Let’s Make Saving a Habit - Chapter 116
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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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Chapter 116
As the hot air balloon burst and I descended cradled in Elysion’s arms, I gazed with satisfaction at the spectacle I had created.
I had released the butterflies as far as possible to prevent any unforeseen accidents.
Though I worried this might diminish the promotional effect….
Either way, once they caught the butterflies, they would return to the Department Store to spend their money.
People chased after the butterflies as if enchanted, rushing forward in a frenzy.
Of course, among them were those blinded by the prospect of free money, shoving others aside without restraint.
“Get out of the way!”
Having anticipated the crowd, I had stationed Papiope knights beforehand, and the situation was quickly brought under control.
“You there! Do not push people!”
“I-I’m sorry….”
After several dozen minutes, fortunately, most had dispersed without anyone being seriously injured.
Releasing the butterflies in all directions rather than just one helped considerably.
In fact, those chasing the butterflies had the unintended effect of keeping the interior of the Department Store from becoming dangerously overcrowded.
I was surveying the area for any remaining problems when it happened.
“Butterfly, stop right there!”
A yellow butterfly that a young girl had been chasing landed on my hand.
“Oh….”
The girl froze, uncertain what to do.
Her trembling eyes looked as though they might burst into tears at any moment.
I smiled warmly and placed the butterfly in the child’s hand.
“Here. Go buy yourself a pretty dress.”
With tears glistening in her eyes, the girl beamed and clutched the butterfly tenderly to her chest.
“Thank you, pretty sister!”
After bowing politely, the girl dashed toward her parents, then suddenly spun around as if remembering something.
“Oh! And… sister, you look just like a water fairy! You match so well with your handsome boyfriend!”
Having said everything she wanted, the girl scampered away.
I chuckled and gently poked Elysion’s side.
“Did you hear that? Even children think we look like a couple.”
“Hmm.”
Elysion, who had been watching the girl’s retreating figure intently, flicked his finger lightly.
Snap—!
And just like that, the yellow paper butterfly the girl had been proudly showing her parents transformed into blue.
Wondering if I had misread it, I glanced at Elysion and found his lips curled up to his ears in a grin.
“The child has a discerning eye.”
“Well done.”
I’m not sure why he was taking credit with someone else’s money.
Watching the girl bounce around with wide eyes, delighted beyond measure, lifted my spirits as well.
“Indeed, to wear proper clothes, one needs at least a blue butterfly.”
There seemed to be no accidents or injuries. By this measure, the event was a success.
I found myself already anticipating tomorrow as I imagined the various newspapers buzzing about Bilbergia.
✦ ✦ ✦
I remained at the Department Store until its closing time, and only after watching the doors safely shut did I return to the Papiope Town House.
Elysion had accompanied me home, but….
He looked so elegant in his attire that I found myself reluctant to part ways, so I made a casual suggestion.
“Sion, shall we have a light glass of wine? To celebrate the successful opening.”
“Sounds good. I know a place with wonderful atmosphere.”
I tilted my head questioningly.
I had been thinking of having a drink simply in my room.
Of course, a lively tavern with cheerful chatter would still be operating at night, but….
Whether a more intimate establishment favored by couples would still be open remained uncertain.
“Is there somewhere that operates this late at night?”
“Yes. It’s always open. Wait a moment—I’ll teleport us there.”
Elysion flashed a playful grin before moving behind me and covering my eyes.
Though he covered them with only one hand, his palm was so large that both my eyes were completely obscured.
I had known there was a significant height difference between us, but I never realized our hand sizes differed so dramatically.
It suddenly struck me anew that he was a man.
“Ready to go?”
Snap—!
As his fingers snapped, light seeped through the gaps between the fingers covering my eyes, as if a magic circle had materialized.
The chill suggested we were outside, but where exactly had we arrived….
“Surprise!”
When Elysion lowered his hand from my eyes, the sight that greeted me was a familiar garden landscape.
As expected.
We had arrived at the Papiope Duke’s Garden—more precisely, the Greenhouse built in the center of the garden.
A laugh escaped me.
“What, it was right nearby. We could have just walked.”
His face was brimming with mischief.
But the atmosphere was lovely, and since it was a place I adored, it was not a bad choice at all.
“It’s a bit chilly out there. Let’s go inside quickly.”
I took his hand and led him into the Greenhouse.
The Greenhouse, where we had sought refuge from the cold air outside, was indeed noticeably warmer than the exterior.
When I activated the magical lights, the dark space brightened brilliantly, and lush green plants welcomed us.
Within the garden’s Greenhouse, I continued to breed and cultivate the blue morpho butterflies I had received from Lucian on my first birthday.
Unfortunately, since it was night, they had hidden away in various places and were not visible.
Still, the space possessed an undeniable charm—ornate patterns carved between white pillars and climbing vines that had grown using those pillars as support.
“Oh, look! A full moon!”
I hadn’t noticed it while outside, but now that I was inside, the full moon hung majestically in the night sky, clearly visible.
It was beautiful.
At that moment, Elysion spoke the same words as if he had read my heart.
“You’re beautiful.”
“Right? I didn’t know the full moon would rise tonight. It’s so beautiful….”
Delighted, I turned my head sharply to look at Elysion, only to find him gazing not at the full moon, but at me.
Flustered and unable to finish my sentence, I could only blink as Elysion’s eyes curved into crescents with a smile.
“You’re beautiful.”
My face flushed hotly at his bashful words.
Having spent so long as his friend, I had no immunity to such things.
Unable to trust myself to meet his gaze, I lowered my head and spoke softly.
“You’re beautiful too.”
Though his features were distinctly masculine, “beautiful” suited him far better than “handsome.”
As the atmosphere grew awkward, I glanced around and changed the subject.
“The ambiance is lovely, but it’s a shame the butterflies are diurnal and won’t appear at night.”
“Why feel disappointed? I’m here.”
Elysion stepped beside me, his voice tinged with laughter.
“Tania, hold out your hands for a moment.”
He seemed intent on casting magic for me.
With childlike anticipation, I carefully extended both hands together, and he placed his hand above mine in the empty space.
In that instant, blue light erupted as water materialized from nowhere, swirling in a perfect circle.
Within the circle drawn by water, a blue morpho butterfly fluttered as if about to take flight at any moment.
The moment I gasped with delight, magical formations appeared simultaneously all around, and butterflies emerged everywhere.
It was a dreamlike landscape, almost impossible to believe was real.
I was completely entranced, admiring the spectacle.
Then a voice, sweet enough to make the hair on the back of my neck stand on end, whispered into my ear.
“How does it feel to be a true water spirit?”
He had remembered what the child I met during the day said—that I resembled a water spirit.
I beamed radiantly and embraced him tightly.
“Thank you. This will be a memory I’ll treasure for the rest of my life.”
Witnessing a beautiful landscape in a beloved place, alongside someone I love.
Isn’t this what happiness is?
I yearned for these small, precious joys.
When I looked up at Elysion, he met my eyes, his face flushed red with surprise at the sudden physical contact.
His long lashes cast downward, and shadows fell softly over the clear blue eyes that had gleamed so brightly.
The bewitching gaze, different from his usual demeanor, was utterly captivating.
Against my chest, I felt his heartbeat accelerating with increasing intensity.
Elysion must also feel my heart pounding so violently it seemed ready to burst.
In this moment, gazing only at each other.
I instinctively knew what I needed to do.
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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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