Chapter 127: A Gift of Toys
As Eugene and Ren talked, the sun had risen quite high. Preparations for the celebration were underway in the hall. Mother was busily giving instructions to the servants.
“Neeue.”
Eugene called out to Ren’s mother, Yasmin. Yasmin turned around, spotted Ren standing beside Eugene, and made a puzzled face.
“Well, Eugene. The celebration hasn’t started yet.”
“I know that. You seem busy, but… could we talk for just a moment?”
“I’m sorry. Things are really hectic right now.”
“Ah… I see. Then, later…”
When Yasmin said she was busy, Eugene backed down easily. Yasmin immediately turned to go back to preparing for the celebration, but glanced back at Ren.
“This isn’t a playground. Wandering around will get in the way of the preparations.”
“…Yes…”
Before Ren could even nod, Yasmin turned her back and headed toward the back of the hall.
(I couldn’t talk to her at all…)
Ren looked up at Eugene with an anxious expression. Eugene wore a composed smile.
“I knew she’d be busy, so don’t worry about it.”
“Huh… You knew, so why did you try to talk to her?”
“I wanted to see how she acts towards you, Ren-kun. …Well, she could also just seem busy and overwhelmed…”
Eugene said this while gazing at Yasmin’s back as she gave instructions to servants in the back of the hall.
They left the hall and went out to the garden, where there was a lively atmosphere. Tables had been set up in the garden, and guests were gathered there.
It was the Sucre Viscount’s family—the birth family of Ren’s mother, Yasmin. Herman was there too.
“Niiue.”
“…If it isn’t Eugene. So you came.”
A thin man with his hair tied back and a slight goatee widened his eyes when he saw Eugene.
“It’s been a while.”
“Hmph, since you quit being a knight. Honestly…You must be…”
Eugene’s elder brother noticed Ren standing diagonally behind Eugene.
Perhaps he remembered the face from when the whole family had greeted the Sucre Viscount at dinner the previous evening.
Ren bowed politely.
“I’m Ren, third son of the Cream baronial house.”
“…Ah, Yasmin’s child, are you? Did you need something from us?”
When the Sucre Viscount asked, Ren felt his heart beating rapidly in small flutters. Eugene stepped forward slightly.
“I actually met Ren-kun at the Adventurers’ Guild before coming here.”
“The Adventurers’ Guild? …Isn’t he too young to register as an adventurer?”
“Ren-kun is an apprentice adventurer. He’s been working hard organising the reference room and such.”
“I see… Did you speak with Yasmin?”
“Yes. She seemed busy, so we didn’t talk much. …Oh yes, I brought a toy for children that’s currently in trial at the guild.”
Eugene said this and took out an Acorn Feather Drop from his bag, placing it on the table.
“Ren-kun consulted with me about wanting to give something as a gift. This is a pre-release item from the Adventurers’ Guild, so you’ll be among the first to use it.”
“Herman, it’s a toy.”
“Wow! What is it!?”
When called by name, Herman stood up from his chair and approached where the Acorn Feather Drop was placed.
Eugene spoke to Ren.
“Ren-kun, could you explain how to use it?”
“Ah, yes. You take the acorn with the feather…”
Ren picked up the feather parts attached to the three acorns and held them slightly above the box. Then he looked at Herman and asked.
“Pick one of the colours inside.”
“Um… blue.”
“Herman-kun chose blue. …And the other one, Eugene-san…”
When Ren asked Eugene to pick a feather colour, Eugene chose the acorn with the Flame Finch feather.
“Then I’ll take this deep green acorn. Here we go!”
Ren used his free hand to spin the box. He dropped the acorns from above the spinning box.
“The azure-feathered acorn is ‘5,’ the orange acorn is ‘3,’ and the deep green acorn is ‘2.’ The winner is Herman-kun, who chose the azure-feathered acorn!”
“Yay!”
Herman raised both arms happily. The Sucre Viscount, who had been peering into the spinning box, looked up.
“Hmm…”
He looked at Eugene with slightly sharp eyes.
“This is from… the Adventurers’ Guild?”
“Yes. It’s scheduled for sale at the Adventurers’ Guild. If you notice anything later, please contact us through the guild…”
“…I see, so you’re having us use the trial pieces to spread the word.”
Herman showed interest in the spinning box, spinning it round and round many times.
“Spinning is fun!”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
At Herman’s words, Eugene smiled and glanced at Ren. Ren smiled happily.
“Eugene, do you have more of these toys? Are you planning to bring them to the young masters of the Margrave’s house as well?”
The Sucre Viscount glanced toward the back of the garden. In the back of the garden, Patrick, Scott, and Theo were playing by rolling pebbles. At a table closer by, Sylvie and Tina were sitting in dresses, watching Patrick and the others.
At the table where Sylvie and Tina sat, several large men were gathered around.
“Yes. I intend to greet them… It would be better to have you introduce me, Niiue?”
“Of course.”
The Sucre Viscount stood up and began walking, gesturing for Eugene to follow toward the Margrave’s family. Eugene followed behind the Sucre Viscount. Ren was bewildered.
(Huh? Greeting Lord Brûlée the Margrave…? Would it be better if I didn’t come along? …But I want to give Patrick-kun and the others the Acorn Feather Drop…)
While standing there in confusion, Eugene, who had turned back, beckoned to him.