Chapter 38

Chapter 38

***

Born for the 100th time, this place was peaceful compared to the other times.

However, the situation isn’t that good.

Beyond the mountains, there is the empire waiting for an opportunity, aiming for this place, but there was also the inside of the Parsian Kingdom.

‘The worst period seems to be before my mother got married, but…’

My mother, Tekira Endeblanc, was the only child to be conferred a title by the late king.

The lecherous late king had many concubines, including the queen.

Naturally, he had a lot of children, it is said that too many cooks will spoil the broth and it seems that the heated battle for the throne was messy.

[tn: too many cooks will spoil the broth: means that if too many people are involved in a task, it won’t be successful.]

They killed each other and died, and in the midst of that, my mother wisely survived.

However, my mother deeply disliked the royal family because of the many things she had experienced since childhood, and as a result, she lost her will to succeed the throne.

So, she decided to hand over the throne to her half-brother, the current king Luxius, who hid himself in silence and lived, and chose to marry my father.

‘My mother’s choice wasn’t really bad even after hearing what Choco found out.’

As much as he lacked capability, Luxius was timid.

Therefore, he did not ignore his vassals and did not want serious conflict with the nobles because he had no children.

Especially with the Duchy of Endeblanc.

‘Because the Duchy was the only one that could give him power if he needed it.’

In addition, the Duchy of Endeblanc was originally a house that made contributions to the Parsian Kingdom.

Being able to stand face to face with the empire without being eaten was also largely due to the power of Duke Endeblanc.

Even in the war that took place decades ago, my father went out himself and made a contribution.

‘It was also for the grand duchy that my parents took care of Mikhail.’

The king did not keep the Duchy of Endeblanc in check, but the Grand Duchy of Leventis was a different story.

The Grand Duchy was originally the Principality of Leventis, and instead of uniting with the kingdom of Parsian to keep the empire in check, it was a family that was given a title of grand duke instead.

‘So, originally, the Grand Duke should be called ‘Your highness’.’

[tn: this is because principalities are ruled by a prince as in a monarch, (a bit diff from princes in royal families) so they’re also addressed as ‘Your Highness’]

The royal family hinted at them, so the grand duke proclaimed himself as a grand duke and returned the title of ‘Your Highness’.

[tn: since the grand duke is not of royal blood so it’s kind of offensive to the royal family if he’s addressed as ‘Your Highness’]

‘Anyway, that’s how it is, but seeing that they’re worried that the situation will change due to the pregnancy…..’

In short, it’s either King Luxius is more ambitious than what is known to the public,

or he’s just greedy because he isn’t competent.

‘It’ll be annoying either way.’

It’s just annoying, this fight for the throne is not a big concern for me anyway.

A secret feud?

I’ve already experienced it dozens of times in a really brutal place.

‘Concubine Song was very professional.’

[tn: raw is ‘성귀비’ i don’t have any idea what that means but 귀비 is used to address concubines. As for 성 I’m not sure but maybe it’s a surname?]

Was it in the 76th world?

The skill of coating poison on the tip of the sleeves under one’s nose without even blinking was very amazing.

So I decided not to worry too much and just know the situation.

It’s because I’ll be able to protect my family anyway.

* * *

Well, even if it gets serious…….

“Hello, baby. Good morning.”

I’d feel less nervous when I see this kind of face as soon as I wake up.

“Can I give you a good morning kiss today?”

“Nwo.”

Rejecting Mikhail’s proposal at once, I stretched out my short arms and legs to the fullest and stood up.

“Why? You gave Damian and Laurentia permission. Aren’t I your older brother now as well?”

You’re right. You should do it first with your real friend, my brother.

It’s already been four days since Grand Duke Leventis and Mikhail came to visit the mansion, and today was none other than brother Damian’s birthday.

For the past three days, Mikhail would see the things my family did in the morning and evening and he would beg to do it as well.

Only to me.

‘I mean, you don’t even do it to my brother and you also don’t do it to Grand Duke Leventis.’

Damian, who saw my sister and I kiss him good night, also kissed Grand Duke Leventis on the cheek starting from the next day before going to bed.

Because that was natural in the duke’s mansion.

However, Mikhail had never kissed Grand Duke Leventis good night.

No, he only asked for it from me alone.

‘Although I’m shy I still do it to my parents because my parents do it first.’

Why is this guy showing his shamelessness to me only?

When I looked at him with a grumpy face, instead of kissing my cheek Mikhail urged me as if asking for my hand.

When I reluctantly handed over my hand, he kissed the back of my hand and smiled brightly.

“Then today as well, I’ll be going to morning practice. Will you play with me a little later?”

Of course, I didn’t reply to Mikhail’s words, but the boy left the room excitedly as if he was used to that as well.

‘Really, why does he like me so much?’

When it comes to a cute appearance, I think my sister’s side is more lovely.

The pink fluffy hair shook gently every time she moved, and her face was always smiling brightly.

So, it was none other than my sister who was adored the most even among the servants of the duke’s residence.

It’s because my sister would first greet everyone brightly.

To be honest, except for the fact that I’m a basic baby who has a sullen face, I don’t think there’s anything cute about me…..

When I slightly sighed as I thought that, the maid next to me laughed a little.

“Now, our youngest lady. No matter how much you hate it, you have to dress up nicely today.”

“Right, it’s the eldest young master’s birthday right?”

“I’m sure young master Damian is looking forward to seeing the youngest lady dress cutely and congratulate him.”

I slightly puffed my cheeks at those words.

What kind of rude misunderstanding are you having?

I was trying to express my bad mood.

“Oh, my. our lady. Even though my lady will quietly dress up well, she always does this just before getting dressed.”

“That’s right, look at this. This is the new dress that the madam bought for today!”

“Isn’t it cute? It’s decorated with the green color that the eldest young master likes.”

That’s not it, I really like brother Damian.

Suddenly, I felt very wronged because I was being treated as a whining child .

This is all because of that guy, Mikhail!

* * *

My brother’s birthday party was relatively calmer than my sister’s or mine.

It was also fascinating that most of the birthday gifts were books or types of writing supplies.

‘No matter how much he likes things like that, if he only receives such things, it’ll somehow feel like he’ll be forced to like it.’

Although, of course, the mature Damian would not show it.

Perhaps that was why what my parents prepared for Damian was completely different.

“Damian. Shall we go outside for a second?”

“Outside?”

My older brother, who reacted sincerely while looking at the various expensive books and stationery, nodded in doubt.

To my sister and me who followed outside, like a habit, my brother checked our outfits and my parents who saw that burst into laughter.

“Even on a day like this, our Damian is not our baby, but is acting his part as an older brother.”

“I know. Just who did he take after between the two of us?”

When my father said so with a serious face, my mother smiled and replied.

“Firstly, it’s not me, but dear, you’re also an only child, right?”

“That’s right, although I wanted a younger sibling.”

“Then, is it from your parents?”

“Perhaps so, my uncle always adored me.”

While my parents were having such a trivial conversation, my brother finished checking my sister’s outfit and mine to the point where he was satisfied.

Since it was at the end of October, it was slightly chilly even though it was daytime outside.

My brother firmly took care of my clothes so I could only guess so from the wind that touched my cheek.

“Come here, Damian. There’s a birthday present for you over here.”

The moment my parents pointed to one side, I rubbed my eyes as if in doubt.

It was because my brother’s eyes sparkled as if they were much happier than usual.

“Are you really giving me a pony?”

“That’s right, since Damian has now improved a lot in riding horses.”

At the words of our father, my brother could not hide his joy and came closer.

“Can you take good care of it?”

“Of course! I’ll work hard and ask the knights and learn.”

“Okay.”

As expected, my parents are different.

‘It’s because honestly, I thought my brother didn’t like things such as horseback riding or swordsmanship.’

Unlike Mikhail, who moves his body all day, he honestly seemed to like reading books much more.

However, as expected, what can be seen on the outside is not everything.

“Hm.”

And while looking at that sight, I could see the face of Grand Duke Leventis contemplating for a short time.

And the grandson who wasn’t cute.

“I like big horses.”

“I know.”

They were saying such blunt things.

* * *

Grand Duke Leventis said he would stay at the Duke’s mansion until the anniversary of the seal.

So even after my brother’s birthday, he remained in the duke’s mansion, but I was a little uncomfortable with this.

“Come here, my lady.”

For some reason, it seemed that Grand Duke Leventis was keeping an eye on the time when my sister, brother, and even Mikhail didn’t come and would visit me.

‘I somehow felt déjà vu.’

The Grand Duke’s grandson, who had given up his morning sleep and came running looking for time to meet with me alone, seemed to have doubled.