“Can I be honest?”
Lunie asked for permission, and Seraphie nodded.
“I estimated it would take at least a year just to repair the villa and clean up the surroundings.”
“I thought the same.”
Seraphie had thought it would take at least a full year of work to completely transform this place into a proper rehabilitation center. However, the villa complex was in better shape than expected, though not in perfect condition. Even the nearest building was completely covered in some unknown ivy; its windows shattered, and the overgrown weeds made it hard to even approach. Still, it was in better condition than they had anticipated.
“How long do you think it will take, Sera?”
“Just for repairs? About a week?”
“Once we bring in furniture, stock supplies, and clear the paths… “Lunie quickly calculated.
“Master, are you really planning to go in?” The coachman, who had come along, handed over the bag he had been carrying. “Are you sure you’ll be fine without me?”
“You must be tired from coming all this way. Take a break.”
“Take a rest when you’re told to.”
Lunie checked the contents of the bag and pulled out one item. As she unwrapped the cloth, a machete-like knife, the kind you’d expect to see in a jungle, was revealed. It was something she had personally obtained.
Where did she get that from? Seraphie looked at the knife with clear disapproval, but Lunie just smiled as she inspected the sharp blade. Meanwhile, the coachman was too busy nervously glancing around as if expecting a wild animal to jump out at any moment.
“The horses are calm, aren’t they?” Seraphie pointed at the horses resting under the tree, munching on weeds. “Even most wild animals would get knocked out by a horse’s kick. Coachman, you probably know that best, right?”
“Well, that’s…”
“I’ll be back soon, so just take a nap or something.”
“Take care!”
Leaving the coachman behind, Seraphie and Lunie headed toward the nearest villa.
“Good thing I decided to wear pants today.”
“This is my first time wearing pants like these.”
Lunie used a weeding knife to swiftly cut through the overgrown weeds, clearing a path.
“… You’re pretty good with a knife, huh?” said Seraphie, surprised by Lunie’s unexpected skill.
“My boyfriend is a knight, after all.”
What does that have to do with anything? Seraphie watched as Lunie grabbed a clump of weeds like it was someone’s hair and sliced through it in one go, pondering.
“I learned how to use it from Carl himself.”
Learning how to use a knife from Carl, huh. The silly pun that suddenly came to mind made Seraphie stifle a laugh.
TL/N: In Korean, someone named Carl and the word knife have the same writing, which is 칼. So, in English, the pun would sound like ‘Learning how to use a knife from Knife himself.’
“Though, this is actually my first time using it for real.”
“Can I walk a bit farther away from you?”
By the time they reached the villa, Seraphie, who had been nervously keeping her distance, realized there was no need to even bother opening the door. It was because the hinges had rusted off completely. The two stepped inside and carefully examined the interior.
“The inside looks pretty decent, doesn’t it?”
Lunie swung her grass-stained knife around as she glanced about.
“But it might be better to call in an expert to check it out.”
“First things first, cleaning should be the priority.”
“We’ll have to rip out all the windows and replace them…”
As they wandered around several villas, taking notes and sharing opinions, they realized it was well past lunchtime. The two spread out a mat and lay down under a pavilion in one of the villa gardens. The half-collapsed roof of the pavilion barely shielded them from the sunlight.
“Uaaah, I’m exhausted!” Lunie muttered in a drained voice.
Seraphie felt the same. She was so hungry that her stomach ached, yet she didn’t even have the energy to take out and eat the packed lunch they had brought.
“Still, it feels like we’re starting to get a clearer picture.”
“After all this effort, it better be worth it.”
Seraphie chuckled at Lunie’s confidence but suddenly turned her head. There was the villa they had visited last.
“What’s wrong?” Lunie asked.
“You know… “Seraphie suggested. “How about changing the approach a bit?”
“Changing the approach?”
“I don’t think emphasizing it as a rehabilitation center will work.”
From their experience, Seraphie had noticed a common trait among the nobility—they were prideful and hated showing any signs of weakness. Sure, most people were like that to some extent, but with the nobility, it was on another level. Those prideful, arrogant creatures wouldn’t want to gather here and openly show their sickness.
“If they’re sick, they’d usually rest in their own territory or one of their villas.”
“That’s true… “Lunie, who had subtly propped herself up, nodded in agreement.
For nobles in the capital, owning at least one or two villas was given. So, there was no real reason for them to come all the way here just to recover.
“So, how do you plan to change the approach?”
“As a retreat. Instead of coming here because they were sick, they’d come to rest and soothe their tired bodies and minds in nature. Looking at the map earlier…”
Seraphie straightened up in their seat and pulled out a map and a pen. Soon, black ink began sketching something across the map.
“There’s a lake nearby, right? If we could clear the area around the lake, set up boats, and create safe trails in the forest with rest areas, it would align well with the concept of ‘retreat.’ And instead of rowing the boats…”
Seraphie sketched something that vaguely resembled a bird.
“You sit here, and by stepping on these pedal-like things, the claws under the boat move to propel it forward…”
“Oh my god, what is this?”
Lunie couldn’t hide her amazement as she looked at the boat, which was shaped like the number 2. Thankfully, it was quite a positive reaction.
“Did you just come up with this?”
“…Yes.” Seraphie avoided her gaze as she answered.
“Crazy, crazy!” Lunie exclaimed excitedly, practically bouncing with joy. “This seems absolutely amazing! What is this? It looks like it’s going to be so much fun!”
“Really?”
“But wouldn’t it be tiring?”
“It’s not that…” Seraphie was about to answer but then hesitated.
Come to think of it, her memory of riding a duck boat just once in their previous world wasn’t exactly pleasant. She had gone with a friend, and even though they only loitered near the lakeside, she was so out of breath that she almost passed out.
“… Let’s ask Peni for help.” Seraphie decided to rely on the Magic Tower for assistance.
“But what exactly is this drawing?”
“A duck. That’s why this boat is called Duck Boat.”
“This is supposed to be a duck?” Lunie looked at the drawing of the boat again, her eyes filled with disbelief. “It looks more like the soul of a human who got their n*pples ripped off and eaten by a demon, possessed into the shape of the number 2.”
“…”
“…”
“…Did I draw it that badly?”
“Pretty much.”
Was it really that bad? Seraphie tilted her head in confusion. Out of all the things she’d drawn recently, this duck boat design was actually one of the best.
“Mmm…”
Lunie, who had already regained her energy, pulled a sandwich out of her bag. “I think this idea could really make money, but…” As she unwrapped the crinkling packaging, a sandwich stuffed to the brim with meat marinated in sauce was revealed. She took a big bite of the sandwich and chewed it thoughtfully. “It might go over budget.”
To be honest, Seraphie was worried about the same thing.
“The most important thing right now is finding a place for my mother to stay.”
The main villa, the largest and most intact building they had seen earlier, was chosen as her mother’s residence. Cleaning it up quickly and furnishing it wouldn’t be much of an issue. The real challenge came after that. There was still building maintenance and repairs, recruiting and training staff, preparing accommodations, ensuring the safety of the surrounding area, marking the retreat zone, and so on.
This much is manageable. But then, the sudden idea of making duck-shaped boats, setting up a pier at the lake, and creating forest trails was nearly impossible to handle within the predetermined budget.
“Then we just increase the budget.” Seraphie didn’t even hesitate. Money was no longer an issue for her.
“No way!”
However, Lunie fiercely opposed it.
“If we run the business like that, what will people say about us?”
“That they’re jealous?”
“Well, yes, but still!” Setting aside the jealousy, Lunie spoke seriously. “People usually criticize those who rely solely on money without any real talent. And businesses that run like that don’t get good evaluations either.”
Moreover, this was the Vallidus Family’s first independent project.
“Relying on the god’s treasures all the time isn’t good for our image in the long run.”
“…”
“This project is a crucial opportunity to showcase Vallidus’s values and future vision. We need to prove ourselves with our skills and capabilities.”
“…”
Seraphie was left speechless. Honestly, she was surprised. Even if Lunie genuinely wanted to work with her, Seraphie thought there would be some degree of self-interest involved. But Lunie was solely thinking about Vallidus.
“This project is a crucial opportunity to showcase Vallidus’s value and future vision.”
At that moment, it felt like Lunie truly belonged to Vallidus, as if she were one of her family members. Even though they weren’t connected by a single drop of blood, it felt like they were closer than anyone else.
“…”
Seraphie had experienced a similar feeling before.
“Countess is doing well.”
It was reminiscent of the joy she felt when Orkis acknowledged her strength during the time after nearly falling victim to a sponsorship scam. But this time, it was slightly different.
“…The duck boat production.” Seraphie spoke, trying to remain calm. “Should we seek investment?”
“Sounds good! Then let’s go back and start looking for investors…”
Lunie was happily planning out the schedule when—
“Lu. We need to reconsider our contract.”
The smile that had been full on Lunie’s face instantly disappeared. She looked at Seraphie with eyes filled with confusion and a sense of betrayal. But Seraphie didn’t avoid her gaze.
“Honestly, there are some issues with Lu handling that kind of work. It would be better to hire an accountant separately.”
“…”
“And Lu…” Seraphie gave a sly smile. “Become my secretary.”
Lunie clapped both hands over her mouth. Her heart, which had been pounding in shock, now felt like it was about to burst with joy. Her blood rushed faster, bringing a flush of life back to her face.
“It might sound arrogant, but maybe—”
“Alright!” Lunie hastily agreed, her face bright red. “The only one who can let me fully utilize my abilities is you, Sera!”
At this very moment, Lunie was certain. She was standing at the most important turning point of her life. Yes. This is it.
Lunie rose from her seat and knelt on one knee before Seraphie. “I’ve been waiting for this moment.” A single tear rolled down from her eye.
“Oh God…”
The praise that escaped her lips was directed at the God above the Sky, but it was also meant for another god standing before her, the one who had given her this opportunity.
“Your hand.” Lunie requested.
Seraphie extended her hand slowly. Lunie, daringly, reached out with both hands and pressed her lips to the back of the hand of Seraphie, to whom she would pledge her lifelong loyalty.
“Do whatever you wish, as much as you want.”
Seraphie placed her hand on Lunie’s head.
“I’ll do my best to support you as well.”
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