Episode 73

‘Breaking the rules?’

I was baffled by the sudden accusation.

But it seemed the headmistress wasn’t making this up, as she looked quite triumphant.

“What rule do you think we broke?”

Before I could step forward, Edwin stood protectively in front of me and asked.

The headmistress smirked and answered, “Young Lord Kallios being here is the violation.”

“Me being here?”

“Yes. According to the rules, each booth is allowed only one assistant.”

She then looked at me, flashing a smug smile.

“Didn’t you say that old man was your assistant, Belze?”

“Tch.”

‘How petty.’

I puffed out my cheeks in frustration. Edwin had been here for less than 30 minutes.

It seemed the headmistress was still holding a grudge from the earlier incident about her “constipation.” Her expression was full of malice.

“But they’re blatantly having people help gather customers over there,” I blurted out, unable to contain my frustration.

Unlike me, Edwin remained calm and reasoned fairly.

The headmistress glanced in the direction Edwin pointed, then responded nonchalantly.

“What are you talking about? From what I see, Marquis Barelotte is simply engaging in friendly socializing…”

“So if I stay outside the booth, that’s fine?”

“If you’re engaging in social activities, of course, Young Lord”

The headmistress said with a faint smile. “But, since you’ve already been seen helping Belze, I can’t guarantee there won’t be more reports coming in.”

In that moment, I realized exactly who had reported us.

There was only one person who would do something like this. It would have been strange if I hadn’t figured it out sooner.

‘That cockroach of a man.’

I glared at Marquis Barelotte, who was happily chatting away with nobles in front of Diana’s booth.

It was unfair, but there was nothing I could do. With a heavy sigh, I looked at Edwin.

“I’m fine, Edwin! You can go play with your friends now.”

Edwin frowned.

“How are you going to handle things on your own?”

“I’m not alone. Grandpa’s here too, right?”

“Exactly. You should’ve chosen someone who can actually help from the start.”

“Please stop with the ageism, Young Lord,” Grandpa Gordon muttered, but Edwin ignored him.

His expression was full of dissatisfaction and worry.

‘Ah.’

It hit me a bit late.

He was upset because I hadn’t chosen him to be my assistant.

‘But… Grandpa Gordon is my business partner, and assistants are supposed to be adults.’

Plus, choosing someone who could cause discomfort due to their high social status would also be a rule violation.

I had plenty of reasons why I couldn’t make Edwin my assistant.

But seeing the irritated look on his face, I couldn’t bring myself to say any of them.

‘He just doesn’t want to leave.’

Of course, I was happy he had stayed by my side. Truth be told, dealing with the Marquis had been tough, and having Edwin nearby made me feel both secure and proud.

‘But rules are rules, after all…’

As I hesitated, I squeezed my eyes shut, stood on my tiptoes, and quickly leaned in.

Something cool and soft brushed against my lips.

And then—

*Smooch!*

“…Thank you for staying with me, Brother!”

I planted a swift kiss on his cheek and, hoping to ease his frustration, hurriedly blurted out my thanks.

“You…”

Edwin stared at me, looking utterly bewildered.

It seemed he hadn’t fully processed what had just happened.

Slowly, he raised a hand and touched the spot where my lips had landed.

Suddenly—

His face turned bright red, as if it were about to catch fire.

“Brother…?”

I tilted my head, surprised by this side of Edwin I’d never seen before.

Then, in a rush, he covered his flushed face with his hand, hiding his burning cheeks.

“Didn’t I tell you not to call me that?”

Edwin snapped, his eyes flashing as he glared at me.

I had suspected for a while now that Edwin really hated being called “Brother.”

‘I just wanted to show my gratitude…’

My attempt at being cute failed, and I puffed out my lips in frustration.

Then, he suddenly narrowed his eyes at me again.

“Don’t even think about saying that to anyone else.”

“…I won’t!”

“And put those lips away.”

At his command, I quickly tucked my lips inward, feeling both embarrassed and annoyed.

‘Well, what’s done is done. What’s he going to do about it?’

I looked up at him with a defiant expression, and he let out a long sigh.

“What am I going to do with you…?”

He often mumbled things like that, as if I was some sort of puzzle he couldn’t figure out.

But I was the one feeling wronged!

‘I’m the one carrying you through all this, you know!’

Still, I was always the one at a disadvantage with him.

As he turned away without so much as a goodbye, I awkwardly waved after him.

“…See you later!”

He paused for a second at my words but then quickly started running off.

I watched him go, feeling a bit disappointed.

“…Was the kiss really that bad?”

“Hah!” Grandpa Gordon let out a disbelieving laugh.

“Grandpa, do boys usually hate being called ‘Brother’?”

“Good grief… It’s like the Duke brought a little enchantress home.”

Grandpa didn’t answer my question directly, only shaking his head and muttering something under his breath.

I guess asking someone like him, clearly inexperienced with romance, was a waste of time anyway.

“Ahem! So, what are you going to do now?”

It was then that a familiar, unpleasant voice interrupted.

I turned to see the headmistress still standing there, watching me with an impatient expression.

“You’re still here?” I asked.

Her face twisted with annoyance. “Where would I go?! You broke the rules, so you need to pay the fine!”

“Fine…?”

“Yes! Unless you want to be disqualified and kicked out!”

“I didn’t see anything about a fine…”

The headmistress waved a paper with the rules in front of my face.

 

**Rules for the Temple Volunteer Event in Celebration of the Goddess’s Birth**

1. The organizers strictly control access to ensure the event runs smoothly.
2. Each child participating in the event may use only one assistant. The assistant must be an adult who does not cause discomfort to other participants.

….

14. Anyone who violates these rules will be disqualified and expelled. However, as this event is for children, the rules can be applied flexibly depending on the situation.

 

“See? It’s right there!”

She said, pointing to the small print with her finger.

 

“I’m being lenient by not kicking you out immediately and settling for a fine. You should be grateful!” she added, clearly trying to appear magnanimous.

Reading the rules again, I wasn’t entirely convinced I had broken them.

‘It says I can have one assistant, but it doesn’t explicitly forbid a friend from helping for a short while…’

It seemed contradictory, and this was the kind of situation that should have been flexible, as the rules stated.

“And how much is the fine?” I asked, deciding not to argue for now.

If it was a small amount, I figured I’d just pay it and be done with it.

But then, the headmistress spread her fingers wide with a smug grin.

“Fifty talents.”

“F-fifty talents?!”

My jaw dropped.

‘Is she insane?!’

Fifty talents was the price of one bottle of Fairy Herb Hair Mist! That amount was outrageous to demand from a child.

‘Not to mention, I don’t have that kind of money!’

Shaking my head furiously, I shouted, “I can’t pay that! I’ve only just started selling. How am I supposed to earn fifty talents so quickly?”

“Oh, stop lying! I know the Duke gave you 100 talents. Don’t think I’m unaware.”

“Ugh…”

Her words hit me hard, and I instantly shut my mouth.

‘Damn it.’

I hadn’t realized the rumor had spread so quickly.

“Humph! If you don’t want to pay, fine. But you know that if you get disqualified, we’ll confiscate all the remaining talents too, right?” she sneered, watching me stammer in shock.