The Youngest Hides a Lot of Things [Novel] Chapter 59

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 59

Chapter Title: The Youngest is Hiding a Lot

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Ugh, embarrassing.

"Ruby? It's dangerous. Come down here."

As Dad reached out his hand, I hesitantly got to my feet and stepped down the stairs.

"Long time no see."

Licht had come all the way down to the bottom of the stairs and extended his hand. One hand was tucked behind his back in a very polite escort.

"Blondie, why are you...?"

I blankly asked without even thinking of taking his hand. Licht naturally withdrew his arm and squinted one eye with a smile.

"Yeah. My hair is golden, isn't it? But I also have a name: Licht."

"Uh-huh..."

I know that full well...

"We haven't had a proper introduction yet, have we? Licht Babylon."

His soft, flowing blond hair caught the sunlight streaming through the window and sparkled.

He's grown taller and even prettier since the last time we met... I exchanged vague greetings while lost in pointless thoughts.

"Hello, Rubian..."

Whoops. I started to reply without thinking but glanced slightly at Licht's back.

I spotted Dad's fierce gaze, his eyebrows shooting up as he scrutinized us.

"...Lady Jebert."

Only then did satisfied smiles appear on Dad's face and those of the servants.

Licht muttered, "Suddenly so formal..." and scratched his brow awkwardly.

At that moment, a bespectacled face suddenly intruded.

"Hm. So you're Rubian."

The eldest son of the house looked down at me with his head tilted.

'Whoa, he's tall. And...'

He looks super strict!

His scanning gaze made me instinctively snap to attention like a soldier at drill.

'But no need to be scared!'

I checked my reflection once more in his clear glasses.

Buttons done up to the chin, clothes impeccably wrinkle-free. The pin that had been on one side was now symmetrically placed on both.

"Hello...?"

As I cautiously greeted him, Liam Jebert narrowed his eyes thinly and lifted his chin.

Then came a short clap-clap-clap.

"Perfect."

He turned toward Dad.

"Father, it seems the dignity of House Jebert, long mired in filth, is finally being restored."

"Don't forget you're a Jebert too, Liam."

Liam ignored him and grabbed my hand by the wrist.

"I like you. Come here."

Then he yanked me toward the mountain of books.

"Let's study."

"Eek!"

My body lurched from the sudden force. Liam quickly let go, looking startled.

"Liam, Ruby isn't Void. Don't handle her roughly."

Dad clicked his tongue lightly and rubbed my wrist.

"What..."

Liam alternated between my slightly reddened skin and his own hand, his face incredulous.

"Is the youngest... not human?"

That was all he said with a grave expression. Propping his chin on his hand, Liam began pacing circles around the lobby.

Uh, that habit feels ominous.

"Yes, I've heard of such a race. The fairy folk living in the Iosiah Forest..."

"Argh! What are you saying?!"

I grabbed a random book from the cart and hurled it at Liam.

True to not being brothers with Void, he spouts annoying nonsense without a care!

"Magic Beast Codex 3? Good eye."

"Sorry, bro! I'm busy!"

I snatched Licht's hand from where he stood nearby. His cool hand stiffened momentarily.

I hate study bugs!

"I already sorted the entire study, so go enjoy your books!"

Good thing I'd acted ahead after hearing he might head to Ipson.

"By the way, just follow these stickers to the study! Even directionally challenged folks won't get lost!"

I pointed to the heart stickers plastered all over the floor. Liam tilted his head with a strange expression.

"...What's with this sudden consideration?"

Liam muttered blankly, oblivious to his glasses slipping down.

Dad, watching from behind, let out a short sigh and tousled Liam's hair.

"Anyway, unpack your things. Go greet Grandfather."

"..."

Liam tilted his chin slightly.

Was Dad always this affectionate?

His face was reluctant, but he didn't reject the large hand. Of course, he couldn't tear his eyes away from Dad's jacket the whole time.

"Buttons. Is that your best?"

"..."

Oh dear. What to do with that spear and shield.

"Let's go, Licht!"

"Huh? Uh, yeah."

I've gotta escape. Otherwise, I'll end up trapped in the study with that prickly boss bookworm!

'I thought they were estranged because of old issues like with Void.'

Uncle seemed to think the same.

'Isn't it just that their personalities clash?'

That's unfixable.

I shook my head firmly.

"So that's where you ran off to? Just the front yard?"

Licht glanced around the mansion garden and asked lightly. It was a place Titi and I visited often.

I caught my panting breath and replied.

"It's dangerous outside..."

What if something happens to kids wandering out alone?

"Good thinking."

Licht smiled softly. He rummaged in his pocket and pulled out a neatly folded handkerchief, placing it on the bench for me.

"Sit."

"..."

Are all royals this mannerly?

'But isn't this a bit much for a girl?'

I sat down, feeling a bit awkward.

"You look like you've been well. That's a relief."

"Why would Your Highness care... no, wait. Why would a prince think that?"

Licht squinted one eye with a smile.

"Why the sudden formality?"

"I didn't know your identity before, but now I know you're a prince?"

I know royals are high and mighty.

But Licht seemed somehow reluctant. He softened his eyes and began, "Well..."

"I'm not here as a prince right now."

"So?"

"Licht."

The prince sat beside me and tilted his head as he whispered.

"Don't you think you should call me that?"

He knows how to work that face...

I scooted back a little and replied awkwardly.

"Well... if that's what you want."

Maybe because I'd seen it in the original story. The odd sense of familiarity actually made it easier for me.

As I answered hesitantly, a picture-perfect smile bloomed on the boy's face.

"Anyway, seems like you're getting along well with Duke Jebert."

"Yeah. Well, he's my... dad."

"You look much healthier. Not that you looked bad before, of course."

"Spare me the pleasantries..."

"It's true."

I'd met Licht after getting seriously ill in the capital. Naturally, I knew my current complexion couldn't compare to back then.

He skillfully summoned a nearby maid and ordered a tea table set up in the garden. The attending maids hurried off.

"Duke Jebert seems plenty busy here too."

Licht remarked, eyeing the line of carriages pulling in far off.

"Yeah, pretty much."

"But he still makes time for you often, huh? The spring subjugation's soon, right?"

I swung my legs dangling off the bench and nodded.

"Uh-huh. I heard it's right after the New Green Festival."

"So the knight order's gotten new recruits."

Including my childhood friend and a bunch of rookies.

"Yep. You know your stuff."

As I asked casually, Licht smiled and said, "Of course."

"It's been ages since I saw Old Duke Jebert too. He looks much healthier."

I turned and stared at Licht. The prince was reading the crests on the incoming carriages with a picturesque smile.

"Anything else fun happen in Zelox?"

As I watched his sparkling blond hair turned toward me, I quietly opened my mouth.

"Licht."

"Yeah?"

"Why are you probing me?"

"..."

A short silence fell.

A faint crack appeared on Licht's face. His calm mint-green eyes wavered for a moment.

"Seems like you're more curious about Dad than me... isn't that right?"

"...Rubian."

"If you're so curious about the duke's movements, wouldn't it be faster to ask him directly?"

"..."

"-Your Highness?"