Chapter 349
Chapter 349
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 349
Chapter Title: Marronier's Commoner Date
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France. Paris. The mansion of the National Tree, nicknamed the flowerpot.
"Lady Marronier, studying since morning?"
At the words of her guard, the S-rank Spirit Arts user Elata, Marronier lowered the book she had been reading.
What could our cute young lady be learning that's making her ponder so deeply?
Elata glanced at the titles of the books piled high on the side table, reading them one by one.
[Master Korean in 100 Days.]
[Proper Korean Pronunciation Guide. Includes Audio CD.]
"Korean? That's a great language to learn. But why suddenly pick up another country's tongue?"
Marronier didn't answer the question.
Instead, she hugged the dictionary she was holding tight and pouted her lower lip.
She had pulled the blanket up to her knees and was studying while receiving mana healing.
The injuries from the Forest Keeper Selection Tournament had been fatal even for Marronier.
Europe was rife with ominous signs of war, but she couldn't handle heavy duties while wounded.
And with Marronier's earnest plea added to the mix, she had earned some free time under the pretext of recuperation.
"Did you pull an all-nighter?"
-Nod.
Marronier bobbed her head.
"What on earth could have turned our young lady into this?"
"...I told you not to ask that."
When spoken to slyly, she mumbled in a voice small enough to slip into a mouse hole.
'How can even a voice lacking confidence sound so clear and beautiful?'
Elata smiled warmly and sat beside the reclining Marronier.
Marronier on the bed, hugging her dictionary, looking up at Elata.
Her slightly wary gaze was just like a cat's.
'...Goodness.'
She wanted to pinch those cheeks.
I wonder what face she'd make if she knew most French hunters were in her fan club.
And if she found out Elata herself was a member...
The more she imagined it, the more she wanted to laugh.
Today's France's biggest celebrity, more famous than any entertainer: Marronier.
Even stretching her legs full out wouldn't reach halfway across the bed.
Her body was so small that rolling from the left end to the right took quite some time—it was adorable.
Yet her youthful face, pale skin, mysterious blue eyes and hair were enough to set French women's hearts ablaze.
"You can tell me if something's bothering you, you know?"
"...Treating me like a kid?"
Marronier turned toward the window with a dissatisfied look.
Her slender nape visible before her braided hair on one side.
She seemed aloof at first glance, like she'd ignore it, but no. Marronier wasn't that resolute.
Elata knew the situation ahead from countless simulations of Marronier over the days.
She sat patiently, biding her time.
"...Um."
Good things come to those who wait. Thank goodness for the affinity build-up.
Marronier cautiously looked at Elata.
"...Promise not to tell anyone else."
"Of course~ If it's a request from my lady."
"Really? Elata."
It might depend on the content of her worries. But for now, she answered.
"Yes~"
Not entirely pleased but with no other choice, Marronier brought her hand to her mouth.
Soon after, she whispered to Elata.
"Elata... um. You know."
"Yes, yes. What is it?"
"Do you... know how to do makeup?"
So that's why she'd been racking her brain—she wanted to look a bit more grown-up!
A happy smile spread across Elata's lips.
"Whoa~ For real? Why, why, why?"
"Well... During the tournament... There were a lot of articles about my appearance."
Marronier averted her gaze slightly. Elata tilted her head at the habit she showed when lying.
"Articles about your looks?"
"I wonder if I don't seem too childish... So..."
Her cheeks flushed as she fidgeted her fingers together, eyes darting away.
Something was.
"You want to look more mature?"
"Yes."
Off.
Elata subtly glanced at the books on the side table.
All without exception about Korean. She'd even brought a CD speaker for pronunciation practice.
'If it was just learning the language... a few hours would suffice.'
Perfecting pronunciation like a native took time, but her mind was brilliant enough to be recognized worldwide.
Simply speaking a language? She'd master it in no time.
But Marronier had been focused solely on Korean for weeks, from the tournament to now.
Did she find that much value or thirst for knowledge in Korean?
Or was there someone to talk to once she learned...
'...!'
In Elata's mind flashed the image of Marronier that dawn, sneaking a phone call so as not to be caught.
Gripping her phone until she went to the bathroom, then dialing while glancing around like a cat.
It wasn't the first time. She was cautious even talking to friends.
But fussing over makeup too meant...
'She's got a crush.'
What unfortunate timing.
'Falling in first love right when war between nations might break out.'
National Trees dating? Who cares now.
They'd sneak around anyway if they wanted.
Born with world-class beauty from the thickest World Tree blood, men wouldn't leave them alone.
Yet Marronier had kept her chastity amid countless advances.
One reason.
The outdated rule that National Trees mustn't date.
That purity only grew her fandom.
'Who could it be?'
She wanted to see his face, propriety be damned, for just a moment.
"Elata... Is it hard?"
At Marronier's dejected voice, Elata's heart melted like ice under summer sun.
"Hehe~ Of course I'll teach you. It's my lady's request."
Love was no big deal.
As a die-hard fan, she wanted to see Marronier in love. And it was happening.
To make this girl as alluring as possible to that man, Elata rolled up her sleeves confidently.
"Leave it to me."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ -Why didn't you pick up?
-I had someone to meet, and I was in treatment.
-......Not even for a quick call?
She was sulking outright and bringing up our previous promise, so I had no choice.
To give Marronier the commoner experience she'd longed for, I'd arrived in Paris, France, early in the morning.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ ['The Pure World Tree' is bouncing around with a beaming smile.] "Tch."
I'd ended up fully dressed to the nines unintentionally.
I'd planned to go casual like before, but Azalea had caught me midway and forced me into the clothes she'd been collecting one by one.
Wearing stuff I usually skipped for discomfort felt oddly off.
I couldn't even remember the name properly since I skimmed it.
-Can't have you going around underdressed.
Was my sense of style that bad?
When I asked, she laughed awkwardly and said it was iffy.
She teased that even my mask at our first meeting was weird, but I couldn't retort to that smiling face.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ ['The Pure World Tree' is in awe!] It irked me that the long-absent wife was fawning, but whatever.
Heading to the meeting spot on the map, I saw a girl sitting by the lake in front of a large plaza.
I recognized her instantly from afar.
Standing out in the crowd, hat pulled low, yet drawing everyone's eyes.
"...Ah!"
Not my name, but a smile burst out when she saw me.
Blanche rose from the bench, her hat swaying as water from the fountain sparkled in the light.
A wide-brim hat and a dress revealing her knees and calves.
Her white shoes wrapping pale feet seemed to reflect Marronier's pure heart.
Blue and white from head to toe.
Marronier jumped up with a bright smile and approached with quick steps.
"Wait long?"
"A little...?"
She spoke coyly as if chiding, but the smile wouldn't fade from her face.
I chuckled and knelt to match her eye level.
I could see Marronier's slightly changed face up close.
"You did your makeup?"
"...How'd you know?"
She widened her eyes in surprise at being spotted right away.
A faint makeup scent and even mature perfume—impossible not to notice.
But it wasn't skillfully done.
I dabbed the corner of her lips with my handkerchief.
"It's smudged in spots."
"...?"
"Didn't notice?"
Pink tint slightly outside her lips.
And uneven patches everywhere from overapplying.
Hanging with Seyoung, Azalea, Star a few times had taught me a bit about makeup.
She'd come early, so not rushed mistakes.
First time trying, maybe.
Marronier's cheeks flushed red like freshly picked apples at the point-out.
"......"
"First try?"
Unable to lie, she pulled her hat low and nodded faintly.
Not a blood sister, but like a well-behaved cousin— a fond smile tugged at my lips.
I straightened up and looked around.
Luxurious mansions lined the streets, understandable why Marronier yearned for common life.
I'd planned to show her my old one-room from my otherworld days, but this fancy area would intimidate her.
"I just wanna hang here. Why's it so flashy?"
"Flashy? Oh, no. The really fancy spots are farther in."
Come to think of it, we were conversing naturally in Korean.
Her pronunciation far steadier than before, no communication issues.
"Could use the translator."
"I wanted to talk directly in my own voice. Weird...?"
Quite the opposite—great. I knew she was smart, but her dedication was impressive.
As I smiled and scanned around, Marronier, noticing my gaze, asked timidly.
"So... wanna hang here?"
Playing in this high-class noble city wouldn't fulfill what she wanted.
"Your call. I'm just here for your request. Anywhere's fine. Wanna go to Korea?"
She nodded shyly at my question.
That settled it.
We slipped into a quiet alley and used magic to head to Korea.
What Marronier was curious about was everyday spots, plain and simple.
Not fancy restaurants, but places ordinary folks like me or others frequented for school or hobbies.
That's why here.
"My, what brings such a pretty young thing? Studying abroad?"
A hearty street food joint rare these days.
The auntie greets you like an old acquaintance just upon entering.
A nostalgic spot where 500 won got you five tteok pieces in a small paper cup, drenched in sauce.
"...Studying? Oh, no. Just visiting for fun."
"Really? So pretty. Sit, sit. I'll load you up."
Her eyes blinking rapidly, fidgeting like a cat, leaning on me for support.
Never experienced such instant friendliness without introductions, huh.
I sat in a corner and ordered casual eats.
All stuff Sansu-yu and Heavenly Path had raved about.
"...Tteokbokki."
"Remember it?"
Better than what I made.
A taste self-reliant students couldn't replicate from memory.
"Back when I was broke, I'd buy junk snacks at the corner store."
"Junk food?"
"Yeah. Cheap, stimulating stuff loaded with junk—not good for health. Short stays somewhere."
"I see..."
"When I craved a splurge, I'd come here."
Spicy, sweet. Tteok boiled long on the griddle, puffed up.
A flavor chains could never match. Honestly, better.
Marronier's white dress?
Don't care. She popped a sauce-smeared tteok toward her cheek.
"...?"
-Nom nom.
Chewing, then pause. Eyes scrunched at the spice, but glancing at me, she managed a grin.
-Gulp.
Swallowed quick, sticking out her rough tongue for water.
I filled a paper cup and asked.
"How is it?"
"...Weird, but tasty."
Tears at her eye corners were the highlight.
"Still... spicy."