The Youngest Hides a Lot of Things [Novel] Chapter 52

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 52

Chapter Title: Dad!

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BAM!

I kicked open the door to Uncle's office.

Uncle, who had been discussing something with Head Butler Adolph, looked up with slightly surprised eyes.

"Un...cle...!"

I grinned widely.

It's coming out! The words are coming out!

"Uncle's feeling fresh, though."

Uncle Leviathan strode over and stretched out his arms to pick me up.

"Hold on."

I lightly raised both hands to stop him.

"I've grown about a handspan just now. So no more treating me like a kid..."

"What're you talking about?"

He brushed it off lightly.

Damn, frustrating. Mental growth and physical growth were two different things.

He scooped me up into his big embrace and crossed the office. With a casual glance, Adolph roughly tidied the papers and stepped away.

"You smell like grass."

"Yeah! I went to the... uh, herb hill."

I quickly changed the subject. No need to bring up the baby graveyard and sour Uncle's mood.

"So? Did rolling around in the grass fix you?"

"Yes. Fa...ther."

I bowed my head primly and properly.

"I'll be filial."

"Looks like the core's finally changed."

It had gotten worse. Uncle let out a deep sigh.

He gathered the papers haphazardly with one hand and left the office. Judging by the direction, we were headed to the dining room.

"At least I don't need the bell anymore."

I grumbled lightly.

"Fine, call me uncle, father, bell, whatever you want."

A chuckle escaped from Uncle. Even as he said it, his face looked more satisfied than before.

I tightly hugged his thick, sturdy neck.

"It's still awkward and doesn't come out right. But it'll get better soon."

"It's fine."

"Aren't you frustrated? Sorry..."

"Rubian."

"Yeah?"

Uncle pulled me away slightly and met my eyes.

"You haven't done anything wrong."

"..."

"So don't apologize."

I blinked slowly.

'I hope... you say the same later.'

After stopping this crazy ending and taking down the Magic King... When I confess everything.

"And those who bear the Jebert name don't apologize lightly."

"That's not true. You should apologize right away if you're wrong."

"...Really?"

"Yeah."

That's what I learned today. Life's cheat code!

"I see."

Uncle nodded briefly. Then suddenly, he ruffled the back of my head.

"You've got a leaf stuck on you. Where the hell did you wander off to?"

Huh? I stared blankly at the small leaf clinging to Uncle's hand. Somehow, looking at it made me burst into laughter.

"...You gave permission?"

"For what?"

"It's a thing. Oh! Right! Me, me! Put me down! Quick!"

"What's this now."

"I wanna do something!"

The thing I wanted to do once I could call Uncle properly!

As his strong arms loosened a bit, I hopped down nimbly. Then I dashed to the end of the corridor.

"What're you doing?"

"Just stand there!"

The duke stood there, hands on his hips, looking utterly confused but obedient.

Seeing that, I adjusted my shoes with a tap-tap.

Time to show off all the sprinting skills I'd built up!

Ready, go!

I sprinted full speed down the short corridor.

My hair whipped around, and Uncle Leviathan's handsome face loomed closer and closer.

"Uh..."

Uncle reflexively bent down, not even knowing what was happening.

I flashed a big smile and leaped straight into his arms without hesitation.

"Daaaad!"

His large body stiffened in surprise for a moment, but he soon hugged me perfectly.

"Jeez."

A short breath puffed above my head. A gentle, low voice settled by my ear.

"You ran right to me. Calling me Dad."

"Yeah!"

Though it was still awkward, with about a three-second gap between "a" and "ppa."

I'll do better from now on!

"Where'd a gem like you roll in from?"

"Early bird!"

I pointed to the end of the corridor, and Uncle chuckled, pinching the tip of my nose lightly.

Family might just be another word for jewel.

Maybe from the moment we first met in those ruins.

We were fated to be the most precious gems to each other.

Whatever. I love it!