Home/They say the Northern Grand Duke didn't have his front teeth at age six/ch26

Chapter 04: Does the Tooth Fairy Come for the Grand Duke of the North Too?

Episode 26

"...Ha."

What a damned body this was.

"I'm going mad..."

"Oh my, what's wrong with our young master again?"

As he brushed his hair back and muttered, the nanny smiled casually and opened the door. Adrian tried not to think about his front tooth as he walked, but his tongue kept touching it involuntarily.

---

Beneath the glittering chandeliers, lavishly adorned nobles danced. Around the ballroom, small groups of nobles gathered to watch the dancing or converse—about literature and art, patronage and business, and sordid gossip. Among the chatter were stories of the Grand Duke who'd been kidnapped and rescued, and the Count who'd taken him in.

"Count Belando is quite shrewd, isn't he? He didn't miss the chance to volunteer as the Grand Duke's guardian."

"Don't say that. Who in high society is as upright as he is?"

"Ah, you don't know, madam? That man isn't quite as clean as he appears."

Fabian Belando, who could manifest divine beasts through divine power, was admired by many—but also envied and resented. Some gloated over how the ever-haughty man had been betrayed by his wife, while others sneered at him for leaving his daughter at the manor and fleeing to the border.

"Now that I think of it, wasn't it strange from the start that the Countess suddenly disappeared? The Marquis of Javier's house was destroyed, and all the title and property went to her."

"Are you saying that was Count Belando's doing? He was the victim. He even took in Lady Belando, who isn't even his own daughter."

"That's exactly what's strange. He's still young enough to remarry and have his own children, yet he insists on staying single. Perhaps he was never able to have children of his own..."

"Good heavens, what are you saying!"

"Besides, since Count Belando is staying in the capital now, some are wary—not that I mean the Viscount, of course."

A few ladies fluttered their fans and snickered. Just as a man who'd been badmouthing Fabian for some time was about to defend himself—

"Count Fabian Belando has arrived!"

At the herald's announcement, those who had been gossiping fell silent. A man in a tailcoat entered through the doorway.

His brown hair, grown to chest-length, was tied back. Beneath his straight brow, green eyes were deep and vivid, and the bridge of his nose, crowned with round spectacles, was straight and sharp. The tailcoat over his well-trained body was adorned with lace and jewels, yet it never felt excessive.

"Good heavens, Count Belando. We truly didn't expect you to come..."

As the Count, who'd been holed up at the border, made a rare appearance, the host welcomed him with a booming laugh. After exchanging a few greetings, Fabian surveyed the room.

He was Count Belando, believed to be favored by the gods—and the only one who could stand against the demons that summoned monsters. Those who had been carelessly uttering his name all averted their eyes, while those deep in conversation pretended otherwise, gauging where his steps would lead. Thud, thud. His footsteps stopped before one couple.

"It's been a while since we met at the dress shop, madam."

At his words, the Marchioness of Arias looked up, her pale face half-hidden behind her fan. The Marquis, trying to hide his embarrassment, laughed heartily and offered a handshake.

"Oh, Count Belando. It's been a long time."

"Indeed, Marquis."

Fabian smiled and shook the Marquis's hand. His gaze swept over their attire.

"But... it seems you didn't care for my gift."

"P-pardon?"

"Did you not receive it? I heard Amore delivered it to your house."

At the low but distinct voice, several pairs of ears perked up. The Marchioness's flustered expression only piqued their curiosity. The Marquis wiped his cold sweat, pretending nothing was wrong.

"Haha, of course we received it with thanks. It's just that it didn't seem appropriate for today's gathering..."

"Was there a dress code for this party?"

Fabian looked around in apparent bewilderment.

"I've been away from society for so long—I must have been ignorant. I do hope I haven't caused any trouble for the host."

"Ah, no, there was no dress code today."

The host quickly chimed in. Curious gazes turned to the young Count and the couple.

"I'm rather curious about the gift myself. If it's from Amore, it must be beautiful..."

"The children made cuckoo calls at my daughter in the dress shop."

At that, someone gasped and covered their mouth. Fabian's gaze never wavered from the couple.

"My daughter is shy, so she couldn't play with them... but both children were so adorable that I sent them garments embroidered with cuckoos. Naturally, I included ones for the Marquis and Marchioness as well."

No one in the ballroom missed the implication. Leticia Belando, called a cuckoo's chick, and the Arias children who had made cuckoo sounds before her.

People might hesitate to pair a bastard with their own child, but they found open mockery of a child distasteful—especially when the father, Count Belando, had expressed his displeasure.

"Goodness."

"What were they saying in front of the children..."

"This is why home education matters..."

As powerful as House Arias might be, their opponent was House Belando, who could manifest divine beasts—a family trusted enough for private audiences with the Emperor, and now the guardian of a Grand Duke of imperial blood. Whose side to take was obvious.

"Oh, you misunderstand."

Unable to bear the weight of the gazes, the Marchioness quickly spoke.

"What misunderstanding?"

"I told you that day—the children had just learned bird calls from their nanny."

"Haha, Count, you have children too, so you understand—children do strange things all the time... and if you assign meaning to every little act..."

The Marquis quickly stepped in to defend his wife and children. Fabian nodded silently.

"Of course."

"Haha, well then, Count—please don't misunderstand. If you have time, perhaps we could have a drink sometime—"

"That's precisely why I sent the gift. I don't understand why you feel the need to make excuses. If I had taken it as mockery of my daughter, I would not have stood idle as her father."

It was a clear warning—to the Marquis and Marchioness, and to all those watching. Pale-faced, they managed weak smiles. Fabian smiled along with them.

"Well, it seems the misunderstanding has been cleared, so I'll take my leave. I do hope our next encounter brings me the joy of seeing my gift worn."

He bowed politely, then turned—and paused.

"Ah, we'll be hosting the Grand Duke's birthday party at the manor soon. If you come, I'll send you an invitation."

His tone was gentle throughout, but the Marquis and Marchioness were not so oblivious as to miss the implication. The Marquis gave another awkward laugh.

"...Haha, thank you, but we have prior engagements with the children that day."

"I completely understand. You're clearly devoted to your children's education."

"..."

"Until next time."

With a light nod, Fabian turned away. The couple stood there, weathering the gazes fixed upon them.

---

Adrian's birthday party was held in the garden of the Belando manor. I wore the sky-blue dress we'd bought at Amore and attended the party all dressed up.

"Wow."

The garden, decorated with help from the palace, was stunning—summer flowers still in bloom and autumn flowers just beginning to open. Colorful gladioli and dahlias, cosmos rustling in the breeze, yellow chrysanthemums and magenta Magellan flowers... I looked around wide-eyed. The guests felt the same.

"Oh my, it's truly beautiful."

"Daddy, look at this!"

"Mother, what's this flower called?"

"Don't touch, children. Flowers feel pain—just look with your eyes."

The children and their guardians at Adrian's party all marveled and admired the beautifully decorated garden. Father, who had recently made a rare appearance in society, was greeting the guests with surprising familiarity.

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