The Youngest Hides a Lot - Chapter 59

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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 59
Oh, how embarrassing.
“Rubian? It’s dangerous. Come down here.”
As Father extended his hand, I hesitantly pushed myself up and descended the stairs.
“It’s been a while.”
Licht Babylon came down the stairs with deliberate grace, extending his hand—one arm held formally behind his back in an exceedingly courteous escort.
“Blondie, why are you here…?”
I stared blankly at him without even thinking to take his hand. Licht Babylon naturally withdrew his arm and smiled, squinting one eye.
“Right. My hair is golden, that’s true. But I also have a name—Licht.”
“Oh…”
I know that well enough…
“A proper introduction was overdue, wasn’t it? I’m Licht Babylon.”
His soft, flowing golden hair caught the sunlight streaming through the window, gleaming brilliantly.
He was taller than when we last met, and his face had grown even more beautiful…… I offered a perfunctory greeting while entertaining these meaningless thoughts.
“Hello, Rubian…”
Wait. I was about to finish my words thoughtlessly when I caught a glimpse of something behind Licht Babylon.
I spotted Father’s dignified expression, his eyebrows raised as he observed me.
“…I, I am Zebert.”
Only then did satisfied smiles bloom across Father’s and the servants’ faces.
Licht Babylon muttered, “Suddenly speaking formally…” and scratched his brow with evident displeasure.
Just then, a bespectacled face abruptly interjected itself.
“Hmm. So you’re Rubian.”
The eldest son of this household, tilting his head as he looked down at me.
‘Oh, he’s tall. And…’
He looks incredibly strict!
Under his gaze that scanned me from head to toe, I instinctively straightened into perfect posture.
‘But there’s no reason to be intimidated!’
I examined my reflection once more in the transparent lenses of his glasses.
Buttons fastened all the way to my chin, my clothing immaculate without a single wrinkle. The pins I usually wore on one side were now symmetrically aligned on both.
“Hello…sir?”
As I offered a cautious greeting, Liam Zebert narrowed his eyes and raised his chin.
Then came a brief, sharp burst of applause.
“Impeccable.”
He turned his body toward Father.
“Father, at last the dignity of Zebert, which had been mired in disgrace, seems to be restored.”
“Don’t forget that you were also Zebert, Liam.”
Liam paid no heed whatsoever, seizing my hand firmly.
“I approve. Come with me.”
And with that, he swept me toward the mountain of books.
“Let’s go study.”
“Oof!”
The sudden force made my body stagger. Liam quickly withdrew his hand in alarm.
“Liam, Rubian isn’t Void. You can’t handle me so roughly.”
Father clicked his tongue lightly and rubbed my wrist.
“What…”
Liam stared at my slightly reddened skin and then at his own hand, his expression one of disbelief.
“The youngest isn’t…human?”
That was all he could muster with such a serious face. Liam began spinning in circles around the lobby, his chin resting in his palm.
Ugh, that repertoire makes me uneasy.
“Yes. I’ve heard there are such races. The fairy folk who dwell in the Iosia Forest…”
“Argh! What are you saying!”
I grabbed a random book from the cart and hurled it at Liam.
Just like someone who isn’t Void’s brother—he makes such irritating comments so carelessly!
“Bestiary Volume 3? You’ve got taste, don’t you.”
“Brother, I’m sorry! I’m busy!”
I suddenly snatched Licht’s hand from where he stood nearby. His cold hand stiffened in surprise.
I hate bookworms!
“I’ve already organized the library, so go enjoy reading some books!”
It was good that I moved ahead after hearing that Liam might come to Ipson.
“By the way, just follow these stickers to get to the library! No problem even if you’re directionally challenged!”
I pointed to the heart stickers plastered all over the floor. Liam tilted his head with a peculiar expression.
“…What is this sudden consideration.”
Liam muttered blankly, unaware that his glasses were slipping down.
Father, watching from behind, let out a short sigh and ruffled Liam’s hair.
“That’s enough. Unpack your things. Greet Grandfather.”
“…”
Liam tilted his chin slightly.
Was Father always this affectionate?
His expression was reluctant, but he didn’t refuse Father’s large hand. Of course, he also couldn’t tear his gaze away from Father’s shirt the entire time.
“Button, is this your best effort.”
“…”
Goodness. What do I do with these two—spear and shield.
“Let’s go, Licht!”
“Huh? Oh, okay.”
I need to escape. Otherwise, I’ll be trapped in the library with that sensitive boss bookworm!
* * *
‘I thought they were awkward like Void because of past history.’
Uncle seemed to think the same way.
‘But isn’t that just a fundamental personality clash?’
That’s impossible to answer.
I shook my head vigorously.
“So you bolted out like that, and this is where you ended up? Just the front garden?”
Licht Babylon glanced casually around the Zebert Mansion’s garden. It was a place I visited often with Titi.
I steadied my ragged breathing before answering.
“The outside is dangerous…”
What would happen if children went out alone?
“That’s a good idea.”
Licht Babylon smiled gently. He rummaged through his pocket, produced a neatly folded handkerchief, and placed it on the bench.
“Sit.”
“….”
Do all members of the Imperial Family have such impeccable manners?
‘But isn’t this something you’d do for a girl?’
I sat down with a somewhat reluctant expression.
“You seem to be doing well. I’m relieved.”
“You… no, wait. Why would Your Highness be relieved?”
At that, Licht Babylon smiled with one eye narrowed.
“Why the sudden formal speech?”
“Before, I didn’t know your identity, but now that I know you’re a prince, I thought I should…”
I knew he was someone of the Imperial Family, after all.
But Licht Babylon seemed reluctant about something. His eyes softened as he opened his mouth. “Well, you see…”
“I didn’t come here as a prince.”
“So what?”
“Licht.”
The prince sitting beside me tilted his head and whispered.
“Shouldn’t you call me that instead?”
This guy knows how to work his charm…
I shifted my body slightly and answered awkwardly.
“Well… if that’s what you want.”
Perhaps because I’d seen it in the original work, there was something strangely intimate about it, which actually made me more comfortable.
At my flustered response, a brilliant smile bloomed across the young man’s face.
“By the way, you seem to be getting along well with Duke Zebert.”
“Yeah. Well… he’s my father, after all.”
“Your complexion has improved tremendously. Of course, it wasn’t bad back then either.”
“That’s enough flattery…”
“I’m serious.”
I had met Licht Babylon after recovering from a prolonged illness in the Capital. Naturally, I was aware that my complexion now was incomparable to how it was then.
He skillfully summoned a nearby maid and instructed her to prepare a tea table in the garden. The attendants hurried away with quick steps.
“Duke Zebert seems quite busy even here.”
Licht Babylon spoke as he watched carriages arriving in succession from a distance.
“Yeah, I suppose so.”
“Still, you seem to spend quite a bit of time with me. Is the spring subjugation coming up soon?”
I swung my legs idly and nodded.
“Yeah. I heard we’re marching out right after the New Leaf Festival ends.”
“Then the Knight Order must have recruited new knights as well.”
A considerable number of rookies, including my childhood friend, have been enlisted.
“Right. You know your stuff, don’t you?”
At my casual question, Licht Babylon laughed softly.
“I haven’t seen Zebert Grandfather in such a long time. It seems his health has improved considerably.”
I turned my head and gazed at Licht Babylon quietly. The Imperial Prince, with his picturesque smile, was reading the crests on the carriages entering the mansion.
“Didn’t anything else interesting happen in Zelocks?”
Watching the brilliant golden hair directed toward me, I opened my mouth quietly.
“Licht Babylon.”
“Hmm?”
“Why are you testing me?”
“….”
A brief silence fell.
A subtle crack appeared on Licht Babylon’s face. His mint-colored eyes, which had been calmly settled, wavered for a moment.
“It seems like you’re more curious about Father than about me… am I wrong?”
“…Rubian.”
“If you’re so curious about the Duke’s movements, wouldn’t it be faster to ask him directly?”
“….”
“-your Highness?”

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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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