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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 19
Chapter Title: Golden Rewards
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The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess turned out to be tougher opponents than expected. At first, it looked like they were fumbling because they didn't know the rules, but by the second half, they quickly caught up to us.
Playing shuttlecock with a child's body meant we had no choice but to struggle against adults.
In the end, the Grand Duke couple snatched victory by the slimmest of margins.
I let out a massive sigh inside the moving carriage, grumbling away.
"Who knew they'd get so competitive against kids? Did you see? They were rubbing it in so smugly after winning."
I shuddered, recalling Grand Duke Hadellus's face as he strutted around with me propped up like a trophy.
Getting that thrilled over beating a child!
Akid, still basking in the afterglow of the game, smiled faintly as he replied.
"It was still fun, though. It was the first time I'd seen the two of them in such perfect sync."
"Yeah. They're always fighting, but put them on the same team and they were like newlyweds."
The sight of them high-fiving excitedly right after winning was something else.
And it didn't stop there. When the Grand Duke instinctively intertwined his fingers with hers while shaking hands, the Grand Duchess's expression was priceless.
"Let go."
"Oh, sorry. It just happened."
The Grand Duke pulled his hand away with a start at her icy response.
Then, as if meeting for the first time on a blind date, they both stepped back simultaneously and bowed politely to each other.
"You don't fool around like that with your lover, do you? So frivolous."
"Of course not. We do even more than that."
"Ha! Unbelievable. Can't even wash my ears out."
I had no idea what had gotten under their skin, but it didn't seem like either one's fault.
Neither was exactly polite about it. Was this what they called affection sprouting from traded barbs?
The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess scattered with growls at each other, as if they'd never been teammates.
In short, the bond we'd thought was growing reverted right back to square one the moment the game ended.
"I think it's the first time we've done something together with them."
That's when Akid murmured to himself, cheeks flushing, almost like he was talking alone.
My heart ached at how happy he was over something so small.
In truth, I didn't know the details of how Akid had lived for those 13 years.
All I knew was that he'd been officially recognized as Grand Duke Hadellus's bloodline by some twist of fate and added to the family register.
The novel hadn't delved deeply into the backstory of the sub-male lead Akid anyway.
Even after being registered, he'd basically been left to fend for himself. The Grand Duke couple's rocky relationship meant Akid had to walk on eggshells constantly.
"There'll be plenty more from now on. I'll make sure of it."
I wanted to comfort him, so I gripped his hand tightly and made a promise.
That's right, Akid. I'll make you happy, no matter what.
The scars of 13 years wouldn't vanish, but with effort, maybe I could dilute them a little.
Was my promise unexpected? Akid's pale blue-gray eyes wavered for a moment.
Even my reflection in them seemed to shake. As an odd atmosphere hung in the air, the carriage came to a timely stop.
"We've arrived!"
"Oh, already?"
Feeling awkwardly embarrassed for no reason, I let go of his hand and chirped brightly. Akid clenched and unclenched his fist before replying slowly.
"Y-yeah..."
He sat there dazed for a bit, then got out first and offered me his hand.
"Careful getting down."
"Oh, thanks."
I took his hand on impulse and hopped down, stammering a little.
It was the same hand I'd grabbed just moments ago, but him offering first made me shy somehow.
Akid's even got great manners.
Getting so touched by little things was probably because he was my favorite.
I lightly clasped his hand and stepped down from the carriage. Then, as I took in the wide-open sky and the lanterns floating above it...
"Wow!"
I couldn't help but gasp in admiration. It was even more spectacular than I'd imagined.
As Akid had said, the lantern-launching spot was quite a distance away, so none drifted all the way here.
But atop this vast, open hill, the Delus flower field below was fully visible.
The Delus flower field looked just like a rainbow splashed across the ground. The pre-planted flowers were blooming vibrantly despite the chill.
In the clearing encircled by the rainbow-hued Delus flowers, crowds of people were launching lanterns.
Thanks to them, the sky was filled with colorful lanterns drifting lazily about, and with the sunset glow behind it all, it was nothing short of breathtaking.
"It's so beautiful."
As I stared entranced, Akid came to stand beside me.
I turned to him absentmindedly and nearly yelped.
His face next to the sunset was too handsome.
Why isn't there a camera in this world? They have magic but can't make recording crystals?
There didn't seem to be any concept of preserving memories here.
Even with advanced magic, crafting artifacts required skilled craftsmanship and hefty costs.
Given that reality, no one bothered investing in recording crystals.
They probably figured hiring a painter was better.
But that was for people who hadn't experienced video footage.
The family seems to have a talented artifactor...
I was staring intently at Akid, plotting how to sweet-talk the family artifactor into making one, when...
Sensing my persistent gaze, he turned and met my eyes.
His pale blue-gray eyes took on a reddish tint from the sunset. Embarrassed by my stare, he touched his cheek and rolled his eyes.
"What's wrong? Is there something on my face?"
Yes. Handsomeness all over it. Caked on thick.
I swallowed the cringe-worthy line threatening to escape and shook my head vigorously.
"No, nothing."
Then I averted my gaze first. This time, Akid stared right back, making my face burn.
Unable to bear the awkwardness, I asked.
"What?"
"Nothing from me either."
Akid chuckled softly and murmured.
It felt like teasing, but I let it slide.
After that, we spent a good while atop the hill just taking in the view.
The Flower Festival wrapped up successfully. Just as I thought we'd return to our peaceful Delus routine, Elena summoned me.
Wondering what it was about so suddenly, I headed to the terrace. There, on the table, sat desserts and milk.
Strawberry shortcake loaded with strawberries, which were rare even in Delus!
"Wow."
As I zoned out staring at the strawberries, Elena nodded toward a seat.
I sat down as if hypnotized and reached for a fork when a maid placed a heavy box in front of me. I tilted my head.
"What's this?"
Wondering what it was before the meal, I glanced up to see Elena looking prim.
"Open it."
"Can't I eat the cake first?"
"Once you open it, you'll change your mind."
With Elena insisting, I reluctantly set down the fork and lifted the lid. I jumped in shock, beyond even her expectations.
"Gasp!"
My goodness, what was that shimmering gold?
It was a box full of gold bars. An enormous amount, rivaling what you'd find in a treasure chest.
I couldn't close my mouth. Barely holding back drool, I asked casually.
"What's with the gold bars all of a sudden?"
It couldn't just be for showing off. As I couldn't tear my eyes away and fiddled with the gold, Elena spoke.
"It's yours."
"Mine?"
Was today my birthday? No.
It wasn't like a bribe; Elena had no reason to curry favor with me.
If anything, I was the one who'd need bribes after rubbing her the wrong way.
As I alternated glances between the suspicious gold and Elena...
She fanned herself and explained why she'd given it.
"It's your commission for coming up with the seed lantern idea this time. I'll set aside your share every time we hold a lantern event from now on."
"Huh?"
What? Commission?
My eyes went wide at the unexpected payout. Elena chuckled and continued.
"Well, this was your first time doing Grand Duchess Heiress duties, so you wouldn't know."
"I wouldn't?"
"Hadellus always rewards contributions thoroughly. Anyone who proposes an idea or business plan gets a personal commission from the family at a set rate."
"So I'll get commissions forever?"
"Yes. As long as the lantern events continue, you'll get your share each time."
Yahoo! A system like that existed?
I'd started it to impress Elena, but now money was rolling in too. Talk about striking gold.
Heh heh, how much is all this?
As I fondled the gold bars grinning ear to ear, Elena frowned, probably finding me ridiculous.
"Anyone would think you'd never seen this much money before."
Sorry, but in my past life, I hadn't even glimpsed gold bars.
I laughed awkwardly, and Elena said.
"There are a few more boxes like this in your personal warehouse already. Think you'll faint when you see them?"
"My personal warehouse?"
Did I have one?
I made a clueless face, and Elena snickered. Her next words left me speechless.
"Yes. That warehouse you emptied out with your extravagance might finally see some use now."
