Chapter 252: Vacation Again (4)

    After the unexpected encounter with Kate, I returned to my room to clean my hands. Returning to my room instead of the dormitory was a refreshing change, but meeting Lily was the priority. Therefore, after washing my hands, which I usually didnt spend more than 30 seconds on, meticulously for over 3 minutes, I walked straight to the lounge where Lily was waiting.

    Perhaps Adelia would not only change her clothes but also thoroughly clean herself, so it might take a while. Until then, it seemed like a good idea to have a conversation with my mother.

    Im back.

    Youre back?

    Upon arriving at the lounge, mother greeted me. However, Lily, who was there just a moment ago, was nowhere to be seen.

    Wondering where she might be, I glanced around, and suddenly, a white crib that hadnt been visible before caught my eye.

    It turned out Lily was there. As I took a step towards it, Lily, with wide-open eyes, was wriggling inside the crib.

    My little sister, always cute no matter when. From the red hair to the golden eyes, she inherited everything.

    Gently, I extended my index finger towards Lilys wide-open hands.

    Swish-

    Lily, with a coo, reached out her hand and grabbed the tip of my finger with her tiny hand.

    Why are you so small? The size difference is expected between a grown adult and a newborn baby, but it was enough to be harmful to the heart.

    Ooo.

    The cooing, once again harmful to the heart, was an added bonus. I smiled at Lilys determined grip on my hand, as if she wouldnt let go no matter what.

    I had finally achieved the wish I had longed for so much. All that remained was for Lily to call me oppa (older brother).

    At what age do children typically start speaking? It varies from person to person, but generally, Ive heard that most children start talking around the age of 3. Some say they have a moment when they awaken to language.

    It might be said that we have to wait at least three more years, but babies naturally grow up in the blink of an eye. Before you know it, theyll start crawling, and with another blink, theyll be walking energetically.

    I slowly withdrew the hand that had been tightly held by Lily, looking into her golden eyes. As I did so, Lilys hand, which had been holding mine, naturally loosened, and she brought it to her mouth.

    Her golden eyes, filled with intense curiosity, were looking at me intently. It seemed like Father and Mother were used to seeing our faces frequently, but I was not.

    Mother, smiling softly at the two of us, spoke affectionately to Lily.

    Lily, do you see? This is your second brother, Isaac. Hes also a world-famous Xenons Biography writer.

    Aaa.

    Whether she understood or not, she responded with a coo. Hearing that sound, Mother and I both burst into laughter.

    Then, surprisingly, Lily also smiled brightly. It seems to be true that babies have a habit of smiling when they see their parents smiles. Going through the expected heartache was just part of the process. The pure smile of a baby seems to have an incredible power, almost enough to melt ones heart rather than causing pain.

    Imagine being born and finding out your older brother is a famous Xenons Biography writer. Wonder how your mom feels about it.

    Yeah, really.

    I deeply empathized with the mothers words. In my past life, having a famous novel is one thing, but being born into a family where someone has reached the pinnacle in that field is a whole other. However, surprisingly, most people dont show it off much. It might be partly because they are already so famous, but they generally dont pay much attention to it.

    Well, aside from the fact that the child is still very young, most parents are not active in their field after the child grows up. So, from the childs perspective, they are just an ordinary family. If you neglect this aspect, there is a high possibility that the child may go down the wrong path.

    So, I should probably be like that too. When Lily has a sense of reason, Ill probably have revealed my identity, and I plan to diligently play the role of an older brother.

    Uung

    It had been quite a while since Lily woke up from her nap. After making a sleepy sound, Lily slowly began to close her eyes. Its common for babies to spend most of their day sleeping until they sleep through the night. Its fortunate that I arrived during her awake hours.

    Anyway, Lily seems to be tired, so I should stop here. Its a shame that Adelia couldnt see her like this.

    Ring-

    When Lily tried to fall asleep, mother rang the bell, calling for a maid. Well, more precisely, its not a maid but a head maid.

    Before long, the summoned head maid entered the lounge. Unlike my mother, who exuded beauty comparable to that of a maiden despite being past middle age, the head maid at her age had deep wrinkles on her face, fitting her years.

    The head maid, who started living with us when my father received a noble rank, had taken care of me even in my childhood. Now, she holds the position of the head maid.

    Well then, Ill leave it to you, Dana.

    Yes, understood.

    The head maid bowed politely in response to the mothers request and left the room. Although I wanted to see Lily a bit more, I couldnt help but feel regret since sleep was crucial for the child.

    Once the head maid left with Lily, only my mother and I remained in the lounge. While gazing at the spot where the head maid had been, I spoke to my mother.

    Did the head maid return to her position as a head maid?

    No, its not that. Im gradually getting older, so I dont engage much in social activities aside from tea time. Thats why we take turns taking care of Lily.

    I think mom is still young enough to engage in social activities though?

    This little.

    Mother smiled happily, placing her hand on her mouth. It seems like she took it as a joke, but its not a joke; its the truth.

    Who would think that she, looking at that face, is a middle-aged woman who raised three grown-up siblings? Theres no sign of aging to be found, not even a trace.

    Perhaps its because of her good genes or maybe she absorbed all of fathers mana. Considering how Marie and Cecilys skin glowed every time we slept, the possibility was very high.

    Lets think about how Lily was born in the first place. Even on the first night with Marie, she generously gave me the last remaining contraceptive pill.

    Anyway, youve safely returned home. By the way, Adelia seems to have gone through various things in the meantime.

    Oh, I forgot to tell you. It seems sending it to the publishing house will have difficulties for a while.

    What? Why?

    I received unexpected news from my mother. At the same time, I became worried because the last time the head of the publishing house was attacked by a devil worshiper. Im concerned if something worse than that has happened.

    Of course, its not a big problem to sign a contract with another publishing house. However, the trust built up with the current publishing house over time was very strong. Musk, the CEO, stood firm even when pressured by elf elders who received support from the Council of Elders, not just human nobles.

    Hes someone hard to find, and even in situations like now, it would be troublesome if something happened.

    Thats the thing. They say the company is relocating.

    To where?

    To our territory.

    What?

    What is this again? The company that was doing well is moving to our territory.

    As I looked at her with an expression of complete confusion, my mother explained the situation with her characteristic calm smile.

    As you know, the publishers CEO was attacked by devil worshippers.

    I know about that.

    But it seems the CEO thought that not only he but also others might be harmed. So, he planned to move the company to our territory, where the temple is being built. I heard that they will even help the families of the employees move.

    Thats going to cost a lot of money

    I expressed deep concern. The current value of our Michelle territorys land was skyrocketing.

    Not only are temples dedicated to the twin sibling deities being built, but also a huge event like the Xenon Exhibition is held in the area every year.

    Moreover, it was a territory with great potential from the beginning, not just for development but also to keep my father bound. Naturally, the land value could only be high.

    Im worried that taking care of the families of the employees might be a bit difficult, even with the considerable profit from Xenons Biography.

    However, my mother, unlike such concerns, casually opened her mouth with a shrug of her shoulders.

    Well, the CEO didnt seem to care much about that, right? People can live with money, but you cant buy a human life with money.

    So, it might be difficult to deliver manuscripts during the construction of the building. Instead, it will probably be completed quickly. Cardinal Kate promised to help from their side.

    That CEO. Seriously, he has an amazing ability to smell money. Its a relief that hes not a noble, but if he were, he would have wielded immense wealth.

    While I was silently chuckling to myself about it, my mother, who had been slicing fruit, paused and gently set the knife down. After glancing around to double-check if anyone was listening, she cautiously asked me in a hushed voice.

    So, I read the spin-off, you know.

    You read that? Dont read it.

    Yeah. How could I resist the curiosity? Its the side story of Jin and Lilys past!

    Squelch

    What the I blinked as a strange sound reached my ears. When I shifted my gaze, an unbelievable scene unfolded before me my mothers fingertips digging into the fruit.

    I could understand the excitement and the force she put into it, but aside from that, it was undoubtedly an extraordinary sight for her fingers to be delving into a tough fruit.

    You dont know how much Im looking forward to it after reading. I hope Jin and Lily continue, and get together soon.

    Jins chest was pierced in the 20th volume, I couldnt bring myself to say those words. Because

    Grip!

    Just imagining it made me afraid, as Mothers fingers gradually invaded the inside of the fruit.

    Ive seen some people in my past life split apples with one hand, but piercing an apple with fingers is something Ive never seen before.

    Simple brute strength. Mother mercilessly slaughtered the fruit with pure brute strength, without the power of mana.

    Crack!

    Our fruit valiantly met its demise. Not just scattered juice, but it seemed to be shattered into pieces everywhere.

    The juice splashed on my cheek, showing how strongly she squeezed it.

    Oh my. I didnt even realize the strength

    Just wait a moment.

    After ruthlessly brushing off the destroyed fruit from her hand, my mother stood up. I looked at the shattered fruit mess even when she stood up.

    Why does that feel like my future? Im deeply worried that after the 20th volume, my chest might be pierced.

    There must be a reason why Father chose Mother.

    Indeed, beside the male lion, the female lion fits the best.

    Translators note: