The Youngest Hides a Lot of Things [Novel] Chapter 80

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 80

Chapter Title: The Youngest is Hiding a Lot

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But I got caught before I could even slip out of the greenhouse.

Of course, by Grandfather's hand.

"You don't smell. It wasn't because you hadn't washed that he avoided you."

"You're late."

"It's true. He said his heart keeps fluttering whenever you show up..."

"What?"

"...that it calms him. It seems like he came to soothe you right now? Old Duke."

Khalid left those words behind and vanished in a hurry. As payback for skipping training for days, he was immediately off to the training grounds.

I sat back down at the tea table with Grandfather.

My clothes were a mess, covered in dirt from crouching on the floor. But Grandfather insisted on pulling me onto his lap.

"Are you really forgiving this old grandpa of yours?"

His eyes, more tense than ever, fixed on me. I shook my head vigorously.

"I was the one who messed up."

I was the one who'd lied, yet strangely, everyone in House Jebert was apologizing to me. Grandfather was no exception.

"To dare roll my granddaughter—more precious than gold—in the training grounds... I deserve divine punishment! Strike me with a lightning bolt of atonement!"

"Waaah! This is the greenhouse—no lightning here!"

Grandfather pounded the ground in anguished regret. The sight made me burst out laughing for some reason.

"Eung. The fault lies entirely with Leviathan. Our Ruby did ab~solutely nothing wrong."

"Heh. See, Grandfather? Everything's fine. You didn't make me roll around in the training grounds."

It had just been a fun PE class, after all.

I stretched my arms up above my head.

"Thanks to it, I've even grown taller! See?"

"Hic..."

"..."

He was crying out of nowhere like this.

"Where did this precious little booger come from, sticking right here?"

Grandfather pulled me into a tight hug. I could feel him straining not to crush me with his rock-hard body.

"How much worry you've caused me all this time..."

A sigh-like murmur seeped into my ear.

I pulled away and flashed a big grin.

"Looks like Grandfather's turned into a crybaby too. Just like me."

"You got that right."

The Old Duke pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and blew his nose loudly.

The sun had already climbed high overhead. We'd snacked, but lunch was still pending.

My stomach let out a loud gurgle, and Grandfather stood without hesitation.

"I brought cooks from the ducal residence. Told them to make all your favorites, so let's hurry!"

"Yay, the cooks!"

I'm excited!

I clung tightly to Grandfather as he strode forward. Every so often, he'd glance down at me and sniff dramatically.

"Where's Dad, anyway?"

I asked lightly to change the subject. Grandfather hummed thoughtfully before answering slowly.

"Off to meet the emperor's whelp."

"Huh? Why?"

Aren't all the kidnappers already dealt with?

"The New Green Festival starts the day after tomorrow."

"Oh."

"He dashed off like a bat out of hell. Good thing I handed over the family head position."

Grandfather cackled, delighting in his son's misery.

Only then did I notice how bustling the mansion was. Carriages streaming in and out nonstop, people scurrying about.

The real festival is about to begin.

I stared blankly at the scene.

Even if I end up telling them I'm a mage... I should do it after we get back to Zelox.

It was an important talk on my end, so I wanted to do it somewhere quiet, with plenty of time.

Including Q&A, it might take a good long while...

I'm still a bit torn about it, though...

My clasped hands fidgeted.

They won't disown me, yelling 'Enemy blood flows in your veins!' or something, right?

No, no. My family wouldn't do that.

I soothed myself, calming my trembling heart.

A week at most.

I'd think it over properly during the New Green Festival.

Cough, cough. A small cough followed.

Ballock stared at Rubian's plump forehead.

The conversation he'd had with Leviathan while the child slept came back unbidden.

"Why on earth would Ruby hide her gender?!"

"...Her dead master's child was a girl, so she feared her own gender might become a weakness."

"Hah. She must've kept quiet, scared of not being accepted."

Ballock groaned softly.

How deep must this child's wounds be?

Apparently, thanks to her parents or whatever, she'd grown up so harshly that even recalling her past was difficult.

Still, to learn about Rubian, Leviathan was investigating Iosiah.

Well, necessary procedure for formal adoption, I suppose.

No, but those XX X XX bastards!

How did they treat this kid to make her shrink like this?!

This adorable little booger who deserves nothing but love!

Ballock swallowed curses too foul to voice.

"Ruby, don't forget. You're a Jebert now—a cherished youngest of our house. Always remember that. Got it?"

At his low voice, sparkling blue eyes turned to him. Rubian hesitated a moment before answering softly.

"...Yes."

The endearing weight against his arm—that was what Ballock cherished most.

A faint breeze made the child cough again.

She had a cold, and the residual cough seemed persistent. Ballock scowled and strode into the mansion.

"Eat up, then take your medicine quick. Grandpa will feed you."

"...Teacher Borvel's medicine is super bitter."

"What? I oughta kick that guy's butt and make him bring back something sweet!"

"Eek, I misspoke! Don't do that. I can have candy after the medicine!"

"Hmm. Alright then. I'll have him bring tons of candy. Grandpa will do whatever our Ruby wants. Who’s my wittle cutie?"

"Ack! Beard! Beard!"

Rubian flailed in distress before suddenly lifting her head with a gasp.

Her tiny fingers moved nimbly, snip-snip.

"Hee hee."

His chin felt strangely refreshed.

"Huh? What's this?"

His gaze drifted to the mirror on the wall. Inside was an old man with his beard braided into three strands.

Blinking, Ballock soon burst into booming laughter.

"Kahahaha! I look gorgeous!"

Rubian clamped her hands over her ears, but he couldn't hold back. Servants gathered, wondering what was happening.

"Morris! Look at me! I’m gorgeous now!"

"...You look splendid, sir."

"Kahahaha!"

His hearty laughter echoed through the entire mansion.

This precious, cute little one who’d come into his life one day.

He would protect her with these hands, no matter what.

Rubian nuzzling his cheek anew, Ballock felt it deeply.

"Our youngest with fingertips full of pluck!"

This Ballock Jebert.

In his old age, he’d gained the cutest, most lovable granddaughter!

"Long time no see, Duke."

The emperor smiled brightly.

Deliberately cheeky.

Leviathan snorted.

"Didn't we meet just days ago?"

"That was the demon duke. The normal one’s been a while."

The emperor lounged in casual attire at the head seat.

He’d sorted the kidnapping incident right after arriving in Ipson and stayed at the imperial villa. With the princes.

"Sit already."

Maids bustled preparing tea.

Leviathan placed a document beside the steaming teacup.

"Hm. Here to dump adoption papers, I see."

"Process them."

A request—or a threat.

"I'm busy. Gotta salvage this year's ruined New Green Festival."

The emperor shot the duke a mild glare. But he took the papers without more grumbling.

"Fine. My wayward son owes you this time."

Licht getting tangled in the kidnapping was unexpected.

According to Licht, a child named Rubian had handled it quite calmly.

Indeed, material worthy of becoming Lady Jebert.

For the first time, the emperor felt intrigued by the girl.