What is that!
Wondering if it was something important, I looked up at Grandfather. After a moment of contemplation, he granted me a solemn nod.
“You should get to know each other, so go ahead. However.”
However?
“Since we are gathered here, I would like to hear your opinions. What would you like to see added to this year’s Pelun Festival?”
I didn’t quite understand what he meant, so I remained quiet. Then, Raywood set down his teacup.
“As many outsiders attend the Pelun Spring Festival, I believe we should strengthen security. I suggest increasing the number of guards by more than half compared to last year, but having them move in plain clothes to maintain order.”
“Ho. By blending into the festival crowds, you mean?”
“Yes. As you know, Bellarion has produced 40% more homunculi than in previous years. I do not think they will fail to infiltrate Pelun this time.”
It was a heavy topic, but I nodded, pretending to follow along.
“Indeed, it is better to prevent accidents before they happen. Micard, I would like you to be in charge of that matter. Will you do it?”
“Oh? Of course, Grandfather. I’ll do it.”
“Good. Follow Diegon’s orders, but think through the details yourself, Micard.”
I don’t know what it is, but my older brothers are so cool.
‘So this is a place where we give opinions!’
Then… then I have something to say too!
I set down my cup and held my head, struggling to focus. Something had just crossed my mind, but I couldn’t figure out how to put it into words.
“Now, Micard, you give an opinion as well.”
“I just wanted something a bit more dynamic. It’s called a spring festival, but it’s already summer weather. I wish there were more things to do in the sea.”
As he spoke, Micard fanned himself with his hand. Perhaps because we were underground, it was cool; seeing him do that made me think he was naturally a warm-blooded person.
“Regarding that, Raywood, you should decide. It is time you learned to handle administrative work.”
“Yes, Head of House.”
“Thanks to you two, both our territory residents and tourists will surely have a safer and more enjoyable time.”
Wait, are they not going to ask me?
‘That won’t do!’
Feeling desperate, I raised my hand high. I mumbled and tapped my feet until I finally received permission.
“Do you have a good idea?”
A few seconds later, when Grandfather looked at me, I answered with a bright smile.
“How about a doll claw machine?”
“Hmm?”
“Like, you put dolls inside a big glass box, and you use this, like, to pick them up!”
I grabbed the dessert fork, held it upside down, and pretended to stab at something.
“You put money in, and if you pick one up, you get the doll.”
I don’t know why this suddenly popped into my head. It was just a scene that had flashed through my mind.
‘A claw machine I did with Mommy.’
Mommy was really good at that. She used to get three dolls for just ten thousand won… wait.
‘Huh.’
Mommy?
I stared blankly into space. I must have had a Mommy, too! The memory was vivid enough that I stayed lost in it for a long time.
“Oh, that sounds fun! Brother, what do you think?”
“Hmm. It’s not entirely impossible. It’s a concept I’ve never heard of before, but if done well, it could become a fun pastime for children.”
“Right? I want to try it too!”
While I was distracted, the two brothers continued the conversation. Raywood stood up from his seat.
“I will take my leave now, Head of House.”
“Yes. You have work to do.”
“I am merely delighted. If I organize this concept properly, I think I can increase tourism revenue by 10%.”
That was when it happened.
*Ding!*
“……!”
I was startled by the shimmering text that suddenly appeared before my eyes and the sharp *ding* sound.
[Oh my, oh my. You can’t just sit still. You have to take credit! If you just stay quiet, our little performer’s idea is going to become Raywood’s, you know?! ٩(//̀Д/́/)۶]
Eupheros, who had appeared out of nowhere, was acting incredibly rowdy. It was impossible to ignore.
[The Fire Spirit King ‘■■■■■’ strongly agrees.]
[The Earth Spirit King ‘■’ pushes you from behind to claim your share.]
[The Water Spirit King ‘■■■■’ is making an angry face.]
[Now, read after me: Give me 10% of the total revenue as my share for the idea.]
As the shimmering letters overlapped and scrolled up, my vision started to spin. But I managed to read the last part.
“Wait!”
“Hmm?”
Just before Raywood left the table, Grandfather looked at me.
“Um, so… give me 10% as my share.”
“Oho?”
Grandfather’s eyes sparkled at my demand.
“And when you do the business, put the name ‘Chu’ on it too.”
When I confidently held out my palm, Micard dropped his jaw in admiration. Raywood wore a subtle expression.
“And also, I’ll decide the box shape too. Havdi, can I do that?”
The orange text from Eupheros was shimmering right next to Grandfather’s face. The things I said afterward were all whispered by Eupheros, painting a picture of what I could buy with that money.
[That profit! Once you get it! Fifty thousand cotton candies! No, five hundred thousand! Let’s not get cheated! ( •̀ᄇ• ́)ﻭ✧ Let’s become a smart kid who gets what belongs to them!]
Fifty thousand? Amazing! A glutton like me couldn’t miss this.
“Hmm, I see. Since it’s your idea, you do have the right to claim it. However, 10% is too much. You are still young, so how about 3%?”
“No. 9%!”
“You are quite greedy, little one. Let’s make it 5%.”
Grandfather, the Head of House, laughed heartily. I glanced at the shimmering text again; the Spirit Kings were nodding as if it were reasonable.
“Hehe, then give me 5%.”
“Yes. Raywood, submit a document to me regarding this matter later.”
If it’s 5%, does that mean I can eat 25,000 cotton candies? I wiggled my bottom in excitement.
“Wow, you’re haggling with Grandfather? This little potato is amazing.”
Micard, who had been watching us blankly, let out a dazed remark.
Raywood left, and only the three of us remained. Feeling proud, I munched on a whale cookie and remembered there was still something I needed to ask.
“Havdi, do you know the name of the Water Spirit King?”
“The Water Spirit King… I should say I ‘used to know’.”
“Eh?”
“According to the words of the Ancestor Whale, the previous Water Spirit King has vanished. A new Spirit King was born, so the name I knew before has become useless.”
“Aha.”
“The Ancestor Whale might know, though.”
I looked at the half-eaten whale cookie. I was curious, especially since everyone kept saying I would be a Resonator.
‘But I haven’t met Grandmother, the current Resonator, and I haven’t met the Ancestor Whale either.’
When I asked Lina before, she said both were beings you couldn’t meet so easily. Grandmother was especially elusive since she wasn’t at the mansion.
“Do you want to meet them? The Ancestor Whale.”
“Gasp! Can I?”
“As it happens, they are nearby. Maliasa also wanted to see you once. It seems there is time today… will you come, Micard?”
Can I see Grandmother and the Ancestor Whale? The invitation was sudden, but incredibly exciting.
“Are we going by swimming?”
“You may ride a dolphin or something.”
“Oh, it’s been a while, it’ll be fun.”
To think there was a turtle I knew, and now a dolphin too! I looked at Micard with a bit of envy.
A moment later, the three of us were underwater together.
And we were riding a dolphin, at that!