The Baby Who Regressed Refuses Childcare - Chapter 5
Ten days ago.
I begged Teacher Ann to go to town.
I sneaked out to send a letter I had written in advance to that person, Duke Abner. Of course, I didn’t forget to use the modified secret seal when sealing the letter. I had to use that seal for the letter to be directly delivered to Sharon Abner.
“I’ve checked it several times. The letter must have arrived safely. But why hasn’t he shown up until now…?”
Even at this moment, Longton’s administrators were closing in.
My brows furrowed.
“They must have concluded that it was just a child’s prank.”
Even to me, the contents of the letter seemed odd. To recklessly ask the family to provide assistance…
“But what else can I do?”
I couldn’t confess my reincarnation secret to anyone right now. If I did, I would either be treated more like a child or be immediately taken to the Mateau Tower laboratory.
Anxiously, I glanced over my shoulder. I had prepared an escape route in the nearby bushes just in case.
“I have no other choice.”
If I didn’t run away now, I would unquestionably become Longton’s young lady once again. Of course, this time, I did have thoughts about living differently, now that I knew the future. At least until I saw Duke Longton’s face again.
“I can’t do it. If I go back there, I’ll end up living the same way again.”
Cold sweat continued to trickle down my hands and feet. Everything had started just from looking at Duke Longton. Regretfully, I bit my lip.
“I should have been more careful with the seal…”
It seemed like there were quite a few places where teeth were chipped on the seal.
It was only natural, considering that I had shaved it with a large carving knife that was much larger than my hand.
My eyes felt sore.
The blisters and wounds covering my palm somehow stung even more.
But now, there was no time for sorrow.
I shook my head vigorously and slung the prepared bundle over my shoulder.
I had concluded that running away was the best course of action for now.
“First, let’s go downtown. It should only take about three days on foot, right? After that, I can sneak onto a carriage heading to another region. Once I arrive, I’ll figure something out.”
Just as I was about to make up my mind and turn my body,
Neigh—!!
A high-pitched neigh echoed through the air, and suddenly, a blue, circular light rose in the front yard of the orphanage.
Soon, numerous shadows revealed themselves on top of the light.
They were burly men, clad in thigh-length dark blue overcoats with swords strapped to their waists.
My eyes widened. They were unmistakably Abner’s troops.
Longton’s Duke recognized them, and froze.
Even Teacher Ann covered her mouth with a wide eyes.
“Oh no. Who is this?”
Soon, among them, someone slowly came into view. Forehead adorned with slick, lush white hair.
Violet eyes flickered like a predator targeting its prey.
“Lambert, I never expected to run into you here.”
That woman was Sharon Abner.
The unmistakable Sharon Abner gave Duke Longton a judgemental look.
“Are you still searching for a replacement for your daughter? Venturing this far into my territory?”
***
There is one fact known to all citizens of the Taranta Empire.
The longstanding enmity between the northern Abner family and the southern Longton family.
“It’s been a while, Mrs. Abner. Oh, should I call you ‘Countess’ now?”
Sharon Abner chuckled as the Duke of Longton spoke in a hostile tone.
“Of course. When was it that I took my place as the head of the family?”
“Yes, it has been quite a while. I heard that the Countess wrested her husband’s title from a successful son.”
The atmosphere instantly became tense.
Abner’s soldiers fixed their stern expressions, hands resting on their sword hilts. Of course, Longton’s administrators didn’t sit still either, as they took out combat scrolls.
“What on earth…,”
I mumbled in surprise and lowered my body further behind the barn. Sharon Abner’s presence was a relief; it meant that my sent letter had played its part. The issue, however, was the war-like atmosphere that seemed ready to ignite at any moment.
“Why does the timing have to be like this? Am I really going to be in big trouble?”
