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

Episode 28

"Oh my, you know our child's name."

The Viscount exclaimed in surprise. The Viscountess also looked at him with apparent emotion.

"Haha, we never expected anyone would recognize our boy who only stays at home..."

"This is really Max?"

This is really Max? The man who, without sword aura, would cleave monsters with a single greatsword—that fierce-eyed Max was this simple little thing?

"Rian."

Fabian spoke sternly.

"'This' is a word used for objects, not people. You should say 'this child' or 'this person.'"

"Haha, he's still young—it's understandable. We're just happy you remember our Max. Come now, Max, greet him properly."

The Viscount laughed as if nothing were amiss and nudged Max forward. A clear strand of snot dripped from the boy's nose, then disappeared again. The Viscountess hastily pulled out a handkerchief and wiped his small nose.

"Now, Max, what do you say when you meet a friend?"

"Hmm, hello. I'm Max... I'm three..."

Max folded his thumb and forefinger and held up three fingers. His pronunciation was still uncertain—"three" came out as "fwee." Adrian looked at the proudly displayed fingers, then at the snot dripping from his red nose again, and finally spoke.

"...Adrian."

Yes. Everyone had a childhood. Himself, the Saintess Lucia, even Leticia who'd slapped her—all had been children once. Max couldn't have been born wielding a greatsword. He tried to convince himself of that. But the moment his former subordinate, now a child, spoke again—

"Wian bwavew."

Adrian's mind went blank.

"Max, you should say 'Young Grand Duke.'"

The Viscount and Viscountess hastily corrected him, but Adrian's shock didn't fade.

Who was Max Dylan? Before the regression, Max was only eighteen, but no one took him for his age—due to his mature appearance, exceptional skill, and always courteous demeanor. Though he had the flaw of being unable to look away from kittens, watching him freely swing the greatsword on his shoulder inspired a certain trust.

But what was this? Bro? Wian bwavew? Adrian had felt a chill run down his spine when Fabian first used that nickname. The Viscountess, noticing his reaction, soothed her child.

"Young Grand Duke, try it, Max. Young Grand Duke."

"Yound Gwand Duke, Gwand Duke."

Max mumbled, following his father's words. Adrian pretended not to hear Fabian mutter "That's a disaster waiting to happen..." and looked away. Not far off, Leticia was greeting visitors. Her innocent smile made him frown involuntarily.

'What's she so happy about?'

She was the one who'd put him in this situation, yet she was having such a good time. Being treated like a child, watching people he knew become strangers—the same should be true for her.

'...No, she probably chose regression precisely because she wanted this.'

Even before the regression, she'd been known as the foolish villainess who tormented the Saintess. She must have known her reputation—wanting to restart her life was understandable...

"Haha, Max is still young, so his pronunciation is a bit off."

"He's only three. Still, he's tall and has good bone structure—he'll make a fine knight someday."

As the Viscount and Viscountess watched the Young Grand Duke's reaction, Fabian skillfully lightened the mood. Just then—

"Greetings, Count, Young Grand Duke."

A calm child's voice made Adrian turn. A familiar green-haired boy was approaching—round glasses, pale skin, narrow eyes, a thin build. Only his height had changed; everything else was exactly as before.

"...Leonor."

Surprised that his name was known, Leonor's eyes widened, then crinkled in a smile—a sly smile unlike a child's.

"Goodness, you know me... I'm deeply honored."

His unchanging, insufferable tone made Adrian pause. Why? Why was that brat... exactly as he'd been before the regression?

---

What do noble children do for fun?

Do they gather in the library to read? Sip tea—or juice or cocoa—and play chess with elegance? Embroider with their tiny hands or appreciate music?

Of course, most adults would expect children to diligently attend etiquette lessons, enjoy reading, embroidery, and horseback riding as hobbies, and be treated like elegant, refined ladies and gentlemen from an early age. But...

"Waaaaah!"

"Who wants to play hide-and-seek! Hide-and-seek!"

"If you get caught, you're it?"

"My feet hurt, I can't run..."

"Ah, it's no fun if it ends too fast!"

"Mom! Bro keeps pulling my hair!"

"Who wants to play cricket?"

"I want to make flower crowns..."

"Oh! A stag beetle!"

Differences aside, children are basically foals at heart—especially when there's outdoor space, tasty snacks, friends, fun games, and interesting things to see. And a garden birthday party provided all of that.

"Anyone for hide-and-seek, come here!"

"Me! Me!"

"Eek! A spider!"

"A ladybug peed on my hand!"

"Ew, gross!"

The beautifully decorated garden quickly turned chaotic with excited children. The adults gathered at outdoor tables, watching us or chatting among themselves.

'Lucky them...'

I glanced at the adults. I wanted to join them too. Kids are exhausting...

"Anyone for hide-and-seek, come here!"

"Cricket is over here!"

Of course, the most tired of all were the servants, including the nanny—having to keep these foal-like children from getting hurt while still having fun.

"You'll play hide-and-seek, won't you, my lady?"

The nanny smiled brightly and gestured for me. I wanted to shake my head, but Father was watching, so I had no choice.

"Yes! I'll play hide-and-seek too!"

I was about to run toward the nanny when I noticed a sulking child standing alone.

"I wanna pway too... but..."

The child was slightly shorter than Adrian, but plump, so he looked bigger. I quickly remembered his name.

"Young Master Dylan?"

The child didn't seem to realize he was being addressed, just glancing at the hide-and-seek group. Watching him sniffle, I spoke again.

"Max?"

"Huh?"

Max finally turned to me. I crouched down to meet his eyes, as the nanny and Father would do.

"Do you want to play hide-and-seek?"

"Uh-huh."

Max nodded, pouting. Hmm, was he too young to be included? Or just too shy to speak up? Whatever the reason, looking out for isolated children was part of my duty as Lady Belando.

"Then let's go play hide-and-seek together."

I took Max's hand and said. His downcast eyes sparkled as they met mine.

"Okay, big sister."

"Alright, let's go together—"

"What do you think you're doing?"

A sharp voice interrupted. Still holding Max's hand, I turned around. Adrian was glaring at me.

"Answer me. Why are you approaching Max?"

...What's his problem? As if I were stealing his own child.

"He said he wanted to play hide-and-seek, so I was taking him."

"Why does that have to be with you—"

"I'm sorry, I didn't know he was your friend."

I handed Max's hand over to Adrian. Oh, just take it. I won't interfere—go have your little love affair.

"Max, big brother Rian wants to play hide-and-seek with you."

"Huh, what about big sister?"

"Huh?"

"Big sister pway too."

Max smiled bashfully and took my hand again. Hmm, so he wants to play with both of us? I frowned involuntarily.

"No, Max. Play with Rian. I'm going to do something else."

"I wanna do sumfing else too. With big sister..."

"You said you wanted to play hide-and-seek?"

"Don't wanna. I wanna pway with big sister..."

"You don't want to play with Rian?"

"Uh-huh."

Max nodded without a trace of regret. Adrian's face contorted at the sight.

"Max, you..."

He looked as if he'd been betrayed. Just then, the nanny gestured to us again.

"My lady, young master! Come over here quickly!"

"The last one here is it!"

At that, my feet moved reflexively. Holding Max's hand tightly, I ran toward the nanny. Adrian, his face scrunched, followed close behind.

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