Chapter 56

There is no particular connection between me and Blizen Astra.

Although we are both 3rd generation, I do know him, but only the basic information.

‘He has the blessing of <Movement>, right?’

When the Holy Grail released my curse and exploded, using up all its power.

At that time, I heard that Blizen used the blessing to move people.

‘Although I didn’t cause the explosion, I am somewhat grateful.’

That’s why I had a slight fondness for Blizen.

‘But since we haven’t had a proper conversation, it might change.’

The direct descendants who followed us were surprised.

“Hey, Blizen?”

“Why is Blizen here?”

“Why would Blizen come out?”

“What kind of test is this?”

In fact, the direct descendants rarely have a reason to see Blizen.

Blizen is 16 years old.

He often works outside now.

That’s why he frequently doesn’t appear for exams.

Or rather, it’s correct to say that he doesn’t need to participate in exams.

Blizen has already been evaluated by Grandfather and the vassals as surpassing the 3rd generation.

‘Why is Blizen here then?’

Is this annual evaluation that important?

Important enough to call back Blizen, who has already been judged?

What is he supposed to do in this annual evaluation?

While I was racking my brain.

Debussy Viscount entered the hall alone.

Debussy Viscount, who had been scanning the faces of the 3rd generation, smiled slightly when he saw me.

Then he returned to his expressionless face and explained the annual evaluation.

“This year’s annual evaluation will be conducted in a slightly different format than usual.”

The children’s murmurs grew louder at Debussy Viscount’s words.

After the murmurs subsided, Debussy Viscount announced the test item.

“The test item is, reception of a distinguished guest.”

Reception of a distinguished guest?

Although he said it would be in a different format, it was too different.

The 3rd generation murmured loudly.

Debussy Viscount smiled as if he had anticipated the children’s reaction.

“The one who receives the most favorable evaluation during the reception will be first place.”

One child raised their hand and asked.

“How will the other ranks be determined besides first place?”

“The remaining ranks will be evaluated by the professors.”

This means there will be an objective evaluation standard for the reception.

It also means that buying off a distinguished guest or two won’t secure a good rank.

“The attitude towards the distinguished guest, the reception plan, the implementation rate of the plan, and the goodwill gained from the distinguished guest will be thoroughly considered to determine the ranks.”

One child asked the most important question.

“So, who is the distinguished guest?”

Debussy Viscount grinned mischievously.

“Figuring that out is the start of the test.”

‘The viscount really enjoys tormenting the children.’

Of course, it’s not torment but an evaluation.

The children sighed as if they already had a headache.

Debussy Viscount looked at the children with a kind face.

“This reception of the distinguished guest is not just an evaluation. It will greatly affect your future.”

‘Our future?’

Something big enough to influence the future of the 3rd generation of Astra.

I became even more curious about the identity of the distinguished guest.

After giving some minor explanations, Debussy Viscount and the professors left the hall.

As soon as the adults left, the atmosphere became lively.

Opinions about the identity of the distinguished guest were rampant.

“It must be a noble. Or perhaps a royal.”

“Why are you saying the obvious? They wouldn’t bring a commoner to the ducal castle, right?”

“They might be aiming for a surprise!”

While other children were chatting, a few quietly left the hall.

‘I need to hurry too…!’

This time, the side that quickly acquires information will have the advantage.

I quickly left the hall and went to the storage where the cleaning tools for the main castle are kept.

It was the very place where I received help from Conrad when I was young.

Since then, whenever there was something to do, I would meet Conrad here.

It was an unspoken agreement.

Conrad was already inside the storage.

I asked Conrad.

“Who is the distinguished guest?”

Since Conrad is Grandfather’s adjutant, I thought he would know the identity of the distinguished guest.

But surprisingly,

Conrad’s answer was unexpected.

“We don’t know who the external guest is.”

“Is that possible?”

Does it make sense that Conrad doesn’t know about such an important matter?

According to the schedule Debussy Viscount mentioned, the distinguished guest will arrive at the ducal castle in just four days.

To properly receive the guest arriving in four days, it would be essential to inform the adjutants.

Given Grandfather’s character, even if it’s an important annual evaluation for the 3rd generation, he wouldn’t entrust the reception of the distinguished guest to the children alone.

‘Hmm…’

Deep in thought, I narrowed my eyes and looked at Conrad.

“By the way, Hoohsi!”

“Yes.”

“Could it be that the children of the manor are invited, and the true distinguished guests are these growing sprouts!”

Conrad frowned and shook his head.

“That won’t happen. Absolutely not.”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

I know Grandfather’s character, but I still wondered just in case.

Phew.

In this world, such a refreshing and warm anime-like event wouldn’t happen.

Conrad’s eyes also narrowed when he heard my words.

“Miss, by the way, Hoohsi.”

“Yes.”

“Could it be that the blood relatives of Astra are gathered, and the true distinguished guests are you all!”

“That’s impossible. Absolutely.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Conrad nodded when I cut him off.

I only said it just in case, not really expecting it to be true.

‘If such a soft and sweet family drama were to happen, at least the Demon King should descend.’

Even if it were our Grandfather, he wouldn’t create such a soft and sweet touching scene after defeating the Demon King.

‘Then, who is the distinguished guest?’

As I sighed, Conrad furrowed his brow.

“The situation is so unreasonable that I’m starting to have strange thoughts.”

I nodded.

If there were two weeks left, it might be understandable, but with only four days left, and the adjutant not knowing?

It’s an absurdly thorough security measure.

“Still, are preparations for the reception being made?”

“Yes.”

“Let me know if there are any special matters.”

Allergies, preferred tea leaves, and such.

They might seem trivial, but such details can define a person.

Understanding the subtle preferences of the nobles might help identify the individual.

After finishing the conversation with Conrad and leaving.

I saw a head of golden hair sparkling in the opposite corridor.

It was Blizen.

“Hi, Eryloth.”

Blizen greeted me with a smile.

Golden hair and red eyes.

The same golden hair and red eyes as Father, but the feeling was completely different.

“Hi, Blizen.”

Although I don’t see his face often, we have been in this castle together for seven years, so I am familiar with him.

As I greeted him brightly and tried to pass by,

“About the roses in the western garden.”

Blizen spoke in a low voice that only I could hear.

When I turned around, Blizen smiled and said meaningfully,

“They’re a bit different now.”

“…?”

He smiled enigmatically and left at that moment.

“Ery?”

“Eryloth.”

The twins approached.

Balzak frowned and looked at Blizen’s back.

“What’s with that creepy smile?”

“Isn’t it a handsome smile?”

When I said that, the twins turned their heads and looked at me.

“What?”

“What do you mean?”

They looked as if they had heard that there were two suns in the sky.

“Ery, when you say handsome, you mean someone like me.”

“No, me.”

“Hmm? People have different tastes.”

Balzak scowled at my words.

“Then who do you think is the most handsome!”

“I….”

I hesitated to answer.

The two looked as if they would kill me if I got it wrong.

“Um, Balzak and Joshua are the most handsome.”

Their expressions brightened instantly, but they quickly pretended not to care.

‘I saw it all.’

Balzak lifted his chin arrogantly.

“Man, I’m already ten, and you still think I’m the best. …But what do you like about me?”

“I’m glad, Eryloth. …But what do you like the most about me?”

I felt tired and my eyes became dull.

“I need to investigate, so see you later.”

“Okay! We’re handsome, so!”

Balzak and Joshua smiled and waved goodbye.

As I hurried down the corridor, I recalled Blizen’s words.

‘He said the roses in the western garden are different now?’

What does that mean? Is there some hidden meaning in the western garden roses?

I tilted my head in confusion.

It was strange that Blizen would tell me this.

We weren’t particularly close, and he didn’t seem like the type to care about others.

‘Still, I should check it out.’

It’s better to check even a bridge you’re sure is safe.

I decided to visit the garden since I was passing by the western exit.

When I looked at the roses Blizen mentioned,

I tilted my head to the side.

“What’s different about the roses?”

They were the same red roses.

Just as beautiful as before.

I thought it might be a trick of the distance, so I went closer to observe, but I couldn’t find any significant differences.

‘Still, I might not know.’

Just because I don’t know doesn’t mean others don’t.

I casually asked the gardener.

“By the way, the roses. Has anything changed? They seem more beautiful.”

“Ah, Miss, how did you know?”

The gardener, surprised, took off his hat and explained politely.

“It was by the order of Debussy Viscount.”

‘Debussy Viscount?’

A clue came to me from the mention of Debussy Viscount’s order.

An order from Debussy Viscount that Conrad, the adjutant of the duke, didn’t know?

‘It must be related to the exam.’

Why would the roses be changed now?

And why would it be done in a way that others wouldn’t notice?

‘There’s only one reason at this time.’

I said confidently.

“The rose variety was changed, right?”

“Wow, how did you know? It’s hard to tell without specialized knowledge.”

“I just thought they looked a bit more beautiful. What’s the new variety?”

“The previous roses were Brown Velvet, and the current ones are Terezika variety.”

“I see. Thanks.”

Brown Velvet and Terezika.

What’s the difference?

* * *

Daimond territory.

After returning to the territory from the ducal castle, I first looked for a plant encyclopedia.

The thin encyclopedias didn’t list varieties, so I struggled to pull out a thick one from a high shelf.

Thud!

The heavy book was so weighty it could be used as a hammer.

I opened the thick plant encyclopedia and searched for the variety.

‘Terezika… Terezika…’

There! I found it!

<Terezika>

*Rose family, Rose genus*

A horticultural variety native to the southern hemisphere of the Aligosa Kingdom.

It blooms in early summer and fades in early autumn. A distinctive feature is that it turns closer to black over time.

In early summer, it is toxic, so be cautious…