In Yang Hui's line of sight, a sneaky little head peeked out from behind the curtain. Noticing Yang Hui's gaze upon him, the child quickly retreated in fear. However, his chubby frame caused the curtain to bulge conspicuously, making any attempt at concealment futile.
"What are you sneaking around for? Come here, Alberto!"
"Okay." The child emerging from behind the curtain was none other than Alberto Vist, Cardeas' son.
Seeing Alberto Vist's timid demeanor, Yang Hui tapped him lightly on the head with mild exasperation.
"Straighten your back. Do you want to become hunchbacked in the future?"
"Alright, Uncle." At just six years old, Alberto Vist was adorably plump, already showing hints of his future physique...
"What has your mother been feeding you all day? You're practically turning into a ball." Yang Hui raised an eyebrow, teasing him with amusement.
"Um... just... the usual stuff." For some reason, Alberto feared Yang Hui more than his own father Cardeas. While he kept his distance from Martha Vist, he both feared and felt close to Yang Hui.
Yang Hui's lips twitched. No need to ask—it was clearly lavish delicacies every day, and given his mother's doting nature, she couldn't bear to let him endure any hardship.
"Starting tomorrow, I'll arrange a trainer for you. You'll exercise with him daily."
"Huh?" Alberto's lips quivered, on the verge of tears as he repeatedly refused. Spoiled by his mother, he was unwilling to endure any form of physical exertion.
However, his fear of Yang Hui kept him from outright refusal, instead attempting to sway him with pitiful, pleading eyes...
Thump~
"Ouch!"
No persuasion achieved, but a flick on the forehead? Oh, already delivered.
"What do you mean 'huh'? You're not a little girl, stop pretending to be pitiful. Show some masculinity!"
"Okay, I understand, Uncle."
Though somewhat spoiled, Alberto possessed the Vist family's good genes. Despite his young age, he was clever enough to grasp Yang Hui's meaning.
This might be why he felt close to Yang Hui. Children are perceptive; they can sense whether adults genuinely care for them.
Cardeas was neither good nor bad to him—simply indifferent. Aunt Martha treated him well, but he could tell her affection wasn't what he truly desired. Though Uncle Yang Hui didn't visit often, Alberto sensed his genuine concern.
"Where's your mother? Why are you alone?"
According to etiquette, as the wife and young master, they were obligated to attend Cardeas' birthday banquet, regardless of personal feelings. Yet, from the start of the event until now, Yang Hui hadn't seen Ellen make an appearance, and Alberto had only just been spotted.
"Mother..." At the mention of this, Alberto suddenly grew sorrowful, his eyes reddening. "...Mother isn't feeling well. She's resting in her room."
"..." Yang Hui understood and sighed softly, taking Alberto's small hand as he led him toward the guests. "Don't cry, Alberto. You're a member of the Vist family. In front of guests, you must maintain elegance."
"Mm!" The warmth of the large hand comforted and emboldened him. Alberto quickly wiped his eyes and, following his etiquette lessons, put on a smile as he walked alongside Yang Hui.
"Hahaha, that's really... Mr. Yang Hui?" Creuset feigned surprise as he looked at the arriving Yang Hui.
"I hope I haven't interrupted your pleasant conversation." Yang Hui gave a slight bow while holding Alberto's hand.
"If you knew, why did you come?" Revil blurted out bluntly.
"..." Yang Hui barely resisted the urge to roll his eyes and retort, maintaining an elegant and unawkward smile.
"And who is this?" Gopp's attention was on Alberto, having noticed that Yang Hui had brought this child to greet them.
"Alberto." Yang Hui released the boy's hand. Though still a child, as a noble's son who could already speak and remember things, he needed to learn to introduce himself at public occasions like banquets rather than relying on adults.
"Good evening, uncles and grandfathers. My name is Alberto Vist. Thank you all for taking time from your busy schedules to attend my father's birthday banquet."
"Oh? You're Cardeas Vist's son?" Gopp and Revil were slightly taken aback, having initially thought this was Yang Hui's son... Well, he didn't resemble Yang Hui, at least he wasn't a chubby child.
"Yes, my father is Cardeas Vist."
"Hmm, quite a good child."
Gopp and Revil nodded with satisfaction. Though the boy was somewhat chubby and clearly lacked physical training, his manners were impeccable—truly befitting a child of the Vist Foundation.
But... why was Yang Hui bringing him around instead of Cardeas? And why hadn't they seen him when the banquet began? Where was Cardeas' wife?
"My elder brother is usually quite busy, so my sister-in-law takes care of him. I also teach him whenever I have time." Yang Hui explained, having understood the questions in their eyes.
"If I may ask, where is your sister-in-law?" Creuset inquired.
"My sister-in-law isn't feeling well and is resting in her room."
"I see, my apologies."
"No need to apologize." Then, Yang Hui introduced Gopp and the others to Alberto. "These three gentlemen are General Gopp and General Revil of the Federal Army, and Assemblyman Creuset of the Federal Assembly."
"My apologies for not recognizing you earlier, General Gopp, General Revil, Assemblyman Creuset." Alberto was still young and spent almost all his time within the estate grounds. Due to his elite education, his life was filled with various lessons, leaving him with almost zero knowledge of the outside world. According to Alberto's curriculum, he wouldn't be exposed to external news and information until after he turned eight.
However, since the opportunity had presented itself, Yang Hui decided to make the most of it.
After some casual conversation, Yang Hui took Alberto to mingle with other social circles. This served as foundational training for the boy—after all, as the family's eldest son, regardless of Cardeas' thoughts on the matter, he should be exposed to upper-class circles early on. As he grew older, he could begin building his own network of connections.
As for Cardeas' perspective... frankly, Yang Hui found it difficult to understand. Even if Cardeas didn't care for Ellen and favored Anna Links exclusively, that shouldn't extend to the children, should it? They were all his flesh and blood after all.
Yang Hui understood the current Alberto quite well. Though young, the boy possessed good genes and was quite intelligent, diligently applying himself to all his studies.
When Yang Hui took him to interact with guests, despite feeling nervous and afraid, Alberto suppressed these emotions and strove to present his best self.
"Wouldn't such an heir be better than letting some clueless brat run wild outside?"
Forget it, that's the Vist Foundation's business. He didn't care anyway, since he wasn't going to inherit the Foundation. All he needed was for the Vist Foundation to behave properly within the Federation and not cause trouble.
"Alberto? What are you doing here?" After Yang Hui had finished introducing Alberto to the guests, Cardeas also excused himself from the other attendees and approached them.
"Fa... Father..." Seeing Cardeas' unpleasant expression, Alberto shrank back fearfully behind Yang Hui, but Yang Hui held him in place.
"He is your father, Alberto. Face him bravely."
Deep breath "I understand, Third Uncle."
Feeling Yang Hui's support, Alberto mustered his courage and looked directly at Cardeas.
This change slightly surprised Cardeas. He glanced at Yang Hui before continuing, "You should be in your room taking care of your mother."
"But... Father, according to etiquette lessons, both Mother and I should attend your birthday banquet and accompany you. That's the proper etiquette for the Vist Foundation."
"..." Cardeas didn't respond. Honestly, he was somewhat surprised. Alberto had always been afraid of him, and this was the first time Alberto had shown the courage to express his own thoughts in front of him. However...
He was being a bit too brave, actually daring to lecture him!?
"Hmph, your mother is unwell and shouldn't attend today's banquet. You should be taking care of her instead of playing around here."
"Yes, Father. I understand." Alberto's expression darkened. He knew this was Cardeas' final warning - he had to leave the venue, and even Yang Hui couldn't keep him there.
"Go on, take good care of your mother." Yang Hui patted Alberto's shoulder. He indeed couldn't contradict Cardeas, since Cardeas was currently the head of the Vist Foundation and the host of the banquet. Yang Hui had to save face for him.
"Alright, Third Uncle."
"Be prepared, we'll be adding physical training to your schedule starting tomorrow."
"Ah? Really?"
"Of course! If you keep going like this, you'll become as round as a ball! Do you want to roll instead of walk in the future?"
"...No!"
"Then hurry up and go!"
"Oh, right. Okay, Third Uncle."
After Alberto left, Yang Hui sighed and glanced at Cardeas.
"What do you want to say?"
"That's your family matter. I have nothing to say."
"...You shouldn't have taken Alberto to meet others."
"Why not?"
"Because he won't inherit the Vist Foundation."
"That woman? Is she pregnant?" Yang Hui frowned deeply. According to his memory, Anna Links should become pregnant with Banagher Links this year, but not right now, since Banagher Links was born in UC 0080, and it was only January UC 0079.
"Not yet, but she will be."
"...Cardeas."
Hearing this, Cardeas' expression turned serious. Yang Hui rarely called him by his first name, but every time he did, it meant Cardeas had better listen carefully to what he had to say, or the consequences would be severe.
"The adults aren't all dead yet. The filth of interest exchanges... shouldn't be shared with children."
After speaking, without waiting for Cardeas' reaction, Yang Hui took his wine glass and walked toward the outer balcony. To be honest, he disliked these aristocratic, upper-class banquets. They appeared glamorous on the surface but were actually gloomy and dirty. Perhaps those chatting amiably as close friends at the banquet would become mortal enemies once they left.
"What a surprise. I never expected to see Mr. Yang Hui here."
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