Chapter 98

Chapter 2 has been updated!

First to approach me was Yana, and the envelope she handed me contained a piece of paper that looked like a simple map, indicating some location.

"Happy birthday. Although it's not here, I actually created a private garden for you in the back of the mansion."

"Really?"

It turns out Yana, along with the gardeners, had created a private garden for me on the estate grounds, something I had mentioned wanting before. This map indicates its location.

The thought of having my own home garden makes me so excited. There are countless things I want to grow myself, like magic herbs.

"Oh, thank you... I'm so happy! After I get back, let's discuss what to plant right away."

"There's no need to worry about that."

"......?"

While I was wondering what she meant, Mariabel and Al arrived.

The two, who are close in age, seemed to have become good friends, and Mariabel was pushing Al, who seemed hesitant.

"Please go ahead."

"Hey, stop pushing! ...Hmm."

Al, with a pouting face, handed me a small box, inside which were two small red gems. I thought they were earrings, but they turned out to be a pair of small brooches.

"These are magical items that can detect each other's location when infused with magic. You need to be within a certain distance, though."

"Such a valuable thing, can I really accept it...?"

"Yeah, I'm busy too. I can't take care of you forever."

Al, crossing his arms and turning his head with a "hmm," made me smile.

"Thank you, Al! This will give me peace of mind. I'll take good care of it."

When I patted his head, he got angry and said, "Don't treat me like a kid!" But my heart warmed, knowing he chose it out of concern for me.

"Sister, happy birthday again! I love you."

The large box Mariabel gave me next contained matching dresses.

She remembered our conversation about wanting to wear matching dresses in different colors like sisters and prepared them for me.

"Even after getting such beautiful accessories... thank you."

"I'm really happy to have met you, Sister. Please stay by my side always."

"Of course, I would like to ask the same. I love you."

When I hugged her tightly, Mariabel's joyful smile made my heart overflow with affection, and my eyes welled up a little.

Next, Evan arrived, as if to take their place.

"Here's mine. Congratulations."

In Evan's usual hand was a sheet of paper densely covered with writing.

I took it and quickly read through the words, tilting my head in confusion.

"Is this a list of rare magic herbs?"

"Yes. These are the ones you said you wanted while reading the encyclopedia."

Magic herbs, depending on the type, are so valuable that they are not even sold.

And the ones listed here are the ones I longed for, which are found deep in the mountains, on cliffs, or in forests full of monsters, making them impossible to collect.

"I collected all of them, from the roots."

"Really?"

"They should be useful for your private garden, so they're not here now."

"......"

I was speechless. Evan said it casually, but it must have been incredibly dangerous and difficult.

"Basically, when did you collect them, since you always guard me...?"

"At night, after my guard duties and monster hunting jobs. I can manage without much sleep."

Evan's casual response left me overwhelmed with surprise, gratitude, and worry. It was as if he hadn't slept at all.

I was deeply moved by the effort he had made for my birthday.

"Evan...! Thank you so much. I'm so happy I can't even express it, but I'll take good care of everything."

"No, I'm the one who should be grateful. I'm a man, so I couldn't give you something to wear or clothes, as the Duke would probably kill me. I thought about it a lot."

He thinks about me a lot, which can be frustrating at times, but I strongly felt the need to cherish the beloved Evan.

When I asked him not to overexert himself, Evan replied with a dubious "Yes, probably."

I firmly resolved to cultivate everything carefully and not let any of it wither, and thanked him again.

"Hey, you should give yours too."

"Pi..."

Haniwa-chan, who was called by Evan, was wearing the frilly dress she received from Mariabel the other day, properly dressed up. She was so cute it hurt.

Haniwa-chan was holding a piece of paper rolled up and tied with a red ribbon.

She hesitantly approached me and handed it to me.

"Is this a present? Can I look at it?"

"Pu"

I took it and gently untied the ribbon, unfolding the paper.

The moment I saw what was drawn on it, my eyes welled up with warmth.