The Precious Baby of the Bandit Leader Chapter 32

 

* * *

 

Tak, tak, tak.

 

I was in the warrior’s arms, riding on horseback as we headed back to the Anseong Park family’s villa.

 

I didn’t know how much time had passed. When we finally opened the main gate and went inside.

 

The servants rushed out and bowed deeply to greet the Prime Minister. 

 

“You have returned, my lord. Oh my, so this is the baby.”

 

When the Prime Minister gestured, the warrior following him handed me over to the maid.

 

It was a gesture that felt as though he were handing off a bothersome burden.

 

“Keep it alive just enough. We may need it to capture Kim Gangdu.” 

 

“Yes, please don’t worry. I have already found a girl skilled in taking care of babies.”

 

What? Kim Gangdu? 

 

I frowned at the familiar name that had surfaced in the conversation.

 

“It was none other than Park Dohyul who killed Kim Gangdu, the deposed crown prince, five years ago.”

 

‘Kim Gangdu… that’s a name from the original story. I’m sure he was the Chief, wasn’t he?’ 

 

I thought quickly. 

 

‘Then… does that mean they brought me here because they think I’ll be useful in capturing the Chief…?’

 

No way? A rather plausible thought then crossed my mind, and I bit my lip.

 

‘Could it be that… a few months ago… someone saw me traveling with the Chief?’

 

The Chief and I had traveled together for quite a long time.

 

Although we disguised ourselves thoroughly, there was no ignoring the Prime Minister’s information network.

 

In the meantime, my appearance must have been reported to the Prime Minister. 

 

If it became known that I came to this house yesterday…

 

There were still some things I didn’t quite understand, but the reason he had captured me was clear.

 

‘He must be taking me hostage.’

 

Then, my task became even clearer.

 

‘Before the Prime Minister can use me as a hostage, I need to let him know I’m safe—then escape from this place.’

 

To do that, I absolutely have to throw the Inyeon cloth in front of the main gate.

 

I nodded, reaffirming my resolve once more. 

 

While I was thinking that, the Prime Minister turned to the maid and asked a question. 

 

“And Dohyul?”

 

“He went out about two hours ago, saying he would survey the mountain terrain. He should be back soon for the evening meal. Shall I send someone to call him back?”

 

“Forget it. Just tell him to come to my room as soon as he returns.”   

 

“Yes, understood! Sir!”

 

The thoroughly disciplined maid bowed at a full 90 degrees and stepped back.

 

Bang—!

 

Only after the Prime Minister entered his room was I left alone with the maid.

 

‘Alright. Now’s the time!’

 

Having been desperately scanning for an escape route, I suddenly opened my eyes wide. 

 

‘This is my only chance!’

 

The Prime Minister and the warrior following him—there was no doubt they were far beyond my ability to confront. 

 

But this maid still seemed somewhat careless… she seemed like a possible opportunity.

 

Of course, the only variable was that my ankle wasn’t fully healed yet.

 

“Hngg…” 

 

For now, I let out a small babble, as if I had something to say.

 

“Mhm? Do you have something to say?” 

 

Then the maid lowered her head, trying to hear what I was saying. 

 

It was exactly as I had calculated.  

 

Haap! I took a deep breath and…! 

 

“Kuaaaahhh!!!” 

 

I let out a tremendous roar, like a lion’s, right next to her ear.

 

“Eugh!” 

 

The maid who was startled by my sudden screaming attack staggered, clutching the ear that had taken the hit. 

 

Swish—!

 

In the meantime, I quickly bit her hand with my now four front teeth.

 

“Huh?!”

 

A single scream burst from the woman’s mouth in pain.

 

Swoosh—!

 

Not missing the opportunity, I slipped out, sliding down her body. 

 

‘Good. For someone who was a 9th‑dan master in my past life, this is nothing!’

 

What’s more important is what happens now! 

 

‘I’ll show them how fast I can walk!’

 

I hurt my ankle yesterday, so running fast is impossible!

 

But don’t underestimate me!

 

I’m a baby who has been training deep in the mountains before coming down!

 

I started flailing my arms and legs wildly.

 

‘I’m taking the shortest route. Just a little, a little faster!’

 

I focused all my strength. Since being born as a baby, this was the first time I had moved at such a fast pace.

 

‘The main gate is slightly open! I can get out through that gap!’

 

Actually… even though the Chief had made a promise.

 

Still, there was no way to know for sure if he would actually come looking for me.

 

But somehow, I had this inexplicable belief that he would come to save me no matter what.

 

That’s why. That’s why…! 

 

“Catch her! Hurry!”

 

After fighting off the people chasing me, I finally reached the gate—!

 

Whoosh—!

 

I barely managed to pull off the Inyeon cloth from my wrist and throw it through the crack of the gate!

 

And then…

 

Click—!

 

The gate began to open before my eyes, and someone familiar stepped inside.

 

Thud—!

 

“Ack!”

 

Tears welled up as I lifted my head sharply after bumping it. 

 

And there.

 

“You…?”

 

Park Dohyul.

 

The person suspected of being the culprit who brought me here, and the male protagonist of the original story, stood there with a look of shock.

 

“Young Master! Please catch that baby right now!” 

 

Startled, he lifted me up in response to the maid’s request.

 

“Let gooo!”

 

I struggled, glaring at Park Dohyul’s face with an angry expression. 

 

‘Wait a minute. If I do this right…?’

 

And in that brief moment, a brilliant strategy flashed through my mind. 

 

“Don’t shout so loudly—you’ll only scare the baby. This child has an injured ankle… Argh!” 

 

Bite—!

 

While he was rambling on, I bit down on Park Dohyul’s hand with all my strength! 

 

It’s a baby tooth anyway—even if it falls out, who cares! 

 

* * *

 

Half an hour later. 

 

“I’m fine, so take a look at the baby’s ankle first.” 

 

“No! Our Young Master comes first! What if there’s even a scar left behind!”  

 

“I told you it’s fine.”

 

“Bhu!”

 

I sat side by side with the male protagonist, Park Dohyul, receiving treatment from the physician.

 

‘Honestly, how painful can it be to get bitten on a baby tooth!’ 

 

As expected, perhaps because he was the son of a noble family, the maids panicked and quickly removed me, then immediately called the physician. 

 

“That baby needs to be seen by the physician as well.”

 

“But, Young Master… this baby has hurt you.” 

 

“Oho, didn’t Father also tell you to take good care of this baby? I’ve heard that even a small wound can make the baby fall ill easily and even put their life at risk.”  

 

It seemed Dohyul wanted to be alone with me, so he sent the others away.

 

‘Good. Just as I thought.’

 

I secretly cheered inwardly.

 

‘If Young Master Park Dohyul gets hurt, he’ll call the physician… and knowing his nature, he’ll want me to be seen by the physician too. So I thought we might at least have a moment to talk alone.’

 

In that brief moment, the strategy I had thought of had worked.

 

Anyway, as a result, I was able to arrange a situation where we received treatment side by side in Park Dohyul’s room.

 

“All done. For a while, just be careful not to get it wet.”

 

“Okay.” 

 

“The baby’s ankle has improved significantly since yesterday, so there’s no need to worry.”

 

Samyong nodded, listening intently.

 

After setting down the medicinal herbs, the physician bowed politely and quietly left the room.

 

Samyong immediately approached Dohyul and cautiously spoke.

 

“Young Master, His Lordship has instructed that you be brought to the room half an hour after the treatment is finished.”  

 

“Understood. Then leave this baby here for the next half hour as well.”

 

“…Yes?” 

 

“I just applied the medicine, so it might come off if I get up. You should go out for now. I need to read some books before seeing my father.”

 

“But…” 

 

“Oho!”

 

“…Ah, yes, understood. That baby seems far more ferocious than it looks, so if it threatens you again, please call for me! Do you understand?!” 

 

Samyong glanced at me several times with concern, as if keeping a wary eye on me, before closing the door and leaving.

 

Glance.

 

Only then did Dohyul turn to me. Perhaps noticing my uneasy expression, he cautiously opened his mouth.

 

“I, I don’t know why Father asked you to come. If… if you’re angry at me…”  

 

“You.”

 

“…!”

 

When I called him with surprisingly clear pronunciation and turned around sharply, Dohyul flinched for a moment.