Chapter 14
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#14.
"You're suggesting this?"
Elena let out a derisive snort, as though she'd heard something utterly absurd.
Her expression suggested bewilderment—what wind had blown this notion into my head?
Yet she didn't forbid me from speaking. She seemed willing to hear me out.
I presented my thoughts as nervously as if submitting a proposal to a superior, my heart hammering against my ribs.
"I've heard that many people purchase seeds annually, but far fewer actually plant them."
"Indeed. Everyone probably thinks sowing is tedious work. Tilling the soil and planting is grueling, and not every seed grows regardless."
"So what if we transformed seed-planting into an event itself?"
I stole a glance at Elena. She tilted her head at the word "event"—likely because they already held a seed-distribution event.
"We already have sufficient charitable activities prepared. What more are you suggesting we add?"
Her tone unmistakably carried the nuance of rejection—don't create unnecessary work.
Yet I couldn't retreat empty-handed without even breaking even.
"The seed-distribution event ends at distribution; it doesn't encourage participation in the actual planting."
"But it's a tradition passed down through the ages. The Hadelus Territory flower festival is renowned precisely because of that tradition."
"To be precise, it's famous because flowers blooming within snow create a breathtaking spectacle."
My pointed remark made Elena's eyebrows twitch. Yet she didn't counter.
The seed-distribution event was merely performative, after all.
People gathered at festivals to capture perfect photographs and create memories.
By leveraging an event where families, couples, and friends could build memories together, we could dramatically increase participation in seed-planting.
"So what exactly are you proposing?"
"Flowers don't have to be planted in the ground. They can be planted in the sky."
"What nonsense is this? Where do flowers grow without being planted in soil?"
Why wouldn't they?
"Bring me paper and a pen."
"Yes, young lady."
Vivian, who had been standing by, hurried out and quickly returned with paper and pen in hand.
Under Elena's scrutinizing gaze, I sketched earnestly—a sky lantern, one designed to carry flower seeds.
"What is this?"
"A sky lantern."
"I know that much. What I'm asking is why you're drawing it. You're not suddenly eager to show off a talent, are you?"
"The idea is to fill sky lanterns with seeds and have people release them. The seeds scattering on the wind would be absolutely beautiful."
Dandelions, one variety of seed-bearing plants, transform into pristine white, spherical seed heads once their yellow petals fall—resembling flowers themselves.
They looked so much like gathered stars that one's gaze was easily captivated in a field of white dandelion seed heads.
And that wasn't all—watching the white seeds drift gracefully through the sky before taking root in the earth was equally enchanting.
Nearly everyone had experienced blowing on white dandelion seed heads in childhood.
"I've heard the Delus flowers propagate via seeds. If we released sky lanterns filled with seeds over pre-cleared land, we'd accomplish seed-planting, create memories, and achieve two goals with one action. Of course, we'd need to discuss implementation with the estate officials first..."
"Hmm."
Elena finally showed interest. Emboldened, I continued.
"Since Delus flowers bloom in rainbow hues, we could craft sky lanterns in various colors. Wouldn't that make for a worthwhile single-day event?"
"Well, that's quite a decent idea. A bit rough around the edges, but decent."
Elena chuckled softly and folded the paper, tucking it into her bosom.
"I never knew you cared so much for the territory. Especially to think of scattering Delus flowers—I thought you'd raise hell demanding we burn them all."
'I'm not a complete ruffian, after all.'
Though truthfully, Rhoena had caused far too much mischief for that excuse to hold water.
"Ahem! In any case, if we designate certain areas, I simply won't go there. We can't forbid everyone from enjoying Delus flowers just because of me."
That was true—I had no desire to suffer as I had before.
I had merely thought: since Delus flowers are the symbol of Hadelus Territory, wouldn't a small festival centered around them be lovely?
Then Elena hesitated before posing a question.
"About that flower allergy, actually..."
"Yes?"
"...Hmm, never mind. I've heard your proposal well enough. I'll discuss it with the retainers, so keep that in mind as you leave."
Elena swallowed whatever she'd been about to say and issued her dismissal.
I ventured to ask whether my idea had been accepted.
"So my proposal has been approved, then?"
"It's not entirely useless."
Elena made a sound that could have been praise or criticism, fanning herself with her fan.
Well, it seemed positive enough, and my spirits lifted.
"Hehe. Yes! Then I'll take my leave now, Mother!"
"So 'mother' has become second nature to your tongue, has it? ...Go on, then."
Elena waved her hand dismissively, a tired expression crossing her face.
"Yes!"
I bowed respectfully and scurried out onto the Terrace. I felt rather pleased—as though I'd accomplished my part.
After all, to secure Arkid's brilliant future, I needed to win over his parents.
I didn't want him to carry the painful past he bore in the original story.
Was I thinking of Arkid for that reason?
Just then, Arkid emerged from the Bedroom, and we collided directly.
"Where are you returning from?"
"Oh, I was visiting your mother."
"Mother? Why would you...? Did she scold you?"
Arkid spoke with concern in his voice, and I quickly waved my hands in denial.
"No! I just felt like I was only having fun at the flower festival. I wanted to ask if there was anything I could help with."
"I see."
"And where are you headed, Arkid?"
"Ah, I'm..."
"Ah! You're going to train. Yes, it's right about time for the Training Grounds."
I knew Arkid's schedule inside and out—not just from his diary, but from my own mind.
But Arkid, unaware of this, looked startled.
"How did you know that, my lady?"
"What? Well, you always go to the Training Grounds at this hour..."
I saw him leaving through the window.
I stopped myself before finishing that sentence. It sounded far too stalker-like, obsessive—I was about to expose my shameless infatuation with Arkid.
Arkid stared at me with an expression asking why I'd trailed off. I averted my gaze and mumbled.
"Your outfit just looked exactly like what someone would wear for sword training, so I happened to notice."
"...Is that so?"
"Yes! Of course. Surely you don't think I'm following you around everywhere, spying on you? I'm not some pervert."
"I never thought such a thing."
"R-right. That would be awful. It's not like I'm surveilling anyone or anything..."
The more I spoke, the deeper I dug my own grave. As I rambled and piled on excuses, Arkid said:
"No, what I meant was—even if you did such things, I would never think of you as a pervert, or terrible, or as someone surveilling me."
"Pardon?"
"I'm saying you should do as you wish. That's all."
With that, Arkid turned and left through the Lobby adjoining the Bedroom. As the door closed, I remained frozen, my eyes widening.
If I did everything I wanted, he'd surely be horrified.
For some reason, I felt shy and touched my cheeks.
He'd said it so casually, yet why did it shatter my heart so completely?
Arkid had no idea how desperately I adored him.
If this were Korea, I would have already plastered my room with merchandise and spent every morning and night watching videos of him.
That wasn't all—I'd have joined fan communities, memorized his entire schedule, and obsessively tracked everything he wore, ate, and liked.
'Should I create a fan community right now?'
I shook my head at such a dangerous thought.
I couldn't cause such a scandal in the dignified High Society, could I?
If my true nature were exposed, I'd be utterly ruined.
Yet surprisingly, High Society was still a place where people lived.
At that moment, I could never have imagined that I would one day actually realize such dreams.
* * *
A modest banquet was held for distinguished guests who had arrived in Hadelus Territory for the festival.
Since possessing Rhoena's body, I had been reluctant about social gatherings, but I had no choice but to attend.
Without my memories, I couldn't distinguish between acquaintances and strangers.
The Flower Festival was held when Hadelus Territory was warmest, so many nobles from within the territory and from distant lands had gathered.
There were even separate gatherings for young ladies and gentlemen already in the territory.
Since many children around my and Arkid's age had come to visit Hadelus Territory this time, a special dessert party was held for the young ladies and gentlemen.
I went to the party venue with Arkid as my escort.
Arkid seemed quite nervous, apparently not expecting me to ask for his escort.
His slightly damp palm was proof of it. Indeed, since we had always acted separately before, going somewhere together must have felt terribly awkward.
The Hall was already filled with various desserts, and children were happily eating and chattering.
As the door opened, all eyes turned toward us at once.
They seemed quite surprised to see me arrive alongside Arkid. It was likely because I was receiving his escort.
"Rhoena!"
Someone waved at me with a cheerful smile.
And in that very moment, a memory I didn't know I possessed flooded into my mind.
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Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org
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