The Youngest Hides a Lot - Chapter 45

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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 45
“Then… I’ll just check the hidden inscriptions and be back, so you two enjoy the view and dream big, alright?”
After bringing Rubian and Kalid to the workshop, Maddix turned to leave.
Though it was called a workshop, it was really just a storage space for miscellaneous items like dyes and protective gear, so there was nothing particularly dangerous.
“Yes! Go ahead and examine those blueprints!”
The moment Rubian uttered the first syllable, Maddix vanished like the wind.
“Phew. They said he’s been bored lately, but look at all that energy bursting out.”
“I think all the people from the Northern Region have lost their minds.”
At my quiet mutter, Rubian agreed and giggled. Kalid looked down at that face for a moment before he couldn’t help but ask.
“So?”
“Huh?”
“Why are you in a bad mood today?”
Rubian blinked as if hearing something unfamiliar.
“Me?”
“You’re withdrawn.”
“I’m in a good mood though?”
No, you’re not. Kalid narrowed his eyes and studied Rubian carefully. Those wide, upturned eyes looking at me had that expression of genuine confusion.
But the subtly drooping corners of her eyes and her listless shoulders caught my attention. As I stared intently, Rubian quietly averted her gaze and scratched her cheek.
“Ah, it’s because of what Uncle Leviathan said.”
“What?”
“He asked me if I’d really become the youngest of the family.”
Kalid paused for a moment. I recalled Rubian surrounded by the Zebert family in the training ground.
“Did you say you would?”
“I did, but…”
That was the original purpose anyway…
“I’m hiding so much from Uncle… It’s making me feel a bit guilty.”
Kalid tilted his head as if asking what the problem was.
“If you didn’t, you’d be dragged off to the Kingdom. And besides…”
The boy’s gaze turned to the soft purple magic stone clutched tightly in Rubian’s hand.
“Is your reason for staying here really only for your own sake?”
Rubian didn’t say it outright, but it was vaguely apparent.
That she was desperately trying to protect Zebert Duke and this place.
‘I don’t know exactly why she’d go that far.’
Rubian said nothing, her lips pouting. Kalid let out a sigh-laden voice.
“Anyway, all adults are liars. There are so many people who tell far worse lies and live shamelessly because of them.”
“Really?”
“Really. And honestly, if you officially register, it’s beneficial. You become a noble. Even if your identity is exposed later, that status will be incredibly helpful.”
“Sometimes you’re so cold-hearted… there are times when I want to avoid you.”
“…Avoid? Why would you say something so scary?”
Rubian laughed it off as a joke. Her face seemed to accept it on the surface, but the drooping corners of her eyes showed no sign of lifting.
She’s just too kind-hearted, that’s all.
Kalid folded his arms and tilted his head with a thoughtful hum. Then, an unwelcome thought suddenly struck him.
‘So Rubian would become the “young master” of the Zebert Duchy?’
That didn’t sit right with him.
Watching the heart-shaped pin glimmering in her silver hair, Kalid wrestled with the confusion.
“Rubian, listen….”
“Wait, this isn’t the time!”
Suddenly snapping back to attention, Rubian’s head shot up.
“Stop dwelling on sad thoughts! We need to finish this before Maddix arrives! Let’s hurry, Kal!”
Rubian’s eyes darted around the workshop. Seeing the fierce determination blazing in her gaze, Kalid swallowed his words and fell silent.
“Hngh.”
She rummaged through the vast workshop before dragging out a gleaming bell.
It was identical in size and shape to the bells used in the watchtower.
Rubian’s plan was to embed a barrier stone into this bell to transform it into a magical artifact, then swap it with the original.
Once all the bells were in place, the magical artifact would activate, creating a powerful barrier field throughout this area.
“Give it to me. I’ll handle it.”
Kalid stepped forward quickly. It seemed he’d carefully memorized the location of this bell from his frequent visits to the blacksmith.
Outside, the sound of workers hammering swords overlapped in a cacophony. Given the chaotic environment, their work would easily go unnoticed.
“Kal, the bracelet!”
Rubian crouched in the middle of the room, urging him on. A mysterious excitement gleamed in her apple-like cheeks.
Kal removed the bracelet and extended his hand.
“Wow, really. It’s like that feeling when you take a sip of iced americano in the middle of summer….”
What was that feeling?
Kalid’s eyes widened as he watched Rubian smile, forgetting even to ask what she meant.
‘If I hadn’t been here, how would she have even managed the magical power….’
He was grateful he’d chased after her desperately. He refined and released the magical power more cleanly and gently.
“Then let’s begin.”
Rubian drew the magic circle while gripping Kalid’s hand firmly.
“Hup.”
Her white hair rose upward as if defying gravity. Blue light sparkled around them, and a powerful wave of magical energy surged forth.
Beneath the golden bell and the violet-hued magic stone on the floor, mysterious patterns emerged.
Countless magical languages she’d never seen before were inscribed there.
How many layers did this magic circle have? It was impossible to count.
‘…I can’t even imitate this.’
The only magic Kalid knew was summoning magic and oath magic. He’d learned some basic magic from Rubian haphazardly, but he had no real talent for it.
Yet this much was clear to him.
Just how extraordinary the magic Rubian was performing right now truly was.
“Done!”
And she’d done it as casually as eating breakfast.
Kalid stared at the bell, now infused with the magic stone and tinged a faint violet. Inside, he could see intricate magical formulas engraved in relief—a language visible only to those who possessed magical power.
“How many of these do I need to make?”
“North, south, east, west directions… and the spaces between them. Maybe around eight?”
“What? But why are you activating so many barrier stones?”
Kalid recalled the countless stones that had decorated the windowsill of Rubian’s room.
“I’m making them into sword ornaments… to give to Leviathan and the knight guardians…”
Rubian murmured while turning the golden bell over in her hands.
So that was it?
The young boy felt an indescribable emotion wash over him as he stared intently at the back of Rubian’s head.
“What’s wrong? Suddenly?”
Her blue eyes blinked. Kalid brought the emblem on his cloak closer to Rubian’s face.
“I’m part of the Zebert Knight Order too.”
“…? I know.”
“Don’t mess up the count.”
Rubian pursed her lips and tilted her head in confusion.
She collapsed onto the floor as if exhausted, tapping her legs rhythmically.
“Anyway, I’ve only finished two so far. Where do I get the remaining blueprints? This is the only way to keep that weapon-obsessed guardian away.”
Maddix would subtly linger around whenever Rubian appeared, always hovering. The only thing that could distract him was a new blueprint.
Even then, the time Maddix could be held at bay wasn’t long, so to create more magical artifacts, I needed more blueprints to lure him with.
“I’ll find more.”
Kalid placed the bell back in its spot and spoke indifferently.
“Really? Where from?”
“Well, I can ask a friend.”
“Your animal friends?”
When I turned my head, I saw Rubian blinking innocently.
‘She really… thinks I only know her.’
It was rather endearing, actually.
“That’s right.”
“Oh.”
Rubian pushed herself up from the floor and tidied the scattered surroundings with a gust of magical wind. The place was so chaotic that it hardly made a difference anyway.
From somewhere distant, the sound of Maddix approaching grew closer. He must have finished examining the blueprints.
“Hey there, handsome friend Kalid.”
Just before leaving the room, Rubian turned around while spinning her index finger around the doorknob, flashing a bright smile.
I stood there wondering what kind of attack this was when two small, pale palms suddenly appeared before my eyes.
“Give me more.”
“…”
“Mana.”
I almost gave her all my mana.

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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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