Chapter 63

63

"Ugh, um... N-nice to meet you! My name is Bipuran!"

That’s quite a tasty-sounding name.

The chef, who introduced himself almost shouting, was quite large and looked like he could kill someone without a second thought. I was even afraid to extend my hand.

‘...Why is he so timid?’

As I reached out my hand, the chef trembled.

"The chef was looking forward to meeting you."

"Ah, really?"

"Yes, he always asked if you enjoyed your meals."

Ah, so he’s like a fan or something? But why did he serve me such terrible food back then?

"I heard that while I was away, others didn’t take proper care of your meals."

Oh, so he knew. They weren’t taking proper care; Vera was the one who took care of it.

Just by looking around, I could see that there were many people, but none of them were making my baby food.

I glared at them and then deliberately spread my arms wide toward the chef.

They say it’s good to be on good terms with the person who feeds you. That way, you might get some pudding or something, pudding, or pudding.

I deliberately approached him in a cuter way, even swaying my body a little...

After all, the greatest charm of a baby is cuteness.

"Bi-pu!"

"Huh..."

The chef’s body shook violently.

He, trembling, crawled a little closer to me.

"Yes, yes, Miss...!"

When I extended my hand, the chef reached out with his trembling hand.

His thick fingertips lightly touched mine. He closed his eyes tightly and very carefully held my extended hand.

"My goodness..."

"Bi-pu?"

Somehow, he can’t pronounce it properly.

He nodded repeatedly at my call. Seeing his expression filled with awe, I tilted my head.

"To think I would meet the daughter of Master Valian..."

The corners of the large man’s eyes were moist.

‘Ah, so he knows the original father of this body.’

Then I can understand his moved expression a little.

If this is the child of a deceased master, it’s understandable to feel nostalgic. Of course, the content is completely different.

"You look very much like Master Valian."

Is that so? I don’t know.

Maybe because I’ve never seen Valian? There’s no portrait of Valian in this house.

If I can’t see his portrait in his own house, my mother certainly can’t see it either.

‘I don’t know my parents either.’

You don’t know your parents either.

I wonder if I’ve ever seen them. If I ever get the chance, it might be nice to follow their traces and see a portrait.

"Master Valian would have been very happy if he were still alive."

Seeing him shed tears, it seems he missed Valian a lot.

When the news of my death was conveyed, did anyone cry for me?

I did my best, but was there anyone who recognized that effort?

"To think you’ve grown up so straight."

No, that’s not true. I grew up crooked, Bipuran.

If I have to be precise, I’d say I grew up at a 75-degree angle.

He couldn’t even bring himself to hold me, and he didn’t have the strength to grip my hand. He remained silent for a long time.

"I’ve been behaving poorly. Thanks to Master Valian’s help, I’m still here in this mansion."

"Valian?"

"Yes, if you need anything, just let me know. I’ll do anything for you, Miss."

The Valian’s reputation within the Clown family isn’t great, but it seems he had a lot of influence. It’s rare to find someone who can captivate people to this extent.

Anyway, there’s only one thing I want.

"Pudding!"

I spread my arms wide and said.

"Big pudding!"

There’s nothing I want more than for you, the chef, to give me a huge pudding.

Bipuran nodded and smiled widely.

"Yes! I’ll send you a big pudding for dessert today!"

"Great!"

"Excuse me?"

"Bi-pu, pudding, please bring it!"

Do me the honor of bringing it yourself.

Not just anyone can see my face, you know? And it’s not because I can’t pronounce ‘ran’.

"Really?"

"Yep."

"Then I’ll bring it myself!"

Bipuran, with a brightened face, quickly got up from his seat.

Thinking the conversation was over, Vera picked me up.

"Today, I’ll bring your meal myself."

Bipuran said to Vera.

"That would be appreciated."

Vera bowed her head, accepting his offer.

She carried me back to the room with quick steps.

* * *

"Ahem."

Deschar Clown cleared his throat loudly.

I glanced at him and started sorting the magic stones by grade.

I divided the magic stones into S, A, B, and C grades and sorted them.

It was a game I came up with to pass the time.

Sorting these magic stones also requires some concentration.

"Ahem, hmm."

The sound of clearing his throat came again.

Why is he acting so strange today? I turned my head slightly to look at Deschar Clown, and saw him tapping his fingers on the table, looking anxious.

Deschar Clown avoided my gaze when our eyes met.

"Ahem."

Another cough.

It seems Deschar Clown is definitely not feeling well today.

Why are there suddenly so many flowers?

I sighed deeply, looking at the colorful flowers that filled the office, which was unusual for him.

‘Does he want me to ask if he’s sick?’

"Grandpa."

"Sure! Which flower should I give you?"

Huh...? What are you talking about?

I was at a loss for words and just stared at him. Deschar Clown, who had been holding a vase, put it down and cleared his throat again.

I was worried he might start bleeding from his throat.

"Um, that’s not it. Why did you call me?"

"Are you sick?"

"Hmm?"

"Should I clean up?"

If you have a pollen allergy, it’s best to clean up early.

Was he trying to change the atmosphere? Why did he suddenly fill the office with so many flower pots?

It’s too much, too much.

"That’s not it..."

Deschar Clown’s pupils shook.

He looked at me and the flowers alternately, as if something was bothering him. After a long silence, he shook his head.

"That’s not it."

"Really?"

But why have you been coughing so much? And it’s just a fake cough.

Narrowing my eyes, Deschar Clown shook his head.

"Just, I decorated it because the flowers bloomed beautifully."

I didn’t know he had such sensitivity.

"Yep, they’re beautiful."

They’re very, very beautiful, and the scent of the flowers is making me dizzy.

I nodded and sat back down in front of the magic stones. Among the various flowers, there was a purple rose.

‘...Ah.’

I suddenly remembered the purple rose I had given to Vera a few days ago.

Vera had been wearing it openly on one side of her chest, so I couldn’t forget it.

And today, Deschar Clown’s strange behavior.

Holding the magic stone, I lifted my head slightly.

Deschar Clown, with a disappointed look, was touching the petals with his fingertips.

I definitely gave the gift openly to Vera. Since it was a matter of the house, Deschar Clown could have heard about it.

‘But could it be...’

The great Deschar Clown?

Wasn’t he known for being unfeeling and ruthless, with many people questioning whether he even had emotions other than anger?

‘Could he have decorated the office with flowers because he didn’t receive a gift...?’

I couldn’t believe it. But I couldn’t think of any other reason for his behavior.

I didn’t say anything for a long time, then rolled my eyes.

‘...It can’t be, right?’

But there’s no harm in doing something nice.

Turning my head around, I saw a flower.

I don’t know many flower meanings, but this was one I knew.

I got up from my seat and approached the flower pot.

‘It’s heavy to carry like this.’

The high-quality ceramic pot is quite heavy.

I stared at it for a moment, then grabbed the flower with my hand.

It was a hyacinth, still in bud.

I pulled it out with some effort, and a clump of soil fell off.

"Grandpa."

"Yes, Shalina."

I extended the unopened purple hyacinth.

"Grandpa, here."

Deschar Clown’s eyes widened.

He, who had been acting like a child, looked surprised when I really offered him the flower.

He didn’t seem to want to take it.

My soil-covered hands felt unpleasant.

"I... "

Deschar Clown carefully extended both hands and took the hyacinth I offered. His twisted face showed an unreadable expression.

The purple hyacinth has two meanings.

The commonly known one is ‘eternal love.’ But there’s another meaning.

"I’m sorry."

I’m sorry for pretending to be your blood and using you.

I think I’ll have to tell you this someday, but it will probably be a long time from now.

So, this is an early apology.

This selfish act is also an apology to make me feel better.