Let’s Make Saving a Habit - Chapter 69

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

Chapter 69
The Duke’s Mansion had grown bustling of late.
Everyone was being secretive about it, but I could roughly guess the reason.
My birthday, set for August 1st.
It seemed the Duke’s Residence was planning to throw me a birthday party.
At first, the thought of a party held just for me had filled me with excitement.
But that sentiment had been abandoned within a single day.
Everyone I encountered kept asking what I liked or whether there was anything I needed.
Yes, even now….
During tea time with Duchess Papiope after a long while, she asked me with a subtle expression.
“Tania, is there anything you’d like to have? Something you enjoy….”
“Of course there is.”
What I wanted was Father, and what I liked was Aiden.
But unable to answer Duchess Papiope honestly, I thoughtlessly mentioned something others might desire.
“A newly constructed building in the heart of the Capital. I’d prefer it to be purchased entirely in cash without any debt.”
…As soon as the words left my mouth, regret came flooding in.
It would have been better to simply say I wished Father were here.
Where could one find a seven-year-old wanting a building, worn down as they were?
I should never have attached conditions like being in the Capital’s prime location or being purchased debt-free in cash.
Living without pretending to be a child had made me forget at times that my body was only seven years old.
“…That is, someone instructed me to say this if asked what I’d like to have.”
Whether my hasty excuse worked or not, Duchess Papiope’s expression shifted, and one of her eyebrows arched quizzically.
“Who?”
“Grandfather.”
Without hesitation, I betrayed Grandfather and smiled innocently.
Duchess Papiope seemed to think Grandfather would indeed say such a thing, so she sighed softly and asked again.
“Don’t be swayed by what others say—what do you truly want?”
“Hmm….”
This was terribly difficult.
If there were something I wanted, I would have obtained it long ago with my own abilities.
After pondering for a long while, I decided to answer honestly.
“Duchess Papiope, I’m so satisfied with my life right now that there’s nothing more I could ask for. Truly.”
I simply wished for this peace to continue.
“The greatest gift for me is you and the rest of the family.”
“Tania….”
Duchess Papiope’s eyes grew misty. She seemed deeply moved.
But my sincerity didn’t end there.
“If you’re asking because of a birthday gift, all the more so. I’ve lived without birthdays anyway, so….”
It wasn’t even my real birthday.
Having said that, I sprang from my seat, wondering what Duchess Papiope would say.
“Then I’ll consider the matter settled and take my leave!”

✦ ✦ ✦
My first August 1st birthday arrived swiftly, with only a few days remaining.
From dawn, thick sheets of rain had drenched the earth.
Water droplets fell upon trees and leaves, shattering delicately as they caught the sunlight and gleamed beautifully.
The oppressive heat had begun to break, and a subtle earthy fragrance drifted through the air.
Awakened earlier than usual by the sound of rain, I felt a pang of guilt watching the servants moving busily outside my window.
I knew they were making hurried preparations because of my birthday.
“Of all times, the rain had to come and make their work harder. I feel terrible about it.”
Yet contrary to my concerns, not a trace of irritation crossed the servants’ faces.
If anything, they seemed more spirited than usual.
Why was that?
They’d been working diligently since dawn, and now the rain had come on top of it all.
No matter how much I pondered it, I couldn’t fathom the reason. I’d been observing the servants for some time now.
As it seemed time to rise, a soft knock sounded before Lena, the maid, entered the room.
Upon spotting me leaning against the window, she broke into a radiant smile.
“You’re up early today! I find that on special days, my eyes seem to open of their own accord.”
In truth, I’d awakened because of the rain, but I smiled sheepishly and nodded in agreement with her words.
“You’re right, I was too excited to sleep.”
“Hehe, then I must be the first to wish you well today! Miss, happy birthday!”
“Thank you, I appreciate it.”
I scratched my cheek awkwardly as I replied.
It had been so long since I’d received birthday wishes that the moment felt strange and unfamiliar.
“Oh! We don’t have time for this. Since today is special, we must make you look absolutely beautiful!”
“Of course, I’m in your hands.”
With the promise of being made beautiful for such a special day, I had no objections.
Besides, I would need to feign surprise at the surprise birthday party later in front of everyone.
“Excellent! I shall make you the most adorable child in the entire world!”
Lena displayed an enthusiasm that bordered on excessive as she led me toward the bathing chamber.
“First, we must start with a thorough washing!”
Watching her snort with the determination of someone on a grand mission, I began to feel a twinge of regret.
…Had I made a terrible mistake?
In the end, I had indeed dug my own grave.
I’d assumed that debutante ladies invested half a day in grooming before attending galas.
But it seemed the maids assisting in my preparation had other ideas entirely.
Fortunately, the makeup was kept minimal—merely some skin preparation and light touches.
I was grateful for that, given that I was still a child.
However, when it came to selecting a dress and arranging my hair, I had to invest nearly as much time as a debutante preparing for her coming-out ball.
Yet upon seeing the final result, I finally understood why everyone invested such effort in their appearance.
“You look absolutely beautiful, miss!”
“Wow, you look like a water spirit from a fairy tale!”
I gazed at my reflection in the mirror as the maids lavished me with compliments.
My voluminous pale pink hair cascaded down my back, with intricate braids woven throughout and gathered into a bow at the nape of my neck.
The dress was an exquisite blend of blue and white fabric, intertwined in an elegant design.
Since the skirt rose slightly above my knees, the pearl-adorned small shoes were beautifully displayed, emphasizing an adorable charm.
“Oh my!”
I was striking various poses in front of the mirror when the Duchess Papiope appeared in the Powder Room—I had no idea when she’d arrived.
Our eyes met, and she let out a soft laugh before extending her hand to me.
“It’s time, so I came to fetch you. My daughter looks absolutely stunning today.”
I took her hand and tilted my head innocently, feigning ignorance.
“Time for what?”
“Your surprise birthday party.”
Wait—if you tell me beforehand, it’s not a surprise anymore.

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