Chapter 71
“Our young lady seems to be in especially good spirits today.”
Flora lifted the corners of her mouth into a bright smile at the gentle voice. What could have happened to put her in such a good mood?
“Hm? Oh, it’s nothing. I just felt happy because Elena brushed my hair.”
Sigh… really. I can’t even smile freely.
She briefly recalled the events of the day and caught herself giggling, almost arousing suspicion.
But the momentary embarrassment passed, and Flora cleverly navigated the situation with her childlike, innocent charm.
Elena smiled back at her through the mirror at Flora’s sweet words.
“It’s been such a long time, hasn’t it? I’m sorry we only caught a glimpse of each other at night.”
“Why would you be sorry? I like that you’re acting as the head maid, Elena. You do it so well. That way, you can stay by my side for a long time, right? Right?”
Flora’s worry that learning the head maid’s duties would reduce their time together seemed meaningless. Elena always said things that lifted her spirits so generously.
“And I even went on a walk by myself today!”
“Oh my, really?”
Children grow so quickly!
Elena’s face showed astonishment, and Flora puffed up her shoulders with pride.
“Did I do well?”
“Of course, very well. Our young lady has grown so much.”
“Yes, I’ve grown up.”
A sweet kiss on the cheek made Flora giggle. She was worried whether she could even go for her usual walk today because of the sudden visitors at the castle, but knowing she managed it on her own was admirable.
“It feels like just yesterday you only wanted to go out with Basilian, saying you didn’t want to leave the room…”
At the mention of the forbidden name, the bright smile on Flora’s face vanished.
Noticing this, Elena stopped speaking as if on cue.
Flora was a strong child, rarely showing a tear, but after Basilian left, hearing his name always made her gloomy for a long time.
“Basi…”
Why did Basilian leave and not even send a single letter?
According to Athanas, he was living with mercenaries around the Ice Castle. Even so, he didn’t come, as if he didn’t even want to see her.
“Hmm, maybe Basil is really busy?”
“Huh?”
“Too busy with sword practice to have time to write me a letter? If I send one first, will he reply?”
Her shoulders slumped with disappointment, and Elena felt a pang of sympathy.
Poor young lady…
Her first precious friend at the academy suddenly left. How sad it must have been.
Basilian is so cruel… he cherished her so much but hasn’t sent a single letter.
If the lady herself is worrying whether to contact him first, imagine how anxious she must have been all this time without saying anything.
“That’s not it. Basilian is probably overwhelmed trying to adjust to the new place. I’m sure he’ll send a letter as soon as he settles in, letting you know he’s okay.”
“Really?”
“Of course! If you’re eating well, taking your walks, and staying healthy, the letter will arrive soon.”
Elena’s tone was clearly meant to soothe a child, making Flora’s mood feel strange. Until recently, she’d been upset about not hearing from Basilian, yet thinking about it, she wasn’t exactly a little child. Could she not wait a little?
If anyone saw me, they’d think I have the patience of a five-year-old.
Thinking about the young sparrow, Janet, who had probably watched her being coddled, made her feel even stranger.
My pride as the Great Demon will take a hit.
Of course, it was unreasonable to expect a five-year-old to act like the Great Demon, but she still wanted to be careful about showing this side in front of her subordinates.
“I’ll be six soon. After the New Year, I’ll be older. I can wait.”
Speaking with determination to avoid continuing the conversation, Elena’s worry on her face finally eased.
“That’s right. Already six… Our young lady, growing up is good, but don’t grow too fast. I still want to go on many walks with you.”
“Hm? Even when I’m older, I’ll go on lots of walks with you, Elena. So next time, let’s go together!”
Elena smiled joyfully at the lively answer and resumed brushing her hair.
Seeing Elena focus on her pink hair again, Flora breathed a sigh of relief.
Although her mood had briefly dipped with thoughts of Basilian, she had been busy herself.
So I shouldn’t let myself get sad just because I haven’t heard from him.
If this continued, Basilian’s name might really become one that “must not be spoken.”
Anyway, I’ll go on walks by myself often to reassure myself. I’ll also ask the Count for progress updates when necessary.
Hearing Elena humming again made her feel a slight twinge of guilt, but she hadn’t lied, so it was fine.
Meeting the Count will remain a secret for now.
Janet was keeping watch, and apart from Count Vitora, no one knew of their secret agreement.
I was lucky.
Selling Shalia’s saplings might have reduced profits for the Phini orphanage. Fortunately, an alchemist appeared just when she was wondering how best to use the special fruit, solving the problem.
Moreover, the alchemist was enthusiastic and favorable toward the mercenary guild business, which Flora appreciated.
Though castle personnel are limited… the vassals aside from the Count are unsatisfactory.
Those who were unnecessarily greedy could be dismissed, leaving untested vassals to aid the north’s development.
Well, Isaac probably expected me to figure this out.
Last night, he had organized information on the visiting vassals, clearly expecting her to come up with a solution.
In Isaac’s eyes, I’ve truly stepped out of being an ordinary five-year-old.
At first, he cautiously observed when business was discussed, but after seeing her openly criticize the vassals yesterday, he seemed to no longer care about her age.
Is this right?
Well, if she had behaved properly, this would be fine.
It’s fine for me to be comfortable in dealing with them.
Though she had shown part of her real self to both Isaac and Count Vitora, they were clever and ambitious enough to remain discreet.
If anyone tries to spread rumors? I can handle it.
With Janet present, it wouldn’t be difficult.
Then I just wait for excellent results.
Lost in thought, she realized the brushing was done and she had been changed into pajamas.
Lying quietly in bed, Elena gently brushed the hair that fell on her forehead.
“Our young lady looks angelically beautiful today.”
With the problem of how to use Shalia’s fruit soon to be solved, she thought she’d sleep well tonight.
“Elena’s putting me to bed, so that’s good.”
And she wasn’t just an angel—she was even greater, a true Great Demon.
Of course, wise Flora, performing the role of a five-year-old, didn’t show it.
“You even speak so sweetly.”
Elena’s gentle kiss touched her forehead.
The warmth and affection made Flora’s smile genuine.
“Have sweet dreams.”
“Mm, goodnight, Elena.”
Quietly closing her eyes, the room darkened.
Flora went to bed with a heart full of excitement.
The business competition suddenly announced by Duke Lucifer brought significant changes among the vassals.
Until now, the vassals had rallied tightly around Marquis Slod, but now, seeking to take hold of a previously overlooked business opportunity, they began to check and challenge one another.
“Did you just enter my room without permission? Even if we’re informal, I expect some manners!”
Viscount Chichen raised his voice, and Count Faruna, passing through the corridor, immediately retorted.
“Are you serious? Didn’t you secretly ask my aide about business progress recently? Are you envious because my plan is moving smoothly?”
At first, some thought it unnecessary to invest in business planning for the mercenaries, but seeing others passionately preparing, they too eagerly invested for the competition.
“I just asked about progress! Don’t make it sound like I asked for detailed plans!”
“Just because you’re asking doesn’t mean you didn’t want the details! If you want good results, show some willingness to spend money! Being cheap won’t get you anywhere!”
“Wait, what?”
