Chapter 80: Gift
In the end, Shiron couldnt buy any gift for Siriel.
He even visited the street frequently used by those who like to show off their wealth and the workshop of a blacksmith who was famous within the Imperial Capital, but nothing caught Shirons eye.
Maybe I was too complacent.
Shiron sighed heavily as he took heavy steps.
All he wanted was to give a gift as special as the elixir Lucia had received, but everything went awry. Upon reflection, no ready-made item could compare to the elixir Lucia had gotten.
After all, the elixir was a luxury item that non-humans and wizards coveted because they couldnt obtain it. Comparing it with some expensive jewelry or snacks was inappropriate.
Even if Shiron acted like a noble, at his core, he was a reincarnator with a commoners sensibility.
But that didnt mean Shiron ever looked downcast. His steps as he walked the flower-blooming path were incredibly light.
It was refreshing and fragrant.
That was the feeling he got as soon as he opened the mansions main gate.
Various flowers were in full bloom from the gate to the main building. Eldrinas personally maintained garden was in full bloom, welcoming the party even before spring had come.
It was as if the flowers were welcoming Shiron back from a long journey, allowing the group to feel comfortable without overpowering each other with their fragrances. Shiron felt Hugos mansion was as comforting as his own home.
As they approached the main building, they saw a man with a distinctive appearance.
You must be tired from your long journey.
Hugo welcomed his niece and nephew, who had returned from a distant journey.
Why did you come out to meet us? I was going to come to you first.
Were back, Uncle.
Shiron smiled warmly at Hugo, who looked tired, and Lucia bowed her head with a slightly stiff expression.
Considering they had participated in the subjugation mission, they appeared uninjured and healthy. Hugo felt relieved and smiled contentedly.
You shouldnt worry too much. Originally, I shouldve been the one to guide you, but I couldnt, and I only feel sorry. Johan, you did well too.
No, sir. But theres something important to discuss.
Johan approached Hugo with a slightly shadowed expression.
Something had gone wrong. Reading the thoughts on Johans face, Hugo looked back at his niece and nephew.
Come to the main building when the sun sets. Id like to have dinner together and hear about your journey.
That night, Shiron and Lucia knocked on the main buildings door. Shiron was wearing his usual formal wear, and Lucia was wearing the light and airy dress she had worn last time.
Lucia stared at Shiron, holding a gift package in her arms.
Do we really need to dress up this much? It seems a bit much.
You never know. Mrs. Eldrina and Siriel must have dressed up, too. Besides, when else are we going to dress up? We paid a lot of money for these clothes, so we should wear them as much as possible before we outgrow them.
Neither of them was particularly looking forward to a welcome party, but they couldnt respond to a dinner invitation by coming in just any clothes.
And sure enough, Shirons choice was not wrong. As they followed the servants guidance into the hall with the large table, Eldrina, dressed in an elegant evening gown, greeted them first.
Oh, youve dressed up so prettily.
You look wonderful in that dress, maam.
Brother!
While exchanging greetings with Eldrina, Siriel approached with slightly quick steps.
How about me? How do I look?
Siriel, pointing to her face with her finger, was dressed up just as much as Lucia, having put in a lot of effort for the occasion. Shiron thought that she must have wanted to show off her best-dressed self after not seeing them for a while.
Siriel looks very pretty, too.
Shiron smiled broadly and gave her the answer she wanted, which made Siriel grin and shiver with delight.
Cough. Lets take our seats.
Hugo coughed a little irritably.
Shiron and Lucia took their seats, and the mansions servants began to bring out the luxurious food one after the other.
There was some small talk, but eventually, the main topic of conversation was Siriels complaints.
Do you know how upset I was when you left without me? You could have at least left me a letter. How could you go without saying a word?
Yeah, Shiron really went too far.
Im sorry, Siriel. Please dont be mad, okay?
Shiron kept repeating that he was sorry. Siriel, who had drunk wine mixed with water, was a bit overwhelming to handle.
As I said earlier, it was really dangerous there. A crazy woman attacked me, you know?
I dont care. Brother is a fool.
Yeah, Shiron is a dunce.
With her face a little flushed, Siriel gave a long speech, and Lucia chimed in.
But didnt Brother take care of that woman in one hit? Then she wasnt much of a danger, right?
Yeah. The golem she controlled was utterly useless.
Lucia nodded in agreement. Although she thought the woman was a rather tricky opponent, she sympathized with Siriel because she enjoyed seeing Shiron repeatedly apologizing.
Lucia! Youre the same!
What?
But you enjoyed the festival with Brother all by yourselves! That makes you an accomplice!
It wasnt a festival.
Be quiet!
I thought of you as a friend, Lucia! Im really disappointed! You could have written me a letter, too!
Im sorry.
Lucia shrank under Siriels scolding.
This isnt right
Feeling a bit dizzy, Lucia avoided Siriels gaze. That was when she saw the gift package.
Right!
Lucia clapped her hands and changed the atmosphere.
Siriel, I brought you a gift.
A gift?
Yeah. Look at this. I got it from a merchant at the purge festival. His Imperial Majesty himself awarded it.?
Lucia took out a wooden box wrapped in luxurious fabric from the package. Inside was a red liquid that glowed softly.
What is this?
Its an elixir. They say its made from mermaid blood. Drinking it increases mana and has some anti-aging and beautifying effects.
Hmm Really?
Siriel squinted one eye and gave Lucia a sideways glance, her focus on the beauty effects rather than the mana increase.
Fine. Ill gladly accept the gift. But please be more careful next time.
Okay. Ill be more cautious from now on.
Lucia sighed in relief, seeing Siriels expression softening slightly. This was the first time she had seen Siriel angry, and it had made her feel uncomfortable. Lucia treated Siriel not as a child but as a sincere friend.
What about older brother?
And then,
Siriel opened her other eye.
Thats the thing.
Shiron rubbed the back of his neck with an embarrassed face. Unlike Lucia, who had been holding a gift package since she entered the hall, Shiron had been empty-handed the entire time.
Its not that I didnt want to give you a gift Its just that I wanted to find something better than Lucias gift
Im sorry.
Shiron apologized, lowering his head.
However, just because he had lowered his head didnt mean his face was hidden. Seated between Lucia and Shiron, Siriel felt a mixture of emotions looking at Shirons face.
Then Siriel looked at the plate in front of Shiron.
Oh
Shiron hadnt touched his food at all. The deliciously grilled steak and the sparkling wine in the glass were both left untouched, now lukewarm.
Only then did Siriel snap back to her senses.
She hadnt meant to press Shiron this hard. Flustered, Siriel asked Eldrina for help.
But Eldrina was just laughing.
Oh, brother? Its okay if you didnt bring a gift. Im just happy that you returned safely
Siriel hesitated for a moment and then firmly grabbed Shirons hands.
Crunch-
A strange noise came from where Hugo was sitting, but to Siriel, the most important thing at the moment was Shiron.
Really?
Yes. Really.
When Shiron lifted his head, Siriel smiled brightly.
Now that I think about it. You said you were attacked by a crazy woman. I was too careless. You must have been shocked
But Siriel.
Yes?
I didnt come completely unprepared.
At that moment,
Rustle-
A bouquet of flowers appeared in Siriels hand.
!
Everyone present was surprised. Lucia was. Hugo was too. No one saw Shiron pulling out the bouquet.
Regardless of everyones reaction, Shiron recited the line he had prepared beforehand.
Ill give this to you.
Brother!
Tomorrow, for the whole day, well go out together, and you can buy whatever you want. How about that? Is that enough?
Pfft!
Eldrina, who was observing the situation, spat out the sparkling wine she had been holding in her mouth. She laughed heartily, not even noticing her dress getting wet, at the impudent wit of the little boy.
Hugo didnt say a word.
Arwen Plateau was indeed a dangerous place. Not to mention, there was an attack.
But. Regardless of the reasons, Siriel was inevitably upset. However, Shiron had managed to defuse the crisis well.
Shirons wit in comforting Hugos sulky daughter could be seen as a delightful sight. However, watching this, Hugo felt inexplicably bad.
Hugo felt a burning sensation rising in his chest.
Again.
Faced with an emotion he had never experienced before, Hugo was puzzled.
Why am I feeling like this? Instead of praising him
Looking at the knife twisting back and forth in his hand, Hugo swallowed the burgeoning emotion.
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