I Don't Know the Original, I'm Too Busy Trying to Make a Living-Chapter 165

“I’ll play with the knights instead! You two can go alone this time!” Sain declared brightly.

“Sain, you don’t have to act like you’re walking on eggshells around adults...” Penelope began, but Sain shook his head adamantly.

“No, really! Playing sword games with the knights, learning magic from the mages, or splashing around with the maids in the laundry room is way more fun! Actually, Lord Ahwin was right—I’d completely forgotten about you, Lady Penelope. I’m... I’m sorry...”

His voice trailed off at the end, slowing with guilt.

So that’s what he’d been up to. Sword games with the knights, learning magic from Rub and Katherin, and having water fights with the maids.

Penelope stared at him blankly, realizing he had truly dedicated himself to having fun.

She let out a quiet sigh. As much as Ahwin’s bluntness could sting, she had to admit that he didn’t make things up.

Sain really did forget about me, she thought with a bittersweet feeling.

It wasn’t shocking, surprisingly. In fact, she felt relieved that Sain had so many people in the castle he could connect with.

Come to think of it, I must seem like a strict parent to him. Of course he’d find it easier to bond with others here.

With this realization, Penelope let out a soft chuckle. As Sain’s guardian, she must have seemed like an authority figure, and yet he had still been so warm and approachable toward her. It made her feel both grateful and proud.

Sain looked at her hesitantly, clearly worried about her reaction. But Penelope smiled and ruffled his hair, mussing it playfully.

“How about we have breakfast together first?” she suggested.

“Can we really?” Sain asked, his gaze darting nervously to Ahwin instead of Penelope. Evidently, the hierarchy had already been firmly established.

Ahwin, with the air of a strict tutor, gave his approval. “Breakfast only.”

“Yes, sir!” Sain replied cheerfully.

Penelope sighed internally, amused by the whole situation.

***

Breakfast flew by in no time. Penelope, ravenous after days of skipping meals, abandoned all pretense of decorum and ate with gusto. She stayed within the bounds of good manners, but just barely.

Ahwin, noticing her hunger, tactfully refrained from commenting on her lack of elegance.

“Take care on your outing,” Sain said with a surprising air of maturity as he finished his meal. “Watch out for carriages. I read in the newspaper that carriage accidents are becoming more common.”

“...We’ll keep that in mind,” Penelope replied, suppressing a smile.

Sain gave his final piece of advice and left the drawing room with Rub and Katherin in tow. Watching him leave, Penelope realized once again how much she underestimated him.

Right, he’s twelve. He’s old enough to understand plenty.

She couldn’t help but admire how thoughtful he was, even going so far as to give her and Ahwin space for their date. She considered how to feel about his perception of their relationship but decided to let it go. What was the point in overthinking it now?

“Well then,” Ahwin said, clearing his throat as he extended his hand. “Shall we head out on our date?”

His earlobes were noticeably red again. Penelope stared at his hand for a moment before grabbing it decisively.

“This time, I’ll let it slide because it’s cute,” she teased.

“Cute? You think I’m cute?” Ahwin’s expression turned to one of mild horror. “Wait... Am I still on the same [N O V E L I G H T] level as a kitten or a puppy in your eyes?”

Penelope rolled her eyes. What an odd thing to worry about.

She set the record straight. “You’re not as cute as a kitten or a puppy, Ahwin. How could you even hope to compete with them? Honestly, you’re not even cuter than Sain, so don’t get any ideas.”

“...” Ahwin was left speechless.

Ahwin’s face was a picture of confusion, unable to tell if Penelope’s words were a compliment or a subtle jab. Such expertly veiled remarks were impossible to decipher.

Penelope decided it was time to let him in on a little secret.

“I wasn’t going to tell you this, but... I’m dating you because you’re cute.”

“...?!” Ahwin froze, swallowing hard in shock.

Unfazed by his reaction, Penelope simply tightened her grip on his hand and started walking.

“Wow... this is amazing!”

The moment they passed through the castle gates, Penelope couldn’t tear her face away from the carriage window.

From a distance, she’d already known the estate had transformed dramatically, but seeing it up close took her breath away.

The midday city streets were alive with activity, and the harmonious layout of the town rivaled even the capital or Pellar. In fact, everything looked pristine and well-coordinated, thanks to its relatively new construction. The meticulously planned avenues bore the mark of countless discussions Penelope had held with her retainers.

“See those poplar trees lining the streets? That was my idea! What do you think?” she said excitedly.

“They’re tall and sturdy,” Ahwin replied with a small smile.

“Exactly! They provide great shade in the summer, purify the air, and look fantastic aesthetically. They’re good for mental well-being too!” Penelope beamed, explaining the trees’ many benefits. These were the same points she had used to convince her retainers to agree to the plan. As long as they were properly pruned, the poplars would lend the city a graceful, elegant charm.

Every time Penelope spotted a part of the estate shaped by her vision, she eagerly pointed it out, sharing the story behind it. Ahwin listened attentively, his focus unwavering—a quality Penelope admired deeply.

I really did make the right choice dating him, she thought, feeling a fresh wave of affection for him as she squeezed his hand tightly.

When the carriage slowed, Ahwin spoke up. “Shall we walk from here?”

“Sounds good,” Penelope agreed.

They stopped at the entrance to the marketplace and stepped out, walking side by side. The streets were bustling with couples and families enjoying their outings. As always, marketplaces seemed to be universal havens for dates.

Together, they explored every corner of the marketplace—jewelry stores, leather workshops, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Each new shop filled Penelope with awe and pride.

These businesses had chosen to set up shop in Halo after Penelope and her retainers created the conditions for their success. They had taken root here, contributing to the estate’s development without hesitation.

I’ll have to focus even more on maintaining public facilities and security, Penelope resolved, gripping Ahwin’s hand with determination.

Of course, this shift in perspective had its drawbacks. What began as a casual stroll through the marketplace quickly turned into a business inspection in her mind.

Hmm, isn’t that shop a bit too big? Maybe they could downsize by half? she mused, noticing small inefficiencies.

But Penelope quickly dismissed those thoughts, remembering Laura’s scolding about her workaholic tendencies echoing in her mind.

This is a date, not a work meeting, she reminded herself firmly, determined to focus on walking with Ahwin and enjoying their time together.

“Look, there’s an ice cream shop!”

“Want to try some?” Ahwin asked.

“Yes!”

At her enthusiastic reply, Ahwin led her to the shop. They offered classic flavors: vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Penelope chose the traditional favorite, vanilla, while Ahwin opted for the rising star, chocolate.

The two found a bench shaded by the poplar trees and enjoyed their ice cream together. A cool breeze rustled through the leaves, adding to the serene and happy atmosphere. Sitting next to her boyfriend, eating ice cream—it was bliss.

Penelope glanced at Ahwin out of the corner of her eye. His lips were curled into a contented smile.

So this is the kind of date Ahwin wanted, she thought, silently chiding herself for almost ruining it by dragging Sain along earlier.

As she watched him, she became curious about the chocolate ice cream he was eating.

“Pepe, what’s wrong?” Ahwin asked, noticing her staring.

“Is your chocolate ice cream good?”

“Yeah. Want me to get you one too?”

Oh, this is where his inexperience in dating shows, Penelope thought with an inward sigh.

Without a word, she leaned forward and took a bite of his ice cream. Ahwin froze, his eyes widening in surprise.

“It’s sweet and slightly bitter—delicious,” Penelope said, savoring the chocolate flavor. She then held out her own vanilla ice cream to him. “Want to try mine?”

“...Sure.”

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Ahwin hesitated for a moment before taking a careful bite of her ice cream. The melted edges left some of it on his lips.

“You’ve got some on you,” Penelope pointed out.

“Oh? Where?”

Without waiting, Ahwin licked his lips clean in one swift motion. Penelope stared blankly, her earlier resolve crumbling.

She had been planning to wipe the ice cream off for him with her own lips.

He really doesn’t know how to read the mood, she lamented silently.

Of course, she didn’t have the courage to try again. And so, another opportunity for a kiss slipped through Ahwin’s fingers.