Youngest 166
by Cristae166
“Dad!”
A familiar face appeared just as I was heading toward the lobby!
It seemed he had just returned from the knights or somewhere; Dad was taking off his coat and handing it to the butler when he spotted me and frowned.
I half-rolled, half-ran down the stairs.
“How many times have I told you to take the stairs one step at a time—it’s dangerous.”
His big hand tapped the round, dough-like bun of hair at the side of my head.
“What’s this, who gave you cotton candy?”
“These are steamed buns!”
“And what exactly is the difference?”
“The density is totally different—huh? What’s that?”
Just then, I noticed the letter Dad held in one hand. For some reason, the envelope looked familiar.
“Oh, I was just about to bring this to you.”
Licht!
I quickly took the letter. Peeking around to check for prying eyes, Dad flicked his hand, dismissing everyone except Butler Adolf.
Only a very few in the duchy knew I was a mage.
Once the area had cleared, I opened the envelope.
“Oh…”
Inside was a brief greeting and information about the locations I had requested.
(skipping content) It seems that ‘Hail Ro Ibina’ refers to somewhere in the eastern continental jungle, but there’s not enough detail to pinpoint exactly where… I’ve attached all related materials. And next…
Hmm.
I read Licht’s letter slowly, twice through.
‘With this info, I can narrow it down to about three places worth checking out.’
I was currently investigating the material left behind in the north by the second.
A place that had the magical equation capable of completing the Sigil of Dispelling.
I would carefully decipher old records in the ancient tongue and send Licht the imperial translations. Licht would then search the palace archives and send back related information on those areas.
Once we’d narrowed it down, Dad would dispatch someone to check if there was a stele similar to the one at the Academy Library.
“Think you’ll be able to find out where to check next?”
He tapped my cheek; I nodded emphatically.
“I think I can whittle it down a bit more.”
“All right, let me know. I’ll need to plan the next move.”
“……”
When I fell silent, Dad paused in rolling up his sleeves and glanced over at me.
“There’s that sour face again.”
“Ow.”
A flick to my forehead.
Feeling a bit down, I clutched at his sleeve.
“I just… You go on business trips too often, and when spring comes you’ll have to lead the subjugation too, and between that you’re always out searching for magic equations…”
Anywhere we were certain a stele existed, Dad insisted on going himself. Quietly, with only Asha and a few veteran knights.
‘It’s not like he can let it get out that the Duke of Zevert is scouring the continent for magic equations…’
Apparently, he’d told the imperial family that he’d been traveling to track down traces of mages who went missing over the last year.
Once Asha copied over the equations, I would check and verify what kind of magic formula they were.
Honestly…
This was an incredibly, incredibly inefficient way.
If I just went myself to check, it could all be settled in a glance!
But Dad absolutely refused to bring me along.
“When can I start joining you on trips? I’m already eleven—no, practically twelve. I’m all grown up!”
“You’re only twelve.”
“Nemmmmph.”
Dad pulled at my cheeks and stretched them.
“I’ve said it a thousand times: not until after your eighteenth birthday. I only bring along Asha Drukan now because she’s an adult.”
“That’s not faaair!”
I was way more powerful a mage than Asha!
But as if he expected my next words, Dad didn’t give me a chance to object.
“More importantly—did you do your homework? Borbell and Ullin have been hunting for you all morning.”
“Gasp.”
A sudden homework ambush.
That’s right. Lately I’d been studying up north instead of attending the Academy.
The Mage Kingdom was suspiciously quiet—too many variables at play.
‘Still, maybe I’ll get to go to the Academy someday soon.’
Once I grow a bit more, and can look after myself.
“Did you do it?”
I glanced around shiftily, and Dad sighed and let go of my cheek.
“Having two cute cotton candy puffs on your head doesn’t make it all right, you know.”
“N-no, sir…”
“Rubian.”
He folded his arms, thick brows arching high.
Gasp—this posture…
“You think you can pass the Academy transfer exam at this rate? Who was it who kept saying she wanted that graduation certificate?”
“……”
“Look—Rubian. I’ve been asking around at meetings, and that transfer exam has gotten really, really tough lately…”
“Ugh…”
Emergency, emergency. All units, retreat.
Dad’s endless nagging button had been pressed.
“No more meetings for Dad…”
I mumbled, eyeing the best escape route.
Just then, by the foyer, Butler Adolf caught my eye, and he smiled gently, opening the door for me just a crack.
Still muttering, Dad paused mid-rant, tilting his head as if a thought had struck him.
“Speaking of, the Camelan girl next door…”
Now!
“Why are you bringing up Titi, who got top marks entering the Academy next door!?”
I yelled and bolted.
“No more comparing me to your friends’ daughters!”
I darted out of the lobby in a flash.
Meanwhile, Leviathan, left alone—
“No, I only meant Camelan’s daughter said she’d visit next week…”
He watched Rubian speeding off with a baffled look on his face.
“What did I do wrong this time?”
“Who can say?” Adolf barely suppressed a laugh as he shut the door.
“No more comparing me to your friends’ daughters!” Rubian’s shout echoed behind her as she left, leaving Leviathan dumbfounded.
“Who’s comparing anybody to whom?”
Obviously, my kid’s the best.
Adorable, brave, lovable.
Shrugging, he headed up the stairs, spotting Borbell and Ullin scurrying around on the second floor.
And yet…
She sneaked off again?
“Sigh.”
Cute, brave, lovable—
And exceptionally good at playing hooky…
My mischievous, eleven-year-old youngest daughter.
“She’s just impossible sometimes.”
He couldn’t help but laugh again.
“So long as she’s healthy…”
Leviathan had barely entered the office when a maid appeared with something in her hands.
“What’s this?”
“Lady Rosetta said you absolutely had to have this before you went out.”
It was a steaming cup.
Adolf inspected the contents and his eyes widened slightly.
“A medicinal tea, isn’t it?”
If nothing else, her initiative was impressive.
Leviathan rubbed his forehead, looking a bit troubled.
“Physician Borbell said it contains herbs that promote restful sleep.”
At the maid’s explanation, Adolf asked in a grave tone,
“Your Grace, have you been having trouble sleeping?”
“Well…”
If he slept with Rosetta, there was never enough time for sleep.
Of course, that was only fair—he was always the one keeping his wife awake at night, after all…
But this morning had been odd.
“…Goodness.”
The first thing he saw when he opened his eyes: a head of pink hair.
It was exceedingly rare for Leviathan to wake after Rosetta. It unsettled him more than he cared to admit.
“When did you wake up? Come here.”
“You, what kind of dreams have you been having?”
“Hm?”
He reached for her out of reflex, but stopped short. Rosetta, a worried look on her face, stared quietly at him.
“You were tossing and turning like you were having a nightmare.”
“…Was I.”
He couldn’t recall it at all.
‘Now that she says it, I feel like I did dream something.’
But it certainly wasn’t bad enough to need medicinal tea.
Still, if he didn’t drink it, things would be worse…
“Leave it.”
“Yes sir.”
He obediently drank the bitter tea.
‘Nightmare…’
A strangely familiar word.
Just then—
Eeeeeeiyaaaaaah!
An utterly bizarre screech sounded faintly in the distance.
“What was that—sounds like a newborn Magical Beast pup or something?”
Listening closely, the sound seemed to be coming from behind the public office. Adolf hurried out into the corridor to check.
Leviathan rose, hand on his sword, his face suddenly grave.
“Is it Magical Beasts? Winged kind? Damn it, what is Oberon doing? First, get the kids…”
“Ah, no, not at all. Please calm down, Your Grace. Um…”
“What is it?”
“It appears to be the Young Miss…”
“The young miss…? My daughter?”
Hiyahaaaaah!
“…”
“…What is this?”