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Chapter 157
Ever since Ludwig had settled in as a proper member of the household, Halbern had taken on a different atmosphere.
Recently, the new topic of bets among the Saren Knights was <Valer vs. Ludwig>.
“But… isn’t our lord supposed to win this?”
“The thrill of an upset— that’s why we bet on the regent.”
“You crazy people, stop betting already.”
“Who will win today’s fight, I wonder?”
Though Regent Ludwig ranked last in Halbern’s hierarchy at 6th place, he strangely displayed strength against Valer, who was ranked 3rd.
Opinions among the Saren Knights were divided.
“What could be the reason?”
“Exactly… why is that?”
As they pondered, one knight clapped his hands.
“Isn’t it because it’s always the lord starting the quarrels and the regent retaliating?”
“Oh… now that you mention it…”
“Since the lord always picks fights over trivial matters, he sometimes loses in these little ‘principled’ battles!”
Coincidentally, today Valer, who should have been stuck in the portrait room, had appeared and wandered around, picking a quarrel with Ludwig.
“You look free.”
“You look even freer than me.”
“I don’t mind being free.”
“…?”
Before Ludwig could even question what nonsense Valer was saying, Mehen—the 2nd in rank of the mansion—overheard and, with a chilling smile, apprehended Valer on the spot.
“What insane words are you confidently spouting, my lord? Is this the time to play leisurely? Come along immediately.”
“Ouch! Wait, Mehen! That hurts!”
“What are you talking about, Swordmaster? Do you think pretending to be hurt will work?”
“I’m really hurt!”
As Mehen took Valer away, Ludwig quickly hatched a plan.
Now’s the chance.
“Arelin—!”
With the troublemakers out of the way, Ludwig dashed toward Arelin and unveiled his masterstroke: a gift offensive.
“What’s all this…?”
“These are things you liked.”
“…?”
Arelin tilted her head in confusion, then realization struck.
‘Ah.’
Back when she was imprisoned in Locke Castle and had been trying every way to attack the regent, she had requested these items.
‘No wonder he’s been giving me things lately.’
“So… do you like them?”
“Uh, well…”
While Arelin gave a somewhat reluctant but polite response, the Halbern childcare corps—who proved everything by the number of praise stickers—moved into action.
For the childcare corps, who recognized only Mehen and even saw Duke Valer as a competitor for favor, Regent Ludwig was a new unnecessary rival, a target to check, and someone who still needed guidance.
“Regent, our lady doesn’t really like these things.”
“Look, she’s giving you that ‘more trash?’ look.”
“She dislikes bothersome things.”
“Do you understand?”
“….”
Watching the childcare corps give advice with a strangely intense clarity, Ludwig felt a mix of emotions.
Something impossible at Locke Castle.
But.
“Alright… I get it.”
Ludwig had no choice but to comply. If he said even a word to these arrogant lower-ranked ones, Arelin would shoot him a sharp look.
And they weren’t wrong.
“Then what should I do to make Arelin happy?”
Ludwig earnestly sought advice from the childcare corps, but Yuni laughed and replied:
“From here on, it’s paid service, sir.”
“And just so you know, we don’t take money!”
“Information exchange only. New info about our lady!”
“You have information?”
“….”
Ludwig was dismissed before he could even make a deal.
Peaceful Halbern Mansion.
Morning routines: eating healthy but bland meals, walking for exercise, playing the violin, watching two childish adults bicker, and living life with Mehen.
It was a perfectly satisfying, 120% peaceful daily life, but there were a few problems.
“When can I go to the collection meeting?”
Since the last intrusion was discovered, Pession had been scolded heavily and hadn’t been able to return to Halbern Mansion.
Instead, they kept in frequent contact via communication tube, and lately, the reminders about the collection meeting had become urgent.
“What should I say when Pession asks when he can come?”
“….”
“….”
“….”
At dinner, with everyone present, Mehen glanced quietly at Dad while eating.
Dad smiled arrogantly as usual, and next to him, Regent Ludwig silently supported Dad’s side.
Ha… those two are always at odds, yet they agree so well on this.
“You mean Pession, the crown prince of this country?”
“You know him well.”
“Why bring him up here all of a sudden?”
“That kid likes our daughter.”
“….”
Even when spoken softly, with two loud voices in the dining room, she couldn’t help but hear.
Dad lowered his eyes slightly.
“No going out yet. What if you collapse again?”
Attack my face suddenly? I can’t let him decide that!
At that moment, the regent intervened.
“I don’t want to agree with that kid, but I share the same opinion. Isn’t it too soon to go out?”
Though the regent’s influence in this household barely counted for 0.1, seeing both opposed seemed to make Dad’s smile deepen.
He just doesn’t want me to go out.
Watching the two foolish men helplessly, Mom—Mehen, who held real power—asked me:
“Arelin, are you frustrated?”
I thought carefully.
“No, I’m not frustrated.”
“Then…”
“But I want to see the kids.”
Even though I sometimes found it annoying, honestly, I wanted to play with the kids.
‘I’ve never had memories of playing with peers.’
Playing with Pession, the twins, and Harun had been fun, apparently.
Being with them made me feel like a normal child, which was even better.
“I want to play with the kids… is that not allowed?”
“Yes!”
Dad, who had opposed it more than anyone, immediately knelt. He held his forehead like he had been defeated.
Defeated by what exactly?
“….”
Even Ludwig, quietly sticking close to Dad, had nothing to say.
In the brief silence, Mehen patted my head.
“Empress Ajeni plans to reorganize the childhood friends’ gathering soon.”
“Hm?”
“It will be changed based on Crown Prince Pession’s birthday. Arelin, you can go back then.”
Mehen smiled.
“Our lady’s birthday is coming soon too.”
“My birthday…?”
“Is there something you want?”
No idea came to mind suddenly. Something I want? Do I even have that?
“…Mom’s love?”
“…!”
Mehen’s eyes widened.
“I only have you, Mom.”
“And I only have you, Arelin.”
As I nestled into Mehen’s arms, the scene became chaotic again.
“Include Dad too!”
“Who is Dad? Uncle, you are tied by faith—include the godfather as proof.”
“Include? As an order?”
“Include… please.”
“Let’s not listen to someone with no blood relation.”
Valer’s words made Mehen glare.
“Are you aiming at me, my lord?”
“No, not exactly.”
“Yes, then we shouldn’t listen to someone with no blood relation.”
“Dad, that’s too much.”
As Dad flustered, Regent Ludwig smugly joined in.
Somehow, it felt like the regent’s image was really deteriorating. Probably just my imagination.
“After all, only Arelin thinks of me.”
“Of course, Mom!”
“Honey, are you doubting my feelings right now?”
“Doubt it or not, just die outside.”
“I know very well that you love me.”
Unable to endure Valer’s mental attack, Mehen threw a knife, but Valer caught it lightly.
Dinner quickly descended into chaos.
Amid the commotion, the only one left out—Regent Ludwig—stared at Mehen.
“….”
Had he read something from her gaze?
Mehen struck first.
“No!”
“What?”
“Nothing is allowed!”
“….”
Ludwig clicked his tongue in disappointment.
What exactly was he trying to do?
