THSDR 45

Chapter 45

Petunia Lady had already left the mansion as if she had been driven out several days ago.

The mansion, once filled with her poisonous, thorn-like gaze, had become strangely quiet. I was enjoying that peace while focusing on taking care of Hayden.

Hayden, who had gone through roseola, was growing up healthy and lively.

And Aethan and Chloe’s wedding was now just a week away. At last, Chloe was truly getting married.

It was a union between the Malight family—loyal subjects of Beryden and, personally for Cheres, benefactors as well. Lady Yurein was currently busy organizing Chloe’s gifts.

Moreover, according to Chloe, she and I were best friends. That made it impossible not to put effort into the gift.

But during dinner, Cheres said something completely unexpected.

“How about taking Hayden to the ceremony?”

At his sudden words, I opened my mouth slightly and stared at him blankly. Hayden had never attended any official gathering before. Cheres added an explanation.

“Most of the southern nobles still don’t know about Hayden’s existence. I want to use this as an opportunity to imprint the fact that the heir truly exists in front of their eyes. That way, even after I go to the battlefield, this child’s position won’t be shaken.”

After I go to the battlefield.

That casually spoken sentence felt like a nail being driven straight into my chest.

Right. That’s right. Cheres was heading toward what might be his final battle. And right now, he was thinking only about Hayden, unaware that he might never return.

The image of Cheres dying in the original story surfaced in my mind, choking my throat shut.

It felt as if I were being crushed under an unbearable weight—something only I, who knew the original story, could feel.

“…You’re right, Cheres. I agree.”

“Do you think Hayden will be able to handle being in front of people?”

“Of course. Hayden is good at everything.”

I steadied my trembling voice and answered defensively.

I agreed that Hayden needed to be known to the world. Otherwise, someone might quietly erase him or treat him as if he didn’t exist.

Not a nominal heir, but a “living presence” engraved in the eyes of countless nobles. That would be the first layer of protection Cheres was preparing for the child.

Cheres let out a soft sigh.

“This is stressful. I hope Hayden won’t get hurt. Roana, I know this will mean more work for you. I’m sorry to burden you with even this.”

Cheres spoke calmly, warmth filling his gaze as it rested on me.

“…You really say everything, don’t you.”

“What I said before still stands. If you’ve decided what you want, tell me. Anything is fine.”

I nodded. But right now, wasn’t Cheres the one who should be cared for? He was the one with a limited lifespan, after all.

I cut up a large portion of the roast turkey in the center of the table and piled it onto Cheres’ plate.

“Roana?”

“Eat more. A lot more. The more you eat, the healthier and stronger you get.”

“…I’m not Hayden.”

Cheres said it with a faint laugh in his voice, but he didn’t refuse the food. Watching him eat obediently, I nodded in satisfaction.

“Eat this too. Good. You’re doing well. And this as well.”

“I told you, I’m not Hayden.”

“I know. Still, eat more. You’re much bigger than Hayden, so you need more food.”

Cheres burst into laughter.

“Then you should eat more too, Roana. So you can become healthy and strong. Don’t you think so?”

He held a piece of turkey up to my lips, and I accepted it. The rich meat filled my mouth, the savory flavor enhanced by a slightly tangy sauce—an excellent roast.

And yet, I didn’t know why tears almost came to my eyes while eating something so delicious. I felt that after he left, eating turkey would always remind me of this moment.

* * *

A few days before the wedding, Hayden’s formal outfit—crafted with great care—finally arrived. It was the result of a top-tier children’s tailor from the south working day and night.

When I opened the large box, a faint scent of perfume drifted out as a dazzling outfit was revealed. A crisp white shirt, a navy vest and trousers reminiscent of the deep sea, and even tiny leather shoes smaller than my palm.

“Wow…”

I let out an involuntary gasp. Especially the detailed embroidery of the Beryden family crest on each vest button made my heart swell with pride.

“If he wears this, our Hayden will really look like a little duke, won’t he?”

“Indeed. To think our young master will wear something like this.”

Lady Yurein, who was examining the outfit beside me, dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief, deeply moved.

But I knew the truth.

Getting this adorable outfit onto a 14-month-old beagle-type human would probably be more intense than any founding war.

Looking at the shiny shoes inside the box, I silently prayed.

Please… just let me fasten at least one button without incident.

* * *

At last, the day of battle arrived.

Hayden’s room was already in a state of full war readiness. Lady Yurein and I exchanged determined glances like generals before a decisive campaign.

Today’s target: 14-month-old Hayden Beryden, freshly awake and overflowing with energy.

It started with the white shirt.

Getting his head through it should have been simple—but Hayden stiffened his neck like an iron fortress and resisted fiercely. He shook his head left and right as I stepped in to distract him.

“Hayden, come on, let’s wear pretty clothes! You’ll look even more handsome! Peek-a-boo! What’s this?”

I shook a maraca loudly, dancing harder than any performer on stage.

Look over here! Please look over here!

While I did my best to distract him, Lady Yurein slipped the shirt over his head.

But Hayden immediately flailed his arms and clung to me. He clearly didn’t want to wear it. Every time we pulled one arm through, he pulled the other out again. By the time we finally succeeded, my hair was already a mess.

“Huff… huff… Thank you for your hard work, Lady Yurein.”

“And you as well, Duchess Roana.”

“Shall we move on to the next step?”

We stared at Hayden, now absorbed in rice crackers, with solemn determination.

Why didn’t this world have a “Pacifier Emperor”? The greatness of the legendary ruler of all babies suddenly felt overwhelming.

I lifted the vest.

“Lady! Hold his hands! Now!”

With Lady Yurein holding both of Hayden’s hands tightly, I moved with godlike speed to fasten the buttons.

Why are there so many buttons?!

My earlier admiration turned into quiet rage.

“Tteh! Tteh! Ah! Tte-tte!”

Hayden struggled even harder. So you’ve leveled up now, huh?

Sweating, I reached for the final button—

and Hayden pulled it open again.

You didn’t even know how to do that before!

“…How did you even learn to do that?”

I was seriously going to cry.

“Tte-tte-de-de!”

Delighted, Hayden tugged at my hair and giggled, clearly celebrating his victory.

Children grow faster than you realize. Before you even notice, they’re already doing more than yesterday—and tomorrow, even more than today.

Watching Hayden tug at the buttons with his tiny fingers, I let out a long sigh.