ISVDM | Chapter 30

Episode 30

“Our little puppy is all better now? You’re truly healthy again, my baby!”

Eliza’s expression changed in an instant as she rushed toward me, lifting me up and spinning me around.

Lately, she had been pretending not to hear anything unless I called her Grandma.

“Let’s see if you’re really all better. Do some exercises!”

“Yap!”

Like a soldier, I promptly stretched.

‘For some reason, my tongue feels shorter when I talk to Grandma.’

Was it because she doted on me so much? Or was this just how everyone acted around her?

Over the past few days, we had grown quite close.

Eliza was…

A really interesting grandmother.

‘At first, she seemed really awkward around me.’

I later realized it was simply because she wasn’t used to dealing with children.

She wasn’t the warm, cozy type of grandmother you’d find in fairy tales—but I liked that about her even more.

— Come here, child. I’ll tell you an old story.

— Oh! A story from Grandma!”l

— A long, long time ago, in the bloodstained capital, amidst the turbulent power struggles, I alone, with a single sword, cut down my enemies. And with cunning strategies, I crushed the wretched insects who dared to slander me, paving my way to glory. Now, let me tell you the tale of those harsh and perilous times…

— Ooooh…

I didn’t really understand everything, but the intense story of conspiracies and battles was exciting.

And that wasn’t all.

— Come here, child. I have a gift for you.

— Oh! A heartfelt gift from Grandma! Is it homemade butter cookies or something?

— …? Why would I bake something like that myself? If you pay a pâtissier, they’ll make them for you. Hmph. Here, take this. A diamond.

— Ooooh…

I blinked at the massive pink diamond, larger than both of my fists combined.

— Play with it for a while and toss it when you’re done.

…Who just plays with a diamond and throws it away?

The giant, sparkling gem was mesmerizingly beautiful.

Since it was too large to carry around, I decided to polish it thoroughly and keep it as a pet rock.

Grow bigger, grow bigger.

Eliza, who had been watching me exercise, noticed the diamond sitting by my bedside and frowned.

“Why are you cherishing that cheap thing? Tsk, tsk! I already placed an order for an SSS-grade, top-quality diamond, so don’t act so miserly and just get rid of it!”

“Ooooh…”

A breeding diamond? Nice.

After scanning my room, Eliza effortlessly lifted me up again.

Today, she was wearing a tight-fitting silk dress. Being in her arms, I could feel her firm, toned muscles.

She had clearly maintained a disciplined workout routine.

‘Come to think of it, most of Wintervalt’s magical power was inherited by Dad long ago.’

I had heard that the snowflake dragon emblem had been on Dad’s body for quite some time—before, it had been on Eliza’s thigh.

‘That means Eliza maintained the duchy for years despite having little Wintervalt magic left in her.’

That was impressive in many ways.

Even if she lacked overwhelming physical strength, she possessed remarkable political skill and keen judgment.

Through her, I learned that there were many ways to lead a noble house.

Now that she had retired, she could finally relax, but back in the day, she must have been a formidable figure.

Of course, even the meticulous duchess…

“Huh? What kind of ridiculous pajamas are these? Why won’t they come off properly?”

“My hair! Ugh! My hair is stuck! It’s gonna rip out!”

…did not seem particularly skilled at undressing children.

“Pfft!”

Kate quickly undid the top button, allowing me to finally free my face from the pajamas.

“Oh dear. I was too rough, wasn’t I? Sorry about that.”

“It’s okay.”

Before I knew it, I was wearing a yellow dress with a strawberry pattern at the hem.

“Huh? But what’s this dress? I’ve never seen it before…”

Eliza, wearing a slightly odd expression, spoke up.

“I brought it.”

“Oh! Thank you for the gift!”

As expected, Grandma had impeccable fashion sense.

‘It’s absolutely gorgeous.’

A hundred times prettier than anything I’d seen at the boutique. The embroidery was exquisite, and the size fit me perfectly, as if it had been custom-made!

“Do you like it?”

“I love it!”

“Oh dear… My poor gentle child, unable to see this moment…”

Huh? What does that mean?

I stared at Eliza in confusion, but she simply chuckled and took my hand.

“Let’s go eat! Your cheeks have gotten all hollow!”

“Yes!”

We walked down the hallway together.

It had been a while since I strolled around the mansion, and everyone I passed greeted me warmly, making me feel great.

Just then, from the other end of the corridor, I spotted Theo toddling along, holding Aisha’s hand.

‘Oh?’

Now that I looked closely, Theo was wearing new clothes too.

Did Grandma buy his outfit as well?

“Um… Where did you buy Theo’s and my clothes?”

I suddenly asked.

When I’d visited the boutique before, I hadn’t seen any designs like these.

Instead of answering, Eliza raised an eyebrow slightly.

“Well, you’d never find them in a store.”

“Wow! Then who made them? They must be an amazing artisan—no, a diamond-handed master!”

“Hahaha! That’s right! The biggest, cutest diamond I have!”

“Huh?”

Who could it be?

Who would secretly give me such a special gift?

Who else was in this mansion…?

After finishing a mountain of food with Theo, Eliza left for the western annex, saying she had an outing planned.

Since retiring, she had been indulging in hobbies she had put off for years. Today, she was going to catch up on several performances.

By the way, the troupe’s name was Metflix.

Dad wasn’t home, probably busy with work.

After having some snacks, I decided to head to the eastern garden with Theo. Naturally, the maids who were obsessed with me followed along.

“It feels so great to be outside again! Right, Theo?”

“Woo!”

The warm sunlight and the gentle breeze were incredibly refreshing.

I happily hopped down the steps in front of the lobby.

‘So, the capital is finally in spring!’

Since the South had a mild climate perfect for farming year-round, I hadn’t noticed. But here, the changing seasons were much more distinct.

‘On a day like this, I should be gardening!’

I wanted to chop potatoes into pieces and plant them deep in the soil, transplant short tomato seedlings, and sprinkle lettuce seeds everywhere!

I want to pat the soil, water the plants, and run between the furrows!

“Sigh… what a shame.”

Honestly, I had thought about creating a small vegetable garden in the flower bed, but the gardeners managed everything so meticulously that it seemed difficult to do.

“By the way, the sunlight is stronger than I expected. Theo, is it too bright for your eyes?”

When I turned to look, Theo was already walking with his eyes closed.

“Oh no. I forgot to bring a straw hat from home.”

But it’s okay!

We’ll be returning to Lepi Village soon!

I recalled what Dad had said a few days ago.

— When you get better, as promised, we’ll visit that cabin.

— I’m better! Completely better!

— Don’t lie.

‘Hehe. I wonder if our home is doing well.’

I was filled with the urge to return as soon as possible.

Aunt Masha had promised to take care of the vegetable garden, so that was one less worry.

And I had locked the door tightly before leaving, so there shouldn’t have been any intruders.

‘I hope this helps Dad recover his memories!’

Hoping my idea would be the right solution, I ran excitedly toward the steps.

Then, in that very moment—

Out of the corner of my eye, I thought I saw something huge move swiftly out of sight.

‘What was that?’

I came to an abrupt stop.

It felt like a massive boulder had just rolled away…

“Huh.”

I quickly scanned my surroundings, but there was nothing unusual.

That was when I noticed Kate standing a bit farther away, staring at a tree with a strange intensity.

Her face was stiff, and she seemed to nod slightly… or maybe not?

“Kate?”

At my call, she swiftly turned around and approached me.

She was holding a small hat tucked under her arm.

“O-oh, I just happened to pick this up on the way.”

“Huh?”

She hadn’t been carrying that when we left the mansion.

The round, wide-brimmed white hat had a yellow ribbon and a cute little strawberry decoration attached.

‘It matches my dress!’

And on her other side, she had another hat, seemingly meant for Theo—it had adorable bear ears.

As I fiddled with the brim of my hat, I tilted my head in confusion.

“Huh?”

Who in this mansion would secretly give me such an adorable children’s hat as a gift…?

Who else was here?