Chapter 46
Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 46
Chapter Title: Living Charlotte's Life
Celine had pretty much neglected Charlotte No. 2. As a result, Charlotte No. 2 was even frailer than the average kid her age.
Lisa had felt positively plump by comparison. That said it all.
"From now on, you're gonna live with Uncle."
When we first met Charlotte No. 2, she'd given me a wary look. But that didn't last long.
The way to win over a starving kid is simple: share food and attention.
...She's quick on the uptake.
She seemed to have a rough idea of what happened to the Pigmon family. And that she had nowhere to go if she didn't stick with me.
Made talking to her easy.
Crackle, crackle—.
Having No. 2 join us didn't change much. If we didn't spot a village along the way, we'd be camping out.
"...I-I'm fine. I can sleep anywhere...."
Charlotte No. 2's voice trembled. Her words carried no strength, like she'd given up on everything.
Stubborn Charlotte No. 1. Docile No. 2 who just followed along. Total opposites in personality.
Does it change as they grow up?
Childhood traits rarely stick forever. Life throws curveballs, and you change whether you like it or not.
Me too—I was no hero. Circumstances molded me this way.
Charlotte No. 2 could grow in a positive direction too. I made a point of treating her kindly.
I set a pot over the campfire and filled it with water, bringing it to a boil.
Once steam rose, I dumped in veggies and meat.
Stew and soup never fail you. Even with mediocre cooking skills, get the seasoning right and it's tasty enough.
"A bit bland. Just a touch of salt..."
Charlotte No. 1 assisted me, tasting and adding spices in my place.
A bright red meat soup was ready.
I could really feel she'd lived with me before regression. She stayed totally cool even staring at that suspiciously vivid broth.
But No. 2 wasn't so unfazed. Beads of sweat dotted her forehead. The smell alone was too much for her.
No spice tolerance, huh.
And this was super mild. Way too much for her.
"Father, have some."
"Yeah."
I ladled it into my bowl and scarfed it down.
Was it the itch going away? This simple meal had me buzzing with energy.
"Eat up, Charlotte 2."
"...Ch-Charlotte Two...?"
"Yep. You're Charlotte 2."
Tanned Charlotte was No. 1. Pale and soft one was No. 2.
Charlotte No. 2 stared at No. 1, then looked away.
"Hic, hic!"
"Spicy?"
"N-No, not spicy.... I c-can eat it."
Anyone could see she was struggling. But No. 2 stubbornly powered through.
Was she overthinking it? Maybe not trying to impress me—could just be hunger.
No. 1 probably knew why. If she was forcing it down despite the pain, No. 1 would step in at the right moment.
So I let her be. No. 2 teared up but finished the spicy soup.
"Let's clean up."
We did the dishes after dinner. Split the chores and wrapped up quick.
"You two bunk together. Plenty of tents."
"Father's sleeping separate?"
"Yeah. You're girls, after all."
If there'd been no adult watching No. 2, I'd have shared a tent for safety. Gender wouldn't matter in a pinch.
But not now. With grown woman Charlotte No. 1 around, no need for me to bunk with No. 2.
Blood daughter or not—and she wasn't—Charlotte wasn't mine anyway.
It was kinda funny how overly conscious I was being. But I couldn't play dumb either. Thinking back on what No. 1 did to me...
Better keep my distance from now on. Be cautious.
Make sure she didn't grow up twisted. I'd manage her thoroughly from the start.
Raise No. 2 into a good kid.
...She's Celine's daughter, after all.
Had she inherited any sword talent? Would be easy if she became a knight.
I pictured Charlotte No. 2 as a knight. Identical to No. 1 right now.
Shook my head. Disaster.
...Focus on personality education...
I closed my eyes. Sleep hit fast, like I'd popped a pill.
Chirp, chirp—.
"Ugh..."
Morning came. I got up early and packed camp.
Charlotte No. 2 stared at me blankly. Last night's events seemed to sink in—her eyes grew calm.
Wasn't a great mom. But hard to accept she's gone.
She needed time.
Zzt—.
"......?"
Charlotte had stepped in to care for her younger self in Dyke's place. Figured a familiar-looking big sis would be comfier than some strange uncle.
And sure enough, Charlotte No. 2 took to No. 1.
Minus the tan, she was the spitting image of Celine. No. 2 seeking out No. 1 felt instinctual.
"...Sis is a knight?"
Olivia had always been tough, even as a kid. She'd decide and act on her own. Charlotte admired that.
Didn't matter if it was right or wrong—just cool seeing her stand her ground.
Later, as her body matured and emotions stabilized, Olivia's stubbornness turned cute. But back in childhood, that decisiveness was pure envy.
So Charlotte saw Olivia as a big sis figure.
Maybe I needed someone to lean on.
Charlotte No. 1 answered No. 2's question with all sincerity. Dealing with a kid felt awkward, but she gave it her best.
Lying side by side in the tent, chatting away.
"A knight. Pretty cool, right?"
"...Cool."
Her face didn't look convinced.
"Don't you wanna be one?"
"......"
No answer from No. 2.
Charlotte hadn't wanted to be a knight. Dyke made her. No choice.
Celine's bloodline. Dyke No. 1 figured she'd have the talent, so he handed her a sword.
But today, Charlotte saw it in Dyke's eyes. The unflinching look as Celine was executed.
What mattered to him wasn't her talent. It was her face—identical to Celine's.
Dyke saw Celine in Charlotte.
He'd saved her from a death sentence. Let the king take credit for his hero deeds, just to rescue one girl.
Pure goodwill. Couldn't let an innocent kid die.
But not 100% pure. 99% goodwill, 1% ugly desire. Just a pinch.
Like roasting a ton of meat with one sprinkle of salt.
Practically none.
Charlotte hadn't known about salt. Ate whatever was given.
Her body matured, girl became woman. Through puberty and growth, she realized her feelings for Dyke differed from Lisa's.
Charlotte No. 1 munched the salty meat. So there was salt, after all.
It hit her.
Father was eyeing me lewdly too!
Finally, she understood that sliver of desire Dyke harbored. Hadn't clicked when she'd ravaged him senseless.
Felt it vaguely, but couldn't pin it down. Now she knew for sure.
"......"
Charlotte gazed at her younger self. The one who took after her mother perfectly.
This kid would grow up looking just like Celine, same as her.
Would Dyke hand a sword to Charlotte No. 2 too?
"I-I dunno..."
Asked if she wanted to be a knight, she mumbled evasively. Clearly rejecting it.
Her mom had neglected her, but dreamed of knighthood? No way No. 2 would follow suit.
Kids' anger runs deep, unyielding. Until Dyke hands her a sword, anyway—
Charlotte grinned at her younger self.
"Dreaming of something else ain't bad. Selfish mercenary, irresponsible adventurer—try anything. Even without talent, doing what you want is fun. Could try mage too."
"......"
You're not Celine. You're Charlotte. Live Charlotte's life.
I'll be Father's Celine.
She'd fill his lingering feelings for Celine. Become his one and only.
And in return, savor that sweet fruit.
Charlotte No. 2 out cold, dead to the world. Dyke too.
Charlotte slipped out quietly, heading to Dyke's tent. From her subspace, she pulled Olivia's special aphrodisiac Mk. 3.
Slap slap.
Squelch, squelch—.
She used a generous amount all at once.
Smeared it thick on his dick and balls, ass and butthole. Everywhere.