Chapter 14

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Regarding the parts that have been published in book form, I have intentionally left the typos, omissions, and additions as they are, thinking that they might serve as reference material later on.

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"Basically, while Father and Mr. Romanov were having a heated discussion, things got really intense, and to stop it, Mr. Rottmayr went to look for Mr. Utsunomiya, and during that time, Regulus got bored and went exploring the mansion, and we both fell down the stairs... Is that right?"

Let me introduce myself again, hello. After a tumultuous day and a bit, I am Kikunoi Kuchou (age 5), who is very mentally exhausted. How are you all doing?

I am currently in the middle of being questioned after being rescued just before losing consciousness, wondering why I am wrapped in bandages and why Regulus, the blonde, chubby-cheeked boy, is lying on my lap, still kneading the fat on my thigh.

A girl in a maid's uniform bowed her head to me.

"Yes, it was because I took my eyes off Master Regulus. As for Young Master... "

"No, no, you don't have to apologize. And..."

It's certainly not good to take your eyes off a child who moves around a lot. But if I'm not mistaken, someone did something even worse.

Sebastian, Mother's servant.

If I'm not mistaken, that man pushed Regulus from behind. Compared to Mr. Utsunomiya, who took his eyes off him, he is a much more direct cause of my injury.

However, even if I pointed at him and said, "You're the culprit!" he wouldn't admit it.

Mr. Romanov nodded at my bitter thoughts.

"Mr. Utsunomiya also said that the young master didn't fall on his own..."

"Probably something like, 'I thought he was going to fall, so I reached out, but I couldn't make it in time... Besides, I should have supervised the young master better...' or something like that, right?"

"You're very perceptive."

It's a template.

What should I do?

As Mr. Romanov, Mr. Rottmayr, and I nodded, Mr. Utsunomiya muttered, "...It's different, though."

"What's different?"

"Huh... Oh! No, it's just that... The story I heard at the other mansion was different... I'm sorry!"

He bowed his head deeply, and his flaxen hair swayed.

He looked to be around twelve or thirteen years old, with hazel eyes, a reserved and gentle demeanor, and another beautiful girl.

Beautiful people attract beautiful people, I guess.

As I was thinking this, Mr. Rottmayr's eyebrows shot up. This is not good. Before Mr. Rottmayr could speak, I turned the conversation to Mr. Utsunomiya.

"Is that the home of Regulus' mother's family?"

"Yes, well... Just before the master entered the mansion, the lady's parents passed away one after another... The head maid who served as the lady's wet nurse and her husband are now the stewards. I was bought from the market and taken in to take care of the lady and Master Regulus..."

"I see... I can imagine how difficult it must be for Regulus' mother. I offer my condolences."

"Thank you, I will convey your gratitude to Master Regulus."

"Yes, if you are going to live here, please don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it."

Mr. Utsunomiya, who was a maid assigned to Regulus, bowed with her skirt hem held up, and Mr. Rottmayr's eyebrows lowered.

He sighed.

"Of course, the other mansion doesn't think highly of us. I can imagine what kind of story you heard..."

"Well... They said that Regulus is neglected here, so I should take good care of him..."

"I see, I understand."

Of course.

They know us, and especially that we took their precious young lady's lover and even put their family in a difficult situation. The son of such a family wouldn't be any good.

Actually, until half a year ago, I was pretty much useless, and I might still be.

"Even if they dislike us... I didn't even know about Regulus until recently..."

"Really?... Is that so?"

"Yes, I didn't even know about the family's situation. So, it's not like I can dislike them."

I smiled bitterly and stroked Regulus' blonde hair on my lap. The soft, fluffy texture reminded me of a small animal's fur.

Then, Mr. Utsunomiya, with a very serious face, said, "Now that you know Master Regulus...?"

"Well, it's complicated, but the situation between my parents and me has nothing to do with this little one."

When I say this, my experience and way of thinking come in handy.

To begin with, I am disliked by my parents. If I am disliked because of Regulus, it would make sense to resent him. However, if I am disliked regardless of Regulus, his presence or absence doesn't matter.

When I explained this, Mr. Utsunomiya's eyebrows curved into a frown. I guess it's hard to understand such a gloomy story.

"I might be a little envious. The way Father looked at Regulus was very kind. He never looked at me like that. He even picked him up. I didn't even know what my parents' faces and voices were like..."

"Young Master..."

"But that's just wishing for what I can't have. It's not something to take out on Regulus. I can't reassure you, but if you're worried, I'll keep my distance from Regulus. Father would want that too."

First of all, being around a beautiful person stimulates my inferiority complex.

If we should keep our distance, it's best to do so without causing any trouble.

...But.

Mochi, mochi, mochi, mochi, mochi.

"By the way, why has Regulus been kneading my fat since just now?"

"Well, I don't know!"

Mr. Utsunomiya said with a smile.

He was kneading my thighs and stomach like he was crushing cellulite, mochi, mochi, endlessly.

Could it be...

"Is Regulus' mother, by any chance, as plump... as me?"

"No, not at all! She was slender, fair-skinned, and delicate, like a snow fairy, a truly beautiful lady!"

Ouch, I inflicted unnecessary damage on myself.

I let out a big sigh, and a large hand gently enveloped my shoulder.

Looking up, I saw Mr. Romanov smiling gently.

"Kuchou, Regulus will be staying here for a few days and then returning to the capital."

"Oh, I see."

"Yes, so there's no need to worry too much about the future. After all, you won't see each other often."

Is that so, I see.

Then, I just need to keep an eye on that Sebastian for a few days while Regulus is here.

But, if he's only staying for a short time, why did he come in the first place?

Before I could tilt my head, Mr. Utsunomiya glared at Mr. Romanov. Ignoring Mr. Rottmayr's attempts to stop her, she began.

"Don't decide things on your own!"

"Decide on my own? I refused the request, so what more do you want?"

"I can't accept your reason for refusing!"

"What nonsense... Why do I need your approval?"

Mr. Utsunomiya was at a loss for words, and Mr. Romanov, unusually, looked displeased.

I didn't understand what was going on, but during their argument, Regulus started to fall asleep properly on my stomach. He was heavy.

"Not just me, but the master is also not satisfied!"

"So, why do you need his approval?"

"That's...! That's because, as the young master's tutor, Mr. Romanov serves the master. You are employed by the master, just like us!"

The argument continued. To be precise, it was only because Mr. Utsunomiya wouldn't back down; Mr. Romanov didn't seem to care.

It seemed like Mr. Utsunomiya had hit a sore spot for adults, but Mr. Romanov didn't flinch at all.

He even snorted.

I was surprised by how unpleasantly Mr. Romanov, who is usually so kind and approachable, was behaving, and I stopped patting Regulus' belly, which had started to fuss.

Mr. Rottmayr, not Mr. Utsunomiya, turned pale at the unpleasant Mr. Romanov. Why?

"Mr. Romanov, Kikunoi's servant has been rude. Please forgive her."

"Ah, Mr. Rottmayr, it's fine. She isn't officially a servant of Kikunoi yet, is she? And if she were, in this case, it would be the count or countess who should apologize, not you. The master is responsible for the servant's actions."

Ah, did I step on a landmine?

Unlike his usual warm demeanor, his emerald eyes were completely devoid of a smile, and his smile and oppressive aura were unsettling. Even the fussing Regulus woke up.

"Is a mere heir to a count's family my master? Don't joke around."

Mr. Rottmayr, holding the hem of his skirt, bowed and walked out of the room. His face was pale, as if he had touched something terrifying.

"...Is Mr. Romanov, by any chance..."

"By any chance?"

"Very important or something?"

In response to my question, Mr. Romanov put on his usual gentle but mischievous smile and put a finger to his lips.

"It's a secret. For now."

He winked.

It seems that recently, it's trendy to kill white pigs with beauty.

Thank you for reading.