Lord Baby Runs A Romance Fantasy With Cash [EN]: Chapter 96

The Baby Runs the Romance Fantasy with Mommy’s Cash – Episode 97

☆ Chapter 97 ☆

“Didn’t Your Excellency say that a preemptive strike is essential? The one who moves first wins.”

“I don’t remember teaching you to stab your father in the back. Taking advantage of my absence from home.”

Since coming to the capital, Father had been going out frequently.

Starting with attending to imperial affairs at the palace, he also attended several gatherings.

Father looked at the hair ornament I was wearing, the shoes I had on, and the fan in my hand, and scoffed.

“Hah, it’s definitely certain you are my children.”

Father came over and pressed down on my head.

Somehow, it ended up being just the siblings going out, leaving Father out.

Was he very upset?

“Daddy, I bought apple pie! Let’s warm it up and eat it together with vanilla ice cream!”

A faint smile appeared on Father’s face.

“Yes, you must be tired from dragging those guys around. Go wash up.”

“Okay!”

I jumped down from Zeon’s arms and went to my room.

* * *

After washing up and chatting with my sisters, I felt much better.

I hummed and went to Father’s room.

The apple pie was delicious on its own, but how delicious would it be with ice cream?

I opened the door and saw Father leaning languidly against the sofa, half-reclined.

Ugh, he’s our father, but he really looks like a pictorial [a collection of pictures or photographs].

A gentle mana enveloped me and gently placed me in Father’s arms.

“Where are the brothers?”

“They said they didn’t want any.”

Is apple pie not their thing? I tilted my head.

Soon, Heinz, the head butler of the estate in the capital, brought warm apple pie topped with vanilla ice cream.

It looked very fancy.

As I stared at it with sparkling eyes, Father immediately gave me a bite.

“How is it?”

“It’s delicious!”

The hot and sweet apple filling inside the crispy pie crust, covered with cold and soft vanilla ice cream.

This doesn’t need milk or tea to drink with it.

It’s perfect on its own!

Father chuckled and gave me another bite.

I kept opening my mouth like a little bird, and then I came to my senses.

‘Hot, this isn’t it!’

Less than half of the apple pie remained on the plate.

“Now, Daddy, you eat!”

“I’m fine.”

“Is it because Daddy feels full just watching me eat?”

Father stared at me and then nodded.

“Yes, because you have a special ability to control the physical reactions of others.”

“……”

No, Daddy. That’s not it.

“Me too. When I see Daddy eating delicious things, my stomach feels full.”

Father’s eyes, looking at me, were very, very deep.

“That’s because we love each other. Right?”

“……Yes.”

A soft smile slowly appeared on Father’s lips.

“Then shall we share?”

“Yes!”

Father takes a bite, I take a bite. Father takes a bite, then I take another bite.

That’s how we shared the remaining apple pie.

After we finished eating, Father opened a small box placed on the table.

“What is this?”

“A gift for my daughter’s debut into society.”

Father said as he put a necklace around my neck. It was a ruby necklace with a very deep and rich color, like Father’s eyes.

“But to think I’d be beaten to the punch by those guys.”

I laughed because I had heard that somewhere before.

“Ares said the same thing to Ixion.”

“I guess they have my blood in them too.”

Father pressed down on my head.

“Did you enjoy your outing today?”

“Yes, the streets are splendid, there are many people, and there are plenty of things to see! Yutra’s atelier is huge!”

I was excited and talking, but I saw Father’s expression and realized my mistake.

“Hah, but I felt empty without Daddy.”

Only then did a smile return to Father’s face.

“Did anything else happen?”

“Ah, I ran into Clartier for a moment. She’s still the same.”

Father’s eyes narrowed.

“But I taught her a lesson!”

When I boasted, Father chuckled.

“Good job.”

“I don’t think she’s come to her senses yet… but it’s no fun to knock her down all at once, right?”

“That’s true.”

“She’ll definitely come to the Dawn Festival. I’m going to flatten her nose then.”

“Who did she take after to be so sharp?”

“I take after Daddy.”

I smiled brightly.

Father chuckled and cupped my cheeks.

“Yes, you are my daughter, so you took after me completely.”

Warm Father’s embrace. The hand patting my back felt very good.

After enjoying the warmth, I hesitated and then asked.

“But aren’t you going to stop me?”

“From what?”

“From flattening Clartier’s nose and causing a ruckus at the Dawn Festival.”

“Lulu, I wouldn’t stop you from doing what you want to do. I know you can do it well enough.”

Father flicked my nose as if I was worrying about nothing.

“And it’s okay if you don’t do well.”

It’s okay if I don’t do well.

Father was the first person to say that to me.

I was always anxious to do well. Even then, I felt like it wasn’t enough, and my heart felt heavy.

Maybe that’s how people living in modern Earth are?

“Okay!”

When I smiled brightly, Father pinched my cheek.

“However, I am worried that you might get hurt in the process.”

“Honestly, I might.”

I nodded obediently.

“I don’t think I’ll be particularly affected by what Clartier said, but as I meet many people in society, I will definitely stumble and break.”

Father’s eyes darkened.

Even though it hadn’t happened yet, he looked ready to tear the other person’s body to pieces right away.

“But so what?”

I put my hands on my hips and puffed out my stomach.

“I have our Daddy, who is a panacea [a remedy for all ills or difficulties]!”

I hugged Father tightly.

I can get up again as many times as I need to, and I can heal my wounded heart.

Because I have my family.

“Your panacea will always be waiting.”

Father chuckled and kissed my cheek.

“Go and have fun.”

“Okay!”

Chapter 22. This Body Appears!

The capital was buzzing with excitement for the Dawn Festival, which was being held for the first time in four years.

Newspapers and gossip magazines were constantly churning out articles, and people gathered to talk about it.

It was only natural, as it was a place to select the next generation to lead society.

“Who will be the next Eos and Aurora?”

Taking the names of Eos, the god of dawn, and Aurora, the goddess of dawn, the winners of the Dawn Festival were called that.

It meant they were beings who would bring a new dawn to the empire.

“For Aurora, wouldn’t it be Lady Tarenka? I saw her the other day, and she was very mature.”

“Lady Tarenka is the only one who can take care of that tomboy, Lady Pochette.”

“Ah, definitely. She’s quite good at mediating between the children and is well-versed in etiquette.”

“So, Aurora is Lady Tarenka after all?”

“Oh, you never know. They say that Princess Paeraton is participating in the Dawn Festival!”

“Is that true? Many people say it’s just a rumor.”

“If it’s true, we can finally see the rumored princess.”

“But she hasn’t shown her face at any gatherings yet. She’s participating in the Dawn Festival right away? It would be better to gain some social experience before going out……”

“Hmm, then is it just a rumor after all? She’s only ten years old. It would be better to participate at fourteen.”

“You never know. She’s a Paeraton.”

“But without mana, wouldn’t she be just like an ordinary child?”

“How was your experience, madam? You attended the old princess’s birthday party.”

“She was a very cute little girl. How lovely she looked cutting a big cake. Who would have thought such a daughter would come from Duke Paeraton?”

“Oh, not that.”

“Hmm, she seemed intelligent…… but I don’t really know if she had any Paeraton-like qualities.”

“Still, they say that Princess Paeraton created the Black Death cure.”

“There’s a lot of talk about that too.”

“We’ll see how it goes.”

“What about Eos?”

“Well, for Eos, there’s the prince…… The imperial family participates from the finals.”

“But they say that Count Delvatren is also attending.”

“Count Delvatren is a bit…….”

“Ah, that’s true.”

With everyone’s attention focused, the first day of the Dawn Festival dawned.

* * *

“Lady Clartier, this way.”

“Lady Clartier is radiant today as well.”

Clartier smiled kindly as she looked at the ladies gathering around her.

She was truly one of the central figures of the next generation of society.

Not everyone participates in the Dawn Festival aiming to win.

This was a golden opportunity to build connections.

There were many boys and girls who supported promising candidates, trying to get noticed in advance.

Looking around, everyone’s attention was focused on her.

From people openly showing favor to people nervous about the appearance of a strong competitor, and even people looking at her with admiration.

“Lady Tarenka, it’s an honor to meet you.”

“Our sister is thinking of holding a small tea party. If you’re interested……”

Young masters from influential families were eager to talk to her.

Clartier covered her lips with her fan and raised the corners of her mouth.

‘It was worth the effort I’ve put in.’

It was the moment Clartier was about to open her mouth leisurely.

“Huh? Isn’t that Princess Paeraton?”

“Oh my gosh, it’s really Princess Paeraton.”

“Princess Paeraton came?”

The gazes of the people who had been looking at Clartier turned to the entrance all at once.

Luatia Paeraton entered the hall, receiving everyone’s attention at once.

“She feels different from the portrait.”

“As expected, a Paeraton is a Paeraton. It’s her first time in society, and she doesn’t know anyone, but look at how she’s not intimidated at all.”

“Oh my gosh, that dress is so pretty…… Is it Yutra’s new work?”

“I, is it okay for her to be here? If we get sick……”

“It’s okay. They say she doesn’t have mana [magical energy or power].”

Princess Paeraton, no, including both princesses and princes, no one from the Paeraton ducal family had ever participated in the Dawn Festival.

It was also because of mana, but because they were such a closed-off family, they often didn’t attend official events.

A mysterious family with mysterious powers.

It was enough to instill dreams and fantasies in the hearts of young boys and girls.

And also to arouse wariness.

Everyone looked at Luatia with faces mixed with curiosity, worry, expectation, and anxiety.

And Clartier didn’t like this situation.

‘She’s only just appeared, but why is everyone making such a fuss……!’

With nothing but the name of Paeraton, she’s stealing the attention that I should be receiving.

‘And she doesn’t even have a drop of Paeraton blood in her!’

She was like this when she was young, but how can she be so shameless?

It was then.

“His Majesty the Emperor, Her Majesty the Empress, Her Highness the Imperial Concubine, and His Highness the Prince are entering!”

The voice of the announcer echoed loudly in the hall.

The young ladies and young masters, who had been murmuring at the appearance of the imperial family, took their places and paid their respects.

The Emperor seemed quite amused and pleased that the children, who were still in their early teens, were doing so, and said with a hearty laugh.

“Everyone, raise your heads. I must see the faces of the future leaders who will be responsible for the empire.”

At those words, everyone carefully and respectfully raised their heads.

The Emperor’s gaze, which had been examining the faces of the children, lingered on Luatia for a moment.

In an instant, a strange light flickered in the Emperor’s eyes.

He continued speaking in a kind voice without showing any expression.

“Everyone, just looking at your faces, I can see intelligence flowing. The future of the empire is bright. The Dawn Festival is an opportunity for you to showcase your skills, which will bring a new dawn to the empire. If you have any ambitions, now is not the time to refuse. I hope it will be a place to hone your strengths through friendly competition.”

Luatia glanced at the faces of the imperial family, vaguely listening to the Emperor’s long congratulatory speech.

The Emperor had several more concubines, but the only ones who had been appointed as imperial consorts were the Empress and the Imperial Concubine, who were present at the official event.

Everything that happened inside the harem [the separate part of a Muslim household reserved for wives, concubines, and female servants] was a secret.

‘Didn’t Sid return to the palace? Or is it simply because he’s the son of a concubine that he doesn’t come to these events.’

In this generation, the children of concubines have never come out of the harem.

They don’t even know how many children there are, so that says it all.

‘Considering that there was such a ban, it might be fortunate that he didn’t return to the imperial palace.’

Regardless of the imperial family or anything else, living freely as a commoner would be happier for Sid too.

‘If he didn’t come back, I really won’t see him in the future.’

How did this grandma raise him?

Luatia wore a bitter smile because she was relieved on the one hand, but also a little sad.

* * *

After finishing the congratulatory speech, the Emperor, who was busy with state affairs, left the seat right away.

The young ladies and young masters, who had been inspired by the Emperor’s congratulatory speech, were talking with flushed faces.

Among them, there was someone approaching me.

“Luatia, I was too flustered last time to properly greet you. I’m glad you seem to be doing well.”

Clartier smiled brightly and spoke in a friendly manner.

I could feel the attention focusing on us in an instant.

Ah.

She’s going to use my fame here?

There were two ways to deal with it.

I could also start an personality battle, pretending to be friendly and kind.

Or一

“Do I know you?”

Why do you keep trying to join our family without knowing your place?

一cut her off.