TNBTW | Episode 13

From the day she awakened in this world as Edith, she had possessed a peculiar ability: the power to assess the condition of children.

If Edith had met the child personally and seen them with her own eyes, their name would inevitably appear in her “treasure chest.”

Initially, the information displayed was usually limited to the child’s mood or basic state. However, as Edith acquired more details, the entries would be updated accordingly. At times, the treasure chest even offered glimpses into aspects of the child she had yet to discover.

‘That’s how I knew Lude resembled Jace.’

In her past life, Edith had worked at a children’s center, meticulously recording consultation logs. The treasure chest’s interface bore a striking resemblance to those records.

At first, she felt a faint sense of dissatisfaction. ‘Other people wake up in these worlds with the power to see the future or something….’ But over time, that complaint faded.

‘At least I don’t have to write anything down myself—it’s so convenient!’

Nodding with newfound appreciation, Edith tapped on Vivianne’s name with her fingertip. A golden ripple spread across the screen before detailed information appeared.

 

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

[❤️ Golden Child Treasure Chest ❤️ – Consultation Log]

Name: Vivianne Valesia
Age: 11 years old

Likes: ???
Dislikes: ???

Personality: ???

Family and Relationships:

– Gloria Dixon Valesia (Mother): Duchess of Valesia

– Gail Tryster Valesia (Father): Duke of Valesia

Family Dynamics:

– Financially affluent.

Household Issues & Needs

– Tired of her mother’s hysterical tendencies.

– Lacks a proper adult figure to act as a guardian.

– ???

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

 

The situation with the young duchess was, in many ways, a complete disaster. Though much remained undisclosed, even what little was revealed painted a grim picture.

Her overall circumstances were so poor that Edith felt a strong urge to step in and provide care.

The sole saving grace was that Vivianne, as a duke’s daughter, enjoyed financial stability—but that was the only positive aspect of her precarious life.

‘There’s probably nothing I can do to help.’

Though the thought left her heavy-hearted, Edith reminded herself that she wasn’t Vivianne’s governess or caretaker.

 

‘Why did you act that way?’

‘Pardon?’

‘You were about to intervene, weren’t you? Or am I mistaken?’

 

Perhaps it was the memory of that exchange that haunted her. Edith recalled the Duke’s perplexed gaze, as if he were trying to understand someone utterly alien to him. In his eyes, she must have seemed like an enigma.

 

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

[❤️ Golden Child Treasure Chest ❤️]

???

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

 

Trying to clear her gloomy thoughts, Edith noticed something peculiar below Vivianne’s name—a question mark in gray where a name should have been. She tapped on it, but nothing happened.

‘This is the first time something like this has happened.’

Wondering if the ability was malfunctioning, she tested other features, which worked perfectly. Even as she puzzled over it, the meaning of the mysterious question mark eluded her up until she finished her bath.

 

***

 

Peace.

If Edith were to describe her recent days in a single word, it would undoubtedly be ‘peace.’ Perhaps she might even add ‘leisure’ to the list.

“Today, we’ve received some excellent ingredients, so I’ve prepared a salmon and scallop tartare as an appetizer. If you enjoy it with the surrounding sauce, you’ll find the flavor delightfully refreshing.”

When the chef finished his explanation, Edith took a neatly cut piece of tartare and popped it into her mouth. The chef watched her with expectant eyes.

“It’s delicious! The salmon is tender, and the crispiness of the croutons complements it perfectly!”

“As expected! I knew Lady Edith would appreciate it!”

The chef’s face lit up with joy at her praise.

Excitedly, he began describing the next dish he had prepared. Each was a masterpiece of flavor, crafted with only the freshest ingredients.

‘This is wonderful, it really is, but….’

Even the unfamiliar sensation of her palate becoming more refined was something Edith was beginning to grow accustomed to.

Gone was the Edith of the past, who rose at dawn to prepare for the day. With no children currently under her care, there were no lesson plans to draft or schedules to adjust. 

She now spent her days in unprecedented leisure, indulging in delectable meals prepared by others and enjoying the attentions of dedicated attendants.

It was, by all accounts, an extravagant existence.

And yet—

‘Is it really okay for me to live like this?’

—this newfound lifestyle left her deeply unsettled.

They say that those who have experienced idleness know how to embrace it, but unfortunately, Edith belonged to the category of those who had never known how to rest.

What had started as a brief vacation was now nearing a full week, and the unfamiliar idleness was beginning to weigh on her. She had never before lived such an unhurried life.

‘Even the outside world feels too quiet….’

The lack of any significant news in the papers—a stillness she had initially welcomed—now only added to her unease.

Edith began to seriously wonder if her existence had been overshadowed by the Duke’s overwhelming presence. It seemed a plausible explanation.

“And finally, today’s main dish is butterred cod, served with roasted potatoes….”

“That’s enough explaining. At this rate, I can’t tell if I’m going to eat with my mouth or my ears.”

Lost in her musings, Edith was startled by the gentle voice that interrupted the chef’s enthusiastic explanation. She looked up.

“Oh, Steward Bill! I got carried away again, didn’t I?”

“Anyone who has tasted your cooking knows your skill well enough, no need for such an effort.”

As always, Bill, the steward, smiled warmly as he gently chided the chef, who scratched his head sheepishly before leaving the dining hall.

“The chef got a bit carried away. I’ll ensure he’s more mindful during Lady Edith’s meals in the future.”

“No, really, it wasn’t a bother at all. Eating alone can get dull, so it was nice to have something to listen to.”

Edith quickly shook her head, worried the chef might face further reprimand. She genuinely hadn’t minded—it had even made her meal more enjoyable.

Still, she glanced subtly at the steward. Perhaps the Duke had come with him? But, as expected, no one else followed.

‘When will the Duke finally return home?’

Today was a holiday, after all! Edith stifled a sigh.

It had now been a full week since she had last encountered Duke Devion.

She had questions to ask, matters to discuss, yet the person she needed remained elusive.

Though hesitant to trouble someone so busy, Edith resolved to seek him out soon.

‘I’ll just have to ask!’

It was at that moment that Bill spoke again.

“The chef was thrilled to see you enjoying his food, Lady Edith. He hasn’t had many opportunities to showcase his skills recently, so we’re grateful for your kindness.”

“Opportunities? Does the Duke not dine at the estate?”

“His Grace usually takes his meals in his study at the Ministry of Magic.”

That explains it! Edith had a sudden realization.

No wonder the chef seemed overly diligent and easily moved by her praise—he hadn’t had the chance to showcase his talent in quite some time.

“But today is a holiday. Is he at the palace even now?”

“He does not distinguish his work by the day of the week.”

“How… relentless….”

A pang of sympathy struck Edith’s heart. Just how busy must the Duke be to forgo proper meals at home? It seemed that, regardless of the world, working for the government was never an easy task.

“Lady Edith, do you have any plans for this afternoon?”

“No, I’m completely free.”

She felt slightly embarrassed admitting this, as though confessing to being utterly idle. But it was the truth—Edith had no plans.

“In that case, perhaps you might consider visiting the palace? Chief Secretary Vincent has expressed a desire to meet with you.”

“Sir Vincent wishes to see me?”

Hearing the name after so long gave Edith a slight jolt of surprise, though she quickly composed herself. Considering the marriage arrangements, it wasn’t unusual for him to summon her.

“Yes. He mentioned he would like to speak with both of you before the wedding ceremony. If you’re agreeable, I’ll have a carriage prepared.”

“Alright, I’ll go.”

With matters to discuss and questions to ask, Edith readily nodded. It seemed the perfect opportunity to finally address them.