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Chapter 23
“…Huh?”
Raven looked confused. Baron’s eyes widened as he spoke clearly and firmly.
“If you want to do something like that, your identity has to be certain.”
I realized there was an obstacle.
“Identity verification for royal transactions is very strict. They’ll probably come to investigate in person. You’d get very tired and busy.”
Baron’s voice sounded sharp. He clearly didn’t like my suggestion.
‘Oh no, I forgot something important.’
Then it hit me: Baron’s family was wiped out by the royal family!
I felt a cold sweat but forced a smile.
“Thanks for worrying. But actually, making scorched rice or rice water is really simple.”
Making money is important, but I can’t hurt our little one. So, let’s forget about that idea.
“It’s so simple that supplying it to the royal family would be too much.”
It wouldn’t connect to the royal family at all.
“And he just wants to eat it himself.”
Such a cute little greedy one. I couldn’t resist and patted Baron’s head.
Hehe, Baron is so cute.
Seeing my expression, Baron smiled as if nothing had happened.
“Well, I guess you can give it to whoever you want.”
He really didn’t like the royal family.
Raven, lost for words at my answer, eventually chuckled and stepped back.
“I didn’t mean to pressure you. It’s just so good, I didn’t think.”
“No problem. I appreciate your good intentions.”
The conversation seemed to end, but a short silence followed.
‘Better to change the topic.’
I took a quiet breath, sipped my rice water, and thought about what to say next.
“Ah, I saw something new while digging here.”
“Something new?”
“It’s an oval hole, about the size of a fist, with a dark blue glow around it. When I dug it, the hole got bigger, and so did the glow.”
“…Huh?”
“I dug it, but seawater filled it, so I couldn’t see exactly what it was. Still, I wondered what creature could make that shape.”
“From your description, I’m not sure, but I think it might be…”
Raven’s expression turned serious.
Baron jumped up.
“Sis! Where did you see that?”
“Huh?”
Baron’s expression looked serious too. I felt uneasy.
“Is it… dangerous?”
The answer came to mind immediately.
“Could it be… a sea slime hole?”
At my words, Raven and Baron looked at each other, swallowed, and nodded together.
“From what I’ve heard, that seems likely.”
“Ah!”
I was startled and relieved I hadn’t touched it!
“We should see it ourselves to be sure. Can we go back?”
“Hm, the place isn’t hard to find, but I’m not sure of the exact spot.”
I tilted my head, thinking.
“Besides, it’s probably high tide now.”
The rocks would be submerged by waves.
“If you go left, there’s a rocky area, but now the waves will wash away the stones and dirt, so it’ll be hard to find the exact spot.”
At that moment, a small commotion came from outside. Someone was calling loudly, probably because lunch was over and work was starting.
“I really enjoyed lunch.”
Raven got up, looking very pleased.
“It’s been a long time since I enjoyed a meal this much. You’re very skilled. I’d love to pay you and have lunch together every day.”
Pay? Like a part-time job at home? I was tempted, but Baron looked serious.
“No. You’ll get tired, sis.”
“Huh?”
Baron stood firm in front of me, glaring at Raven.
“You’ll only have lunch with me. No matter what, not with him. Stop thinking that. Denied.”
“Ah, Baron!”
I was listening happily, then suddenly covered Baron’s mouth with my hands.
Calling an adult “you”? Saying “stop thinking” like that? And giving orders directly!
“That’s very rude! Raven is our guest!”
I quickly apologized to Raven.
“Sorry! I’m fine anytime!”
“What?!”
Baron flung my hands away and got upset.
“No! Sis! Choose! Me, or Raven?”
“…Huh?”
I was stunned. What kind of choice was that? Baron’s eyes widened.
“Me, right? You wouldn’t kick me out to have lunch with Raven every day, right?”
“….”
“Because Raven is tall and handsome?”
He looked anxious, even his voice trembled.
“Phew, I’m going crazy.”
I put my hand on my forehead, took a deep breath, and asked Raven to wait a moment.
“Baron, I’m not letting you go anywhere.”
Relief flashed in Baron’s purple eyes.
“Then… me?”
“…Huh?”
“I’m better than Raven, right?”
He smiled broadly as if nothing happened. Silly boy.
What’s even sillier is that I found him cute.
I guess I’m weak for handsome faces.
“Alright, alright.”
I pulled a chair to face the wall and seated Baron.
“Now, Baron. Remember. I really love you.”
His ears perked up.
“Eh? Sis, you love me too?”
“Yes. That’s why I need to teach you properly when needed. You follow my teaching, okay?”
I hugged him and placed my hands on his small shoulders. Smiling, I said firmly:
“This chair is a thinking chair. Sit calmly, look at the wall, think about what you did wrong, and then we’ll talk.”
“Huh? What did I do wrong…!”
Baron couldn’t argue because I pressed my finger gently against his lips.
“Shh. Stay silent until I say you can speak.”
“….”
I smiled at him. Blushing, Baron sighed and nodded.
“Ah, I can’t help it.”
His eyebrows drooped, and his lips pouted like a little duck. He clearly didn’t want to do this.
But he sat properly, looking at the wall.
It was like he agreed to my teaching.
I was relieved. I worried he’d fuss, but he didn’t.
I turned to Raven. His ears were red, and he was trembling slightly, covering his mouth with his hands.
“Sorry. Baron is still young. He doesn’t know much yet.”
Raven closed his eyes and nodded, pressing his covered mouth several times as if holding back words.
After a short pause, he calmed down and spoke gently:
“I understand. It was my mistake to offer without considering Baron’s feelings.”
He blamed himself again, but he didn’t look upset. In fact, he seemed cheerful.
“When Haley prepares a meal, if Baron allows, I’ll take care of it then.”
Then, he had an idea and suggested something to Baron:
“Baron, what if I prepared a delicious lunch every day? Then Haley wouldn’t have to work so hard.”
I waved my hands in surprise.
“What? That’s impossible!”
Baron, still looking at the wall, twitched and turned his head.
“Sis, I thought about it. Can I speak?”
It hadn’t even been five minutes.
I shouldn’t weaken while teaching him, but his innocent eyes made it impossible to resist.
“You thought about it?”
“I’ll try not to be rude.”
Clear conclusion.
“Good. Come here.”
Baron jumped down and ran to my side, looking at Raven.
