A Fortune-telling Princess - Chapter 215

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Watching the composed Jainer, Dorman found himself flustered once more. After clearing his throat several times, he continued with what he considered appropriate gravity.
“People often say that in Hell, souls are cast into pits of fire. But it’s far worse than that. Whatever you imagine, reality surpasses it. It’s a place that truly demonstrates what it means for a soul to be devoured.”
“My soul has already been consumed through countless cycles of life. There’s nothing left to devour.”
“Well, yes, that’s… ahahaha…”
Dorman’s smile grew even more strained.
“Ahem, in any case, Hell is no trivial place. That’s why I’d like to propose something new.”
“What is it?”
“What if you became a Reaper after death?”
“A Reaper?”
For the first time, genuine interest flickered across Jainer’s face.
“Of course, it’s no easy position. Guiding the dead is far from simple work. But I assure you, it’s far preferable to Hell.”
“Hmm.”
“I can confidently say this is the maximum compensation I can offer you right now.”
With those words, Dorman fell silent and waited patiently for Jainer’s response.
After a moment of contemplation, the corners of Jainer’s mouth lifted slightly.
“That’s actually an enticing proposal.”
“You’ve made an excellent decision!”
Dorman exhaled in relief and called out to someone.
“Habel.”
In an instant, a figure materialized from empty air. It was Reaper Habel.
“The documents.”
“Right here.”
Habel withdrew a pristine sheet of paper from his robes and handed it to Dorman.
“This is a soul contract. It states that after death, you will perform the duties of a Reaper.”
“Give me your hand.”
The moment Dorman finished speaking, Habel stepped closer to Jainer. He then unfastened an earring and drew it swiftly across Jainer’s fingertip.
“All you need to do is place your blood on the line with your name.”
Jainer immediately did as instructed. The document then rose into the air and burst into flames in an instant.
“Then I’ll see you after death.”
With those words, Habel’s business was concluded, and he vanished from the spot—though not before offering Dorman a most respectful bow.
* * *
On the way back after parting with Dorman.
‘A Reaper, then.’
Separate from the compensation I’d received, any resentment toward Dorman had long since faded.
I already knew that my entanglement in that error wasn’t merely Dorman’s simple mistake—it had been done to save Camilla.
‘Not a bad outcome.’
I’d even secured employment after death.
With a soft chuckle, I stroked Daive’s head once more.
“Should we visit Camilla when the break comes?”
“Really?”
“Yeah, Camilla would be happy if you came too.”
“I’d love that!”
At Jainer’s words, Daive broke into a brighter smile than usual.
“When does the break start?”
It was then that Duke Escra quietly inserted himself into the conversation between the two.
“Why do you ask?”
“Because I need to handle all urgent matters before then.”
“…Father, you’re coming with us too?”
Seeing the bewildered looks on both their faces, Duke Escra’s brow furrowed sharply.
“Camilla said I need to be by Daive’s side for at least three hours a day. So there’s no helping it, is there? I have to go along.”
Jainer and Daive, who had worn dumbfounded expressions for a moment, soon broke into silent laughter.
Regardless, Duke Escra accelerated his work on the documents. He needed to finish as quickly as possible if he was to catch up with them.
A faint smile spread across the faces of the two as they watched Duke Escra.
Side story. A Soul’s Memory
“My goodness! How can a child be so beautiful?”
“And so well-behaved too.”
“Beautiful indeed. Look at those green eyes. They’re like jewels.”
These were words I’d heard from people ever since I could remember.
“Our Kenny has everything going for him, but he’s just so shy.”
I felt like I’d heard Mother say that dozens of times already.
“Reading books all day like that….”
“Our child doesn’t read enough books, which is the real problem, you know?”
“He takes after his father—he’ll make a fine businessman someday.”
Mother and Father worried about me. I didn’t get along well with other children, and I spent every day at home reading books.
“Kenny, are you looking at that wolf picture again?”
“Yes.”
Today too, I picked up the fairy tale book with the wolf drawn on it first from all the books in the Bookstore.
“Why do you like wolves so much, Kenny?”
“Um… I don’t know. I just do.”
Whenever I look at wolves, my left chest tingles strangely. It feels like I might cry for no reason….
“This book depicts Shinsu.”
“Shinsu?”
“Yes, the Shinsu of House Sephira is a black wolf.”
At Mother’s explanation, I looked at the book again. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the large black wolf for some reason.
“Oh my… Kenny, are you crying?”
“…What?”
Only after hearing Mother’s startled voice did I realize I was crying.
I raised my hand to touch my eyes, and sure enough, tears were flowing.
“Kenny, are you alright?”
Mother bent her knees slightly to meet my eyes. Seeing Mother’s worried gaze, I found myself crying even harder.
“I don’t know. It’s just… I’m just sad.”
Mother kept touching my forehead, continuously checking if anything hurt.
I shouldn’t worry Mother like this. It’s not good for the baby inside me.
“Mother, I’m fine.”
“You’re not hurt anywhere?”
“No.”
“Should we buy this book?”
“Yes!”
As if I hadn’t just been crying, I broke into a bright smile, and Mother chuckled softly while stroking my head.
“Then Mother will go pay for this.”
I nodded.
Watching Mother head toward the counter, I examined the book again. Books smell wonderful just from inhaling their scent.
“…Huh?”
Then, without realizing it, my entire body went rigid.
‘That person….’
Someone not far away, looking at a book.
‘Why….’
Why am I crying again? My chest hurts too.
‘That person….’
I’m certain I’ve seen them somewhere before. Those crimson eyes… why do they feel so familiar?
Without thinking, I approached that person.
* * *
“I should buy this for Rio.”
Camilla, who had stopped by the Bookstore alone for once, was selecting a book for Rio, who had just turned nine.
The boy had been intelligent since childhood, and he seemed to grow more clever with each passing year.
Tug.
“Hm?”
Something tugged at the hem of my clothes.
When I turned my head, a child who appeared to be around four or five years old was staring at me intently.
‘Wow.’
Why is this child so beautiful?
Rio and Daive are pretty too, but this one is on an entirely different level.
“What is it, little one?”
“….”
“…? Who did you come with?”
“…candy.”
“Hm?”
“Candy.”
“…Candy?”
I nodded.
…What is this? This child? Is he asking me for candy right now?
“Hehe.”
Camilla burst into laughter without realizing it.
“How did you know? I always carry candy with me.”
“….”
“Here, have this.”
Camilla pulled a piece of candy from her small bag and held it out to the child.
But the child gently shook his head. Then he simply opened his mouth slightly.
Could it be he doesn’t know how to unwrap candy yet? Camilla tilted her head for a moment, then unwrapped the candy and held it out to him.
Whoosh.
Only then did the child reach out and take the candy. Then he looked at her again in silence.
As Camilla stared into the child’s green eyes, she felt something strange stirring within her.
“You….”
“Kenny.”
At that moment, someone called out the child’s name and approached.
“What are you doing here? And what’s that candy in your mouth?”
A woman who appeared to be his mother looked between the two of them with a somewhat flustered expression.
“The child asked me for candy.”
“Oh my, I’m so sorry. Kenny, you shouldn’t bother the young lady like that.”
I’m truly sorry.
The woman, who kept bowing apologetically, looked at the child with a curious gaze. He was shy and never approached strangers on his own….
Bowing lightly once more, the woman quickly led the child away from the spot.
“Kenny, did you suddenly want candy? But why did you ask that lady for it?”
“Mom.”
“Yes?”
“Me too.”
“That’s right.”
“I’m going to be a good older brother too.”
At the child’s sudden words, the woman’s eyes widened for a moment before she burst into soft laughter.
Then she bent down slightly and held the child tightly in her embrace.
“Your little brother or sister will be so happy. But Kenny—”
“Yes.”
“Even after your sibling is born, you know that you’re Mom and Dad’s greatest treasure first, right?”
At her words, a smile bloomed across the child’s face. He nodded vigorously and grasped the hand his mother offered.
“But why ‘too’? Do you know an older brother?”
At her question, the child smiled silently and turned his head to look at Camilla.
“….”
Camilla, too, could not tear her eyes away from the child.
What was this? This wistful feeling?
‘Thank you, sister.’
The child whose eyes met mine broke into a radiant smile. Then, moving their lips silently, they offered a wordless greeting.
Without thinking, I found myself waving back at the child.
I stood there in a daze, watching until the child disappeared completely from view.
“Camilla.”
Arsian had arrived without my noticing, his hand settling gently on my shoulder.
“Did you finish picking out your books?”
“Huh? Oh….”
Had so much time already passed?
Realizing that the time I’d arranged to meet Arsian had already slipped away, I quickly gathered the books I’d selected.
But my gaze drifted once more toward the place where the child had vanished.
“Arsian.”
“Mm?”
“Sier must have found happiness.”
“…Where did that come from all of a sudden?”
At my abrupt words, Arsian regarded me with confusion. Only then did I turn to face him, my expression playful with laughter.
“So you should find happiness too.”
“I’m happy as long as I have you.”
At Arsian’s answer, spoken without a moment’s hesitation, my smile deepened.
“Rio will be waiting. Let’s go quickly.”
“Yes.”
Arsian extended his hand to me. I took it firmly, a faint smile gracing my lips.
Just before we took our first step, my gaze turned backward.
Following the figure of the child who had already completely disappeared.
Sier.
“Camilla?”
“Yes. Let’s go.”
Be happy. Or rather….
Let us be happy.
As I walked forward with Arsian, my face bore a brighter smile than ever before.
『The Fortune-Telling Duke’s Daughter』 Side Story: End

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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