030
What is that!
Curious about whether it was something good, I looked at Grandfather.
Grandfather pondered for a moment before solemnly giving his approval.
“You should get to know each other better, so go ahead. However…”
However?
“Since we’re gathered here, I’d like to hear your thoughts. What should be added to this year’s Pellun Spring Festival?”
Not understanding what he meant, I kept quiet.
Then Leviwood set his teacup down first.
“The Pellun Spring Festival draws a large external crowd, so I think security should be reinforced. I suggest increasing the number of security personnel by more than half compared to last year and having them operate discreetly in plain clothes to maintain order.”
“Hmm, you mean blending into the festival crowd?”
“Yes. As you know, Velarion has increased their production of homunculi by over 40% compared to last year. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to assume they might infiltrate the festival this time.”
Although it was a complex discussion, I nodded as if I understood.
“Yes, preventing accidents is always wise. Then, Mikard, would you take charge of this matter?”
“Huh? Of course, Grandfather. I’ll handle it.”
“Good. Follow Diegon’s orders but work out the details yourself, Mikard.”
I wasn’t sure what was happening, but my brothers looked amazing.
‘So this is about sharing ideas!’
In that case… I have something to say too!
I placed my cup down and clutched my head, thinking hard.
Something had just come to mind, but I wasn’t sure how to explain it.
“Alright then, Mikard, what are your thoughts?”
“I think it would be nice to have something more dynamic. Even though it’s called a spring festival, it already feels like summer. I’d like to see more activities by the sea.”
Brother Mikard fanned himself with his hand, perhaps because he felt warm despite the cool underground setting.
“Leviwood, you decide on that. You should start learning how to handle administrative tasks.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Thanks to you two, both the residents and the tourists will have an enjoyable and safe time.”
Wait, am I not going to be asked for my opinion?
‘That can’t happen!’
Feeling urgent, I raised my hand high and waved it.
Then, nervously biting my lip, I waited for permission while fidgeting.
“Do you have a good idea?”
A few seconds later, Grandfather looked at me, and I beamed brightly in response.
“How about a doll-picking game?”
“Huh?”
“You put dolls inside a big glass case and pick them out like this!”
Grabbing my dessert fork, I flipped it upside down and made a jabbing motion.
“You put in money each time you play, and if you pick a doll, you get to keep it!”
I wasn’t sure why this suddenly came to mind.
Perhaps it was a fleeting image that had crossed my mind earlier.
‘The doll-picking game I played with Mom.’
Mom was really good at it. If she put in just ten thousand won, we’d end up with three dolls.
‘Huh?’
Mom?
I stared blankly into space.
So, I must’ve had a mom too!
The memory was unusually clear, and I found myself revisiting it over and over.
“Oh, that sounds fun. What do you think?”
“Hmm. It’s a concept I’ve never heard of before, but if executed well, it could be a fun activity for children.”
“Right? I want to try it too!”
While I was lost in thought, my two brothers were busy discussing my idea.
Shortly after, Leviwood stood up first.
“I’ll take my leave now, my lord.”
“Alright. It seems your workload has increased.”
“It’s an honor. If we organize that concept well, I believe it could increase tourism revenue by at least 10%.”
At that moment…
Ding!
“…….…!”
Suddenly, glittering letters appeared before my eyes, accompanied by a cheerful ringing sound.
[Oh no! You can’t just sit quietly like this. You need to claim credit! If you stay still, Leviwood will take all the recognition for our little star’s brilliant idea! ٩(/ ̀/Д/́/)۶]
Yupyrhos, who had appeared out of nowhere, was creating a commotion, making it impossible to ignore him.
[The Fire Spirit King ‘■■■■■’ strongly agrees.]
[The Earth Spirit King ‘■’ urges you to assert your rights.]
[The Water Spirit King ‘■■■■’ frowns disapprovingly.]
[Now repeat after me: Give me 10% of the total revenue for my idea.]
The overlapping glittering text made my head spin, but I managed to catch the last part.
“Wait!”
“Hm?”
Just before Leviwood could leave the table, my shout made both him and Grandfather turn their attention to me.
“Well, um… Give me 10% of the revenue for my idea.”
“Oh?”
Grandfather’s eyes twinkled in amusement at my bold declaration.
“And also, when you start the business, put Chuu’s name on it too!”
I confidently extended my palm, and brother Mikard’s jaw dropped in astonishment, while Leviwood wore a subtly conflicted expression.
“And one more thing! I get to decide the design of the machine. Is that okay?”
Yupyrhos’s glittering text sparkled right beside Grandfather’s face, encouraging me to keep going.
All the points I brought up were taught to me by Yupyrhos, who was now enthusiastically telling me what I could do with the money.
[With that income! You could buy five thousand—no, fifty thousand cotton candies! Don’t let anyone cheat you out of it! ( •̀ᄇ•́)و✧ Be a savvy child who knows how to claim their share!]
Fifty thousand? Incredible!
As a snack lover, how could I possibly miss this chance?
“Hmmm, that’s true. Since it’s your idea, you have the right to assert ownership. However, 10% is quite a lot. How about starting with 3%, since you’re still young?”
“No! I want 9%!”
“You’re quite the little negotiator. Let’s settle on 5%.”
Grandfather laughed heartily, his booming voice filling the room.
I glanced at the glowing text again, noticing that all the Spirit Kings, except the Water Spirit King, were nodding in agreement.
“Then 5% it is!”
“Alright. Leviwood, prepare the documents and submit them to me later.”
With 5%, I wondered—would I be able to buy 25,000 cotton candies?
Feeling delighted, I wiggled in my seat, humming softly.
“Wow, negotiating with Grandfather? You really are one extraordinary plump one.”
Brother Mikard looked at me with an astonished expression as he blurted out his thoughts.
Leviwood left the room after a respectful bow, leaving just the three of us.
As I happily munched on another whale-shaped cookie, a thought suddenly struck me.
“Grandfather, do you know the name of the Water Spirit King?”
“The Water Spirit King’s name? Perhaps I should say I used to know.”
Huh?
“According to the Ancestor of Whale, the previous Water Spirit King had perished. A new Spirit King had since taken their place, rendering the old name irrelevant.”
“Oh…”
“The Ancestor of Whale might know, though.”
I glanced at the half-eaten whale cookie in my hand.
Now that I thought about it, I was curious.
Everyone kept saying I would become a resonator, after all.
‘But I haven’t even met the current resonator, Grandmother or the Ancestor of Whale yet.’
When I asked Lina about it earlier, she said that meeting them wasn’t something just anyone could do.
Especially Grandmother, who wasn’t even in the mansion right now. That made meeting her even harder.
“Do you want to meet the Ancestor of Whale?”
“Huh?! Can I?”
“They’re nearby, actually. Maliasha said they wanted to see you. It seems today might work… Mikard, will you come too?”
Could I really meet both Grandmother and the Ancestor of Whale?
Though it was a sudden development, I was thrilled.
“Will we swim to get there?”
“You’ll ride a dolphin, of course.”
“Oh, it’s been a while. This could be fun.”
Just as brother Mikard had connections with turtles, apparently he also knew dolphins.
Feeling a bit envious, I looked at him.
Soon after.
The three of us were in the ocean together.
And we were riding dolphins!
