Chapter 49
One day—
“Did you know, young madam?”
A maid, adjusting Miela’s attire, began the conversation in a casual tone. Miela tilted her head, not having the slightest idea what the maid was referring to.
“Hm? Know what?”
“It’s the young master’s birthday in a week.”
“Re—really? Oh…!”
Judging by her reaction, it was clear she hadn’t known. The maid silently praised herself for bringing it up this way.
After all, if the young madam didn’t properly celebrate the occasion, the young master would surely be disappointed.
“Yes. We’ll be serving a celebratory cake at the dinner party. When we asked the young master about it, he said to make it in the young madam’s favorite flavor.”
“Gasp! Really? Then I want chocolate strawberry whipped cream cake!”
“Yes, I’ll let the chef know.”
Once the maid left, Miela sat alone and muttered to herself in a daze.
“This can’t be. I forgot Titi’s birthday.”
In truth, no one in the mansion, including Istin himself, had ever told Miela his birthday. She only knew about it because of a tip she got from Stephanie, based on information in the original novel.
“This is bad. What kind of birthday present should I give him…?”
Luckily, she still had a week to prepare. The problem was—she had no idea what Istin liked.
‘Let’s see… What does Titi like again?’
Miela furrowed her brows in thought, but nothing came to mind. Neither her conversations with him nor what she knew from the novel offered any clues.
‘According to the novel, he didn’t really like anything—except for the female lead, Arzelin…’
Thinking of that drained all the strength from her body. Of course, Titi liked the heroine—it was natural, he was the male lead.
But bringing Arzelin here was impossible. And it wasn’t like Miela could take her place.
“What do I do…? No, there’s no use worrying alone.”
After a long period of agonizing thought, Miela finally decided to ask Istin directly. Fortunately, she had saved up quite a bit of allowance over the past few months. She figured she could buy him whatever he wanted with it.
“What?”
But when she finally asked, Istin looked completely uninterested.
“I mean, Titi, is there anything you want or need? Like food, books, maybe clothes or shoes—anything’s fine!”
Miela was sweating. She was used to asking things bluntly, so trying to sound subtle like this wasn’t easy. She was worried Istin, being perceptive, would catch on that she had an ulterior motive.
‘But if I just ask what he wants for his birthday, it won’t be a surprise anymore.’
And Miela figured that if she asked too directly, Istin would say he didn’t want anything. Neither the duke nor Istin had ever demanded things from her—if anything, they were always the ones giving.
Still, asking indirectly didn’t help either.
“Hmm… not really anything.”
Though briefly caught off guard by the unexpected question, Istin answered honestly. He wasn’t being evasive—it was the truth.
As the only heir of Balruar, Istin had been born into a world where he could have anything he desired.
“Th—then! Is there anything you like? Anything at all, just tell me!”
Growing impatient at his vague answers, Miela pressed him again. She wanted to give him something he’d truly like—even if it was something beyond her means.
“Something I like? Hmm…”
Just changing the wording seemed to spark something in his mind.
“Yes! Tell me quickly!”
Miela’s eyes sparkled as she waited for his answer. And finally, he said—
“There’s only one thing I like. I think you already know what it is.”
“Only one? What is it?”
Miela had no idea. Istin replied teasingly.
“It’s you, Miela.”
“Huh…?”
At first, Miela froze, thinking it was a joke. But then she realized he was serious—and her face turned bright red.
“Th—thank you! I mean, really, thank you, but, um…”
Flustered, she bowed her head low. She couldn’t bring herself to ask if there was anything else.
“It’s nothing. See you later, Titi.”
She had been so insistent with her questions, and now she was suddenly fleeing, looking all gloomy. Istin narrowed his eyes as he watched her back disappear.
“What’s with her?”
He had no idea why she was acting so differently from usual. Just then, a maid nearby stepped forward and whispered a report.
“I happened to overhear earlier—young madam just found out it’s your birthday soon. She said she was going to prepare a present.”
“What? So that’s what it was? Ah…”
Only then did Istin understand Miela’s suspicious behavior and let out a soft chuckle.
“She’s silly. I’d be happy with anything she gives me.”
Miela still didn’t know much about him. To Istin, Miela herself was already the greatest gift of all.
“I’m looking forward to a week from now.”
He had never once anticipated his birthday before. But for some reason, this time he was really looking forward to it.
Knowing Miela, even if she ran away now, she’d definitely rack her brain and prepare something with all her heart.
“I wonder what kind of present it’ll be. I’m so curious.”
Even if someone gave him prime real estate in the capital or a golden carriage, he’d be unimpressed. But if Miela handed him a single flower, he’d happily wear it in his hair all day.
* * *
Back in her room, Miela took out a sheet of paper. She listed every possible item she thought might make a good gift.
Then she showed the completed list to Istin’s personal servant and asked for help.
“Does Titi already have any of these things?”
“I’m afraid… the young master already owns most valuable items.”
“Really? He already has all of them? Ugh…”
Seeing her disappointment, the servant hesitated before offering advice.
“Yes. But there is still something the young master doesn’t have—though it’s not on this list.”
“What is it? Please tell me!”
“Something made with heart and sincerity.”
“H-heart and sincerity?”
Flustered, Miela stammered. Of course, those were precious values. But how could she give something intangible as a present?
“Yes. For example, a letter filled with love, or a dish you cook with care. What matters most isn’t the item itself, but the feeling behind it.”
“Oh, I think I understand! Thank you so much for the advice!”
Inspired by the servant’s words, Miela suddenly had a great idea.
And so, her final decision was: a pie.
It was one of Istin’s favorite desserts, and more importantly, it was a food tied to a warm memory for her as well.
“Alright! Let’s bake an apple pie! And I’ll write a letter too!”
Determined, Miela headed to the kitchen. She’d eaten pies her mother made many times, but never baked one herself—so she needed to practice.
“I was hoping to use the kitchen over the next week to practice pie-baking. Would that be alright?”
“Pardon? The young madam, baking a pie? No, please let us make it for you!”
The head chef looked alarmed by her request. He was clearly worried she might injure herself using the kitchen’s knives or fire.
“No, it has to be a pie I baked myself. It’s a gift for Titi.”
“Well, if that’s the case…”
With Miela’s firm insistence, the chef had no choice but to step aside and allow her the kitchen.
“Young madam, have you ever had any formal cooking lessons before?”
