# 73
---
Just as it is said that a son resembles his father, the words of father and son were identical.
But in Tidian's case, the object of his obsession was a young boy rather than a girl his own age, and the rivals he referred to were members of his own family, which makes it a little different.
“Even my sisters Maria and Julia are now part of the problem! Cornelia alone was enough to tire me out!”
Maria and Julia were his twin sisters.
Until now, they were in the capital for the debut ceremony, but they returned home a few days ago after all the events were over.
This was because news had arrived that Matthias and Elinor, who had gone to the border, would return within weeks with Logan after the last of the purging work was completed.
“I want to play with the baby too. But my sisters hold him and won’t let go!”
"Hmm. How about we make an arrangement to see the baby?"
“What good is that? My sisters will kick me out and tell me to go study.”
Tidian breathed exasperatedly.
Being the youngest, he grew up under the strict upbringing of his two sisters, so he did not dare to rebel.
That's why he felt even more wronged.
He was always deprived of things, and now even the child was stolen from him!
"I'm the one who raised him. I'm the one who fed him milk and sang a lullaby to him. So why can't I see him?"
His rage-filled roar echoed down the hallway.
This jealousy of Tidian was nothing new, and the maids passed by, laughing lightly.
The old servant coughed, as if asking them to stop laughing.
“Miss Maria and Julia have only met the baby for a short time. Naturally, they find the little boy exciting and beautiful, and they would like to spend more time with him.”
“I still find it beautiful and sexy.”
“Didn't you have a pleasant time with the child all last winter? Be a little condescending to the two mademoiles.”
“It's not fair.”
Tidian stared at the servant.
"I thought you were on my side. After all, there's no one in this house on my side. I always thought maybe I was an adopted kid."
The servant was puzzled.
Why did it end with this conclusion?
Teenagers' minds were so precise, it was difficult for an old mind like his to keep up with them.
The complaining servant Tidian calmed down.
“Oh my God, sir. Why are you saying something meaningless?”
“Because everyone ignores me and doesn't take my side.”
“No, sir. You look just like the previous Duke.”
The similarity was undeniable in their displays of jealousy and irrational claims.
The servant laughed loudly.
“Master seems very upset.”
“…hmph.”
“This won’t work. This old man should help you calm your heart.”
"How? Do you have a good idea?"
“I will take the two young ladies away. I will put them in a carriage and send them out of the palace for a walk. This way, you can have the child for at least a few hours—”
“Yahoo!”
Before the servant could finish speaking, Tidian screamed like a primal bird and rushed to embrace him.
“Thank you! Servant, you are truly the only one in my class!”
The old servant, who was staggering, laughed helplessly.
The plan was carried out in secret.
First, the servant summons a carriage and tells Maria and Julia a lie that a theatrical troupe of handsome men is giving surprise performances in the street.
"truly?"
"Yes. A small group of five men. They are all tall and handsome. They are said to sing and dance well."
"I'm interested. Let's go see them!"
“…Cough. Mary, Julie, I’ll go with you.”
Somehow, Cornelia, who was with them, took an interest, and became part of the picnic group.
When the Hilliard women all came out, the palace became quiet in an instant.
Tidian did not waste the opportunity, so he headed to the child's room with his heart full of enthusiasm.
“What is he doing now?”
Tidian cocked his head warily.
The child was practicing walking with the maid.
He swayed his diaper-filled bottom, taking one step forward.
“Wow.”
Tidian's heart melted.
Our fluffy little angel seemed to be walking better today than yesterday.
At that moment, he saw the child Tidian and laughed happily.
“Oh, sir, you have come?”
"Yes."
Tidian nodded and almost approached the child, but stopped. Instead, he squatted down and opened his arms towards the child.
“You've been practicing walking, haven't you? Can you come to your uncle?”
The child smiled, showing his tiny bean-like teeth, and walked with zigzag steps.
It was risky, but he didn't fall.
The child reached Tidian safely, snuggled into his embrace, and smiled.
“Teddy.”
“Oof.”
What a beauty.
How could there be such a cute creature?
He wanted to kiss his face a million times.
Tidian clutched his heart with a groan, then lifted the child.
“The most beautiful, smartest, coolest nephew in the world, have you been playing well?”
“Kyahahaha.”
“Didn't you miss your uncle? You're dressed as a princess today too.”
Tidian looked at the child's clothes with sullen eyes.
“Sisters again, right?”
"Yes."
"My nephew is a strong boy. Why do they keep dressing him in girls' clothes? If they try to dress you, try to stop them."
"Haha, it's cute and it suits him. Isn't the ribbon pin on his head adorable?"
"This is correct."
Tidian pursed his lips.
A pink dress full of ruffles, lace-trimmed stockings, and a pearl-embellished ribbon pin.
As the maid said, his doll-like appearance was very cute, but considering that the child was a boy, he wondered if this was appropriate.
“My sisters really do what they want.”
“The baby is still young. This is the only time he can be dressed in cute clothes like this.”
“That's true, but it looks like my sisters are going to dress him up until he grows up...”
Suddenly, outside became noisy.
Tidian, who had deceived his sisters with a lie about a theatrical troupe of handsome men, became frightened and approached the window.
But when he saw the outside, his eyes widened.
"my lord?!"
Tidian rushed out of the room, carrying the child, and down the stairs twice at each step.
The child in his arms laughed without fear.
When he arrived at the front door...
"My brother! My brother Logan!"
Those arriving from the border had arrived.
“Tidian!”
Logan got off his horse and smiled cheerfully at the sight of Tidian.
After a year and two months, he returned home.
Unlike the previous comebacks which were filled with anxiety, this time was filled with joy and relief at solving a big problem.
"Were you okay? You've grown a lot."
“Brother, I missed you. You tried so hard.”
“Effort? It’s the Hilliard family’s duty. Where are the rest? My mother will be out soon because the maid went to fetch her...”
At that moment, Elinor got off the carriage with Matthias' help.
Her eyes trembled when she saw the child in Tidian's arms.
Tidian approached her with long strides without hesitation and handed her the child.
“Ah…”
The baby was suddenly in her arms.
He tilted his head.
Three months is a quarter of a child's life, so for him it was a long time since the last meeting.
“If he doesn't recognize me, that's okay.”
When Elinor bit her lips sadly.
“Kya, kya.”
The child extended his hands towards Elinor, welcoming her.