The Baby Who Regressed Refuses Childcare - Chapter 2
〈Empire Year 1287, February〉
Late at night when everyone was asleep.
I relied on the flickering candlelight and scrutinized the calendar I held in my hand.
But no matter how I looked at it, the numbers written on the calendar didn’t change.
The date clearly had “X” marks up to the 12th.
Tomorrow would be the 13th.
“Haah….”
An involuntary groan escaped.
“Does it make sense that there’s only about two weeks left?”
Duke Longton was supposed to come to the orphanage after tonight, a fortnight later.
Of course, to adopt me.
“…Absolutely not.”
Clutching the calendar, I crawled under the covers.
My ears felt heavy from the thumping of my racing heart.
“I won’t go to that house twice. No, I can’t.”
But by what means?
Perhaps because my body had grown smaller, my head didn’t easily come up with a solution.
“Should I run away from the orphanage?”
Then I hit upon an idea.
Escaping with my current body was nearly impossible.
Besides, it was still winter, and what could I possibly do outside?
“But I can’t stop Lord Longton from coming.”
The adoption had already been arranged.
There was no one who would listen to a four-year-old’s objections at this point, even if I didn’t want to go.
However, if I were to enter that house again, my predetermined fate was as clear as fire. I knew because I had experienced it in my previous life.
“To the point of being adopted… and even becoming a family with those people was fine.”
In the darkness, my pupils shook slightly.
In my previous life, I was recognized as a genius by everyone. So, I believed I could be anything.
At that time, I was dreaming without knowing what the future would hold.
In Longton Manor, I crafted countless magical formulas and potions. I was pleased when the Duke and my three brothers acknowledged me.
However, after Hiyana returned, all of it became useless.
“…In the end, it all became hers.”
To be precise, Hiyana was a case of a family reunion delayed because of me. The reunion should have happened earlier, but it was delayed because I took her place.
After Hiyana returned, I was plagued by guilt every day because of this.
This was why I did her homework for her and generously handed over the newly developed magical designs.
At some point, she took the magical formulas I had given her and swept the academic competitions across the entire continent. Of course, no one knew that Hiyana’s magical formulas were born from my mind.
“Why does Anellia live like that? Her talent is not to be wasted.”
Come to think of it… except for one person.
‘If you ever need help, send a letter. If it’s Anellia, I will help without any conditions.’
My eyes widened.
Yes, that person.
The person who gave me the seal as they left.
‘A talent like yourself is always welcome.’
The symbol of strength and courage, the lion emblem, and the two crossed swords below it.
The ancient language was inscribed on the sword blades.
The shape of the seal was still engraved in my mind like an imprint.
“Don’t worry, Lia. They said they’d come if you just slept for sixteen nights. Our Lia is smart, you know that, right?”
Teacher Ann’s words from earlier echoed in my ears.
“Sixteen nights is incredibly fast. As fast as a rabbit.”
Just as Teacher Ann said, sixteen nights were too fast.
And that was the problem.
‘If there’s only a fortnight to change the future…’
‘If you ever need help, send a letter.’
The pattern of the seal overlapped with the wavering shadow.
Every time I struggled, every time I wanted to escape, every time I felt alone in the mansion, I took it out and looked at it. It was an engraving I had memorized.
“I couldn’t use it until the day I died in my previous life, but…”
“Not this time.”
I crawled out from under the blankets and quickly left the room.
***
…I promise I won’t ask for anything, and I’ll be a great help to the Abner family.
By the way, I have some very high-quality information.
I can also catch mice very well.
Whether my words are true or not, you can find out by investigating the part-time worker at Hans’ fruit store at the end of 2nd alley, the youth research office in the city center of Evehill, where I work.
I’ll be waiting for you to come and pick me up.
(I know it’s not right to say this without meeting in person, but I’m only four years old.)
P.S. If you come too late, Lord Lambert Longton might take me first!
Goodbye for now.
