After we had our fill and finished talking, everyone’s attention shifted to little Arthur.
“Ah, ah.”
“Baby, you’re so adorable.”
“Your hands are so tiny.”
“Your feet are moving so quickly.”
“You’re full of energy.”
Everyone took turns looking at Arthur and holding his hand, smiling as they watched him. Arthur is quite a big shot, and he’s completely unfazed by people like us who see him almost every day, as well as the martial artists and female guards he’s meeting for the first time today.
“He’s remarkably calm for a baby… such a solid little one.”
“Indeed. I’ve never seen a baby so steady, even at just one month old.”
“Fufu… I truly look forward to seeing what the future holds for our grandchild.”
The Margrave and his wife were utterly smitten, watching little Arthur with indulgent, doting expressions. Their faces had completely relaxed, every line softened by affection for their grandchild.
And then… the peaceful moment was shattered.
Shuuun! Buon!
“Huh? What’s happening?”
I muttered, instinctively scanning the room.
From the window side of the banquet hall, a magical circle suddenly sprang into existence, glowing with an ominous light. The cheerful chatter and laughter of the victory banquet froze in place, replaced by the low hum of magic resonating through the air.
Something is coming—something that would turn this warm, domestic scene upside down in an instant.
“Fufufu… I’ve come to kill every last one of you.”
“Ah… it’s that magician from before.”
Everyone seemed to have noticed the magician’s presence. The magical energy radiating from him was unmistakably the same as the one who had fought Ao in the tournament—there was no doubt he was the same person. His voice was deeper than before, rough and menacing, though the black hood pulled low over his head made him otherwise indistinguishable from that previous encounter.
“Au—”
“My, he’s remarkable, even as a child. Not a hint of fear, even with an intruder appearing.”
“Right, right. So strong and resilient.”
Yes, Fina-san’s older brother and his spouse were fully in parent mode.
Even the attendants around little Arthur were instinctively keeping a protective eye on him, while simultaneously glancing at the magician, ready to act if needed.
The room, once filled with laughter and chatter, had become a tense.
“Hey! Are you more interested in a baby than the intruder?!”
The magician, clearly frustrated at being ignored, shouted at us, but everyone only glanced briefly in his direction before immediately returning their attention to little Arthur.
“Oi! Don’t you have your priorities straight?!”
“Au~”
“He’s going to be such a handsome boy when he grows up.”
“Truly, look at those big, round eyes… So adorable.”
“Hey! Stop ignoring me!”
And yet… no one paid him any real attention. Everyone—adults and children alike—is entirely focused on Arthur, fawning over him with smiles, soft laughter, and gentle words.
I couldn’t help but mutter under my breath, What is even happening here?
The room had descended into utter chaos—a dangerous intruder standing at the window, threatening our safety, while the entire hall was completely enchanted by a baby.
A victory banquet, a magical attack, and… a cuteness-induced standstill, all at the same time.
This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.
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