Chapter 22
Chapter 22
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 23
Chapter Title: An Irresistible Invitation
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Chapter 22
Until recently, they said there were two successors, and both were boys.
"So there were three successors, then?"
"That's right. Rosaria is back at the estate taking care of the young lady, you know."
"Ha. No wonder I haven't seen her for nearly two months."
Rosaria, who made a name for herself as a gatekeeper at the border with her exceptional skills, was looking after a child?
Was the kid even okay?
The more he heard, the more unbelievable the story sounded, but Karma maintained his composure.
"Some of the guys have already decided to go. It's boring at the border right now, and they think this banquet will be more interesting. They're also curious about what the youngest lady is like. You're going too, right?"
"It'll just be another boring gathering where you have to be all formal. I'm not going."
"Really?"
Paymon nodded, looking disappointed.
But he didn't ask again.
It was their way not to press the matter after a refusal.
This custom sometimes caused immense regret for those who declined out of courtesy when they were meant to be strengthening clan ties.
"Alright. I'll tell them everyone's going except you."
"Everyone's going?"
"Yeah. We're curious."
"About what?"
The banquet? Or the youngest lady?
Either way, it didn't seem like anything special. He could see clan children near the border anytime. But the reason that came from Paymon's lips was something Karma hadn't expected at all.
"They say our young lady recently completed her humanization, and she's five spans tall."
"Five what?"
"Five spans. Hestia was the one who said so, so it's certain."
Karma was stunned. How could someone be five spans tall?
He quietly spread his palm. *Does that mean she's just over a meter tall?*
"I heard she's not even a meter. It's based on Hestia's hand span."
"...Is there something wrong with the successor? Is that why they only announced two?"
"Pahaha! You really don't know anything, do you? You should pay more attention to what's going on."
Paymon laughed, slapping the wall.
Bang! Bang!
The wall dented mercilessly. Dust rained down, and cracks appeared.
It was a familiar sight.
"The young lady is a bird. You didn't even read the letter Rosaria sent, did you? It was full of her pictures. That's why everyone's lining up to go."
Paymon took a photograph from his coat.
A small child, hugging a doll, was looking up—perhaps at Rosaria—and smiling brightly.
Karma's eyes widened.
Knowing full well how obsessed Karma was with cute creatures, Paymon flashed a triumphant smile.
*Of course.*
*He'd probably be even more surprised if he knew the family members had a fan club for the young lady.*
Paymon snatched the photo back.
"I'll ask one last time. You're really not going?"
Karma answered faster than ever before.
"Put my name on the list."
"Got it."
Paymon wrote Karma's name down on the spot.
And with that, a full return was confirmed.
* * *
I woke up early in the morning. I sat bolt upright, clutching the baby snake doll I'd been sleeping with.
"How many sleeps left?"
I began the ritual I'd been repeating every morning for the past few days.
One, two, three.
I held up ten fingers and folded them down one by one.
"Seven nights left."
The day I was so eagerly awaiting was now just one week away.
I buried my face in my doll, disappointed that it was still so far away.
"I wish it would come quickew."
Then, noticing how quiet the room was, I climbed down from the bed.
Barefoot, with the snake doll dragging on the floor in one hand, I padded out just as Rosaria opened the door and came in.
"Wosawia!"
"Oh my, when did you wake up? I thought you'd sleep a little longer."
"Just now! Seven nights left!"
I immediately held up seven fingers. Every day, I would tell Rosaria how many nights were left.
"My dear Aileen, you must be very excited for the banquet, aren't you?"
"Yes! I'm gonna make wots of fwiends. Wots!"
I stretched my arms out to make a big circle.
I thought only grown-ups went to banquets, but she said that wasn't true. Rosaria told me I'd be able to see friends my age.
*I'm so excited! I get to meet new friends!*
*What will we play when we meet? I hope we can have fun together.*
As I swelled with anticipation, Rosaria stroked my head.
"I'm sure you'll make plenty."
"Okay!"
"Then, to get ready for the banquet, shall we wash up and have breakfast?"
"Why?"
*Is there something we have to do early in the morning?*
I hadn't heard anything about it, so I asked again, and Rosaria smiled brightly.
"Lady Seri has arrived. She's the one who will be making a beautiful dress for you, Aileen."
"Fow Aiwween?"
"Yes. You must wear a pretty dress at the banquet."
*A pretty dress!*
*To make new friends, I have to look good, so I'll wear a pretty dress!*
I ran to the bed and put down my snake doll. Seeing me hurry, Rosaria prepared breakfast on the table.
Breakfast was delivered to the door every morning, so it was always quick to set up.
I sometimes ate in the dining hall, but even then, I usually had to eat alone, so I preferred to have my meals in my room.
Kaide, Set, and Arban were all busy with their own schedules.
We did eat together once a week, but lately, Kaide had been absent every time due to banquet preparations.
I blew on the steaming food.
"Hot!"
"You must eat carefully."
"What about Wosawia's?"
I asked while poking a quail egg with my fork, and Rosaria, who was cutting my meat into bite-sized pieces, smiled gently.
"I've already eaten."
"When?"
"A little while ago, while you were still sleeping, Aileen."
*She must have eaten first because I woke up late.*
The clock hands were already pointing past ten.
"I wanna eat wif Wosawia."
"Then shall we have dinner together?"
"Okay!"
I chewed the meat, my mouth full. A savory aroma filled the air.
As my mouth was stuffed with food, Rosaria poured me a glass of water.
"You must eat slowly, or you'll get an upset stomach."
"Okay. I'll chew it weally well."
"Chew ten times before you swallow."
"Okay!"
Gulp. I chewed each bite ten times and cleaned my plate.
"Aiwween is all done."
"Then let's head to the bathroom."
"Okay."
Pat, pat, pat. I hopped down from my chair and went into the bathroom, where I saw the plastic stool under the sink.
As I climbed the steps one by one, a little white head popped up in the mirror on the wall.
When I reached the top step, I could see my crimson eyes blinking.
I stood on my tiptoes, trying to see my whole self in the mirror, when Rosaria came in.
"Aileen. Time to brush your teeth. Say ahh—"
"Ahh."
"Now rinse."
"Ptooey!"
"And close your eyes tight."
"Okay."
Brushing my teeth and washing my face was over in a flash. She dabbed lotion on my face, and I rubbed it into my cheeks.
Pat, pat.
"All done."
"Good job! Oh, you're so pretty."
"Is Aiwween pwetty?"
"You're the prettiest in the whole world."
A small smile crept onto my face at her compliment.
Rosaria brought a dress from the wardrobe and announced cheerfully.
"Now it's time to get dressed!"
"Okay!"
"And what do we do when we get dressed?"
"Awms up!"
I stretched my arms straight up. After changing into a green dress and putting on my new yellow sandals, I was all ready.
"All done?"
"Just a moment, Aileen. I'll go get Lady Seri right away."
"Okay."
"Such a good girl."
In case I got bored while waiting, Rosaria took some blocks out of the toy box for me.
And then she took out five whole pieces of chocolate, which she was usually very strict about!
My eyes were glued to the table.
"Aiwween is good at waiting."
The target was the chocolate.