The Youngest Hides a Lot of Things [Novel] Chapter 55

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 55

Chapter Title: Hot Springs Longing and Little Tears

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I picked the innermost room on the second floor. It was a bit smaller than the rooms at the ducal residence, but still cozy—I liked it a lot.

Above all, the bed was the fluffiest ever!

"Hot springs."

I lay on top and stared at the ceiling, imagining.

"Hot springs!"

Those from TV in my previous life!

The faces of the people inside had all melted into gooey bliss. It was so memorable.

"I really, really want to, but I really, really can't!"

Even if it was the Jebert Family's hot springs, that made me even more anxious. Who knew when Dad, Grandpa, or Void might burst in!

As I flailed my arms and legs, a curt reply came from beside me.

"I'll keep watch at the right time."

It was Khalid, who had been sitting off to one side polishing his sword. True to his pooch nature, he'd rushed straight to me after dropping his things off at the knight order building.

I shot up from my seat.

"Really?!"

"Why tense up?"

Wow, as expected of the Part 2 Male Lead.

"Kaaal."

I grabbed Khalid's arm and dangled off the bed like dough.

"...Acting cute again."

"Huh?"

"The Jeberts are annoying. Won't even let you have the hot springs to yourself."

Tell me about it.

Khalid hid his somehow reddened ears as he slid his sharpened sword into its sheath.

"More importantly, you're really going to meet the stationed mage? Do you know her?"

I sat up straight on the bed.

"Yeah! Asha Drukan."

She wasn't a character I'd learned about from the original story. Like Khalid, she was someone I'd met by chance on the battlefield—a stationed mage in eastern Babylon.

"Drukan... a dwarf descendant?"

Khalid stared into space, pondering deeply before realization dawned on his face.

"Blueprints, huh. To charm the blacksmith."

"Exactly."

To shake off Uncle Maddix, I needed increasingly tantalizing... no, more precise blueprints.

Having grasped my intent, Khalid furrowed his brows tightly.

"I told you not to worry if it's that."

"Yeah, I know. But having a mage around means a magic barrier in Zelox won't seem suspicious."

The barrier I created was a double-edged sword for me.

It protected me from the Magic Kingdom, but it also advertised the presence of a mage here.

In short, I need a decoy mage.

Of course, the method for crafting a barrier magic tool using barrier stones was a secret technique known only to me. And the fact that I knew it was something no one else was aware of.

Which means, even if someone finds out, it won't be strange.

Asha Drukan was a descendant of ancient magic weapon artisans. Her family had fallen into decline by now, but still.

At any rate, the scenario where this descendant studies northern magic stones obsessively and develops new defensive weapons was a bit rough around the edges, but not entirely implausible.

"I'll point out two things, coldly."

Khalid crossed his arms firmly and moved his lips.

"Don't be too cold about it..."

"First. What's your basis for thinking you can win Asha Drukan to your side?"

Thud. I plopped down onto the floor.

"Second. Do you think Duke Jebert will just allow a mage into his territory?"

Thump. My upper body fully merged with the floor.

"What are you doing?"

Khalid pulled me up with a displeased look.

"My bones broke."

"Let me see."

"Just an expression."

I giggled and started counting on my fingers one by one.

"First off... Asha Drukan owes me a debt of gratitude, so she has to repay me."

"Oh?"

"I saved her little sibling on the battlefield."

"..."

Khalid wore a subtle expression.

"No way... was Asha Drukan's sibling among the mages you saved in Canalran Gorge?"

"Yeah, pretty much."

In the ensuing heavy silence, I counted off my remaining finger.

"And second, Liam Jebert will take care of it."

"Liam Jebert?"

I pictured the boy obsessed with magic beast studies. Asha had a fair bit of knowledge on it from personal interest. It would be an irresistible temptation for Liam.

Of course, if Dad says no, there's nothing to be done...

In the original story, Liam had once taken on a mage as a tutor for magic beast studies. It wasn't specified who.

I was just trying to accelerate that timeline.

"Don't worry. If the second doesn't work, we can just get the blueprints from Asha."

Either way, it's a win!

As I grinned and spoke, Khalid let out a faint sigh.

"As if I wouldn't worry..."

At the same time, a clinking sound rang out.

"Eek, this sweet sound effect!"

I jumped right up. Khalid, having unwrapped the bracelet, extended his hand to me.

As I lightly hooked my pinky around his, the boy's large hand firmly grasped my wrist.

"Mana density is lower than in Zelox. Don't push yourself."

Feeling the rush of refreshing energy, I nodded vigorously. Of course! Who do you think I am!

"When do we go? I'm dying of curiosity here. Hot springs!"

"Call when you're ready."

Khalid replied curtly and focused on channeling mana. My mood soared, and I leaned in secretively to whisper.

"If I were really a boy, we'd do it together. Hehe. Too bad, huh."

"Wha...!"

"Huh? Why'd you stop?"

I gazed regretfully at the abruptly severed mana flow. Khalid rubbed his ears, muttering not to say weird things, then took my hand again.

"Why? Close friends bathe together sometimes, right? Best friends? Nah. What was that guy term..."

I glared at the ceiling, rummaging through my memories. Ah, that's it!

"Right! Bro..."

Gasp. In that instant, a large hand shot out to cover my mouth.

"Please."

The boy's head hung low, his dark crown fully exposed.

"Let me live..."

The influx of mana roiled turbulently.

Noble carriages began arriving one after another in Ipson, where the New Green Festival was set to begin. The city, welcoming the spring celebration, brimmed with joy and excitement, buzzing all day long.

Once the Emperor's party arrived from the capital, they would offer prayers to the gods for a year of peace, and the New Green Festival would truly commence. That was when the nobles' banquets would start as well.

Arriving early makes it feel like a real vacation.

That morning, I'd toured downtown Ipson with Void and Grandpa. It was crowded and hectic, nowhere near as fun as an outing in Zelox.

In the end, the afternoon found me back at the mansion.

"Does the Duke have to work even here? So sad..."

I was rolling around on the sofa, teasing Dad, who sat at his desk handling work. The man, looking worn out as he signed documents, lifted his head.

Crunch, crunch. His weary gaze fixed on the large fruit candy in my hand.

"Give me one bite, and I won't eat you."

"Umm..."

"Look at you, agonizing."

I giggled and started to sit up to hand over the candy when a knock sounded.

"Your Excellency, Count Camellan has arrived."

"Bring him here."

Head butler Adolph hesitated a moment before adding,

"Well... he brought his young lady along."

Dad swept the documents aside and looked up. With a resigned air, he stood, scooped me up, and pulled me out.

"To the reception room. Prepare snacks."

"Waaah."

It was a sea of tears there.

"Waaah. Sniff. Hic."

"Oh dear, Titi. It's okay. It's okay."

The young lady of the count's family, Sortie Camellan, with her fluffy sky-blue hair, had burst into wails the moment she saw Leviathan.

"Scaryyy! Sparkyyy!"

Count Camellan awkwardly scooped up his daughter and soothed her, but the child, thoroughly startled, wouldn't calm down easily.

Come to think of it, yeah.

Leviathan let out a small groan and pressed his forehead. I'd kind of forgotten lately, but kids always reacted to him like this.

"Later, then..."

At that moment, a familiar silver head popped up.

"Um, Lady. Our fa...ther isn't scary."

Rubian had somehow made his way to the opposite sofa and was speaking to the girl in the count's arms.

He stood there awkwardly fiddling with his index finger, clearly uncomfortable now that he'd stepped up. But he didn't stop.

"See, even now."

Whoosh—Rubian turned his head and pointed to Leviathan at the far end of the sofa.

"He's sitting in the farthest spot so you won't be scared."

His round eyes crinkled softly.

Sortie's sobs gradually subsided.