Chapter 24…………………………………………
“Grandfather, I read in a book that it’s good to take a walk after a meal to help digestion. Once you’ve finished, shall we go stroll in the garden together?”
Normally, Schwaben would only eat the lunch Ariana prepared and leave immediately.
“Very well, Ariana.”
But this time, Schwaben agreed to the garden walk—partly because he found Ariana simply adorable.
Now I see why that Adrian calls her “Po-jjak”—Ariana thought to herself.
She fancied herself smart and especially loved being complimented for being mature, but in Schwaben’s eyes, she was just his cute and lovable granddaughter.
Having endured relatives, both direct and collateral, all scheming to snatch Schwaben’s inheritance, seeing a granddaughter who wasn’t trying to take from him but to care for him… how could he not find her charming?
Of course, even while leisurely walking in the garden, Schwaben’s mountain of work was undoubtedly piling up. But when his darling granddaughter wants to take a walk with him, how could he refuse?
How much longer do I even have to live here?
Perhaps the final memory he would recall before passing would be this: laughing while watching his cute granddaughter’s antics.
“Grandfather, the garden is filled with so many flowers. The ones that bloom in autumn are so pretty and lovely too.”
“In my eyes, Ariana, you’re the most lovely of all.”
“That’s because you’re my grandfather. No matter what I do, you’ll find me adorable.”
“That’s not necessarily true. Not every granddaughter is always cute.”
The servants presented Ariana with intricately woven floral wreaths.
Schwaben, as if it were only natural, placed a wreath atop Ariana’s head and spoke:
“You know the eldest son of the neighboring Archduke Vanevelt? He specializes in ancient languages. Yet compared to your skill, he barely reaches half of half, it seems.”
Ah, there it is. The Vanevelt Archdukes… my grandfather’s lifelong rivals.
Ariana immediately composed her expression at the mention of Vanevelt.
Taking the Vanevelt side would immediately earn Schwaben’s disapproval.
I remember, Cousin Dandolo started falling out of favor with Grandfather right after mingling with the third Vanevelt heir.
It was a little amusing.
How old is Grandfather, yet he still competes by showing off his children’s academic abilities?
Ariana understood how sensitive Schwaben was about the name Vanevelt.
Part of the reason he obsessively pursued his seemingly impossible dream of discovering the New Continent was to succeed before the Vanevelt Archduke, who shared the same dream, and crush their pride.
“That old man had such a sour expression—you should have seen it. I boasted to my heart’s content that at age five, you were already as skilled in ancient languages as the professors themselves.”
“You mean Archduke Vanevelt, right?”
“Yes, that old man.”
Schwaben was unusually excited.
“My, my, I’m so proud, my granddaughter.”
Even Ramiel hadn’t realized Ariana had talent in ancient languages and had fussed over it just yesterday.
Ariana laughed out loud in Schwaben’s embrace.
Among the grandchildren, she could tell which ones he doted on most, and she now truly considered the Archduke part of her family.
She had overheard Schwaben say often, “The child who inherited my blood the most strongly is Ariana.”
I need to keep Grandfather in a good mood.
“All my talents… surely I inherited them from you, Grandfather?”
“Indeed, you take after me. Even that sharp-witted character of yours.”
As expected, feeding someone first is the way to their heart.
Schwaben seemed pleased, holding Ariana close as they strolled through the garden.
Every servant they passed bowed in astonishment.
“If it weren’t for your knowledge of ancient languages, how could I have decoded military ciphers so easily? Ariana, if you have any wish, speak it now. As the head of the Berkshire family, I shall grant it as a proper reward—ask freely.”
Ariana’s answer was obvious.
“Grandfather, then I want magical fertilizer.”
“Ariana… you really are serious about your tulip garden. Didn’t you ask for magical fertilizer as a gift last time too?”
Of course, she meant it sincerely.
“The first money I ever received from you, 7 gold and 3 silver… and I spent it all to buy 730 tulip bulbs. Remember, Grandfather, I’m showing you how far I can go with the money you gave me.”
Schwaben paused at her words.
Was she… too mature for a five-year-old?
Ariana tactfully added:
“I’m creating something more valuable than money.”
As she pressed her cheek against his, Schwaben stiffened briefly, though only slightly.
Yet he lightly lifted his beloved granddaughter and met her eyes, saying:
“Exactly. What money cannot buy is the most valuable thing.”
Is he serious? He keeps repeating this… Ariana thought inwardly.
Their fourth lunch together had ended successfully, with Ariana once again managing to satisfy her grandfather.
Ariana headed toward the garden.
Though the garden was empty, not a single tulip planted yet, she saw potential worth billions in her mind’s eye.
Ancient languages aside, thanks to her various accomplishments, she felt confident that Schwaben was now firmly on her side.
So far, everything seemed like a typical slice-of-life story about raising a child…
But… I still haven’t seen Dad or my brothers since the title ceremony.
She knew Adrian wasn’t on good terms with Schwaben.
So when she heard that her father went straight to the estate after the ceremony, she understood—it made sense.
She was grateful he even attended the ceremony.
But…
Cherdicas and Alessandro.
Though living in the same Archduke residence, she hadn’t exchanged a single word with her two older brothers.
They had never even met by chance. The only interaction had been a glance during the title ceremony.
…I was too scared to approach them first.
Of course, compared to Ariana’s mental maturity, Cherdicas and Alessandro were relatively immature.
But human trauma isn’t easily resolved.
In fact, the people of Berkshire weren’t sure how to judge Ariana.
At first, they suspected she had some ulterior motive when she demanded 0 gold for her upkeep, but they were too busy to keep worrying about a five-year-old girl only interested in tulips.
A child who only knows how to act cute for the head of the family.
Ariana knew the whispers behind her back. The main culprit was undoubtedly Dandolo.
Doesn’t matter.
Ariana hadn’t let four months go to waste.
Berkshire didn’t pressure children to study. They encouraged interest in the process first, results second.
Still, Ariana didn’t want to follow the original story where a foolish villainess gets ignored, so she studied diligently without being told.
Through intense study, two seasons had already passed.
Still, being ignored is convenient. No one suspects a five-year-old can be that smart. If they suspected I’m possessed… that would be troublesome.
In most situations, Ariana didn’t behave like a typical five-year-old.
Her only childlike trait was her passion for the tulip garden.
Her harmless, cute appearance was a real blessing. Not being suspected for her intelligence was definitely an advantage.
