The Precious Baby of the Bandit Leader Chapter 20

“No, why?!” 

 

Dupil, who had been sitting in his beggar guise, raised his voice and stood up. 

 

He, who was usually expressionless and rarely showed emotion, seemed unable to hold back this time. And the reason was.

 

“So you mean we have to find another household and do this all over again?”

 

Yeah. He clearly didn’t want to go through this ‘beggar show’ one more time.

 

Sensing the sorrow in Dupil’s words, Gaon also nodded and stepped forward.

 

“We clearly confirmed that he is really generous, so why has he failed?”

 

“To your eyes, does it look like that guy threw the money reluctantly because he’s generous?” 

 

“That…”

 

“Anyone could see he ran away in fear when he saw Dupil. We cannot entrust a child to someone cowardly and submissive to injustice.”

 

A brief silence fell.

 

No one could easily argue against the Chief’s words.

 

Dupil let out a faint sigh, then broke the silence and spoke.

 

“Yes, you are right. In that case, let’s examine another household more carefully.”

 

Gaon, who had been watching the situation closely, took a piece of paper from his chest and handed it to the Chief.

 

“Then, how about we try testing it this way this time?”

 

“How about setting evaluation criteria and assigning scores?”

 

I blinked and watched the three of them huddle together, deep in thought.

 

At first glance, it seemed like they were doing their best to send me to a good place, but.

 

I knew well enough what I really was to Dupil and Gaon.

 

“All the better, then.”

 

“Yeah. It won’t be easy, but as long as we find a good adoptive home, the trouble will be eliminated.” 

 

“If this child’s secret gets out… in the worst case, our family could be torn apart.”

 

“Yes. Surely there will be those who resent the Chief for protecting the enemy’s daughter.”

 

I had once eavesdropped on their conversation while the Chief was away.

 

“Moreover, considering that the Chief nearly lost his life because of this child…”

 

And that wasn’t all. At the end, Gaon even shot me a sharp look with his flashing eyes.

 

Keung.

 

I have no idea what they’re thinking. As for me—well, I just need to get out of here, that’s all.

 

“Good. Then let’s proceed with the test a bit further.”

 

In any case, seeing their effort and enthusiasm, the Chief nodded.

 

“Yes. I shall prepare immediately!”

 

Thus, the three of them, united in purpose, began preparing for the next test!

 

A few days later, a variety of tests for the different candidates continued!

 

* * *

 

“At this rate, it’s perfect!!”

 

For a full ten days, the tests for my prospective parents continued.

 

They tested numerous families in remarkably detailed categories and assigned scores.

 

“A staggering 90 points!”

 

“Except for the ten points the Chief deducted simply because he didn’t like someone’s appearance, it’s perfect.”

 

Finally, Gaon and Dupil presented a particular household.

 

Curious, I leaned forward and examined the portrait that Gaon had drawn in ink from every angle.

 

‘Oh… that person is surely…!?’

 

Since I had been present throughout the tests, it was a face I remembered.

 

Though it was a modest family, they were still noblemen!

 

He was a kind person, yet seemed to have his own standards.

 

Moreover, according to the additional information Gaon had uncovered, even a child of unknown origin could be formally adopted by him, showing just how warm-hearted he was.

 

Hmm. Isn’t that good enough?

 

“Hmm.”

 

However, the Chief still wore a somewhat displeased expression.

 

“Eeek!” Dupil swallowed hard and quickly added.

 

“Isn’t this fine enough? This is a family that fell from grace for speaking out against the Anseong Park clan. That shows just how upright their character is.”

 

“They don’t have much power, and it’s clear they’ve made enemies, so I doubt the child would live a comfortable life. Moreover, they seem excessively rigid, which raises various concerns.”

 

“No, but that doesn’t mean we can just pick a family that’s friendly with the Anseong Park clan, does it?”

 

“If we keep going like this, there’ll be no end! Chief!”

 

The two of them shouted at the same time, growing desperate.

 

Unlike the early days of the test, full of enthusiasm, shadows had now fallen down to the chins of both their faces.

 

Even I felt a brief pang of sympathy.

 

Gaon clapped his hands and suddenly pointed at me.

 

“Ah! Then how about asking the baby directly instead!”

 

He approached me, who was cradled in the Chief’s arms, his eyes sparkling brightly.

 

‘No, is this guy crazy…? I know he hates me…?’

 

He had clearly tried to kill me before, but his bright smile was truly remarkable.

 

“What do you think, baby? Is that okay? Huh?”

 

Sshk.

 

And at that question, everyone’s eyes instantly turned to me!

 

“Buu…”

 

I rolled my eyes.

 

…Honestly, it wasn’t that bad, was it?

 

Besides, I was someone who had to leave the mountain stronghold as soon as possible.

 

“Hmm? Baby?” 

 

As Gaon thrust his face forward, eyes blazing fiercely, a hiccup escaped me naturally.

 

So I should have quickly nodded and gotten it over with.

 

“Huuum…”

 

For some reason, answering wasn’t easy, and I struggled over it.

 

‘More than that…’

 

I couldn’t help but notice the Chief’s arm trembling slightly, as if he was eagerly waiting for my answer.

 

Unable to answer, I bit my lip tightly and watched the Chief’s expression.

 

“Enough.”

 

As if reading my mind, the Chief spoke first.

 

“You are right. This is excellent. I actually know this person. Im Hyunsik is upright, well-educated, and honest. I do worry that he might not have the strength to protect this child, but there’s no flaw in his character. Therefore.”

 

The Chief paused for a moment, then quietly looked at me. 

 

“….”

 

I looked back at him.

 

I felt his eyes waver for a moment, but then he quickly looked away from me.

 

…Am I mistaken?

 

“Let’s decide on this family as the child’s adoptive home.”

 

“That was a good decision, Chief!”

 

Unlike the two, who seemed delighted, the Chief somehow looked a little drained.

 

‘Somehow, just seeing me hesitate seems to have made him a little disappointed.’

 

I fidgeted with my hands and feet, pretending as best I could that nothing was wrong.

 

Suddenly feeling soft-hearted—what’s that all about?

 

‘…Yeah! Escape from this criminal gang at last! Yahoo!’

 

I deliberately gathered more strength and shouted at the top of my lungs.

 

“Buuu-buuu!! (What a celebration!)”

 

“Thank goodness the baby seems to like it too.”

 

“Is that so…” 

 

“Then today we’ll go to the tavern, and tomorrow we can head to the market. Didn’t you say there’s something we need to buy?”

 

“There are quite a few daily necessities we need to buy for the mountain stronghold. We also need to get firewood first…”

 

Dupil and Gaon, while sneaking glances at the Chief, continued speaking, trying their best to lighten the mood.

 

And I, too, couldn’t help but feel concerned about the Chief. 

 

“We’re constantly being hunted by the government forces… If you were to grow up here, your whole life would be nothing but running and hiding.”

 

“Yeah. That’s right.” 

 

‘He definitely said that….’

 

Now, why are you showing your regret so plainly?

 

This is how we’re supposed to part ways~!

 

Ugh, but I don’t even know why I feel so uneasy! Hng!

 

“Abuh bu! (It’s annoying!)” 

 

Pooook—!

 

Ah, whatever—I ended up burying my face in the Chief’s solid chest.