SHC14_C14 "The Ones Involved Aren’t Always In the Loop"

 

CHAPTER 14

"The Ones Involved Aren’t Always In the Loop"

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“So, to recap—while Father and Professor Romanov were having a heated discussion, things started getting…tense. Utsunomiya-san went to fetch Rottenmeier-san to de-escalate the situation. In the meantime, Regulus-kun got bored and decided to explore the mansion. That’s when he and I went tumbling down the stairs. Does that about sum it up?”

Nice to meet you again. After surviving a storm of chaos over the last day or so, I’m emotionally exhausted. I’m Hōchō Kikunoi (age 5). How’s everyone else doing?

Currently, I’m sitting in the middle of a debriefing to find out why I’m bandaged up like a mummy and why Regulus—aka Gold-Haired Mochi-Squeezer—is curled up on my lap, still casually kneading my belly fat while he naps.

The maid girl bowed her head.

“Yes, I looked away from Regulus-sama for just a moment, and as a result, Young Master, you—”

“Oh, no, no need to apologize. Besides…”

Sure, it's not a good idea to divert your attention from a child, but if I wasn't hallucinating, the true issue lies elsewhere.

My mother’s attendant: Sebastian.

Unless I imagined it, that guy shoved Regulus. Compared to that, Utsunomiya-san’s slip-up was practically harmless.

But… even if I were to point and declare, “You’re the culprit!” there’s no way that man would admit it.

As I sat there stewing in frustration, Professor Romanov nodded.

“Utsunomiya-san has also said that your little brother didn’t fall on his own…”

“Let me guess—she said something like, ‘I reached out to catch him but didn’t make it in time… and anyway, shouldn’t someone else be blamed for poor supervision?’ Something like that?”

“Exactly that.”

Figures.

As we all sat there nodding, Utsunomiya-san muttered under her breath:

“…That’s not what I meant, though.”atWhat I heard at the other estate about the Young Master was different. I apologize!”

She bowed again, her ash-blonde hair swaying as she did.

She looked about twelve or thirteen. Hazel eyes, a calm demeanor… another beauty, of course.

Do beautiful people attract other beautiful people?

As I pondered this weird law of aesthetics, Rottenmeier-san raised an eyebrow. Uh-oh. To avoid a scolding, I quickly redirected the conversation.

“That estate belongs to Regulus-kun’s mother’s family, right?”

“Y-Yes. Right before the master returned there, the lady’s parents passed away one after the other… The head maid, who was her wet nurse, and her husband—the steward—are now managing the household. I… I was sold off due to poverty and taken in to assist Lady Regulus and her son.”

“I see… I’m very sorry to hear that. Please accept my condolences for her family.”

“Thank you. On behalf of Regulus-sama, I’m grateful.”

“Well, now that you’ll be living here, if anything comes up, don’t hesitate to ask for help.”

Utsunomiya-san lifted her skirt slightly and gave a proper curtsy, proving she was well-trained.

Rottenmeier-san’s expression softened slightly as she sighed.

“That household probably doesn’t think too fondly of ours. I can only imagine the kind of stories you’ve heard over there…”

“Um… I was told that Regulus-sama isn’t welcome here, so I should be vigilant in protecting him…”

“Ah, of course.”

It’s only natural.

From their perspective, our family is the one that stole away their precious daughter’s lover—and now their grandson is being raised in the house of that other woman. I can’t imagine they’d feel charitable.

Frankly, up until recently—actually, maybe even now—I wasn’t worth much to anyone either.

“It’s hard to resent someone you didn’t even know existed until a few days ago…”

“Eh? Oh… I didn’t realize.”

“Yeah, I didn’t even know the full story about my own family. So there’s no way I could’ve harbored ill will.”

I gave a bitter smile and gently stroked Regulus-kun’s fluffy golden hair. It felt like petting a small animal.

Then Utsunomiya-san leaned forward with a serious look.

“Forgive me, but… now that you do know Regulus-sama, how do you feel about him?”

“Well, it’s complicated. But whatever happened between me and my parents… it doesn’t concern this tiny person here.”

This is where I draw upon my past life experiences and perspectives.

Look, if my parents hated me because of Regulus, then maybe I’d have a reason to resent him.

But I was already unwanted before he showed up.

So whether he’s here or not doesn’t matter—my parents’ feelings toward me are the same.

As I explained this, Utsunomiya-san’s brows drooped with worry. Yeah, sorry for the depressing monologue.

“I suppose… part of me envies him. Father looked at him with such warmth. He even lifted him up in his arms. I don’t think he’s ever looked at me like that. I barely even know their faces or voices…”

“Young Master…”

“But it’s just pointless jealousy. There's no justification for venting my feelings on Regulus-kun. Still, to avoid any awkwardness, I’ll keep my distance. That’s probably what Father wants anyway.”

Besides, standing next to a beautiful kid only makes my insecurities worse.

Better we just stay out of each other’s way.

…Or so I thought.

Mochi mochi. Mochi mochi. I can't stop eating them.

“…Um, why is Regulus-kun still kneading my belly fat like that?”

“E-Erm… I’m not really sure!”

Utsunomiya-san said it with an innocent smile, like it was the most natural thing in the world.

He was squeezing and squishing my thighs and belly like dough. Endlessly.

Maybe… just maybe…

“Was Regulus-kun’s mother perhaps, um, as plump… or, let’s say, as full-figured as I am?”

“Oh, not at all! She was slender and fair-skinned—like a snow fairy, ethereal and stunning!”

Oof. Why did I ask?

I sighed deeply, and at that moment, Professor Romanov gently placed a hand on my shoulder.

I looked up to see him smiling warmly.

“Hōchō-kun, your little brother will only be staying here for two or three more days before returning to the capital.”

“Ah, I see.”

“So don’t worry too much. It’s not like you’ll be seeing him regularly.”

If that's the case, I can monitor Sebastian for a few days, which should suffice.

Still… If they’re only here for such a short time, why come at all?

Before I could voice the question, Utsunomiya-san suddenly glared sharply at Romanov-sensei.

Ignoring Rottenmeier-san’s attempt to stop her, she said:

“You don’t get to decide that on your own!”

“I was hired to instruct him, and I’ve declined. That should be the end of it.”

“Your reason for refusing isn’t good enough!”

“Why should I need your approval?”

That silenced her. Romanov-sensei’s eyes narrowed, unusually annoyed.

While the adults argued, Regulus made himself comfortable on my belly—again. He was now officially napping. Heavy.

“Not just me—Master isn’t satisfied either!”

“And why should that matter?”

“Because as Young Master’s tutor, you serve his father. You’re employed by the same man as us!”

Utsunomiya-san persisted in his argument, yet Romanov-sensei remained unfazed.

Romanov-sensei remained unmoved.

In fact, he even scoffed.

This kind, cheerful man was suddenly acting… kind of terrifying. I stopped patting Regulus’s belly in shock.

Even Rottenmeier-san went pale.

“Professor Romanov, I apologize for her rudeness. Please, forgive her.”

“No need, Rottenmeier-san. She’s not even officially part of your household yet, is she? And if she were, it’s not your place to apologize. That responsibility falls to the count or countess. A servant’s misstep reflects on their master.”

Indeed, he's undoubtedly treading on dangerous territory at this point.

His usual gentle smile was nowhere to be found—only a chilling pressure filled the air. Even Regulus woke up from his nap.

“You think I serve some lowborn count’s son-in-law? Don’t make me laugh.”

Rottenmeier-san, her face as pale as a ghost, bowed and excused herself from the room.

“Wait… Romanov-sensei, are you…?”

“Hmm?”

“Are you actually… a very important person?”

He gave me his usual warm, mischievous smile and placed a finger to his lips.

“That’s a secret. For now.”

Bachiiin! A dramatic wink struck me with lightning speed.

Apparently, it's now trendy for hot people to slay the white pig with beauty.

EUNIE: Tbh I'm new in blogger. So I'm not used to this kind of format. Weebly was so much easier as I just have to drag the elements and placed my translation. Here? I have to adjust a lot of things. siiigh.

Thanks for reading~

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