Lord Baby Runs A Romance Fantasy With Cash [EN]: Chapter 187

Sidrian’s veins bulged on the back of his hand.

At the same time, Muriel’s skin turned dark blue.

“Kuhuk, huh, eugh…….”

With a gurgling groan, black blood flowed from her mouth.

Sidrian’s eyes, watching her, were covered with a dark and heavy murderous intent, making it impossible to recognize their original color. A light that seemed not of a human.

Muriel, who had been cackling even as she was dying, instinctively stiffened her entire body at that moment.

Seeing her, Sidrian smiled, a chilling expression that promised pain.

*Swish.*

With a clean, swift motion, Muriel’s right leg was severed.

“Kuaaaaaa!”

The severed surface instantly froze, stopping the bleeding. The abrupt cauterization only amplified the agony.

Sidrian passed by Muriel, who was unable to come to her senses due to the pain from the amputation and the severe cold. He fought down the urge to tear her limb from limb.

*Not killing her yet.*

‘Not yet,’ he reminded himself.

Just in case she might be needed to save Ruatisha.

That single, slender possibility was the only thing keeping Muriel alive.

Sidrian approached the large, blood-red sphere once more.

This time slowly, cautiously, so as not to be repelled.

However…

*Thud!*

The moment he touched the sphere, his body flew away just as before. The force was undiminished.

He crashed straight into the hard wall, but Sidrian got up immediately, as if he couldn’t feel the pain. His determination was absolute.

And then he approached the sphere again.

*Thud!*

Again.

*Thud!*

Again and again.

Even as his back was torn apart, Sidrian did not hesitate for a single moment. Each impact was a testament to his resolve.

He just kept approaching the sphere in different ways, testing its defenses, seeking a weakness.

* * *

As if a curtain was being drawn back, the red-tinged surroundings slowly began to regain their color. The oppressive crimson faded, revealing a landscape beneath.

‘Here…….’

But the scenery that began to appear clearly was not the tea house I had been in. It was alien, unfamiliar.

No, it wasn’t even the world I lived in. This was something else entirely.

Red sky and black trees, three moons hanging in the sky.

‘It’s a completely different world…….’

“Cough, cough!”

A cough burst out, raw and painful.

My breathing was constricted, shallow and ragged.

But no matter how much I coughed, the stuffiness didn’t go away. The air itself felt thick, wrong.

Then, I heard an eerie sound from behind. A skittering, scraping noise that sent shivers down my spine.

Like the sound of a cockroach crawling, no, several times more chilling than that. A sound that promised something monstrous.

Gurgle, gurgle.

Creak.

Suppressing the feeling that I didn’t want to turn around, the primal urge to flee, I slowly turned around. Dread coiled in my stomach.

“……!”

Even a scream didn’t come out. My vocal cords seemed paralyzed by fear.

A monster with half-rotted flesh dripping, its form unrecognizable, stood before me. A grotesque parody of life.

A monster with arthropod legs like a spider and at least ten eyes. Each one a pinpoint of cold, alien intelligence.

The ten eyes, each moving separately, were fixed on me. I was its sole focus.

At that moment, the hairy, grotesque spider leg was raised high. A deliberate, menacing gesture.

The sharp claws shone with a heavy light, as if made of steel. They were weapons, honed by nightmare.

Before I could even react, the spider’s leg plunged straight down on me. I braced for the inevitable.

* * *

The elegantly drawn signature stopped midway. The ink flow faltered, leaving a blot on the page.

Duke Paeraton lifted his fountain pen, examining it with a critical eye.

‘The ink is out.’

He took out an ink bottle directly from his desk drawer and carefully filled the fountain pen. A ritual he had performed countless times.

Originally, it was one of the butler’s jobs to constantly fill the head of the family’s fountain pen with ink. A small, but essential service.

But for the past four years, Duke Paeraton had been filling the fountain pen himself. A personal task, imbued with meaning.

Because it was a gift his precious youngest daughter had given him when she was seven years old. A cherished memento.

How could he entrust this precious and valuable thing to someone else? It was a tangible link to his daughter.

“It’s a promise. Whenever the ink doesn’t come out, you have to rest!”

“Well, Your Grace. With Your Excellency’s stamina, you don’t really need to rest一.”

“No. I know my dad better. My dad gets sick if he doesn’t get sunlight.”

“Is Your Excellency some kind of flower?”

Even the sight of his daughter hugging his neck tightly and sticking her tongue out at Baron Erckel, saying “Meh,” was vividly remembered as if it were yesterday. A precious memory, replayed in his mind.

A faint smile appeared on Duke Paeraton’s indifferent face. A rare glimpse of warmth.

“And, and. This is a more important promise.”

“What is it?”

“Think of me every time you use the fountain pen.”

How could he forget that face, smiling shyly? The innocent sincerity in her eyes.

Did his daughter know?

That he was always thinking of her more than anything else. She was the center of his world.

There was no need to think of her every time he used the fountain pen. She was always present in his thoughts.

Duke Paeraton got up from his seat and went outside the office. A sudden impulse, driven by paternal affection.

‘I heard she went to meet Countess Eisel in the suburbs. I should feed her something delicious when she gets back.’ He wanted to spoil her, to ensure her happiness.

His daughter, who had been drooping like a wet puppy, was regaining her composure and strength these days. He had noticed the subtle shift in her demeanor.

He had to feed her well, especially at times like this. Nourishment for both body and soul.

As Duke Paeraton was going down the stairs, he noticed a commotion in the lobby. A flurry of activity that disrupted the usual calm.

His three sons were at the center of the commotion, their voices raised in argument.

“What are you doing?” he asked, his voice carrying a hint of paternal authority.

At Duke Paeraton’s words, Zeon, Ares, and Ixion raised their heads at the same time, their expressions a mixture of defiance and embarrassment.

The Duke’s gaze shifted from his sons to their surroundings. He surveyed the scene with a critical eye.

There were three house-sized dolls in the spacious lobby. Absurdly large and undeniably extravagant.

‘Sheep, rabbit, dog?’ he observed, cataloging the bizarre objects.

“It seems the gifts for the young lady overlapped,” Baron Erckel whispered from the side, attempting to explain the situation with a nervous smile.

“I ordered first. You guys give up,” Zeon declared, his tone brooking no argument.

“Ha, first? You need to get your facts straight. Did you get a hole drilled in your brain or something?” Ares retorted, his voice laced with sarcasm.

Duke Paeraton frowned as he watched his sons growl as if they had met their parents’ enemy. The childish squabble irritated him.

‘Why are they fighting over something like that? They must not have much to do.’ He sighed inwardly, lamenting their lack of focus.

It was then.

Ares, who had been exuding murderous intent, smiled softly. A sudden, unsettling shift in his demeanor.

“Originally, sheep are the best for sleeping. In the end, for a comfortable sleep, my sister will bury herself in a sheep doll and sleep well,” he said, his voice almost gentle.

An unusual light flickered in Duke Paeraton’s eyes, who had been looking pathetic until then. A spark of understanding, perhaps even amusement.

‘The purpose of such a big doll is to bury oneself in it and sleep?’ He considered the idea, a faint smile playing on his lips.

On the other hand, Baron Erckel shook his head, watching the three men barking and snapping at each other. He was used to their antics, but the sheer scale of the absurdity was still remarkable.

“Oh my, the young masters are getting more and more like this as they get older一.”

“Cat too,” Duke Paeraton interjected, his voice surprisingly firm.

“Yes?” Baron Erckel blinked, momentarily taken aback.

“Order a cat too,” the Duke repeated, his gaze unwavering.

“…….”

Did I hear wrong? Baron Erckel looked at Duke Paeraton with trembling eyes, seeking confirmation of the bizarre request.

But his lord’s eyes were more determined than ever. The Duke was serious.

“Make it twice, no, three times bigger than those things,” he commanded, gesturing towards the already enormous dolls.

“Ye-es…….” Baron Erckel nodded awkwardly, struggling to maintain his composure.

Even in the midst of that fight, the three brothers must have heard Duke Paeraton’s words, as they raised their heads sharply, their bickering momentarily forgotten.

“That’s not fair!” Zeon protested.

“Cutting in line!” Ares added, his voice indignant.

“I don’t really like something that big!” Ixion grumbled, though his tone lacked conviction.

Duke Paeraton looked down at his sons and gave a crooked smile. A hint of mischief danced in his eyes.

“That’s for my daughter to decide一.”

Duke Paeraton’s relaxed face hardened in an instant. The playful expression vanished, replaced by a mask of grim determination.

“Your Grace?” Baron Erckel asked, his voice filled with concern.

Duke Paeraton’s gaze was directed at the distant void. His eyes were fixed on something unseen, something terrifying.

*Thud!*

Baron Erckel was horrified by the Duke’s bizarre behavior of suddenly leaping off the railing. A reckless act that defied explanation.

Duke Paeraton lunged forward as soon as he landed. His movements were swift and purposeful, driven by an urgent need.

The afterimage of black mana followed him like wings. A dark aura of power surrounded him.

The people around him could only gape, unable to react. They were frozen in place, witnesses to an inexplicable event.

It was the first time they had seen him, who was always so relaxed, move so urgently. The transformation was startling.

“Father?” Zeon called out, his voice filled with alarm.

Duke Paeraton’s movement, which seemed like nothing could stop it, stopped for a moment. He hesitated, his internal conflict evident.

Every minute and second was urgent, and he didn’t want to stop at all, but…

He knew very well what that child meant to his sons. The bond they shared was undeniable.

“The defensive barrier I placed on Ruatisha has been activated,” he announced, his voice grim.

“……!”

The faces of the three brothers hardened like wax dolls. The color drained from their faces, replaced by a look of stark terror.

Duke Paeraton didn’t wait any longer and turned around. He resumed his headlong rush, his purpose renewed.

His three sons followed behind him, their initial shock replaced by a shared sense of urgency.

* * *

The Paeraton men were stunned to see the building that was almost half destroyed. The devastation was a testament to the power at play.

They headed towards the place where they could feel a presence without saying a word. Their focus was singular, their determination unwavering.

But the figure of the child they had been hoping for was not there. Their hopes were dashed, replaced by a gnawing fear.

Instead, there was only a woman on the verge of death and a boy who kept approaching the blood-red circle even after being bounced off several times. A scene of chaos and despair.

“Prince Sidrian?” Ixion murmured, his voice barely audible.

Sidrian turned to look at them at Ixion’s murmur. His movements were slow, almost mechanical.

Violet eyes that seemed to have lost their light and were fading away. The vibrant color was muted, replaced by a dull emptiness.

No explanation was needed. The situation was clear, the danger palpable.

Duke Paeraton approached the huge sphere, his gaze fixed on its pulsating surface.

“I can feel the mana of the defensive barrier beyond this,” he stated, his voice calm despite the turmoil within.

It was faint, as if something was blocking it, but it was certain. A glimmer of hope in the face of overwhelming despair.

The moment the Duke reached out to the sphere,

*Thud!*

Similarly, his body was pushed into the air. The force was relentless, indiscriminate.

Duke Paeraton frowned as he landed in the air using mana. He maintained his balance, his control absolute.

Seeing this, Zeon, Ares, and Ixion rushed in and struck with mana, but the result did not change. Their efforts were futile, the sphere impervious.

“Ruatisha!” Zeon cried out, his voice filled with anguish.

“My youngest!” Ares echoed, his voice raw with emotion.

The three men called out to their youngest sister with a heart-wrenching feeling, as if spitting out blood. Their despair was palpable.

“It’s no use, ha…….” A raspy voice broke the silence, filled with a chilling satisfaction.

The Paeraton men’s gazes turned sharply at the voice coming from the woman lying like a corpse. Their eyes narrowed, their anger ignited.

“A gate that has swallowed a sacrifice will never, ever open again. Now, only closing remains…….”

*Thwack!*

Ixion’s figure disappeared and reappeared above Muriel. His movements were lightning fast, fueled by rage.

Blue flames surged in Ixion’s eyes as he expressionlessly glared at Muriel, holding her by the neck. His gaze was devoid of mercy.

Muriel coughed, suffocating, but still giggled. Her defiance was unwavering, even in the face of death.

“Your precious youngest…… ugh, will be torn apart and eaten by monsters, slowly, one by one. First the fingers, the hair, then, yes, those pretty blue eyes一 for sure!” Her words were venomous, designed to inflict maximum pain.

Black mana spewed out from behind Muriel’s back. A dark energy pulsed around her, a testament to her malevolence.

Ixion slowly unfolded the hand that had been holding her neck. His grip loosened, his expression unreadable.

*Thud.*

Muriel fell straight down, landing with a sickening thud. Her body was limp, her spirit unbroken.

He wanted to tear this thing’s limbs apart and scatter its insides right now. The urge was overwhelming, almost uncontrollable.

Even that wouldn’t relieve his resentment. The depth of his hatred was immeasurable.

But what was important now was not that. Revenge could wait; his sister’s safety was paramount.

Even at this moment, his sister was being threatened somewhere. He had to act, and act quickly.

‘I have to find her before Father’s defensive barrier gives out.’ The thought spurred him into action.

Ixion’s mana once again stretched out towards the blood-red sphere. He focused his energy, his will unwavering.

It won’t open?

Then he would forcibly open it with strength. He would break through the barrier, no matter the cost.

If once wasn’t enough, then ten times.

If ten times wasn’t enough, then a hundred times.

If a hundred times wasn’t enough, then a thousand times, ten thousand times, until it finally opened. His resolve was absolute.

As long as his sister was inside, there could be no giving up. He would fight until his last breath.

* * *

‘Foolish humans…….’ Muriel thought, a cruel smile twisting her lips.

Muriel ridiculed the five men who were desperately attacking the gate. Their efforts were pathetic, their hope misplaced.

Look at those desperate and precarious faces. She reveled in their suffering.

She had expected it, but seeing the Paeraton Duke and sons really making such expressions filled her with satisfaction from the bottom of her heart. Their pain was her reward.

Even if Ruatisha died inside, the Paeraton family would not stop. Their stubbornness was their downfall.

Until the very end. They would cling to hope, even in the face of certain doom.

When their mana was exhausted, they would consume their own lives and attack in front of this place until they died. A futile sacrifice.

Never reaching Ruatisha. Their efforts were doomed to failure.

There was no other dog’s death like this. Their demise would be a spectacle of despair.

‘Now, there’s nothing more to block that person’s path.’ With the Paeraton family out of the way, her master’s path would be clear.

The Paeraton family and even Prince Sidrian. All the vermin that could hinder that person’s glory would die in this place. Their deaths would pave the way for a new era.

‘Watching you flounder in despair will be my last amusement.’ She savored the moment, relishing their impending doom.

A good revenge for Ruatisha, who dared to oppose herself and that person一.

‘Huh?’ Muriel’s eyes, which had been fixed on the five men, shook violently. Her composure cracked, replaced by a flicker of disbelief.

‘That’s……? No way!’ Her carefully constructed facade began to crumble.

* * *

Kuuuuung!

Duke Paeraton’s mana was absorbed into the gate. The sphere pulsed, drawing in his energy.

Several times, several times. He repeated the process, undeterred by the lack of immediate results.

It was a seemingly meaningless, ineffective attack, but Duke Paeraton never stopped. His persistence was unwavering.

And.

Wuuuung!

Duke Paeraton felt the power connected to the other side. A faint connection, a fragile thread of hope.

The mana of the defensive barrier he had placed on his daughter was feeling the mana of its owner and beginning to resonate. A harmonious vibration, a sign of recognition.

It was the first time mana had reacted in this way. The phenomenon was unprecedented, defying explanation.

But he didn’t have the mind to be surprised or to figure out the principle. His focus was solely on his daughter.

Duke Paeraton unfolded his mana along that connected flow. He followed the thread, guided by instinct and love.

It was the first time he was doing it, but there was no blockage. The path was clear, unobstructed by any resistance.

Only the thought of having to go to his daughter. His desire to reach her was all-consuming.

Soon, a longing and cherished figure began to emerge beyond the blood-red sphere. A vision of hope amidst the darkness.

Her clothes were torn in places, her hair was disheveled, and her face was a mess of scratches. The signs of her struggle were evident.

The relief of finding her was only temporary, and his heart sank with worry about what she had gone through. He longed to hold her, to protect her from harm.

“Ruatisha!” Zeon shouted, his voice filled with a mixture of relief and concern.

The Paeraton brothers and Sidrian stopped attacking and rushed towards that figure. Their movements were synchronized, driven by a shared purpose.

However, it was only a figure shown by the resonating mana, and it was not physically connected. They were separated by an impassable barrier.

– Zeon? Ruatisha’s voice echoed, faint but clear.

Ruatisha looked around in the air, her eyes wide with confusion. She was disoriented, unsure of her surroundings.

A horribly shaped monster with sharp claws was bared at Ruatisha against the backdrop of the red sky. A terrifying vision, a nightmare made real.

*Clang*

*Clang!*

The sound of metal echoed as the defensive barrier and claws collided. Each impact sent shivers down their spines.

Each time, the family felt like their hearts were sinking. Their fear for her safety was overwhelming.

“Ruatisha!” Zeon cried out, his voice desperate.

“Ruatisha!” Ares echoed, his voice raw with emotion.

At the family’s voices, Ruatisha blankly asked back. Her confusion was evident.

– Dad and brothers?

“Yes. It’s Dad. Just wait a little. Dad will be there soon,” Duke Paeraton reassured her, his voice filled with love and determination.

“Stay there. No, you don’t have to stay still. Wherever you go, we’ll find you somehow,” Zeon added, his voice firm.

“We’ll definitely come to get you. Don’t be scared. No, you can be scared,” Ares said, his voice softening with empathy.

一What, what is that. Ruatisha’s voice trembled, fear creeping into her tone.

Ruatisha’s face, which had been frozen stiff, finally relaxed slightly. A flicker of hope appeared in her eyes.

Seeing that, the family’s eyes turned red. Their emotions were raw, their love for her undeniable.

It was the moment they were about to open their mouths to say something more.

*Crack, crack!*

The defensive barrier that had been holding out until now began to crack. The fragile shield was failing.

It had endured the monster’s attacks for a long time, but it had finally reached its limit. Its strength was waning.

*Clang*

*Crack, crack!*

An unavoidable fear appeared on Ruatisha’s face as she looked at the cracked defensive barrier. Her eyes widened, her breath hitched.

Her big eyes trembled like a lost child. She was vulnerable, exposed to the horrors that surrounded her.

Once again, sharp claws struck the defensive barrier. The monster pressed its attack, sensing its victory.

*Kaaaaang*

With an eardrum-shattering burst, the defensive barrier began to shatter. The shield shattered, its protection gone.

The ten eyes on the monster curved into a crescent shape. A predatory grin, a sign of impending doom.

Slowly, the spider leg was raised high. The final blow, the culmination of its hunt.

Seeing that, Ruatisha closed her eyes. She braced for the inevitable, accepting her fate.

And.

– I love you. Her voice was soft, filled with a quiet strength.

She smiled. A radiant, sincere expression that defied the darkness around her.

More brightly and sincerely than ever before. Her love shone through, a beacon of hope in the face of despair.