#36.
“When is he coming?”
“Well, I guess we’ll have to wait and see. Probably around the end of the autumn hunt.”
“Then I guess I’ll have to do this episode alone. But honestly, given how things are right now, it probably won’t make much difference.”
Roni thought about the previous scripts when she heard the term ‘autumn hunt.’ The summer festival had already gone awry, exactly as they intended. So there was no way the autumn hunt episode would go according to the old script.
In the comic, Allen had used Harry Romannit, whom he met at the hunting festival, to torment Viana. Of course, as soon as Viana got hurt, Allen beat Harry Romannit up almost to a pulp.
That episode marked the period when Allen’s twisted affection was gradually spiraling out of control. But that was no longer the case now. Allen and Viana were getting along better.
“This time, Allen won’t use Harry. They’re already close friends.”
“Well, yeah, that’s true.”
Guinness glanced at Roni lightly and muttered with a disinterested tone, as if it didn’t really matter.
Come to think of it, Roni had never attended the hunting festival because she had no magic. But since the comic kept trying to pull her into the plot, it was unclear how she might end up there.
Of course, there was also a chance the comic wouldn’t involve her at all. After all, she was already in bad terms with Allen, the main character of this story.
“Don’t cause any trouble while I’m gone, and behave yourself.”
Guinness stood up from his chair and warned her.
“Well… I’ve caused so much trouble so far, I don’t even know if I can control myself anymore.”
Roni hid her true feelings but nodded.
Guinness smiled faintly with the corners of his mouth raised, his face full of amusement, but somehow he seemed wary of her.
Especially after the summer festival, his gaze had become oddly sharper. When asked why, he only said it was because of the heat.
Is there any other manager so stubborn? Roni grumbled, annoyed at Guinness’s habitual neglect of duty.
“If you’re so anxious, why don’t you just stay and help me?”
“I’m busy too.”
“Yeah, right.”
He disappeared again, his usual mischievous expression on his face.
Was he really busy, or just running away?
Roni sighed deeply, staring at the empty space where Guinness had been.
Since Guinness left for another world, I buried my lost feelings and focused on the contest.
Honestly, the moment I was preparing the drawings, I was quite excited. After all, it was a big stage in this world, and the thought of showing my work to many people was thrilling.
The contest results were better than expected. I won the Excellence Award. Professor Leana, who had recommended the contest, came to congratulate me.
“Miss Roni Young, congratulations.”
Her face was full of pride for her student. I showed my gratitude for her kindness.
“Thank you, Professor. It’s all thanks to you for giving me this great opportunity.”
“You always say such nice things.”
Professor Leana smiled even more warmly at my response. Looking at her, I remembered the mentor in Sohee’s life.
She was my homeroom teacher in high school who helped me in many ways to pursue art. Although she wasn’t an art teacher, she understood my situation and recommended an art teacher for me.
Thanks to her consideration, I was able to major in art. Professor Leana said,
“They say opportunity comes to those who are prepared. I only provided the opportunity; it was entirely your effort and ability that earned it.”
“I will take that to heart.”
After Leana left, congratulations and gifts came from many people. Not only unknown young ladies but also Richet Portman and Sarah Chaplin sent presents.
Ian and Sharon, upon hearing about the Excellence Award, seemed to have already prepared something and immediately sent congratulatory messages with gifts.
Among them, I smiled softly as I saw a jewelry box with Ron’s emblem in front of me. It reminded me of when I was so nervous about the contest while preparing that I fussed to Khan.
The gift had no sender’s name, but if it was from the royal family, it could only have been Khan.
“Miss, you already have ties with the royal family! That’s amazing.”
Bibi looked at the jewelry box and was as happy as if she had won the prize herself.
“It just happened that way. Though I didn’t expect them to send something so blatantly wrapped with the royal emblem.”
Though grateful for the gift, it was a bit awkward because it was so obvious. Everyone at home was eagerly curious about it.
I didn’t want to reveal my connection to the royal family unnecessarily. Whether Khan was a prince or not, it wasn’t important for our relationship.
So, even though curious glances were a bit burdensome, I didn’t say anything. I knew Bibi would ask more about the gift’s origin, so I changed the subject.
“Is the party preparation going well?”
After I won the Excellence Award, Sharligan was preparing a small celebration by inviting acquaintances.
I had planned just to dine out with family, but apparently, the Sharligan estate wasn’t satisfied with that. My father’s generosity left me no choice but to follow.
“Of course. So, Miss, you need to decide on the guest list quickly.”
Bibi tapped on the letters laid on the desk. Since I had already sent several thank-you notes for the gifts, I found sending invitations a bit difficult.
Especially deciding whom to invite was the hardest. I spent quite a long time making a list, worrying I might miss even acquaintances I’d only briefly met.
It wouldn’t matter to invite just close people, but deciding who was close or not was tricky.
I think I’ve always been too cautious and indecisive in such matters. Because I liked taking care of people around me, I hated seeing anyone left out, so I usually approached first.
“Miss, someone’s here to see you.”
“Oh, please let them in.”
As I finished speaking, butler Hayld opened the door and led in Viana, whose white hair looked bright even in the pale room. I was surprised by the sudden visit since I hadn’t seen her since the festival.
Viana smiled brightly at me.
“It’s been a while. How have you been?”
“Long time no see. What brings you here?”
“I’ve been busy with work, so I couldn’t come, but I heard you had something to celebrate, so I came.”
“I see.”
Well, the magic school had been busy with exams and training since the summer festival, so going out was difficult. I appreciated that she took the trouble to visit.
“Have you been well, Roni?”
“Of course. As you can see.”
“Congratulations on placing in the contest. Actually, I snuck out under the excuse of the contest.”
Viana smiled brightly, saying she was taking a break thanks to me, and handed over a gift box with a rose. Surprised by the sudden gift, I looked at her, and she gestured for me to open it quickly.
Inside the gift box was a pretty music box.
“Wow, it’s so beautiful.”
I admired the music box before me. When I opened the silver-decorated music box, the constellations inside lit up and moved. They shone with a beautiful light, like real stars.
Seeing how much I liked it, Viana said,
“I remembered how much you liked it when we went star-gazing before, so I got this for you. I’m glad you like it this much.”
“It’s so pretty.”
“It’s a magical music box, so it looks even more like real stars. That’s what it was made for.”
“I knew it wasn’t an ordinary music box.”
I was even more amazed because the way it twinkled like real stars was not normal.
Viana told me it shines brighter the darker it gets and moves with time, so it would look even prettier if I looked at it at night.
Not only stars, but the clear and beautiful song that flowed through it somehow calmed my heart.
“The song is really nice, too.”
“That’s probably because it has magic that helps with deep sleep.”
“I haven’t been sleeping well lately, so thank you so much.”
Thinking about my recent sleepless nights caused by the incident with Allen, I was even more grateful. I should have gotten something like this earlier. It would be safer than sleeping pills.
I really liked the gift from Viana. It wasn’t a real star, but it felt like receiving one. Just like the stars in the night sky I saw that day.
“Thank you, Viana. It’s the best gift.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
When I thanked her again, Viana smiled happily.
