< — Damian — > (5)
TN: Hope you guys enjoy this one, not a lot happens but I had a blast translating it.
Lucia had rarely gone horse riding ever since Damian came back. As she was preparing to go riding for a bit, Kate came to visit.
The two greeted each other with a light embrace.
Kate had not been able to visit for a while because she had been taking care of her injured grand aunt, the Countess of Corzan.
Perhaps she had been weakened by old age for Madam Michelle fell down the stairs and sprained her ankle terribly. It was to the point where she could barely move so she chose the one she dotted on the most, her niece, Kate, to be her care-taker. Even though her grandaunt was usually nagging and strict, Kate stayed by her side and took care of her.
βHow is Madam Michelle?β (Lucia)
βSheβs limping a little but she can walk around now. She asked me to tell you that sheβs thankful for the medicine you sent. They have shown great efficiency.β (Kate)
βItβs my pleasure to be of help.β
At the beginning, Madam Michelle was a frequent visitor to Roam but after Lucia held a few tea parties and handled her socializing effortlessly, Madam Michelleβs visit came to a stop because of her poor health. And ever since Kate became a frequent visitor, they had been exchanging words to and fro with Kate as the medium.
βThis is my real purpose of coming to see you today, Lucia.β
Kate placed the basket that she came in with on the table.
βItβs the present I promised you last time. Open it.β
Lucia carefully removed the cover of the basket and exclaimed.
βOh my god!β
A blinding bright light came in suddenly, causing a certain pair of big black eyes to blink. The disheveled baby fox with fluffy light yellow fur shook its big ears. It was conscious of Luciaβs gaze on it for a short moment then soon enough, it yawned and closed its eyes. It moved its bushy tail and wrapped it around its body for cover.
The lovely creature that was small enough to fit in her hands instantly captured Luciaβs heart.
βGoodness! Itβs lovely!β
Lucia placed her hand on her chest to pace her thumping heart. She had gone to the fox hunt and seen the foxes that the noble ladies raised, but none of them was as adorable as the one in front of her.
βItβs also my first time seeing such a beautiful creature. Even when it grows up, it will be beautiful.β (Kate)
Kate had promised to obtain a fox for Lucia for fox hunting.
βYou have to get them when they are young to tame them. Look after it often. It has to recognize its owner before it hits the growth phase. If you miss this time, you canβt give any excuses.β (Kate)
βI understand.β (Lucia)
βIβll send you a list of the things you need to watch out for when raising a fox later.β
βThank you, Kate. Itβs such a wonderful gift…β
The two women descended into conversation about fox hunting for a while.
βOh, where is my mind? I was about to go horse-riding. Do you want to come with me Kate?β
βI didnβt plan on doing so at first, but Iβve been wanting to go riding for a while. Iβll come along.β
βAh and I have someone I want to introduce to you.β
Lucia called a maid and instructed her to call for Damian.
βDamian is here. Heβs home for a change but Iβm not sure if there would be another time to introduce him to you.β
βWho…?β
βI mean His Grace the Dukeβs son. Well, heβs also my son now.β
Kateβs expression instantly stiffened.
β…What?β
βCould it be youβve never heard of him? From what I know, the fact that Damian is my husband’s successor has already been made public.β
β…Ah…well…Iβve heard a little…β
The life of the Duke was a taboo topic amongst northern nobles. It wasnβt like someone ordered them to keep their mouths shut but they knew to be careful with what they said. It was thanks to the efforts of the Northern people that no rumors about the son and successor of the Taran Duke had spread throughout the Capitalβs noble circles.
Meanwhile, the Duke of Taran didnβt really care whether they spread a rumor deliberately or watched what they said. In the North, Damian was a fleeting existence.
βYou called for me?β
Looking at the black-haired, red-eyed boy that walked into the receiving room for a while, Kate swallowed tensely. She hadnβt finished preparing her mind.
βSay hello, Damian. This is pretty much the only guest that visits me in Roam. My friend, Kate Milton.β
Damian looked indifferently at Kate who was unable to hide her puzzlement. He was familiar with such looks and expression towards himself. He had been deluded for a moment because of the Duchess’ innocent goodwill all this time.
As his mood sank a little, he lowered his head in a nodding manner.
βIt is an honor to meet a beautiful lady like yourself, Lady Milton. My name is Damian.β
βAh…yes. I…I am also honored, Young Lord.β
Kate had never had such a hard time managing her expression. Even in the past when she ripped her dress as she was walking, she could manage her expression.
As for the Duchess sitting next to her,
βWow, you speak so…. geez.Β You are undeniably your father’s son.β
After saying so, she burst into laughter. Her current feeling was as though seeing a comedy, she couldnβt help but laugh.
βDo you know how to ride a horse, Damian? Or shall I bring a colt?β
βI know how to ride a horse. I learned at the Academy.β
βIt’s like thereβs nothing you canβt do. Kate, heβs marvelous, isnβt he? Heβs only eight but he knows how to ride a horse.β
βAh…yes. Itβs…great.β
It was definitely not common for an eight year old to know how to ride a horse properly, but it was very possible for someone of the young Lordβs huge stature, seeing as he exceeded that of a normal eight year old.
Moreover, he was the son of the Taran Duke whose name was hailed among knights. However, Kate didnβt have any intention of diminishing Luciaβs feeling of pride so she just humored her.
βDamian, we were going to go horse riding in a bit, but you can come along with us.β
Damian took a glance at Kateβs stiffening expression. He felt like smiling but it was a sign that told him he was unwelcome.
βNo, itβs okay. I still have books I have to read.β
βWhile studying is good, you canβt keep studying all the time, especially when youβre at the prime of your age. Donβt you want to grow bigger?β
Big. Damian flinched at the sensitive topic.
βYou want to grow as big as your father, right?β
Damian nodded his head.
βKate, would it be okay if Damian joins us? I’m sorry I didnβt ask beforehand.β
βNo…Itβs fine. But Lucia, the riding field weβre going to… it’s only for women.”
βI know.β
Lucia tilted her head as though asking βWhatβs the problem?β
βDamian is just eight years old. Heβs not a man.β
Translatorβs Corner.
*That last sentence….
*,*,*
- Honey, I’m Going on Strike – Chapter 69 – 71 - February 1, 2026
- Honey, I’m Going on Strike – Chapter 66 – 68 - January 31, 2026
- Honey, I’m Going on Strike – Chapter 63 – 65 - January 18, 2026
Thanks for the chapter our beloved translator-samaγ½(β´Ρο½β)γ
Really love the interaction between Lucia and Damian (β§ββ¦)γ
Not for long lucia not for long
Muahahahaha
…you say it so creepy like
Its the laugh xD
Thanks for the update
πππππ
Kekeke… that must be a pain flick on someone ears… still not a man yet.
thanks
oh and i laughed at the end another enjoyable chapter
GH! Bah ha Lucia!!!!! Thatβs an Insult! Poor Damien, she didnβt mean anything by it!?!!! OMG
That last line…
It feels like you left us on a cliffhanger
Hahaha!! “Not a man”, I think Lucia just triggered Damian XD Ty <3
All I think of is an oedipus complex springing up. Me and my messed up mind hahaha
thanks for this part…
I bet just lucia who thinks damian still a child
And that might be just the thing Damien needs. he seems to be lacking a decent childhood after all. Perhaps a little coddling will help diversify his physical, mental and emotional development.
Most definitely.Things can only improve with a bit of recognition for only being a child. Lifting some of his immense burden to get strong so fast.is a good thing. Just look what it’s done for Hugo.
Hit to pride π
This is so kyut i ugghhh
Indeed…he is just a boy π
Oh my goooooosh Luvia HAHAHAHAHA i cant breath. I also canβt wait for Hugh to come back!!!
Ah I know that feeling… like in the public place when a mom take her young toodler son to women’s restroom. But this is Damian who has so much pride on himself… Lucia… ;;;;
For a second I thought she was planning to go to a mixed riding place and thought “Hugh is so not going to be happy about that” xD
re-read 2023β€..!!
Oh nooo the poor kid
πππππ