New World, New Life: I Became A Bigshot In The Ancient World
Chapter 110: BE MY BABY

Chapter 110: BE MY BABY

Dahlia and Dorothy approached them and bowed in greeting.

"Papa, Mama. This is the restaurant’s Manager. Her name is Dahlia Kendall. Her sister, Dorothy Kendall, is the Assistant Manager. They are handling the restaurant’s affairs." Aristia introduced.

The sisters bowed three-sixty degrees, both a bit caught off guard and a bit tense at the presence of the royal couple. "Greetings, Your Imperial Highnesses! May the blessings from Lord Nerin continue to be with you."

"Rise," Catherine replied. "So you’re the ones my daughter put in charge here. Manage the princesses’ work loyally."

Her voice was gentle, but the warning was clear to the sisters.

"We swear to, Your Highness!" They almost broke into a cold sweat.

Aristia noticed the lack of Adeline at her side, but she soon found her.

Adeline was talking to the young man a distance away. When they saw that Aristia and her family had come down, both she and the young man approached them.

Aristia looked away, looking back at the sisters— Dahlia specifically.

"Do not forget to lock up the restaurant before you head home after everyone has left." Aristia instructed Dahlia. "The key I gave you is yours to hold. Don’t lose it."

Dahlia nodded immediately, gripping the large bunch of keys in her hand tighter.

Aristia and her family got into their carriage, while Owen, Adeline and the young man entered another carriage, both heading in same direction; the mansion of the Grand Duke.

The carriage ride between the family was anything but silent.

Alaric talked nonstop about the restaurant. Many things were just new to him; the designs of the restaurant, the arrangements of services the restaurant provided, and most especially, the elevator leading to his sister’s office.

The carriage stopped at the Grand Duke’s Mansion and its users alighted it.

"Here is your payment. You did well." Aristia handed the young man a pouch filled with a hundred bronze coins; the equivalent of a silver coin.

They were all sitting in the main parlour of the mansion.

"I can not accept this. It is too much." The young man shook his head. "I didn’t do anything. I just accepted the Princess’s request. You told me everything I said and did." He reasoned.

"Take it. Then, are you rejecting my token of appreciation?" Aristia stopped smiling, looking at him with an expression that well portrayed a spoilt, arrogant, willful princess who wanted to get her way and wouldn’t hesitate to have his head if he didn’t follow along.

The young man gulped. The princess he had met was nothing like that, however, he didn’t want to take his chances.

Besides, the princess might be joking, but the Grand Duke’s and Duchess’s stare on him was a little unnerving.

"How could I? I dare not. Thank you, Princess." He finally accepted the bag of bronze coins from her. He had never made so much money.

Then, he whispered to Adeline beside him. "This money is more than enough to buy more pigs." He didn’t expect the princess to be so generous. First, she gave him quality pig food, and now he received a hundred bronze coins just because she acted as a spokesperson.

"Yes, Rowan." Adeline’s face remained neutral, but her eyes twitched. Why did he only ever think of pigs?

Aristia chuckled at Adeline’s expression, but then her brows furrowed.

This was Adeline’s twin brother, but why did she act so coldly? Adeline was more vibrant and expressive with her than with her own brother.

Her thoughts were drawn away when Alaric pulled her by the hand, giving her a slice of cake Catherine had ordered the servants to prepare beforehand.

They were having a celebratory dinner on the request of Catherine. Her little daughter opened a business, even if it did not turn out successful, it was still something to brag about.

But today, she witnessed firsthand that the outcome was positive. Even the proud noblemen and women were filled with praises. It would surely be successful. Tonight was evidence. She felt very proud.

Aristia was celebrating. This day was a success. She discreetly picked up a glass of sweetened red wine as Wilson raised a toast, turning to the side to avoid being seen.

"To the princess’s success." He toasted and everyone went along with him.

Just as she took three sips, the wine was taken away from her. Catherine handed her a glass of juice.

"You cannot drink wine. You are still little."

Aristia nodded but she was weeping within. [What is the use of a celebratory dinner when you can’t have wine? Ugh! At least I still tasted some.]

She didn’t want this to ruin her celebratory mood. But she also was enjoying this celebratory dinner of her first business in this world as she sipped her glass of juice.

There was just an unknown feeling of deep happiness and joy somewhere in her heart. [Hmm. I somehow feel a strange sense of accomplishment.] She touched her chest.

"Are you alright, Tia?" Catherine asked with concern when she noticed her daughter’s actions of placing her hand on her chest.

"Yes. I’m fine, Mama." Aristia smiled reassuringly.

Catherine nodded, coming to stand beside her. She bent down to Aristia’s height. "I am very proud of you, my child. You show me everyday, that we females can accomplish many things. I love you." She smiled warmly.

"I love you too... Mummy." Aristia stared at Catherine and initiated a hug.

Catherine was a little surprised, especially because of the title. She hadn’t heard of it, but she could tell what it meant, especially since it sounded so similar to ’mama’.

But... she liked it. It made her feel like she had become closer to her daughter.

She recovered quickly and wrapped her arms around her daughter, enveloping her in her loving arms radiating with motherly warmth.

Aristia didn’t hesitate this time, hugging her with raging emotions. She felt like this was something she missed and she needed it the most at the moment.

It was at that moment that Aristia fully accepted this family as hers and not just the book Aristia’s. As long as she lived in this world, this was her family.

At her acceptance, she oddly felt freer, happy, more at home. It was a satisfying feeling.

[What is this warm feeling in my chest?] She closed her eyes.

When Catherine released her from her embrace, Alaric came again, a mischievous smile on his face.

[Uh... What’s he up to...?]

"Eat cake, Tia."

"You’ve given me enough cake, Al." Aristia groaned.

Even as she said that, she didn’t refuse.

[Refuse cake? No, thank you. Give me that!]

But as she reached for the cake, Alaric moved it back, making her miss.

"What are you doing?" Aristia asked, confused.

"Let me feed you."

"Wha—? No!" Aristia refused.

"Please...?" Alaric asked, blinking up at her.

"No!" Aristia crossed her arms, determined not to give in. "You’re the baby between us, not the other way round." She said, sipping her drink.

"Then, be my baby!" Alaric whined.

"Pwah!!" Aristia spat out the drink in her mouth, choking on the drink. "You— what did you just— cough, cough!"

Wilson quickly came over and patted her back.

Aristia coughed, looking at Alaric blinking innocently like what he just said was normal in disbelief.

[What did he just say? You want to be the older one now?]

She sighed, finally calming down at Alaric’s absurd request.

"And how am I supposed to be that now?" She asked, straightening up.

"Just let me feed you, pwease?" Alaric went for the kill, making the cutest face Aristia had ever seen.

Aristia tried to look away, but couldn’t. It drew her in until she couldn’t resist.

In the end, she gave in. "Fine."

Alaric rejoiced, laughing happily.

Aristia cursed mentally. ["Damn it! Acting cute to get what you want should be illegal.]

And so Alaric fed her cake, slice after slice, until Aristia went back on her words about never refusing cake.

"No more cake." She pleaded, looking at her parents for help.

[At this point, I’ll probably join one of Rowan’s pigs. He might mistake me for one and take me with him!]

However, Wilson and Catherine just laughed at their children’s playful conduct, just watching them in amusement.

[Are you laughing at my misery?] Aristia was in a state of disbelief. [And I thought you said you loved me, mother!] Aristia stared at Catherine.

Fortunately, Wilson stepped in.

"Allie, your sister’s had enough cake."

[Loud it! You’re not saying it enough!] Aristia thought, exasperated.

Alaric nodded reluctantly, eating the remaining of the large slices he held in both hands.

[Both hands! Both hands, I tell you! The kid secretly wants to kill me.] Aristia shivered.

She lay back on the sofa, taking in deep breaths and watching the little demon of a brother called Alaric.

[He’s a little devil, alright.]

Her eyes landed on Rowan and Adeline again.

Rowan smiled cheekily, saying something she couldn’t quite hear, but somehow, Aristia saw carefulness in his eyes, like him talking to him own twin sister was something he needed to be careful about, akin to treading on something fragile.

[What’s up with them?] Aristia thought.

Rowan stood, "Well then, I’d better get going. Mother’s probably wondering when I’ll be back. The reason I gave her for coming is no good, she’s gonna have my head..." he suddenly trailed off.

His expression changed to one of uneasiness, and he glanced at Adeline carefully, looking like he’d just made a mistake.

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