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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 14
Chapter Title: The Sky Lantern Proposal
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"You?"
Elena snorted as if she'd heard something utterly ridiculous.
Her face said it all—what on earth had gotten into this girl?
But she didn't tell me to shut up. She seemed willing to hear me out.
I laid out my thoughts like I was pitching a proposal to my boss, my heart pounding in my chest.
"I've heard that lots of people buy seeds every year, but hardly anyone actually plants them."
"That's true enough. They all think planting's just another chore. Digging up the soil and sowing them is tough work, and even then, not everything sprouts."
"That's why I'm suggesting we turn seed planting into an event."
I sneaked a glance at Elena. She tilted her head at the word "event," probably because we already had the seed giveaway going.
"We already have plenty of charity events lined up. What more do you want to add?"
Her tone carried a clear vibe of don't stir up unnecessary trouble.
But I couldn't back down empty-handed.
"The seed giveaway just hands them out—it doesn't get people to actually plant them."
"But it's a time-honored tradition. That's what makes the Hadellus Territory Flower Festival so famous."
"To be precise, it's famous for those breathtaking flowers blooming in the snow."
Elena's eyebrow twitched at my sharp point, but she didn't argue.
Truth be told, the seed giveaway was just a showy publicity stunt.
People flocked to festivals for Instagram-worthy moments and memories, after all.
If we leveraged that—events where families, couples, and friends could make memories together—we could boost participation in planting.
"So, what exactly are you getting at?"
"There's no rule saying flowers have to be planted in the ground. You can plant them in the sky, too."
"What kind of nonsense is that? Where are these flowers that bloom without soil?"
Why not?
"Could you bring me some paper and a pen?"
"Right away, Young Madam."
Vivian, who'd been waiting nearby, scurried off and returned moments later with paper and pen in hand.
Under Elena's watchful gaze, I sketched away: sky lanterns filled with flower seeds.
"What's this?"
"Sky lanterns."
"I know that much. The question is why you're drawing them. You're not suddenly itching for a talent show, are you?"
"The idea is to fill sky lanterns with fluff seeds and let people release them. The seeds drifting on the wind would look absolutely beautiful."
Dandelion seeds—one type of fluff—turn into those perfect white puffballs after the yellow petals fall.
They look like clusters of stars, stealing your gaze in a field of snowy white.
And that's not all. Watching those pristine seeds float gently on the breeze before taking root in the soil? Pure magic.
Who hasn't blown on a fully bloomed dandelion as a kid?
"Delus flowers have fluff seeds, right? If we prep some plowed fields in advance and let people launch lanterns filled with them, it's planting seeds and making memories. Best of both worlds, don't you think? Of course, we'd need to discuss it with the retainers to make it happen..."
"Hmm."
Elena finally showed some interest. Emboldened, I pressed on.
"Delus flowers are rainbow-colored, so we make the lanterns in all sorts of hues. It'd make for a great one-day event, no?"
"Well, it's not a bad idea. A bit rough around the edges, but decent."
Elena chuckled softly and folded the paper into her pocket.
"I didn't realize you cared about the territory that much. Especially thinking of scattering Delus flowers. I figured you'd want them all burned to the ground."
I'm not a total lunatic...
But Roena's past rampages made that hard to say.
"Ahem! Anyway, if we designate a spot, I just won't go there. We can't ban the territory's beloved Delus flowers on my account."
Right. I had no desire to relive that agony from last time.
I'd just thought a little event tied to the Hadellus symbol—the Delus flowers—might be nice.
Then Elena hesitated before broaching the subject.
"Speaking of those flowers... your allergy."
"Pardon?"
"...Never mind. I've heard your idea. I'll discuss it with the retainers, so you can go now."
She swallowed whatever she was about to say and dismissed me.
Wondering if my idea had landed, I ventured, "So, does that mean you're accepting my proposal?"
"It's not entirely useless."
Was that praise or an insult? Elena fanned herself lazily.
Eh, close enough to a yes. My mood lifted.
"Hehe, great! I'll head out then, Mother!"
"That 'Mother' must be sticking to your tongue now. ...Off you go."
Elena waved me away with a weary look.
"Yes, ma'am!"
I gave a polite curtsy and hurried out of the terrace, feeling pretty accomplished.
To secure a bright future for my dear Akid, I had to win over my in-laws anyway.
I didn't want him carrying a painful past like in the original story.
Was it because I was thinking of Akid?
Speak of the devil—I bumped right into him emerging from the bedroom.
"Where have you been?"
"To see Mother."
"Mother? Why... Did she scold you?"
Akid's voice held real concern. I waved it off frantically.
"No! I just felt like we were only playing around during this flower festival. I asked if there was anything I could help with."
"I see."
"And where are you off to, Akid?"
"Oh, I..."
"Ah! Training, right? Yeah, it's just about time for the training grounds."
I had his schedule memorized—not just in my diary, but in my head.
Akid, oblivious to that, looked startled.
"How did you know that, my lady?"
"Huh? Well, you go to the training grounds at this time every day..."
I've been peeking from the window.
I caught myself just in time. It sounded way too stalkerish—like I'd reveal my massive crush on him.
Akid stared, puzzled why I'd trailed off. I averted my eyes and mumbled,
"Your outfit just screams sword training, so I guessed."
"...Is that so?"
"Yep! What, you think I'd follow you around like a creep, spying? I'm not a pervert."
"I've never thought that far."
"R-right? That'd be too much. It's not like I'm stalking you or anything..."
The more I talked, the deeper I dug my grave. As I babbled excuses, Akid said,
"No. What I meant was, even if you did, I wouldn't see it as pervy or creepy or feel stalked."
"Pardon?"
"Do as you please. Well then."
With that, Akid left the bedroom lobby. As the door clicked shut, I rolled my eyes dramatically.
If I really did whatever I wanted, he'd freak.
Blushing, I touched my cheek shyly.
Just casual words, yet they wrecked my heart.
Akid had no idea how madly I adored him.
If this were Korea, my room would be a shrine of his merch, starting and ending each day with Akid fancams.
And that's not all—I'd join his fan cafe, track every schedule, know his outfits, meals, favorites, inside out.
Should I start a fan cafe here?
I shook my head at the dangerous thought.
Can't cause a scandal in high society.
If my fangirl side got out, I'd be ruined.
But society was full of humans, surprisingly.
I never imagined, back then, that I'd one day make it reality.
A modest reception was held for the distinguished guests visiting Hadellus Territory for the festival.
Since possessing Roena, I'd avoided outside gatherings like the plague, but I had no choice this time.
No memories meant I couldn't tell friends from strangers.
The Flower Festival happened during Hadellus's warmest season, drawing nobles from near and far—not just locals.
There were even gatherings for the young ladies and lords already in the territory.
This time, kids our age had flocked to Hadellus, so they held a separate cookie party for the young ones.
I arrived at the party venue escorted by Akid.
He hadn't expected me to ask for an escort and looked tense.
His slightly sweaty palm was proof. No wonder— we'd always gone separately, so being together felt awkward.
The hall was already laden with desserts, kids munching and chattering excitedly.
All eyes turned to us as the doors opened.
They seemed shocked to see me side-by-side with Akid—probably because I was on his arm.
"Roena!"
Someone waved at me with a bright smile.
And in that instant, memories I didn't know flooded my mind.
