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The festival period of the Academy lasts for three days.

The first day is usually a day for families to enjoy the festival together.

All the nobles have free access to the Academy to enjoy the festival, so families gather to have fun.

“……”

But Charlotte had no family to come to see her.

It’s been a long time since she lost contact with her distant relatives, and her father lay bedridden due to a chronic illness.

Moreover, there was no way a family with zero money could afford a butler or servant.

Simply put, she had no one to invite.

[Charlotte’s Starlight Garden]

Thus, Charlotte decided to make money during the festival period.

She applied for a festival booth, decorated her garden, and planned to charge an entrance fee.

However, Charlotte decided to create a themed garden, not just a regular one.

Since “Glow Flowers” had received enthusiastic responses and generated a decent profit, this time she decided to make the entire garden sparkle.

“Wow! The entrance is beautiful. How much is the entrance fee?”

“Yes~ It’s fifteen thousand Orden.”

Fortunately, the response was explosive.

With her make-up on and hair down, her beauty blossomed, causing her inherent popularity to rise, and many customers began to come just by putting her name “Charlotte” up.

Above all, Charlotte was particularly popular among the lower-class male students.

Daughters of Grand Dukes like Isabella and Enya were out of reach for romance fantasies, but Charlotte seemed like someone they could woo if they tried hard enough.

As a result, many male students confessed to her, swept up in the festive atmosphere.

Charlotte was flustered by the unprecedented confession attacks she was experiencing.

“Uh… Actually, I really wanted to get close to you before… but I never had the chance to talk to you.”

“Ah… I see…”

“Uh… do you have a boyfriend yet?”

“Well, not really…”

“Then, how about you go out with me? I can treat you really well!”

That was already the third one today.

Charlotte scratched the back of her head with an embarrassed smile.

Becoming popular is nice and all, but it was also incredibly exhausting.

‘How troubled must Edgar have been?’

In the meantime, Charlotte found herself thinking of Edgar.

Edgar had been bombarded by confession attacks from countless female students.

How embarrassing must it have been to hear someone ask to date him when he had zero feelings for them?

“…Um, Charlotte?”

Just then, the male student who confessed called out to Charlotte with a worried yet hopeful expression.

Charlotte hardened her expression and gently declined.

“I’m sorry. According to Academy regulations, dating is prohibited. Besides, I… I’m not ready for a relationship yet. The situation isn’t favorable.”

Charlotte conveyed her thoughts accurately and clearly.

For a brief moment, disappointment washed over the male student’s face.

But soon, he smiled bitterly and said he understood, before returning to his friends.

As Charlotte watched him leave, she thought of Edgar again.

What would happen if she confessed to him?

‘He would probably reject me.’

The outcome would be a disastrous failure.

He would surely turn her down.

There are simply too many well-off and beautiful competitors around Edgar.

Even she herself had become so infatuated with Edgar that other male students didn’t even register on her radar; it would only be worse for someone like him who had everything.

‘I want to be like Edgar…!’

Thus, Charlotte was brimming with ambition.

To at least become someone worthy of associating with Edgar, she needed to become someone who could provide help rather than rely on him.

‘I will revive my family.’

That’s why Charlotte was thinking of reviving her family.

Romance was a matter between individuals, but marriage involved families.

To charm Edgar enough to marry him, she couldn’t show her face with such a shabby family.

At the very least, she needed to have a decent appearance befitting a count’s family.

“Ahem. You are the only daughter of the Veridian family, correct?”

“Yes.”

“The garden is beautifully done. As expected, a garden belongs to the Veridians. I would like to make a request.”

Thus, Charlotte had put up advertisements within the Starlight Garden.

She had attached signs everywhere saying she could set up a garden that would be even more beautiful at night.

“Yes! Of course! You can book a date, and we can start working right away that day.”

So, while receiving an admission fee for the Starlight Garden, Charlotte was simultaneously promoting her services.

She was indeed taking contradictory benefits by making customers pay to see her advertisements.

“Charlotte.”

At that moment.

A familiar voice tickled her ears.

It was Edgar.

“E-Edgar!”

“I heard the rumor and came. You’ve really decorated it beautifully.”

Edgar smiled refreshingly as he looked at the fully grown Charlotte.

It was a pleasant surprise to see her transform from the round-faced, curly-haired girl into a confident beauty.

Seeing her grow was always a delightful experience.

“……”

However, as Edgar was admiring the entrance to the Starlight Garden…

Charlotte was eyeing Enya standing next to him.

Enya was also facing Charlotte, who stood before Edgar.

An odd tension hung between the two women.

“Charlotte.”

Just then, as Edgar called Charlotte, she turned to him with a startled expression.

Edgar handed over an admission fee for two and began to speak.

“I’ll look around for a bit. I’m looking forward to it.”

“Ah. Uhm, you can just go in!”

“Hey~ where’s the fun in free entries? Take it.”

Saying this, Edgar grabbed Charlotte’s hand and placed the money in her palm.

Then he went inside the garden with Enya, leaving Charlotte as red as a tomato behind.

Before entering, Enya glanced back at Charlotte and then followed Edgar into the garden.

***

“I enjoyed the garden. It’s truly beautifully decorated.”

After a while, Edgar praised Charlotte’s skills after touring the garden.

Charlotte smiled bashfully and fidgeted with her hands.

Receiving recognition from someone she admired made her feel on cloud nine.

“But…”

At that moment, Edgar opened his mouth with a serious expression.

Charlotte gulped nervously.

Then Edgar continued.

“How about maximizing profitability?”

…Maximizing profitability?

Charlotte tilted her head in confusion.

Edgar, grinning, began to articulate his ideas.

“The garden itself is excellent, but it’s too static. How about adding some devices to give it a more vibrant feel of exploring a forest?”

Saying this, Edgar led Charlotte further into the garden.

He pointed to the pond she had decorated.

“For example, fish jumping out of that pond. I think using illusion magic and summoning magic would make that possible.”

Charlotte nodded in agreement.

Now that he mentioned it, it was indeed too artificial.

Rather than feeling like exploring a forest, it felt more like looking at beautifully arranged decorations.

“And how about making footprints of light appear wherever you step crossing this wooden bridge? It could create a more mystical experience.”

That was a good idea.

Each of these small details would elevate the garden’s quality.

“It’d also be nice to set up sound devices here and there to emit wild animal sounds. Of course, they should be pleasant sounds, maybe the chirping of birds.”

Edgar suggested placing the sound devices and covering them with foliage.

Sound is also an important element that adds life to the forest.

“And here, the backdrop is stunning. You’ve really put in the effort in decorating it.”

Saying this, Edgar took out a camera from his inventory.

The camera in this world was a high-priced piece of equipment made by applying video transmission magical orbs.

“Hold on a moment.”

However, Edgar pulled out a toolbox and began to tinker with the camera.

He adjusted the mechanical functions and spells so that they would develop immediately after taking a photo.

Afterward, Edgar inserted the paper into the newly crafted instant camera and said.

“It’d be a shame to simply pass through such a beautifully decorated place. It should be used as a photo zone.”

“…A photo zone?”

“Yeah, a place to take pictures. Isn’t it nice to have something to remember by, especially at a special event like this?”

Edgar said as he held up the camera.

He took a picture with the decorated garden and Charlotte in the center as the backdrop.

“See, it turned out beautifully.”

Then Edgar shook the paper rapidly and showed Charlotte the freshly developed photo.

Charlotte nodded her head with a red face.

“This will be sold for money.”

Edgar then suggested selling the photographs.

However, Charlotte asked, puzzled, if there would be anyone wanting to purchase them.

“It will definitely sell. It’s not just a photo; it holds memories.”

Edgar said, suggesting adding fragrance to the photos to make them premium.

He remembered the scented research journal that Charlotte had gifted him and proposed to apply that concept.

“Then, how much should we charge?… Uh, what do you think would be good?”

“Hmm… How about 8,000 Orden each?”

“Isn’t that a bit too expensive?”

“It’s a place people come to spend money openly. Besides, the clientele is all nobles. If it’s too cheap, they won’t feel it’s valuable.”

Edgar said, adding several proposals.

Putting up a wooden sign that reads [Photo Zone] here and sticking well-taken photos from others on display.

“Of course, the photos should be of the best quality to entice people to want to take their own.”

Also, Edgar suggested using spells to create dazzling effects in the background when photos are taken.

This would satisfy the customers taking photos while also enticing the other nobles who hadn’t taken pictures yet.

“Of course, you should not be the one taking pictures. Since it’s a garden under your name, you should first cater to the guests… let’s hire a photographer.”

Edgar said, pulling out a list from his inventory.

It was a list of fallen noble families suffering from poverty.

When they lost their jobs after inventing mosquito nets while working as “Dream Guardians,” Edgar had hired them, creating this list.

“I think this person would be great. I saw him handing out flyers earlier.”

After going through the list, Edgar pointed to a male student named “Marcus.”

Currently, Marcus was working as a flyer distributor and was earning 7,000 Orden per hour, so Edgar suggested that if they offered better pay, they could bring him over.

“Thank you. I feel like I’ve learned a lot.”

Having taken Edgar’s lesson, Charlotte was secretly thinking.

Indeed, she was still far from catching up to Edgar.

His perspective was completely different.

“This is nothing. I’m not freely sharing it with you. I’ll be charging a rental fee for the camera.”

However, Edgar was meticulous about finances even with friends and asked for a 10% profit share per photo for lending the camera.

“Yeah. Of course.”

Charlotte readily accepted Edgar’s offer.

She understood that Edgar was intentionally asking for money to teach her.

‘Calculations must be precise.’

Increasing the value of the product.

Creating derivative products.

Inducing customers.

Properly placing personnel in key positions.

Ensuring profit sharing is properly established.

Edgar explained all these with appropriate examples.

And Charlotte understood the meaning of these teachings, feeling grateful and smiling at Edgar.

Edgar was certainly different from other men.

‘Help me grow.’

The key difference between Edgar and the other men who approached her.

It was the difference in the way they displayed kindness.

For instance, the worst ex-boyfriend, Cardmos, flaunted his wealth and abilities while demanding she date him.

It was one-sided oppression.

The male students who confessed to her today were similar.

They all expressed their feelings unilaterally, only appealing for what they could offer.

‘But Edgar…’

Edgar was delicate.

He understood well what she lacked and filled that gap.

Moreover, rather than hastily giving her money or material gifts, he taught her how to obtain them herself.

After today’s teachings from Edgar, Charlotte found herself liking him even more.

No, it had gone beyond mere liking; she felt a sense of respect.

How could someone be so meaningful?

‘What a money-saver.’

However, Edgar wore a pleasantly surprised smile at the unexpected profits.

If he were to receive 10% from each photo, he would easily earn at least 700,000 Orden.

That would not only cover the expenses incurred during the festival but would also leave a surplus.

‘The more money, the better.’

But isn’t that a bit too penny-pinching?

Surely not.

Having as much money as possible is always the way to go.

Scrape and squeeze until there’s nothing left.

That way, the industrial city he dreamed of could come to fruition a bit faster.

***

It was indeed Edgar’s guidance.

Following Edgar’s words and adding a photo zone to the garden led to an incredible increase in profits.

As Charlotte looked at the piled-up treasury, she once again realized Edgar’s might.

“I’ll take just this last one~”

However, Charlotte decided to close the Starlight Garden here.

She had received an invitation to a pork belly party at Edgar’s shared apartment.

The current time was 12:30 AM.

They said the party would start around 1 o’clock and last all night, so she needed to quickly close the garden and head to the shared apartment.

The thought of visiting Edgar’s place, which she had never been to before, made her heart race.

“Great job, Marcus! See you tomorrow at 6 PM!”

Thus, Charlotte tidied up the garden and dashed over to Edgar’s apartment.

She wanted to quickly tell him how much money she made today.

After all, she had made so much money because of him.

“E-Ed!”

Once arriving at Edgar’s rooftop apartment, Charlotte saw him grilling pork belly.

Edgar was sitting next to Lucas and Claire, chatting, while 17 club members were bustling around setting up, carrying lettuce, kimchi, charcoal, and various supplies.

“Oh, Charlotte. You came at the right time. Sit down.”

Hearing her cry, Edgar smiled and gestured to an empty chair.

Charlotte walked over to the chair he pointed to and greeted Lucas and Claire.

As they were the offspring of Grand Dukes, she felt immensely nervous, but luckily, Lucas and Claire welcomed her kindly.

They even complimented her for her impressive performance during the “witch mode” in the last evaluation, expressing a desire to engage her in a match when the opportunity arose.

“Eat up. It’s all ready now.”

Edgar then handed Charlotte a slice of well-cooked pork belly.

Somehow, it felt exciting as if she were being cared for by a boyfriend.

“Ed! Do you know how much I made today?”

Charlotte proudly boasted about her earnings.

Edgar, praising Charlotte, roughly calculated how much money would be handed to him.

A grin spread across his face.

“Oh, that Starlight Garden? I should check it out tomorrow.”

As Charlotte shared her profits, Lucas and Claire expressed interest.

Charlotte eagerly explained Edgar’s guidance, showering him with praises for his great insight.

The other club members began to chime in, singing Edgar’s praises as well.

Edgar’s face turned red from all the attention, and he feigned annoyance.

“But… why is your hair…”

At that moment, Charlotte’s eyes widened as she noticed the club members’ heads.

They were suffering from male pattern baldness.

And it was more than half of them.

“…It’s equivalent exchange. We exchanged physics for hair.”

The club member mumbled something incomprehensible.

Just then, Charlotte started looking around.

She couldn’t spot Enya, who had been right next to Edgar.

“Yeah, she went to the restroom earlier.”

Claire replied when asked where Enya was.

Feeling suspicious, Charlotte said she would also go to the restroom, heading into Edgar’s apartment.

With its modern interior and tidy appearance, it certainly felt like Edgar lived there.

But now was the time to find out where Enya was.

-Creak… Creak… Creak…

While appreciating Edgar’s house and searching for Enya.

Suddenly, the door swung open, and Enya came out.

“Mmm~ I was wondering where this was~” she mumbled as she swiftly walked past Charlotte.

Charlotte tilted her head, glancing into the room Enya had exited.

It was clearly Edgar’s bedroom.

“……?”

However, the pillows and blankets that should have been neatly arranged on the bed were disheveled.

And there were strands of Enya’s hair scattered all over the bed.

Then Charlotte picked up a strand of Enya’s hair and tilted her head in confusion.

 

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