Chapter 106
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 106
Chapter Title: Sisters' Time -1-
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Crunch—
A harsh grinding of teeth echoed in the corner of the room.
"Easy for you to say, you damn glasses-wearing nerd. Acting all high and mighty about how emotions aren't efficient, while you're head over heels for a woman—"
He had to spit out curses under his breath just to endure the heat rising in his head.
Robert's body had rested after the first semester ended, but his mind had no such luxury.
His thoughts were entirely consumed with the possibility of escaping this harsh, heartless world and returning to his original dimension. He was just waiting for the second semester to start.
According to Isaac, there should be results by now, so the moment the second semester began, Robert rushed to the dorms of another department to find him.
But Isaac didn't reveal everything right away.
He wanted Robert to invest first in his "romance business," commensurate with the abilities and time Robert had already invested in him.
Robert promised to help with the dimensional experiments in the meantime, but Isaac's attitude remained firm.
In the end, it was a case of the thirsty man digging his own well. Both were parched and desperate, but Robert was the one whose throat burned worse and whose heart raced more impatiently.
It was his own fault for blabbing about how to win a woman's heart—using shaky bridges or saving her from crises with people—and now this mess. Robert was at his wits' end with frustration.
'An actor? He has the skills, but treating him like something disposable...'
He had to choose between directly finding a suitable pawn for him or dumping a fortune on Isaac, who was pouring gold coins madly into his research and lacked funds for external hires.
After agonizing, Robert chose the latter to avoid getting directly tangled in unnecessary drama.
Even as the eldest son of the renowned Bolt marquess family, he decided to fund Isaac with an amount he'd never spent on luxuries or gear before.
His head felt like a boiling kettle, but since he'd made up his mind, he acted quickly.
It was like binding each other with restraint spells, but it didn't matter. They'd already crossed that line and were in the same boat.
'Think of it as a success fee for the dimensional research... Anyway, all this world's wealth will be useless once I return.'
As long as he could go back to Korea in this very body, that would be enough. Even if it was a simplistic, hopeful assumption, it was the pillar holding his spirit together right now.
Isaac had said the same when giving examples—the body would likely remain intact.
'Seeing this much gold in physical form for the first time...'
Yes. Even if it felt like a fortune wasted... it was right to pay up and accelerate the research by even a day.
Deep down, he wanted to step in personally, mobilize his cadet connections, and push things along.
But Isaac hadn't even told him who this disposable actor scheme targeted. That was the biggest problem.
What if that crazy wizard was messing with a daughter from a prominent family? If he didn't get caught, great—but that guy had guts that were too big for that.
Of course, he'd meticulously select people he could cut loose if things went south... But as the saying goes, "you never know," so stuffing him with physical goods and playing dumb felt like the best option.
'This should do it.'
He knew that while he'd funded the research so far, he'd have to pay accordingly if there were results.
But Isaac's attitude—holding the results over him and shaking him down like this— was infuriating.
Rustle— rustle—
"Hoo..."
Gritting his teeth, he recounted the piled-up wealth in his pouch and stowed it away. To outsiders, it could pass as research support for a friend, but fewer eyes on this, the better.
Not just gold coins, but gems and other easily liquidated valuables—Robert had prepared an amount matching what Isaac demanded.
"Mm! That was definitely the best choice!"
It was the result of serious, careful selection in the one area where she could claim expertise: desserts.
At that shop, the only menu item suited to her sister's tastes was pecan pie.
A famous place known to everyone who'd even tasted a bit of powdered sugar. As one of their offerings, its flavor was top-tier in the capital.
She preferred desserts sweet enough to melt her tongue and wasn't huge on nuts, but this shop's were gourmet enough to enjoy fully.
Eager to see her sister's reaction, she hurried back to the dessert shop right after academy ended.
Ting-a-ling—
With the clear chime announcing the door opening, the staff's gazes swarmed her, and Chloe momentarily held her breath.
"Welcome! Ah, could you wait just a moment, miss?"
Without a word from her upon entering, the server recognized her face and emerged carrying two boxed items.
"Uh... pecan pie, but not just one?"
The server smiled his polite business smile, lifting each box and reciting the contents.
"One pecan pie. One strawberry ganache cake. Our ganache cake topped with strawberries from our own fields is so popular it's reservation-only... You were told it wasn't included in the dessert course you ordered, so you placed a separate order."
Amid the server's thanks for her purchase, Chloe took the boxes in bewilderment. On top was a note said to be handwritten by the instructor.
Its scrawl was so unexpectedly illegible it drew an "Eh?" on sight, but she could make it out.
[Don't eat these instead of meals. Both could get you scolded.]
'Right on the money...!'
She wanted to dig in the moment she got home, but skipping or skimping on dinner for cake might worry her sister.
The instructor's note radiated humanity.
'Next time, maybe I can thank him more casually...'
She knew mentioning the scolding was rude, but... paired with his muscles and intimidating aura, it felt a bit cute somehow.
From the honorifics onward, she pondered if she should repay what she'd received—but decided to discuss it with her sister as she hurried back to the estate.
—
She secretly asked the servants to store the cake and paced by the window, waiting for her sister.
Worrying if she'd finish late or not return at all, she paced aimlessly in circles when silvery hair caught her eye from afar.
Her sister approached the estate with stern expression and steady strides against the whistling cold wind. Chloe dashed down the stairs whoosh—
It paid to wait— she was much faster than the servants.
"Sis! Good work today!"
At her voice, the rigid, stern face melted like spring on a snowy mountain, blooming into a soft smile.
The mansion staff seemed accustomed now to the atmosphere and situation that had shifted one day.
"Yeah. Thanks for coming out."
'Did something good happen at the academy?'
Chloe's excitement wasn't subtle—it was like she might float away any second.
After dinner, when she asked if she could come to the study, Eclair sensed something was up. But if it was reflected in that joyful expression, there was no reason for unease.
Probably something fun with friends. Listening to Chloe's chatter was enjoyable for her too.
Lately, her work focus had sharpened; no urgent documents needed handling at home.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
-It's Chloe Dreitna!
At her sister's voice, unable to hide her glee, Eclair's lips curved up.
"Come in."
Creeak—
The door opened, a servant following with a tray.
The study was strictly off-limits to servants without permission, so Chloe made two trips herself, carrying the plates on the tray.
A neatly sliced piece of pecan pie sat before her. On Chloe's plate loomed a cake that looked like it'd numb the tongue with sweetness just from sight.
Topped with strawberries and dusted white powder—Eclair felt one slice would last her a week.
Grateful to Chloe for choosing separately with her in mind, she rose from her seat.
"Post-dinner dessert... I should prepare tea."
"Ah! Want me to brew it?"
"No need. Sit."
She sat Chloe back down and used the magic tool in the study corner to boil water.
"Feel free to start."
Even as Chloe smiled at her while she brewed, Eclair urged her on, feeling a twinge of curiosity.
Normally, at her invitation, Chloe would hesitantly pick up her fork—but today she shook her head.
"I'll wait. I want to hear your first impression, Sis."
Clink—
Placing the teacup before Chloe, Eclair settled in and gave her verdict.
"Is this pie from that famous shop?"
"Mm~ Partly... but it's special, so it'll suit your tastes."
Unlike dessert-obsessed Chloe, Eclair was clueless about them, so she decided to taste and judge.
'Special ingredient? A new flavor variant different from the usual look?'
She picked up her fork to match Chloe's sparkling anticipation as she awaited the first bite.
No knife needed—Eclair neatly cut a piece with the fork alone and popped it in.
Not too sweet—perfect. The nuts were nutty, the texture superb. No need for elaboration; it was the best pie she'd ever had.
"How is it?"
"It's like it was made just for my tastes."
With Chloe's relieved sigh and faint blush, she pressed eagerly.
"Really glad~ Not too sweet?"
"It's not sweet to begin with, so... Huh?"
Before she finished, Chloe rustled out the note. Its scrawl was familiar to Eclair too.
[Don't eat these instead of meals. Both could get you scolded.]
"Sis~ There's more on the back."
Flipping it revealed writing pressed firmly, as if carefully penned for her.
[I miss you.]
Chloe let out a squeal of girlish delight, hiding her gray hair like a curtain over her face.
Not even the recipient, but watching from the side made Chloe's heart tickle, her face burning.
Such romance in the dry Empire... Who'd think she'd witness it for real, not in novels or plays.
"..."
Eclair grasped the situation instantly, her face flushing bright red like an infection from Chloe.