The Baby Who Regressed Refuses Childcare - Chapter 6
The Abner family of the North and the Longton family of the South had a long history of hostilities.
Over the centuries, they had clashed for countless reasons, since the time of their predecessor’s predecessors, and their conflicts had deepened.
On days when major events were held under the empire’s system, the two families’ seating arrangements were always positioned in direct opposition.
It was widely known throughout the empire that it was best for them never to meet, as any confrontation between them was bound to result in trouble.
However, over the past few centuries, the power dynamics between the two feuding families had shifted sharply in Longton’s favor.
The Longton family expanded its influence within the empire by investing in various magical and scholarly research over time.
In contrast, the Abner family had been declining, losing its former standing.
The Abners, on the other hand, had been largely ignorant in the fields of magic, such as pharmaceutical development and magical research.
Their expertise was primarily in raising armies and stubbornly persisting in inefficient local industries.
As if to make things worse, during this time, a severe drought ravaged the northern parts of the empire. This particularly affected the Abner territories, and caused widespread famine.
People anticipated the downfall of the Abners until the current Duchess, Sharon Abner, took her place as the head.
“I didn’t know you had such a keen interest in our family affairs,” Sharon Abner spoke, breaking the tension in the air.
Duke Longton responded with a sly smile.
“No, not really. It just happened to catch my ear. It’s quite a disturbing incident, isn’t it? A mother snatching her son’s title.”
An overt mockery lingered in his words.
Nonetheless, Sharon Abner remained composed, not batting an eyelid.
“Well, it doesn’t seem all that gruesome, really,” she replied calmly.
“If anything, it’s your perspective that seems rather narrow, isn’t it? I think I now understand why your father was reluctant to pass the title on to you.”
Lambert Longton’s face contorted with discomfort.
Sharon Abner continued, a wry smile on her lips.
“Leading a family is too much, isn’t it? I can help you. Unlike you, I am quite suited for this position.”
Rambert Longton muttered, “Your words are excessive, my lady.”
“Lady? No, call me ‘Duke.’ Your memory appears as haphazard as trash rolling on the side of the road. To lead a family, one must withstand much more than that,” she replied with a teasing smile.
Crack!
The sound of Rambert Longton’s teeth grinding could be heard as though it resonated through the barn. I swallowed nervously, aware that an invisible wave of anger surged between the two dukes. The same tension gripped the Abner troops and the Longton officials.
Suddenly, behind the barn, Miss Ann, our teacher, appeared. She stood still, like a rabbit caught in the midst of predators, frozen in place with a seemingly inscrutable expression on her face.
Duke Longton let out an irritated huff. “This unproductive conversation should stop here. Why are you here? Leading an army, no less.”
“Must I seek your permission as I traverse my own territory? And that’s a question for me. What business do you have on my land?” Sharon Abner responded nonchalantly.
“Going back and forth across territory boundaries is not illegal, is it?”
“But as a landowner, I’m entitled to ask for a reason.”
When Sharon Abner laughed effortlessly, Duke Longton glared fiercely.
“We aren’t so close that we can open portals into each other’s lands without a word, are we? Isn’t that so?”
“…”
“If we engage in a full-fledged war right here, things might be different.”
As if her words were a signal, Abner’s troops brandished their swords simultaneously. The multitude of blades gleamed in the air, causing Miss Ann to startle and fall to the ground.
The children in the orphanage watched in fear from inside the building.
Exhausted, Rambert Longton sighed, “Really.”
His butler, who had been observing his mood, quickly stepped forward. “Th-There’s no political or military reason, Your Grace! Longton has come today to take away the young lady who will become the duchess of the house.”
“Oh, I see. From this Eve Hill orphanage?”
“Yes, that’s right. Your Grace, I took notice of a certain child…”
An intriguing expression seemed to flicker across Sharon Abner’s face.
“You intend to bring that child into the Longton household, don’t you?”
“That’s correct.”
Simultaneously, hearty laughter echoed through the courtyard.
Sharon Abner tilted her head and said, “Who do you think you are…”
