“Our little troublemaker is all better now? You’ve really gotten healthier, my dear!”
Elisa’s expression softened instantly, and she rushed over to lift me up, spinning me around.
Lately, she’d playfully pretend not to hear me unless I called her “Grandma.”
“Let’s see if you’re truly healed. Stretches!”
“Yah!”
I stretched like a disciplined soldier, crisp and precise.
‘Why do I feel so shy and tongue-tied around Grandma?’
Maybe it’s because she dotes on me so much. Or maybe everyone acts this way around their grandma.
We’d grown much closer these past few days.
Elisa…
She was such an entertaining grandma.
‘At first, she seemed really awkward with me.’
I later realized it was simply because she wasn’t used to handling children.
She wasn’t the warm, storybook grandma type, but that’s exactly why I liked her more.
“Come here, child. I’ll tell you a tale from the past.”
“Oh! A story from Grandma!”
“Long, long ago, in the capital where bloody winds swept through chaotic power struggles, I vanquished my enemies with naught but a single sword. With cunning schemes, I crushed the vermin who slandered me, clawing my way to the glory I hold today. That grueling, perilous saga begins now…”
“Whoaaa…”
I didn’t fully grasp it, but the tale was thrilling, packed with political intrigue and battles.
And there was more.
“Come here, child. Grandma has a gift for you.”
“Oh! A heartfelt present from Grandma! Homemade butter cookies or something?”
“…? Why would I bake such things? Just pay a pastry chef. Here—a diamond.”
“Whooooa…”
I blinked at the pink diamond, larger than both my fists combined.
“Play with it and toss it when you’re bored.”
Who throws away a diamond after playing with it…?
Its massive size and dazzling sparkle made it mystically beautiful just to gaze at.
Too bulky to carry, I decided to polish it and nurture it as my companion stone.
Grow big. Grow big.
Elisa, who’d been watching me stretch, noticed the diamond by my bed and scowled.
“Why treasure that cheap trinket? Tsk! I’ve already ordered an SSS-grade top-tier diamond. Stop acting pitiful and toss it!”
“Whoaaa…”
A self-replicating diamond? Nice.
After inspecting my room, Elisa hoisted me up again.
She wore a form-fitting silk dress today. Nestled in her arms, I could feel her toned muscles—a body honed through consistent training.
‘Come to think of it, most of Wintervalt’s magic was inherited by Dad long ago.’
The snowflake dragon mark on Dad’s body had existed for ages. It once adorned Grandma Elisa’s thigh.
‘So Elisa upheld the dukedom for years with barely any of Wintervalt’s magic.’
It made me admire her all the more.
Though lacking overwhelming strength, her shrewd political skills and experience were formidable.
Through her, I learned there are many ways to lead a family.
Now retired, she’s relaxed, but in her prime, Elisa was no pushover.
And that meticulous Duke, too…
“What’s with these pajamas? Why won’t they come off?”
“My head—ugh—it’s stuck! Pull harder!”
She clearly had no knack for removing kids’ pajamas.
“Pfft!”
Kate swiftly undid the top button, freeing my face.
“My apologies. I was too hasty.”
“It’s fine!”
Suddenly, I found myself in a yellow dress with strawberry embroidery at the hem.
“Huh? What’s this? I’ve never seen this before…”
Elisa, wearing a peculiar smile, chimed in.
“I brought it.”
“Thank you for the gift!”
Grandma’s fashion sense never disappointed.
‘It’s gorgeous.’
A hundred times prettier than store-bought clothes. The delicate stitching and perfect fit made it flawless!
“Do you like it?”
“I love it!”
“Oh dear… It’s unbearable to see. My poor sweetling.”
Huh? What does that mean?
I stared at her, baffled, but she just chuckled and took my hand.
“Let’s eat! Your cheeks have thinned!”
“Okay!”
We strolled amiably down the hall.
Wandering the mansion after so long felt wonderful. Everyone greeted me warmly, lifting my spirits.
Then I spotted Theo entering from the opposite end, holding Aisa’s hand after playing outside.
‘Huh?’
Theo was also wearing new clothes.
Did Grandma Elisa buy those too?
“Hey, where’d you get our outfits? I didn’t see these at the store.”
Elisa raised an eyebrow.
“You can’t buy these in any shop.”
“Wow! Who made them? A golden-fingered—no, diamond-fingered artisan?”
“Ahaha! Exactly! The biggest, cutest diamond I own!”
“Huh?”
Who could it be?
Someone in this mansion secretly gifting such special clothes…
Who else is here?
After devouring a mountain of food with Theo, Elisa left for the west wing, citing errands. Retired life kept her busy with hobbies—today, binge-watching performances by a group called Metflix.
Dad was absent, likely occupied.
Post-snack, Theo and I headed to the east garden, trailed by doting maids.
“Being outside feels amazing! Right, Theo?”
“Woo!”
Sunlight warmed my skin, and the breeze carried spring’s freshness.
I bounded down the lobby stairs.
‘Spring’s finally here in the capital!’
The south’s mild climate blurred seasons, but the capital’s distinct shifts were unmistakable.
‘Days like these are for gardening!’
Planting potatoes deep, tucking in tomato seedlings, scattering lettuce seeds—patting soil, watering, dashing between rows!
“Such a waste…”
I’d considered converting flower beds, but the gardeners’ meticulous care made it impossible.
“The sun’s harsher than I thought. Theo, isn’t it bright?”
Theo walked eyes closed, straw hat forgotten at home.
But no matter—we’d return to Repi Village soon!
Dad’s words echoed: “Once you’re healed, we’ll visit the cabin as promised.”
“I’m healed! Totally healed!”
“Don’t fib.”
Hehe. Hope our home’s okay.
I yearned to return.
Aunt Marsha promised to tend the garden, and we’d locked up tight against thieves.
‘Please let this help Dad regain his memories!’
As I dashed downstairs, something massive flickered in my peripheral vision.
‘What was that?’
I froze.
A boulder-like shape seemed to roll past…
“Huh?”
Nothing was there.
Then I noticed Kate stiffly nodding at something behind a distant tree—or was she?
“Kate?”
She turned, clutching a tiny hat under her arm.
“Found this on the way.”
“Huh?”
She hadn’t carried it when we left.
The white hat boasted a wide brim, yellow ribbon, and a strawberry charm.
‘It matches the dress!’
On her other side sat a bear-eared hat, likely Theo’s.
I fiddled with my hat’s brim, puzzled.
“Huh?”
Who’s secretly gifting these adorable hats…?
Who else in this mansion could it be?
