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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 20
Chapter Title: My First Underling
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The Marchional House of Finch.
Though an infinitely smaller house compared to the Archducal House of Akion, they were one of the wealthiest families among the capital's nobility, as they controlled more than half of the western continent's mines.
What they lacked in history, they made up for in wealth, and House Finch was famous for throwing parties at every opportunity. The star of this particular party was, without a doubt, Daphne, the youngest daughter of Archduke Akion.
“Do you really think that little hellion defeated a band of thieves?”
The story of how Daphne had defeated a band of thieves and protected a merchant caravan had already spread throughout the capital.
The nobles, starved for gossip since the prince's affair scandal, had been sizing each other up, looking for a chance to see Daphne in person. The victor of that silent battle was the Marchioness of Finch.
Usually, when inviting a child, the priority was to foster a connection with one's own children. However, more than half of the young lords and ladies in the capital had a history of being beaten up by Daphne. That was how the Marchioness of Finch had gained the upper hand. Her child had never been beaten up!
“Now, Brysa. You haven't forgotten what Mother told you, have you? What do you do when Daphne Akion arrives?”
The Marchioness asked, holding the hands of her daughter, Brysa, who had just turned eight. Brysa twisted her pink hair and replied.
“When Daphne Akion comes, I greet her from a distance, then wait for her to be in a good mood and offer her dessert!”
“And what if she’s never in a good mood?”
“Then I stay as far away as possible! I don't talk to her! It's better not to get close than to say the wrong thing and get hit!”
“My daughter, you're so smart. Yes. That's exactly right.”
Her words were grave, as if she were explaining how to handle a caged beast… but it couldn't be helped. Daphne Akion was a child with such a vile temper that you couldn't take your eyes off her for a second.
*The Archduke must have it rough.*
Rumor had it they couldn't handle Daphne even at the mansion and had stuck her in the annex. Considering Daphne's devilish temper, it seemed a reasonable measure.
In any case, after earnestly instructing her angelic daughter—so unlike Daphne—the Marchioness soon mingled with the party guests.
“When is Lady Daphne expected to arrive?”
Someone asked the Marchioness.
“Well, it seems she’s running late due to the distance. But she did reply that she would attend, so she will be here.”
“I actually had a prior engagement today, but I excused myself and canceled it. I couldn't possibly miss the chance to see *the* Daphne Akion!”
“Hee hee, me too. I've been waiting for this day!”
A few men joined the circle of cheerfully chatting ladies.
“But surely, not all the ladies gathered here believe that rumor, do you?”
“It's impossible for a mere five-year-old child to defeat the very same group that the Onhole Mercenaries struggled against. The guild master must have exaggerated things a bit.”
The ladies' smiles stiffened slightly.
The truth didn't matter in this kind of gossip. What mattered was how many interesting stories one could extract from the person at the center of attention!
So why did men always have to come and rain on their parade? The ladies fanned themselves, exchanging glances.
“Well, that's true. I heard Daphne Akion is frail, too.”
“That's right. They said it's an incurable disease, didn't they?”
“I heard they tolerate her atrocious behavior because of it. Since she's sick, they let her do as she pleases.”
It was only known that Daphne had an incurable disease, not the Black Butterfly Disease specifically. So people spoke of it casually.
“Which makes it all the more absurd. A child who could die any day now suddenly brandishing a wooden sword and beating up a band of thieves? It's not logically possible, is it?”
“I also wonder if the Archducal House, which hasn't been summoned by His Majesty the Emperor recently, might have had a hand in this.”
The men spoke as if they were guessing, but they were actually convinced.
The Archduke, who had not received any direct orders from the emperor since the dragon subjugation, was using his daughter for publicity.
Even the ladies who had initially shot the men disapproving looks were now slightly swayed. If their speculation was correct, it meant they had been played by fabricated gossip.
“But there's no way to prove it, is there? I mean, there's no way to confirm whether it's true or not.”
“That may be so, but her skills can certainly be tested, can't they?”
“What? What do you mean by…”
Just then, a servant guarding the door ran up to the Marchioness.
“Oh, my!”
The Marchioness announced Daphne's arrival to the people around her, and the chattering crowd fell silent, their eyes fixed on the door that was about to open. All to see the infamous Daphne!
*Creeeak—*
The door slowly opened.
Through the opening, a small child walked in leisurely. Shimmering blonde hair and porcelain skin, eyes so large they seemed to take up half her face, and pupils that sparkled like emeralds! One could truly say she was the cutest on the continent.
But just as they had been discussing moments before, Daphne looked very, very ill.
No matter how cute the dress she wore or how pretty her hair ornament was, the frailty that colored her face couldn't be hidden. The hollows under her eyes, unbefitting a child, her sunken cheeks, and her stick-thin limbs. It was a sight that drew sighs from those who saw her.
And so, everyone thought the same thing.
*The guild master's words were a bluff.*
But what did that matter? In any case, Daphne, the center of the capital's gossip, was right before their eyes!
Whether the rumors were true or false, just exchanging a single word with Daphne would give them something to boast about for days.
The people's eyes burned with anticipation.
***
*Why are they all glaring so?*
Daphne narrowed her brow.
She was already in a foul mood, feeling on the verge of collapse from the long carriage ride.
Having the gazes of dozens of humans fixed on her at once was not a pleasant experience.
“I am Daphne Akion.”
But that was no reason to skip a greeting. With a perfunctory nod, Daphne scanned her surroundings, wondering if there was a place to sit.
Fortunately, there were a table and chairs near the central staircase of the hall. Without a second thought, Daphne went over and sat down, naturally unaware that those were the seats reserved for the hosts, the Finch family.
“…”
No one spoke to Daphne, who sat there as naturally as if it were her own seat.
The first reason was Daphne's notoriously foul temper. The second was that, since the rumor had spread through whispers, it was awkward to ask about it directly. And the third and final reason was…
*She looks so sick!*
She looked so fragile, as if a single touch would make her collapse with a groan.
Just the fact that she was sitting there like that seemed like a monumental effort.
*Is she even in a state to speak properly?*
*No, with a body like that, shouldn't she avoid going out?*
The nobles watched each other, trying to read the atmosphere. The first to step forward would be the brave one. But it wouldn't be me.
The subdued mood in the hall caused the musicians' performance to waver, and a note went slightly off-key.
“Hmm.”
Completely oblivious to this strange atmosphere, Daphne rested her chin on her hand and looked around.
In truth, she hadn't wanted to come to a ball. But she had agreed, thinking she might gain some information by meeting children her own age. It was definitely not because of Ann and Anna's pleading.
She had planned to ask the children what the original Daphne was like and what she should do from now on.
But…
*Why is no one coming near me?*
Daphne narrowed her eyes at the children standing some distance away. They were clustered in a group, most of them with their eyes downcast and shoulders slumped.
*It seems those brats were also dragged here against their will.*
Unaware that she was the cause of their state, Daphne clicked her tongue. Since they shared the common ground of discomfort, she judged it would be a good opportunity to strike up a conversation.
“You there.”
Daphne approached the huddle of children. Then, with the most harmless smile she could manage, she spoke.
“What are you all about?”
“Hic!”
“Eek!”
There was something Daphne failed to realize. The original Daphne had rarely ever smiled, so her smiling expression was incredibly awkward.
It was more than awkward; it was unsettlingly grotesque.
On top of that, her history of beating up children made her seem even more terrifying.
The children gasped and flinched back.
“Hm?”
Daphne frowned.
“Why do you not answer?”
Wondering if these children were also sick somewhere, Daphne's expression hardened slightly.
Parents who would drag their sick child to a ball…! These humans never change! Daphne ground her teeth.
“W-Wait a moment! Lady Daphne! Please, d-don't be angry!”
Just then, a child at the front of the group cried out, waving her hands.
The child, with her pink hair in pigtails tied with ribbons, looked slightly frightened, but she held her ground.
Why? Because she was the daughter of the host of this ball, Brysa Finch!
As the host, it was her duty to resolve any problems that arose. Even if her mother had warned her to run away if she saw Daphne in a bad mood!
“We are all just nervous! It is only natural to be nervous and intimidated when meeting you, Lady Daphne! That is why we failed to answer, so please forgive us!”
With that, Brysa grabbed the sleeves of a few other children and bowed her head low. The quick-witted children followed Brysa's lead and bowed as well.
“P-Please forgive us!”
“Please let it go just this once!”
“…”
Daphne was momentarily taken aback but quickly regained her composure.
“So, you're saying you're all prostrating yourselves in fear because I am a great being?”
It sounded like utter nonsense, but Brysa and the other children were quick on the uptake.
“…Yes!”
“Because you are the great Lady Daphne!”
“Oho.”
Only then did a grin spread across Daphne's lips.
“For a child, you have some sense. I approve.”
“Ha, haha. Thank you.”
“Indeed. Now, stop being afraid and converse with…”
“L-Lady Daphne! If you would please sit, we will bring you a drink!”
“Yes, yes! You must be tired, so please sit down! We'll bring you cookies!”
As Daphne tried to move closer to the group, several children shot their hands up and shouted. They meant for her to please stay seated over there and not come any closer, but of course, Daphne didn't notice.
“Humans these days have some potential. I quite like it.”
It seemed Ann and Anna had worried for nothing. Weren't these children being so kind to her from the moment they met? Now seemed like the perfect time to get to know each other over some refreshments.
“I must boast when I return. That everyone has recognized my greatness.”
*Hmm. And I must tell them I've acquired some underlings,* Daphne thought with a chuckle.
From the perspective of Daphne, who was completely oblivious to the surrounding atmosphere, this ball was quite peaceful.
And so, with her guard somewhat lowered, Daphne failed to notice the murderous glare directed at her.
“Daphne Akion!”
The source of the murderous glare, Mark Brown, the second son of Duke Brown, who had yet to shed his boyish youthfulness, pushed through the crowd and shouted loudly.
“It's been a while! Ever since the day you broke my nose, I haven't forgotten you for a single day! I've been waiting to get my revenge! Come on, fight me! This time, I'll give you a proper fight!”
The words were as flat and awkward as if he were reading from a script, but Daphne couldn't care less about such things.
Instead, she rose to her feet and slowly approached Mark.
Daphne, who was only five, and Mark, who was nine. The difference in their builds was significant. Daphne naturally had to look up at Mark.
“…”
*Gulp.*
All eyes gathered on them, and a sense of tension filled everyone's chest.
But no one thought Daphne would actually do anything. The primary reason was that she looked so incredibly sick. As if a single touch would make her collapse with a groan and fight for her life.
Should they intervene? Just as the host, the Marchioness of Finch, leaned forward slightly, at that very moment—
*THWACK!*
“Aaargh!”
Mark, who was two heads taller than Daphne, went flying.
He was literally lifted off his feet and thrown backward.
I-Is this even possible?
People's jaws dropped as their eyes darted back and forth.
“You.”
Daphne ground her teeth, emphasizing each and every word. Then, she shifted her gaze slightly to the side. At the end of her line of sight was Brysa, who had fallen over after being pushed by Mark.
“How dare you push my underling.”
Daphne’s tiny fist clenched tightly.
“Grit your teeth.”
