Clearly impressed, Iber didn’t stumble over his words this time. He simply marveled at the handkerchief, shaking it here and there like wavy seaweed.

“This one is for Ark, this one is for Esta, and finally, this one is for Oton.”

Thinking that Oton might not have a gift since he had been saying mostly negative things to Stella, he suddenly stood up. But then, when his eyes met Stella’s, he turned his head as if nothing surprising had happened and sat back down on the bed.

“Aren’t you going to take it?”

When Stella offered the handkerchief, Oton pretended to be indifferent but approached stealthily and took the handkerchief.
“Just because I accept something like this doesn’t mean I’ll completely trust you as a human.”

“Of course.”

Oton continued to grumble until the end, but Stella saw him burst into a big smile the moment he turned away. How cute.

“Oh, by the way, Stella, we also have something to give you.”

“What is it?”

Stella, who was feeling proud watching the fairies happily receive the handkerchiefs, opened her eyes wide at the word “gift.”

Esta presented two more seed pouches. They were twice the size of the fairy carrot seed pouch given last time.

“Seeds?”

“Yeah. Try planting them.”

“What kind of seeds are these?”

“I don’t know either. Uh-huh, the great inspiration told me to give them to you. He said they’ll grow really well if Stella raises them, or something like that.”

“Really?”

Stella couldn’t say it in front of the fairies, but she sincerely thought it would be nice if they grew into crops that fetched a good price.

The seed that came out of the first pouch was elongated and jet black. At the tip of the seed, two long, thick hairs protruded like antennae.

If they hadn’t said it was a seed in advance, one might have thought it was a bug.

Feeling excited, Stella opened the second pouch. As soon as she looked inside, Stella unconsciously let out a gasp. The inside was filled with round, pearly beads.

“Do you also not know what kind of seed this is?”

“That one is spinach seeds.”

“Were spinach seeds originally this beautiful?”
“Of course, ordinary spinach seeds are brown. This is a seed filled with the blessings of the earth fairies.”

“Will it taste as good as the fairy carrots?”

“Of course.”

To Stella, the pouch filled with seeds felt as precious as a treasure chest.

“Shall we plant them tomorrow?”

“Yeah. We’ll help.”

As Ark nodded, other fairies also stepped forward, eager to assist. When the three fairies looked at Oton, who had been silent until now, he responded gruffly while fidgeting with the handkerchief.

“Just help if you want.”

As Esta, who was looking pleased as if her heart was finally satisfied, hurriedly spoke.

“Both of these seeds should be planted on cloudy days or at night. If you expose them to sunlight when they’re seeds, they’ll dry up right away. Oh, and don’t plant them on the same day.”

“Why?”

“One seed per day. That’s our rule.”

Although it was a strange and frustrating rule, Stella had no choice but to obediently nod her head.

Bryn and Daelun were going to the market for the second time today. When Stella heard that they went to the market, did business, and received their wages, Lian looked envious.

Stella thought that she should evenly distribute the opportunities for going to business to Lian.

“Princess, we’ll be back.”

Daelun politely bowed his waist like a student going to school. Bryn also energetically greeted.

Working at Verdura Castle was nice, but walking the mountain paths and exploring the market with Daelun was truly enjoyable. While he was busy working and didn’t provide proper answers to questions, Daelun, when the two of them walked together, readily responded.

“Oh, by the way, would you mind buying some seeds or seedlings at the market on the way back?”

“What should I buy?”

“Hmm, something good to plant these days. Ask around at the market and bring back something suitable.”

“Yes, I understand.”

Daelun wanted to ask more questions, but thinking that the princess wouldn’t know much about seeds, he quickly concluded the conversation. There were quite a few things to do in the morning, and the departure was delayed, making him feel rushed.

“Today, I’ll bring three bundles of carrots to sell.”

Daelun, who brought two bundles and sold them in an instant, had gained some confidence. If he could sell three bundles today, he planned to bring four bundles tomorrow.

“Yeah, please do.”

Stella watched the two departing figures and thought they looked like a newlywed couple. Come to think of it, the two of them were quite a well-matched pair. Daelun, despite appearing gruff, took good care of things meticulously, while Bryn, though initially reserved, became affectionate when familiar and was diligent. Despite a considerable height difference, it seemed to enhance their attraction to each other.
Stella, who silently stared at the two departing figures, briefly pondered whether such a day would come for her as well. However, she quickly shook off those vague thoughts. Now was not the time for such idle concerns.

There was indeed a lot to do today.

“Mila, the classes were canceled today, right?”

“Yes, I heard that the teacher is unwell and won’t be coming.”

“Then there’s no separate schedule, is there?”