Chapter 349 – A Commoner’s Trial (1)

In France, a stately mansion known as the Flowerpot of Paris.

“Miss Marronnier, have you been studying since morning?”

At the words of Elata, her S-class spiritist bodyguard, Marronnier lowered the book she had been engrossed in.

What could our darling lady be learning that she ponders so deeply? Elata perused the titles of the myriad books stacked on the nearby table.

[A Comprehensive Understanding of Korean in 100 Days.]
[The Art of Correct Korean Pronunciation. Includes Audio CD.]

“Is it Korean? It’s a wonderful language to learn. But why the sudden interest in a foreign language?”

Marronnier offered no answer to the question. Instead, she clutched her dictionary tightly, protruding her lower lip in a pout.

Wrapped in a blanket up to her knees, she was immersed in her studies while receiving magical healing. The injury sustained during the Forest Keeper trials had been a heavy blow to Marronnier.

Though war clouds loomed over Europe, she couldn’t engage in rigorous activities while injured. Combined with Marronnier’s earnest request, she was granted a period of respite under the guise of recuperation.

“Did you stay up all night?”

She nodded in response.

“What on earth could have our lady so engrossed?”
“…You said not to ask such questions.”

Her words were a soft murmur, barely above a whisper.

‘How can a voice devoid of confidence be so pure and beautiful?’

Elata offered a gentle smile and sat beside Marronnier, who was lying down clutching her dictionary, her eyes warily looking up at Elata. The look was somewhat reminiscent of a wary kitten.

‘How fascinating.’

She had an urge to gently pinch her cheeks.

Would she be surprised to know that the majority of French hunters were enrolled in Marronnier’s fan club? And what if Marronnier discovered that Elata was also a member of that fan club…

The thought brought a chuckle. In present-day France, Marronnier was more renowned than any celebrity.

Even when she stretched out her legs as much as she could, they barely reached halfway across the bed. Her tiny frame was so small that it took a considerable amount of time for her to roll from one end of the bed to the other—a sight that was endearing. Nevertheless, her youthful face, fair skin, mysterious blue eyes, and hair color were enough to set the hearts of French women ablaze.

“You may share your concerns, you know?”
“…You aren’t treating me like a child, are you?”

Marronnier, a look of discontent on her face, leaned towards the window. Her delicate nape was visible, framed by her hair, braided on one side.

At first glance, she might seem aloof, but Marronnier was not so stubborn. Elata, with the wisdom of countless simulations of Marronnier, foresaw this. She patiently remained seated, biding her time.

“…Actually.”

Fortune comes to those who wait. How fortunate it is to be able to make a good impression.

Marronnier carefully turned her gaze upon Elata.

“…Promise me you won’t speak of this to others.”
“Absolutely~ If it’s a request from you, miss, I should oblige.”
“Really? Elata.”

Depending on the issue at hand, the response may vary. But for now, she gives an affirmative.

“Yes~”

Though it’s uncomfortable, Marronnier, having no other option, brings her hand to her lips. In no time, she whispers to Elata.

“Elata, umm. That is.”
“Yes? What is it?”
“Do you know how to apply makeup?”

Ah, so this young lady, after all her contemplation, desired to appear somewhat more mature!

A joyous smile blossomed on Elata’s lips.

“Wow~ Really? Why, why, why?”
“Well, umm. When I went for the selection… there were quite a few comments regarding my appearance.”

Marronnier subtly averted her eyes. Observing her typical behavior when she’s being untruthful, Elata momentarily tilted her head.

“Comments regarding your appearance?”
“Won’t I appear too childish? So, umm…”

Her cheeks flush. She plays with her fingers, continually avoiding eye contact.

Something.

“So, you wish to appear more mature?”
“Yes.”

Strange, isn’t it?
Elata glanced at the books lying on the table. Every single one of them was about Korean. She even brought speakers solely for CDs to practice her pronunciation.

‘If it’s just about learning a language… a few hours should suffice.’

Correcting pronunciation to sound similar to the natives is a matter of time. Her intellect is extraordinary, recognized across the globe. If it’s just about mastering a language, she could learn it quickly.

Yet, Marronnier, from the time of the forest guardian selection until now, has been fixated only on Korean for several weeks. Did she value Korean to such an extent, or was she fascinated by the knowledge it granted? Or perhaps, she wanted to converse with someone…

‘…!’

In Elata’s mind, Marronnier’s figure from this morning, secretly making a call, flashed.

She waited until Elata left for the bathroom, tightly clutching her cell phone in her hand, and then, like a stealthy feline, made her call. It wasn’t the first time. She was always cautious when contacting her friends.

But to be concerned about her makeup…

‘Has she fallen for someone?’

Such poor timing.

‘To experience first love now, when a war between nations might be imminent.’

National trees in love? What does it matter now? Those who are meant to will surely find their way, clandestinely.

Born with world-class beauty, owing to the darkest blood of the World Tree, it’s impossible for the men around her to remain indifferent. However, Marronnier has always maintained her integrity amidst the relentless pursuit of countless men.

There’s only one reason.
Adhering to the antiquated rule that national trees mustn’t engage in romantic relationships. Her innocence has always played a role in expanding her fandom.

“Who in the world are you?”

Even if it breaches decorum, there’s a fleeting desire to behold that face just once.

“Elata… Will it be difficult?”

At the sound of Marronnier’s downcast voice, Elata’s heart melted away like ice left under the summer sun.

“Hehe~ I must enlighten you. It’s a request from the lady, after all.”

What’s the big deal about love? As a fervent admirer, Elata yearned to witness Marronnier in the throes of love, and so it happened. To enhance the allure this maiden radiated towards men, Elata confidently rolled up her sleeves and declared,

“Entrust it to me.”

* * * * * * * *

“Why didn’t you take my call?”

“I had company, and I was in the midst of treatment.”

“Was it so serious that you couldn’t even spare a moment?”

Despite the blatant disappointment, it was unavoidable given the previously unkept promise. To fulfill Marronnier’s deep-seated desire for a commoner’s experience, I had arrived in Paris, France, early in the morning.

【The World Tree of Purity frolics and smiles】

“Tsk.”

Unintentionally dressed from head to toe.

I had planned to saunter out casually as I used to. However, Azalea, who intercepted me halfway, insisted I wear the clothes she had been collecting piece by piece over the years.

Adorning clothes I usually avoided for their discomfort, a subtle unease crept over me. I barely remembered the name of this attire.

“You can’t be heard saying you’re inadequately dressed.”

Is my taste that peculiar? Upon asking, I received an ambiguous response, accompanied by an awkward smile. She laughed, saying my taste had been odd since our first encounter. I had no retort for her beaming face.

【The World Tree of Purity expresses her admiration!】

Despite the long-absent lady’s ramblings, what did it matter? As I consulted the map and entered our meeting spot, a young maiden was perched by the lake in front of the expansive plaza.

She caught my attention even from a distance.

Despite the thronging crowd, she stood out, drawing the gazes of many, even with her hat pulled down to obscure her face.

“Ah!”

Upon seeing me, her first reaction wasn’t to call my name, but a radiant smile. Blanche, rising from the bench, her hat swaying, and droplets from the fountain reflecting light.

Her long-brimmed hat paired with a dress revealing her knees and thighs. The pristine white shoes encasing her delicate feet seemed to mirror Marronnier’s sentiments.

From head to toe, a confluence of blue and white. Marronnier, beaming at my sight, sprung up and ambled towards me.

“Have you been waiting long?”

“Just a bit…”

Her response carried a hint of mischief, yet the smile never left her face. I chuckled and bent my knees to meet her at eye level.

I could see a slight change in Marronnier’s visage.

“You’ve applied makeup?”
“…How did you discern that?”

Seemingly taken aback by the immediate recognition, she widened her eyes in astonishment. The faint scent of powder was detectable, and she had even adorned herself with an adult-like perfume. How could I not have noticed?

Yet, it appeared her makeup skills were not quite proficient. I extracted a handkerchief and gently dabbed the side of Marronnier’s lips.

“You’ve smudged quite a bit.”
“…”
“Weren’t you aware?”

A pink tint slightly peeking out beyond the contours of her lips. There were numerous areas conspicuously overpainted, not just here.

Having spent time with Se-Young and after a few encounters with Byul, I had learned a thing or two about makeup. Judging by her early arrival, it didn’t seem like she had messed up her makeup in a rush. Perhaps it was her initial attempt at it.

Upon having her blunder pointed out, Marronnier’s cheeks blushed a tantalizing red, akin to freshly plucked apples.

“…”
“Is this your first attempt?”

Unable to lie, she donned her hat and gave a slight nod. She wasn’t my sister by blood, but she seemed akin to a doting younger cousin. A contented smile graced my lips.

I looked around our surroundings, having straightened my knees. Luxurious mansions lined the vicinity, reflecting Marronnier’s aspiration for a commoner’s life. When I first arrived in this parallel world, I lived in a studio apartment. I wanted to show her that place, but the opulence of this area was somewhat overwhelming.

“I just wanted to wander here, why is it so resplendent?”
“Resplendent? Oh, not really. For such places, we need to venture further from here.”

As I realized, we were conversing effortlessly in Korean. Her pronunciation was significantly more stable than before, allowing for seamless communication.

“You could have used a translator.”
“I wanted to converse directly in my own voice. Is it…odd?”

Rather, it was pleasant. I knew she was intelligent, but her determination was commendable. As I grinned, looking around, Marronnier, seemingly conscious of my gaze, cautiously inquired.

“So… shall we wander here?”

Playing in such an aristocratic city of high caliber, it seemed challenging to grasp what Marronnier desired.

“You should do as you wish. I’m here to accommodate your requests. As for me, anywhere is fine. Do you wish to go to Korea?”

She timidly nodded in response to my question.

That settled it. We ventured into a secluded alley, invoked magic, and set our course for Korea. What Marronnier sought was a glimpse into everyday life — not luxurious restaurants or similar establishments, but commonplace locations where individuals like me frequented for school or leisure.

And so, we arrived.

“Oh my, what brings such a beautiful maiden here? Are you studying abroad?”

A cordial snack bar, a rare sight these days. As soon as we stepped in, a friendly older woman struck up a conversation as if we were familiar acquaintances.

A nostalgic place, where for a mere 500 won, five rice cakes with generous seasoning were served in a small paper cup.

“…Studying abroad? Ah, no, I’m just visiting.”
“Really? You’re lovely. Come, sit. I’ll serve you plenty.”

Blinking repeatedly, the flustered cat gazes at me as if seeking support.
Has it never experienced such familiarity without a proper introduction?

I’ve settled at a reasonably secluded spot, ordering a modest selection of dishes.
Primarily, they were all dishes that received praise from Sansuyu and Cheondo.

“…Tteokbokki.”
“Do you remember?”

This place does it better than I ever did.
A nostalgic flavor that can’t be achieved with a solitary student’s culinary knowledge.

“When I was strapped for cash back in the day, I’d buy junk food from a stationery store.”
“Junk food?”
“Yes, it’s where we’re heading in a bit. It’s unhealthy food made by stuffing in lots of cheap and stimulating ingredients.”
“Aha…”
“So, when I occasionally feel like indulging, that’s when I visit places like this.”

A mix of spiciness and sweetness. The rice cakes, swollen from being simmered for an extended period on an iron plate.
A taste you won’t find in any franchise. Honestly, it’s much more delicious.

Marronnier’s white dress?

I pay it no mind. Marronnier, who had dabbed a piece of rice cake on her cheek, lightly smearing sauce, started moving her mouth.

“…”

– Munch, munch.

She pauses her chewing, a slight frown suggests the spiciness. But soon, she manages her expression, looking at me and offering a soft smile.

– Gulp.

Marronnier, who quickly swallows, sticks out her parched tongue in search of water.
As I fill a paper cup with water, I ask her,

“How is it?”
“…It’s strange, but I think it’s tasty.”

The point was the tears welling up at the corners of her eyes.

“But… it’s spicy.”