Raise Me, So That I Can Eat You Up - Chapter 10

“It’s already the tenth gift.”

Well, I’m grateful, but if you keep this up, you’ll go bankrupt.

Sitting askew on the sofa, I asked with indifferent eyes.

Despite clearly expressing my refusal each time, Cain Osborne repeatedly sent gifts.

It was a chore to return the mountain of gifts.

At first, I tried to return them a few times, but after some back-and-forth, I was refused.

I didn’t want to waste time and energy on this. It wasn’t something I wanted in the first place. There was no reason to lose out either.

So I accepted the gifts but rejected the proposals.

Watching to see how far he’d go, it seemed he was ready to name our future grandchildren, so I called him in.

I even felt sorry for Cain’s parents who were unknowingly supporting this expense.

“Yes. But you’re meeting me today. I’m glad my efforts seem to be paying off.”

Cain’s face was flushed with excitement.

‘I’m about to spit in your smiling face. Are you happy?’

What kind of game makes even the extras so tiresome? It felt like adding a rock to my shoulders, which were already burdened with just the male leads.

“I’ve sent you several reply letters.”

“Yes. Of course, I received them well. Your handwriting is beautiful too, my lady.”

So what’s the use of receiving them well if you keep pestering me?

I was getting irritated by this oblivious suitor.

“Since Young Master Osborne can’t read, I have no choice but to tell you directly.”

“Pardon?”

“I’m rejecting you. I have no interest in marriage.”

“You’re testing me again, I see.”

After sighing once, Cain answered vigorously again.

“It’s alright. Love requires patience, after all.”

‘Stop smiling so resolutely!’

I was fuming because Cain kept deflecting my rejections.

“Then I’ll come again until you accept me, my lady.”

“Young Master Osborne. A rejection is a rejection. Don’t assign grand meanings like I’m playing hard to get or testing your love.”

Whether you sell your house or your estate, it’s not my business, but it’s annoying!

It might be true love to him, but unwanted courtship was violence.

Should I get angry and transform into a dragon-like Oscar for him to finally stop?

“The day will come when my love shines through.”

He’s sitting there writing poetry. Even talking to a wall wouldn’t be this one-sided.

I felt a headache coming on.

“Listen. Aren’t these gifts bought with money your parents earned through blood and sweat?”

“That’s right.”

“And all you’re doing is squandering it without lifting a finger, lucky to be born to wealthy parents.”

“What can I do? It’s the price I must pay to gain a beautiful daughter-in-law like you, my lady.”

I wanted to smack him on the back, and I’m not even his mother.

“Ah. I see. So you’re going to continue?”

“Yes.”

“Then let me be clear. I’ve given you plenty of chances to come to your senses, and you’ve rejected them, Young Master Osborne. Do you understand?”

I stated firmly. Of course, I knew Cain wouldn’t back down.

“I know it’s all a test from you, my lady.”

“Sure, sure. Keep taking tests for the rest of your life, wait until you die if you want.”

No matter what I say, he’ll just keep claiming mental victories like this.

He was someone words simply couldn’t reach.

‘I was already worried about Oscar’s food expenses. This works out well, I guess.’

It’s not like I’m the one at a loss here. Live in your delusions, squander your entire fortune, and do as you please. I finally decided to give up on persuading him.

“Show him out.”

I didn’t even have the will to respond, so I quickly signaled to Leon with my eyes.

Just as Leon, who had been watching the situation leaning against the doorway, was about to move…

“Ari!”

The door burst open and Oscar rushed in. Avoiding being caught by Leon, he ran like a shot and clung to my neck.

“Who’s that bastard?”

As expected, Oscar glared at Cain with bright red eyes.

“My, my lady. Who is that child?”

Cain asked with a confused face.

‘How did Oscar get here?’

How should I answer this? My mind went blank for a moment, and I was at a loss for words.

Meanwhile, Cain let his imagination run wild and his face turned despairing.

“I see. There was a reason you rejected my proposal ten times.”

“Yes. Well, I’m glad you’ve realized it now, at least. Then, goodbye.”

Regardless of what he thought, Oscar’s state wasn’t looking good.

I was worried that Oscar might get angry and transform into his hatchling state.

“You had a hidden child. No wonder you kept rejecting me like this. I thought it was strange.”

What is he saying now? My face twisted in disgust.

“That’s enough, please leave now.”

The worst-case scenario was him provoking Oscar.

“It’s alright with me. If that’s why you’re rejecting me… I can bear it.”

‘Please stop!’

I inwardly screamed at Cain’s heart-wrenching true love.

“Oscar strongest.”

Whether he knew or not that I was burning up inside, Oscar said with empty eyes.

“Is Oscar the father’s name?”

Don’t make assumptions on your own! Cain seemed to have made a huge misunderstanding due to Oscar’s third-person speech.

“Oscar. Tear that apart with one hand.”

Oscar’s expression grew increasingly fierce.

“This Oscar fellow is a bad man! To have a child and abandon it! I’ll get that Oscar!”

The oblivious Cain spoke harshly about Oscar.

“Oscar. Please don’t get angry.”

Feeling dizzy, I hugged Oscar tightly.

“I’m sorry, Young Master Osborne.”

Just then, Leon struck the back of Cain’s neck, knocking him unconscious.

“Haah……”

I let out a big sigh. It was a situation that could have turned really bad.

“If Ari doesn’t like, won’t get angry.”

Oscar smiled brightly.

There was a cracking sound from the sofa. Startled, I turned to see Oscar gripping the sofa’s headrest.

‘Did, did he break it?’

I looked back and forth between the sofa and Oscar with a shocked expression.

“Get away from my sister.”

Leon, who had approached without notice, was pointing his sword at Oscar.

Oscar’s eyes showed not even the slightest reaction. He just grabbed the blade with his bare hand and crumpled it.

“Ugh.”

Leon swallowed hard at the unbelievable sight before him.

“See? Told you Oscar is strongest.”

Oscar grinned proudly at me.

‘That doesn’t mean you can break things as you please!’

Even in this unbelievable situation, my instinct to discipline couldn’t be stopped.

I immediately grabbed both of Oscar’s hands and made him stand at attention.

“Oscar. You shouldn’t break things when you’re angry.”

“But Oscar is the strongest.”

“Especially not a dragon showing off his strength.”

Oscar’s face quickly became gloomy again.

“Oscar. A truly strong person knows how to control their strength. Can you do that?”

“…Yeah.”

“Especially handle precious things gently. They could get hurt, you know.”

I stroked the back of Oscar’s head and hugged him.

“See? It feels good when I touch you gently like this, right?”

Oscar’s expression gradually softened.

“I see. I’ll do as Ari says.”

That’s right. This is how it should be.

They say dragons are symbols of wisdom.

He might be like a sunfish, but it was so cute how he quickly agreed when approached sensibly.

“You’re such a good boy.”

How adorable. I smiled contentedly as I took out a lollipop from the side table next to the sofa.

“And here. Instead of breaking things when you feel bad, eat something sweet. It’ll make you feel better.”

“…What flavor is it?”

“Just a moment.”

I unwrapped the candy and quickly licked it with my tongue.

“It’s grape flavor.”

“Like grape.”

Oscar snatched the candy and popped it into his mouth.

Then he reached out and gently hugged me.

“Ari shouldn’t get hurt.”

“Thank you, Oscar.”

“Ari precious.”

Leon, who had let out a deep sigh, complained to Ariella.

“What about my sword? It was custom-made by a master craftsman. It was hard to get, you know.”

“Seems like the durability was a bit weak.”

I couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

“Talk sense. Didn’t you see him break the sofa?”

“That’s why you shouldn’t have drawn your sword out of nowhere.”

“Ah! Whatever. My livelihood is cut off because I lost my sword, so take responsibility!”

“You have other swords.”

“I told you it was custom-made! Didn’t you hear?”

“Can I just buy you a new one?”

When I asked casually, Leon’s eyes suddenly sparkled.

“Custom-made by a master craftsman?”

“Sure.”

“With magic stones embedded.”

“If that’s what you want.”

“Priority production. That’s a 30% price increase.”

“Alright, but I have a condition.”

I smiled calmly.

“What is it?”

“It seems Oscar has too much strength. You need to teach him some healthy ways to use it.”

“What are you talking about? Don’t tell me…”

Leon’s eyes trembled anxiously.

“Teach Oscar swordsmanship. That’s my condition.”

Was my proposal absurd? Leon frowned deeply.

“What’s the point of teaching swordsmanship to that monster’s strength?”

“Swordsmanship is perfect for teaching how to control strength, isn’t it?”

“That’s true, but. Do you think just anyone can wield a sword?”

“If an idiot like you can do it, what’s stopping Oscar?”

“I’m a high-quality workforce. I don’t want to waste my time and energy on that.”

“Don’t you need a sword?”

As I smiled twisting my lips, Leon seemed at a loss for words and breathed heavily.

“Fine! But I’ll test him first, and if it’s no good, I absolutely won’t teach him!”

“Alright. Then.”

“No excuses. This is my pride!”

“Okay, I get it. Now, clean up that young master. Make sure he wakes up safely and take good care of him.”

I stroked Oscar, who was sucking on the candy.

“And call Jenny and Laura. We need to sort out the gifts.”

“Ah! I’ll earn a lot of money and get my revenge for sure.”

“Do as you please.”

Leon gritted his teeth as he dragged Cain out.