I thrust open the door to the Mana Stone Shop without ceremony.
“She’s not here.”
Kalid Liork was nowhere to be found.
“Oh my, what a fright!”
The employee who had been dozing at the counter jolted awake in alarm.
“Boss? What brings you here without notice?”
Since I couldn’t always be present, I’d hired this employee temporarily. Of course, given the shop’s poor finances, his wages came from my own pocket, but….
“Do you need any particular mana stones?”
“No, not today. But have you seen a poor, handsome young boy wandering nearby after losing his home?”
“A young boy? I haven’t seen anyone like that.”
So he hadn’t even stopped by here.
“Tch.”
I’d underestimated him. Then again, if he rejected me once, what’s to stop him from doing it twice?!
As I kicked at the floor and huffed indignantly, the employee nervously gauged my mood.
“Boss, is something bothering you…? Sales are always poor, but the cleanliness isn’t bad, is it?”
“….”
I couldn’t become some heartless boss who appeared out of nowhere just to vent stress.
I forced a smile and pointed to a box tucked away in the corner.
“You work hard as always. Please send me one more box of those purple mana stones. And if that sorrowful, beautiful young boy happens to appear, contact me right away.”
After hearing his acknowledgment, I left the shop.
“Hazel! I’ve finished my business….”
My words trailed off. I’d spotted a blade-wielding maid leaning against the carriage, deftly twirling a jackknife in one hand.
“….”
Absolutely not—I would never ask Hazel to cut my hair.
“Rubian! Are you finished with your business?”
“Mm… yes.”
Hazel approached with a radiant smile, and the way she tucked the jackknife away using a wrist snap was so natural that I found myself at a loss for words once more.
“I’m just curious, but why the blade…?”
“Oh, my hands were getting restless.”
The maid’s face, bathed in sunlight as she smiled, looked particularly imposing today.
Uncle, I think we’ve found the Knight Order’s top recruitment prospect right here.
“Are you heading back?”
“Yes, sister.”
“Huh? Why are you suddenly speaking formally…?”
I climbed into the open-sided carriage with an awkward expression. Or rather, I tried to.
“Hm?”
A familiar silhouette appeared in the distance, and my hand shot up before I could think.
“Grandfather!”
“Oh my, my sweet little dumpling!”

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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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