I Need Sponsorship
4 volumes
Two days have passed since then. In the meantime, I tried to talk to Jack several times, but it wasn’t easy. Jack extended his class time with Leonard and taught the children to study when he was not in class. It’s not a question that can be easily asked, but since I’m aiming for the right time, this much time has already passed. I worked in a nursery school and studied magic. In my mind, I wanted to learn transformation magic and movement magic right away, but the two magics were much more difficult than I thought. The wall was too high for me, who could barely use one fire magic.
‘Besides, the same destructive power is not coming out.’
You can now freely use basic fire magic, but it doesn’t have the same destructive power as when you defeated the Demon King. This is my guess, but I think it may have been that the magic that had been accumulating in his body burst out in an instant and showed such firepower. A necklace with Vincente’s magic must have played a part. So I couldn’t rely on such luck in the future. The good news is that once the magic has been cast, fine control is now possible. It was possible to create a spear by concentrating the magic on the fingertips, or to expand the range instead of weakening the firepower. Of course, there are still some things that I am not good at, but I think I will improve more and more with practice.
The next magic I was practicing was water magic. It seems to be more practical because it is just the opposite, and above all else, the narrative formula was simple compared to other magic. Of course, the difficulty was lower than other magic, but that didn’t mean it was easy. Since the narrative was much more complicated than the fire magic, I focused all my attention on it. I spent all my time analyzing and following out the narrative. I don’t know, but if I had studied this much in my previous life, I might have entered college as a senior. Meanwhile, two days passed and the promised third day came.
I heard the sound of the carriage in the morning, and I went out quickly. Because I thought the peacock had come.
“Hello.”
“Ah, hello. Mr. Leonard.”
But it was Leonard, not the Duke, who got off the carriage. It was natural. Leonard usually comes at this time.
‘Somehow, I’m nervous… … .’
Is it because of the story to be shared? Or is it because he wants to see his unharmed appearance with his own eyes? I couldn’t shake the look of impatience all morning.
“Anyone waiting?”
He asked if this impatience could be seen in Leonard’s eyes. I shook my head and answered honestly. I wondered if he would know something if he was from the same duke.
“Actually, your Excellency has decided to come today. I don’t know when you will come… … .”
“Aha, it was like that.”
Leonard nodded as if it was understandable. Then he said with a slightly ambiguous face.
“You may find it difficult to come in the morning.”
“Is something wrong?”
When asked worriedly if something had happened to him, Leonard answered with a serious face.
“If it’s work, should it be called work? … . You are now being held by the elders.”
“If you are an elder… … .”
I remembered the existence of elders. I’ve never heard of Duke Crayman directly, but I’ve seen him appear a few times in the original. Mostly towards catching Cloan… … .
‘You said you had a bad relationship with Duke Crayman. That’s why he didn’t like Cloan, whom the Duke had enlisted. Did you say that you can’t take a person without a foundation as your successor?’
Therefore, in the process of becoming a duke, there was a process of defeating the elders. It was not easy because they were deeply rooted in the peasant family. Leonard said without hesitation that he must have judged that I already knew about the Elder when my expression was not very good.
“It’s not a big deal, so don’t worry. In addition to the subjugation of the king of monsters, I present one problem… … .”
“If it’s a problem… … ?”
I asked carefully, and Leonard took a deep breath and answered.
“It’s a succession issue.”
“A question of succession?”
I widened my eyes at his completely unexpected words. It’s a succession issue. Duke, aren’t you married yet? Leonard shook his head to see if he had read my question.
“Your Excellency is now 28 years old, so there is talk of getting married. Usually, as soon as they become adults, it is common to decide the marriage between the family members, but your Excellency went out right away, so there was no such thing… … . After that, he rejected all the marriage proposals that came in.”
“Then shouldn’t the story of marriage come before the succession?”
In fact, 28 years old was the right age for marriage in the other world, or a little too early, but this world was different. In the aristocratic world, marriage is like an agreement between families, so it is concluded at a relatively early age. Considering that, the Duke could have been very late. Well, me too, but I have no intention of getting married in the future. Even if there is no family that wants to form with Baron Feirund before that. When I questioned, Leonard nodded.
“Procedurally, though, that’s not the real purpose of the Elders.”
“If not, ah… … .”
Before long, I understood what Leonard meant. The real purpose of the elder was not the marriage of the duke. Their real purpose is… … .
‘Pressing the peacock.’
The elder doubts the duke’s qualities. As such, they must have had a lot of meaning for this monster subjugation. You must have hoped that the peacock would disappear this time. However, the duke returned safely and set an achievement of subjugating the king of monsters. So you are pressing him in another way. A succession problem that is difficult to solve right away.
Leonard frowned as if he was right.
“To make a big mistake like that once and do the same over and over again.”
Leonard didn’t say it directly, but after listening to the Duke, I understood the meaning of the words. It’s probably the story of the duke’s mother.
‘It must have been said that she had repeated pregnancy and miscarriage because of pressure from the elders.’
The reason she became obsessed with the succession was because of the elder. wanting to repeat it again.
“Would it be okay?”
I couldn’t shake the look of concern. As long as they are the elders, it will be difficult to ignore them at all. Will the peacock be okay? As if reading my concerns, Leonard said with a calm face.
“You don’t have to worry. It’s literally just pressure. But in the long run, it might be a problem for sure. In conclusion, in order to silence the elders, we will have to solve the succession problem.”
As I sometimes think, Leonard seemed to trust me quite a bit. Do you occasionally deliver news about the duke like this? It seemed like I was more comfortable with him because I was close to the duke and was the guardian of Jack, who was the mastermind. Even so, I feel like I’m not shy.
“therefore… … .”
Leonard opened his mouth as if to say something. As I looked at him, Leonard shook his head as if nothing had happened.
“no. The elders meeting will be over in the morning, so you should be there soon. Don’t worry too much and just wait.”
“Ah yes. Thanks for letting me know.”
When I thanked him, he smiled lightly and went inside. Looking at Leonard’s back for a moment, I looked at the entrance to the nursery. It would have been better to go in and wait, but I couldn’t keep my feet away because the duke’s carriage seemed to come right away. I think I ended up staying for about 10 minutes. Returning to the director’s office, I pondered what Leonard had said.
‘It’s marriage… … .’
I tapped the desk with my finger. Ho-yeon, who had brought refreshments to me, asked with a puzzled face.
“master.”
“Huh?”
“Have you ever been angry about anything?”
“Uh, no? Why?”
When I tilted my head at Hoyeon’s sudden words, Hoyeon shook her head and said.
“No, you don’t feel well for some reason.”
“Ah… … .”
I turned my head to see my face reflected in the window. As Ho-yeon said, it certainly looked like something was going on.
“If not, I’m glad. Let’s just go out. Call me if you need anything.”
“Yeah, good job.”
The cheers went out and silence came. Staring blankly at the closed door, I took a deep breath and picked up my pen with the thought of doing something. But after a while I was dazed again. I felt like my flow of thoughts was blocked. To be precise, I was forcing my thoughts to flow in one direction.
‘I feel strangely bad.’
I don’t know. What the hell is so annoying? It seems that it was exactly after hearing the story of the Duke’s marriage.
‘Are you worried?’
Do you think the duke will even get married? What does that have to do with me? Obviously, Leonard’s words kept running through his mind. He was concerned as if even a tiny thorn had been pierced. Oh, maybe.
‘If the duke gets married, I will be in trouble.’
right. I’m betting a lot on him, and if he ever gets married, I can’t rely on him anymore. So that’s why I’m so concerned. It’s clear.
“Certainly.”
“what?”
The answer came back to my murmur. When I looked in the direction of the sound in surprise, Vincente, who did not know when the sound had come, was sitting on the sofa and looking at me with a relaxed posture. Embarrassed, I just vented my anger.
“Can’t you pay a little price and show up?”
“That’s why you paid it, pretending to be popular.”
Vincent laughed. Seeing that, I responded with an absurd face.
“You’re popular. when… … .”
“’What?’”
“… … .”
Vincente’s attitude was dignified. Yes, if it’s popular, it’s popular… … .
Somehow, the question itself felt meaningless, so I nodded helplessly. Vincente, who was looking at me like this, got up from her seat and came close to me. I was reclining comfortably on the back of the chair, and my eyes widened at his sudden action.
Vincente, who reached right in front, supported the desk with both hands and brought her face closer to me. Startled, I pulled my neck back like Zara. Why is he suddenly like this?
“What, what?”
His face was too close. Beautiful beauty caught my eye. Slave stigma could also be seen through the open shirt.
“Yes, you. Does it seem a little different?”
Then he grabbed my wrist. I was taken aback by the sudden action, but I was firm at his subsequent words.
“… … The magic is almost gone.”
“Did the magic power disappear?”
Startled, I opened my eyes wide and asked. The magic is gone, what the hell is that… … .
“It didn’t disappear at all… … .”
As she spoke, Vincente raised her head and blurted the end of her words. Then he tilted his head in wonder, and Vincente frowned slightly and muttered.
“You’re too close.”
“Ah… … .”
It was then that I realized my distance from Vincente. I was so surprised that I put my head back, so that he and I were close enough to barely fit a finger. I rolled my eyes and looked up at Vincente. Looking back, this guy can’t make eye contact.
‘Oh?’
I was very surprised to see Vicente like that, so my eyes lit up as if I had made an unexpected discovery. Somehow, if you look at the appearance and the things you do, you must have been enchanted by many people.
“What, why are you looking at me like that? feel bad.”
Vincente wrinkled her expression as if she was unhappy with my gaze. I shook my head and responded sensibly.
“Nothing. What do you mean the magic is gone? Are you saying you can’t use magic anymore?”
When I asked a question impatiently, he answered with a still wrinkled expression on his face.
“It has not completely disappeared. almost exhausted. It’s like releasing a large amount of magical power at once.”
“Ah… … king of monsters… … .”
I was able to figure out the cause at once. That, too, was the cause.
“Then will it be refilled?”
“okay. It will take quite a while.”
“Somewhat?”
“It usually takes about a month for it to be full, but you have more magic flowing through your body than others, so you will have to wait two months.”
“Two months… … .”
“Well, this assumes that you never use magic.”
It was a disaster. I need to practice and learn more magic, but I can’t use magic. Besides, it seems like you’ve been practicing and using your magic power, it seems to have been more exhausted.
‘Do you want to release it jjjjjjjjjal?’
Still, I have to stock up on magic power to be used in an emergency, so I don’t think I could even dream of magic for a month, as Vincente said.
‘At times like this.’
It’s not an immediate emergency, but the cursed Aethernum had to be recaptured soon, and the emperor was worried as he did not know how to move. I thought it would be a little reassuring if there were a lot of magic that I knew how to use, but even that is impossible for the time being. I sighed involuntarily. Vincente, who was staring at me like this, asked with a face that was difficult to understand.
“It doesn’t have to be so dark, is it? Over there, the strongest beast is guarding this place.”
“Don’t say you don’t know. You never know when something will happen, but it would be nice if there was one more solution.”
“Hmm.”
Vincente nodded and looked at me like this. The gaze was tenacious, and I lifted my head.
“Why are you looking at me like that… … .”
“Then will you give me some of my magic power?”
“… … what?”
My lips stopped as I was about to ask what are you looking at me like that. I asked, looking at Vincente in disbelief.
“really?”
“no?”
“no!”
Could it be? On the contrary, if there was Vincente’s magical power, it wouldn’t be more reliable than that. Because his magic is high in purity. There is something called purity in every magical power. The higher the purity, the stronger the power and the more refined it feels. On the other hand, magic with low purity was weak in power and, above all, difficult to handle. I read in a book that Vincente handed me that it often bounces and scatters at will. As far as I know, there is no magician with higher purity than Vicente. It would be of great help in case of an emergency if even some of him possessed his magical powers. But I have doubts. He’s not the kind of guy who’s going to do you a favor for no reason. For a moment of joy, I looked at Vincente with suspicion.
“What are the conditions?”
If it wasn’t impossible, I thought I’d listen to it whenever possible. But for some reason, Vincente burst out laughing instead of answering. Then he lowered his eyebrows as if he was sad and said,
“Do we need a condition between us?”
of course. What is our relationship in the first place? Like the last time he provoked the duke, maybe it’s because of his mood, but I got the feeling that Vincente was especially emphasizing ‘between us’. Well, in the first place, he and I aren’t that deep, so it’s probably a joke, but to be honest, I think it’s going to be sad, so that’s even weirder. As I stared at her with such a heart, Vincente tilted her head slightly. He didn’t seem to know what had changed. I’m not even aware of it myself, so I don’t need to touch it. Anyway, it’s a good thing that he has a crush on me. As he still looked at me with a puzzled face, I shook my head.
“Nothing. Are you really just doing it?”
“Well, I couldn’t keep my promise back then, so I guess it’s a reward for that.”
“You didn’t keep your promise… … . Oh maybe.”
As I was talking about something, something suddenly came to my mind. I asked gently.
“Are you talking about the monster forest?”
Not answering my call. That was the only thing he could feel sorry for. At my words, Vincente clicked his tongue briefly and ruffled my hair wildly.
“I didn’t go because I didn’t want to go. I met him in the canyon… … .”
“If that’s him… … .”
“You bastard who cursed me.”
also. I never thought that Vincente would not have come on purpose. There is nothing more important than collecting the Aethernum of Hallucinations, and above all, I am useful to him. Still, if he didn’t come, it meant that there must have been another reason to overwhelm that reason. If so, I expected it to be related to the ‘curse’. Since Cheong had come this way, I wondered if the enemy would have gone there, but they really did meet.
I swallowed a gulp. I thought it went well. Of course, Vincente was a genius wizard, but Vincente had a lot to hide, and the enemy had nothing to stumble upon. There must have been a battle, since Vicente would not have seen the enemy and sent it away. I looked at Vincente with a nervous expression.
“How is it? killed… … ?”
When I asked carefully, Vincente wrinkled her expression. Just by looking at it, you could tell that he couldn’t kill him. If I had killed him, the stigma would have disappeared too.
“That bastard, he was doing magic with dirty tricks.”
“Dirty method?”
“Injecting a large amount of magical energy into the body. If you do that, your heart will change like the core of a monster, and you will be able to use explosive magic.”
“… … .”
After hearing Vincente’s explanation, I shut my mouth. I’ve read passages similar to that in the original. Cloan struggled with their formidable magic when dealing with gang members.
‘Oh, I guess it was around this time.’
I was lost in thought. Vincente spoke to me as if I was suspicious.
“What do you think?”
“Ah.”
I was going to say what I was thinking, but I stopped because I felt I needed to organize a little more. Instead, the topic was turned elsewhere.
“I’m glad you came back safely though.”
Vincente narrowed her eyes as if she knew I was turning her back, but then spoke with a sullen face.
“It’s okay, I just fell off the cliff. My leg was crippled.”
“what? what about magic? Are you okay now?”
I thought it would be okay because it was Vincenne, but when I heard that he was hurt, I got up and got up. Then Vincente looked at me again with a surprised face. My gaze turned to his feet. He stepped back slightly and said.
“I’ve been treated with ethernum and I’m fine now. Are you overreacting than that? Are you worried about me now?”
He asked playfully, as if trying to relieve the serious atmosphere. Come to think of it, he couldn’t help but treat me and the duke and only himself. that’s a bit of a concern. Then there was a bit of disappointment. I sighed and said.
“It’s natural to want your allies not to get hurt. I can only be worried.”
I mean, I still need you.
“… … mate?”
“Yeah, mate. Why do you hate it?”
I deliberately emphasized the word ally. Vincente, now you are on my side. Don’t think about it for nothing. Is it like brainwashing? It’s unlikely, but it would be difficult if he suddenly changed his mind and moved on his own. He also has the hallucinatory ethernum.
I looked at him with pure eyes. Vincente seemed to think for a moment, and then showed that polite, crooked smile.
“It’s fun.”
What is fun? If he smiles like that, I’m just worried.
“By the way, why didn’t you use magic? If you use magic, that cliff is nothing.”
He’s also a guy who teleports from place to place, but flying in the sky wouldn’t be a big deal. However, Vincente’s expression was a little strange. His face turned red as if he remembered that time. Then he sighed and clicked his tongue.
“done. It was just bad.”
I guess I don’t want to talk about it. After all, if I fell off a cliff, I was pushed back by the enemy, and there’s no way I can say that with my pride. I didn’t even bother to ask. Because that’s not what’s important. Instead, I asked something else.
“Vincente, maybe I… … The human who cursed you, didn’t you use a high level of magic?”
He almost inadvertently said his name as ‘enemy’, but then made a hasty detour. There’s nothing good about revealing the fact that I even know the names of members of the gang. But this alone made Vicente look at me with a surprised face.
“How do you know that?”
‘also.’
Gradually, the family became convinced.
“The gang members who came to the monster forest were also using magic. You wouldn’t be an ordinary person enough to overwhelm you, so I asked just in case.”
When Vincente looked at me with skeptical eyes, I quickly excused myself. Still, Vincente did not erase his suspicions. He opened his lips.
“As I often think, are you really even a god?”
He asked a mix of jokes and seriousness. I smiled quietly at his words. Well, it would be nice if I could really be a god.
“done. Because that’s not what’s important.”
Having said that, he glanced at me slightly. I nodded with a serious face. That’s why he came to me today. A plan to retake the cursed Aethernum. And maybe I’ve found the answer to what I asked him.
Vincente looked at me as if urging. At that moment, a roar of horses was heard from outside. Intuitively, I noticed that the peacock had arrived.
“Let’s talk about this in a moment.”
“… … .”
As I stood up to meet the Duke, Vincente looked dissatisfied. Still, he followed me as I went outside. When I went out, as expected, there was one more carriage other than Leonard’s. The door opened and the peacock came down. He found me and approached me about a month later. I also went in front of him.
“dismissal… … .”
But when I stood in front of him, I didn’t know what to say. Hello? Are you glad you’re okay? How is your body? I had too much to say. As I was not ready to speak, the peacock looked at me for a moment and took a step closer to me. And he spread his arms.
I stared blankly at it. After a while he hugged me in a very cautious gesture.
“… … I have missed you very much in the last three days.”
His chest was very close. pounding. when was it I think there was a situation similar to this one day. Oh, I remembered. The day Prince Weston died. Even then, you hugged me like this… … .
“You have already become so precious to me, and you have become indispensable.”
… … I left a word that didn’t make sense. At that time, there was a beating sound similar to this from the chest in contact with him. I didn’t know who the heartbeat was at the time, but now I know for sure.
The master of this heartbeat… … .
grow.
* * *
Power entered the peacock’s hand wrapped around my back. He seemed to want to stay as he is, but he couldn’t because of a voice coming from behind.
“How long are you going to be like this?”
“ha.”
I let out a sigh. The timing is always bad. Why is Vincente only with me at times like this? I swung away from the peacock. The peacock fell quietly, but he looked down at me with a strange look. For some reason, it was difficult to make eye contact, so he avoided his gaze. My heart was still beating wildly. I couldn’t stay like this forever, so I pushed Vincente’s back toward the nursery.
“Oh, I’ll take care of it, so don’t push it.”
Vincente tickled and walked ahead. I heard the peacock calling me to follow me.
“Ciel.”
“Yes Yes?”
I was startled by the sudden call. Oh, I was wrong. Anyone who sees it would look unnatural… … . I looked back at the peacock slowly. He looked at me for a moment, then glanced at Vincente and said:
“After the author passes away today, there is a story for the two of us to talk about. Could you give me some time? I have a story I want to tell you.”
The duke’s attitude was very serious. Somehow embarrassed to see the peacock’s face, I slightly avoided my gaze and nodded my head.
“Yes… … .”
“okay. Let’s go in.”
The duke smiled contentedly and passed me in. I sighed as I looked at the distant peacock’s back.
‘It shouldn’t be like this.’
There were signs, but I noticed the moment I met him again. The feelings he and I have for each other are not ordinary. However… … . Taking a deep breath, I took care of my expression and took Vincente and the Duke, who were waiting at the front door, into the director’s room. Jack is currently in class and the children are in the dining room, so we never run into them. Perhaps by now, Hoyeon is making snacks for children. I invited the two of us to sit, and I served a light tea and refreshments. I’m glad I kept it in my room.
Vincente stared at another place with a somewhat uncomfortable face, and only the Duke was leisurely sipping tea. What is this strange atmosphere? Even I tried not to be swept away by the atmosphere. There was no bird doing this now. First I looked at the peacock. When our eyes met, I was nervous, but I said without showing any effort.
“I saw an article in the newspaper. I think it passed safely.”
The peacock nodded his head. He glanced at Vicente and answered.
“The effect of the ethernum is amazing. Even though the imperial inspector identified it, the fact that it was a transformation of an ordinary magic stone was not discovered. It seems that they decided that the Demon King’s core was not Ethernum as planned.”
At his words, I breathed a sigh of relief. It was known through the article that he was safe, but it was different to simply speculate and check directly. Only now did my mind rest.
“What a relief.”
The process was never easy, but I managed to get over one hurdle. I looked at the peacock. Because I have something to say to the Duke today, I asked him to come back in three days. When I was about to speak, my fists tightened in tension. Where should I start talking?
“dismissal.”
“okay.”
“sorry.”
… … First of all, I handed over an apology. My sudden apology gave the Duke a bewildered expression. On the other hand, Vincente had an interesting look, as if he already knew what I was going to say.
“What do you mean? What do you have to apologize for?”
I took a deep breath in, and exhaled deeply.
“Actually, I lied to you.”
“lie… … ?”
“Actually, it wasn’t Vicente who defeated the Demon King… … .”
I glanced at Vincente, then looked at the duke again and spoke.
“It’s me.”
“You? But you do magic… … could you write That was it.”
Unexpectedly, the peacock was not very surprised. He looked surprised for a moment, but then nodded as if he understood. What did you understand?
I asked with embarrassment.
“Hey, do you believe it? That I defeated the king of monsters with magic… … ?”
If it’s just magic, yes, it can be. Since magic is based on talent, it would not be surprising if one day it suddenly became possible to use it. However, it is to subdue the king of monsters. It was not something that could be easily accepted. Even Vincente burst out laughing as if it was ridiculous.
“It would be hard to believe for sure if someone else did it, but I think it might be possible with you. So I believe.”
The peacock didn’t even flinch.
‘So that means that I just believe in me.’
Without any logic or basis. The duke is the coolest and coldest man ever. It’s been described that way all the time in the book, and I’ve always thought that way… … . Why does he seem to be a completely different person in front of me? It’s only me that I take nonsense stories straight away. Neither cold nor cold at all.
But why? That wasn’t bad. Rather, it evoked a strange feeling. I feel like I’ve become a really precious and great person to the Duke. The confidence that this person could be really trusted rose. At the same time, there was a part where the pulse was slightly lost. I was prepared to be insulted, but I had the courage to do it, because the reaction was so bland.
My body lost strength and my shoulders sagged. The peacock, who looked at me like this, put his back on the backrest and said.
“Can I tell you this time?”
“Yes? Oh yes.”
“There are many things I want to say. First of all, what are your plans for the future? Now that I’ve obtained the hallucinogenic aethernum, is it over?”
The Duke doesn’t know why we are collecting Ethernum, or exactly what Ethernum we are aiming for. So, in his eyes, the hallucinatory aethernum might seem like the ultimate goal. Actually, you don’t have to talk to the old peacock. He doesn’t necessarily need his power.
However, the Duke has already learned that we are collecting Ethernum and has become involved in this. At the very least, I thought he should know the full story of this situation. As long as he has already deceived the emperor, he is no different than an accomplice.
I glanced at Vincente slightly. can i tell you It was an unspoken confirmation signal. Vincente only showed a mouth that said, ‘Do whatever you want.’
“No, the real purpose is different.”
“Real purpose?”
“To find the cursed Aethernum.”
“The cursed Aethernum… … . Is it different from the ethereum of hallucinations?”
“Yes, the cursed aethernum is literally putting a curse on the opponent. It is different from the hallucinatory ethernum, which overwhelms the hallucinations. Finding it is our goal.”
I spoke and took a moment to catch my breath. Then he looked straight at him and said.
“I’m sorry for getting you into trouble. I’m not going to do anything more complicated than this… … .”
“Is this important to you?”
So I tried to tell you that you don’t have to worry about it. Of course, it may seem irresponsible to say not to worry about it after getting involved this much, but I thought that drawing a line and moving away from it was the best consideration I could do. However, I opened my eyes wide at the unexpected words of the duke. After thinking for a while, he nodded.
“Yes, it is important.”
not important ‘Cause I’ve been running for this so far But at the next reply from the duke, I was at a loss for words.
“Then I will join you.”
“Yes? what is that… … .”
“Literally, I’m going to join you in your work.”
He knows better than anyone that this can be dangerous. I said quickly.
“You might get caught up in something bad for nothing.”
The peacock nodded as if hearing something very obvious.
“I know it well.”
“As you know, it has a deep connection with the imperial family. If things go wrong, the Duke Craymans could suffer.”
I have no intention of going any deeper. I have already entered the depths of which I cannot return, but my goal is simply to recover the cursed Aethernum and render the Emperor incapacitated. The organization is also formed of ethernum, so if all ethernum disappears, it will automatically disintegrate. If you’re lucky, you can expect internal fragmentation as well. But this was very much my case. There was no reason for the peacock to be involved. But why… … .
“Your business is mine. I’ll be with you until you’re safe.”
Why does the peacock keep trying to relate to me? I wanted to ask why. However, it was interrupted by Vicente who suddenly intervened.
“Well, I’d rather be alone with Ciela.”
are you vincente? Does it sound like that now? Please let me know the atmosphere.
I glanced around again wondering if Vicente was provoking the duke, and I noticed that this time it was a little different. Vincent’s eyes turned to me. He grinned as if he had read my thoughts. The duke looked at him, and Vincente opened his mouth, ignoring him.
“What you asked for.”
“… … Ah.”
Half a beat slowly, I understood what he meant. On the day the Duke left for the palace, I asked Vincente a favor. certainly… … .
‘Can you find out if there is a connection between the demonic magical powers flowing through your body and Aethernum?’
Have you ever found an answer to that? I thought it would take quite some time. Before getting an answer, I asked the Duke for his pardon.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you in advance. In fact, after hearing your story, I asked Vincente to think that there might be a connection between the magic runaway and the Aethernum.”
Originally, I was going to hear it first, but I thought it would be good to hear it together because the Duke Lee Wang was also in the same place and, above all, it was related to my body. Come to think of it, I apologize to the Duke a lot these days.
‘It must be because they all moved without the peacock.’
I wondered if it was for nothing to hide that it was going to be known anyway, but each time there was a situation of its own. Either they couldn’t afford it, or they didn’t plan to disclose it in advance.
“I did. OK, I’m curious too. I’d love to hear it together.”
And every time I feel that the duke is a very generous person. I felt sorry for him and thanked him again. Vincente looked at me as if asking for consent. I nodded.
“tell me.”
“Actually, I didn’t get enough results to be that serious. However, I just found out about the last Aethernum.”
“If it’s the last Ethernum… … .”
noticed at once The unknown Aethernum that was not explained even in the original. Vincente said he didn’t get a great harvest, but it was a big deal for me. The unknown ethernum was like a very big variable to me, where the information in the original was my strength. Suddenly, tension surged.
“First of all, being human and endowed with monster-type magic, that’s a mutation. It has never been like that before.”
“Vincente.”
Even so, his remarks were too rude. When I called in a harsh voice, Vincente tilted her head as if it was unfair. It was the peacock who called me like that.
“It’s okay, Ciel.”
“I will. You must have heard the word mutation a lot. I’ve even heard that it’s a monster.”
I don’t know why Vincente is doing this. I knew he was rude in the first place, but this was a bit over the top. No matter how good the duke was, he was worried that his words would not hurt him again. In the end, the moment I was about to step out again, I couldn’t get out of Vincente’s words.
“I’m used to that, too.”
He said nonchalantly, pulling the corners of his lips crookedly. I opened my lips to speak and then closed them again. I looked up and Vincente smiled quietly.
‘Come to think of it… … .’
Vincente is a native of the poor. In the Empire, the poor meant those who lived in the darkest part of civilization. They do not understand letters, basic etiquette, and even concepts of numbers. For this reason, the poor were mainly treated as slaves. The concept of magic was invented less than 100 years ago. Although he made a leap in development using magic stones, there were still many people who did not know much about magic among commoners. Even Clauan and the children couldn’t hide their wonder when they saw Seid’s magic items. What about Cheonmin? Among them, Vincente, who was born with the qualities of a wizard… … .
‘A mutant indeed.’
In their ignorant eyes, they could look like monsters.
‘therefore… … .’
I understood it again. Obviously, Vincente hated the duke, so why did he actively help after hearing his story?
‘You’ve seen yourself reflected.’
Although the detailed circumstances are different, they are similar in that they were rejected and abandoned. I felt weird. Maybe I wasn’t aware of his circumstances and was trying to judge him based on what I knew from the original story.
“… … I’m sorry, Vincente.”
“Well, okay. Because I didn’t mean to apologize. Do not worry about it.”
If I tell you not to care, can you not care? But when he said it was okay, I nodded because continuing to be sorry could make the other person more embarrassed.
“Anyway, the duke’s constitution is not normal. In the first place, you decided that the monster-type magic that flows through your body was the most plausible among the large categories of known magic, right?”
I nodded. That was correct. And glanced at the peacock. The Duke was listening to Vincente’s story with a blunt face.
“That means that the magic that flows through the peacock’s body may be of a different kind. Hey, do you know how to use magic?”
When Vincente asked, the Duke shook his head.
“I tried several times, but it was impossible. Perhaps it was because the magic was sealed.”
It is said that when he was a child, a wizard sealed his magical powers to cure his illness. Maybe he was talking about that time.
“Even if it wasn’t sealed, it would be difficult to cast magic. There is a high possibility that it is magic that cannot be dealt with.”
“Then you’re saying that the magic that flows through your body isn’t even a monster-type magic or custom magic?”
“Yeah, there’s no way it’s natural magic, but it’s highly likely that it’s really unknown magic. Well, it could be really magical magic. However… … .”
In other words, the identity is still unknown. Vincente, who had left the room, looked to the Duke. He licked his lips softly.
“I found this phrase in an ancient book by chance. “Ethernum is the source of all magical powers.” If you collect Aethernum, you might even discover the true nature of the magic that flows through the peacock’s body.”
“Right.”
To Vincente’s words, the Duke replied softly. Even though it was related to my constitution, his demeanor was rude. Again he smiled and looked back at me.
“That’s right. So, as long as this is the case, I will also participate in your work. Maybe you’ll find some clues about me.”
“… … .”
This time I couldn’t hold back. It was to know my secret, nothing else, and there was no reason to stop me. Finally, I nodded my head and answered with a sigh.
“If you say so… … I know. Still, don’t overdo it.”
“Of course. I won’t do anything for you to worry about.”
he said confidently. Well, it seems that things have changed a bit. Normally, he was in a position where he told me not to overdo it, so this situation felt a little unfamiliar to me. Anyway, now that I’ve got it all sorted out, I’m lucky for my next plan.
“It’s the cursed Ethernum, but it’s really hard to pinpoint the location here.”
“Then what should I do?”
Vincente asked, frowned slightly. It looked as if his momentum was about to attack at any moment.
“You have to wait until they come to you. There is a way.”
I clenched my fist. To be honest, I don’t know if this method will really work. But this is the only clue I have, so I have no choice but to bet on this.
“It’s a magic stone.”
“A magic stone?”
Both of them asked at once with a face that was difficult to understand. Well, usually it is. I continued.
“Vincente As you said, they use magic stones as their driving force. That’s why we need a lot of magic stones.”
In fact, even in the original work, Cloan had found a record that they bought a large amount of magic stones at this time. Before that, I was skeptical, but I was convinced only after hearing the story of Vincente that he used magic stones to turn his heart into a monster’s core to perform magic. Moreover, since Eternum was also taken away, the power of the Magic Stone would be more desperately needed. Vincente responded immediately.
“So are you talking about securing the magic stone?”
“It is too dangerous. Buying a large amount of magic stones at once can create suspicion.”
The peacock also added an opinion. That’s right. Buying them all at once was enough to raise suspicions if they had been buying little by little before.
“Where did you get that amount of magic stones in the first place? Are you sure you’re not trying to sweep the market floor? Those things are of such low purity that they wouldn’t even pay attention to them.”
Vincent said with a smirk. It seemed that he mistrusted my opinion.
“It’s you, so there must be a trick.”
“but.”
As the Duke spoke in a voice full of trust, Vincente nodded in agreement. I don’t like being ignored, but because I trust myself too much, this was a little burdensome. They seem to think I’m a great person, but I’m not that great. … … Even so, if they listen to what I say from now on, they might be a little more surprised than they are now. I licked my lips a few times because I was nervous. He said quietly at the end.
“I’m not going to buy magic stones.”
“Then what are you going to do?”
“The magic stone in the mine… … I will mine.”
“Mining… … say?”
“her.”
The duke asked in disbelief, and Vincente gave a brief smirk. Anyway, it was clear that both of them had an unbelievable reaction. Well, it would be natural. All of a sudden, it’s not just a mine, it’s a magic stone mine.
‘I’ve been thinking about it recently too.’
To be more precise, the duke said that he would like to make an investment. In the original story, Ciela was taken to work in a mine and was taken away by Cloan. If you think about it in detail, that mine was a magical stone mine. I have read that Cloan dealt with the mines after they got rid of Siella because it was illegal mining without the permission of the imperial family. I clearly remembered the name because it came out.
I brought a map rolled up in one corner and spread it out on the table. It was a detailed map of the geography of the empire.
“‘Vasellium Mountains’, here it is.”
“… … I can’t believe it. However… … .”
The peacock looked at me. The two of us have faced each other like this before. Even then, the duke didn’t believe me. But the result was as I said. Do you remember that time? The peacock’s expression was strange.
“I believe what you say.”
“Well, you have to go down to be the main shrine.”
I nodded.
“If you put up a large amount of magic stones at auction with the news that you have discovered a magic stone mine, they will surely approach you. That way you can clear your doubts.”
Because there is a good saying in the world, ‘Ilchakcheongeum’.
“But the Bassellium Mountains are by no means small, so it will take a long time to find them.”
“Ah, if that’s the case, I’ll join you too. I can read the magical current, so I can read the location where the magic stone is buried.”
“It’s a strange ability.”
“He’s a genius.”
Surprisingly, the two get along well.
“Let’s talk about the next concrete plan after we find the mine. If you find a mine, how long will it take to mine?”
I looked at the peacock and asked a question. The peacock thought for a moment, then replied.
“It will take a month at least.”
“one month… … .”
That felt just right.
“Then let’s do that.”
So the story ended. However, the duke decided not to step forward externally. Apparently, he was conscious of the emperor’s gaze. Instead, I decided to move in the name of Khan. If it’s Khan, you can move freely without anyone’s notice. The duke was determined to help covertly.
‘I’ll be fine.’
It’s a magic stone mine. It felt like things were getting bigger. After all, the imperial family, the organization, and the Aethernum are intertwined.
“Then I’ll take the manpower and go to the Basellium Mountains.”
Having said that, Vincente looked at the duke. Since it is an issue that requires collaboration, the two will have to coordinate their opinions. But the Duke answered without looking at Vincente.
“Send someone to Cannes by tomorrow. I still have more to say.”
Saying so, he looked at me. I remembered intuitively that he had something to say to me. A strange current flowed. Noticing this, Vincente frowned and turned around, as if dissatisfied.
Suddenly, only me and the peacock were left in the room. His gaze is tenacious. The duke took a sip of the cooled tea and put it down.
moon crack. I reflexively shuddered at the sound of tea clattering to break the silence.
“Ciel.”
“Yes Yes?”
I stuttered involuntarily at his sudden call. No, actually, I was even more nervous because he seemed to have a vague idea of what he was going to say. I swallowed my saliva and looked at him with a nervous expression. The peacock looked away for a moment, then looked at me again and opened his mouth.
“A day in the monster forest.”
“… … Yes.”
The peacock’s golden eyes sank downward for a moment. He opened his lips.
“I apologize again for hurting you. I am truly sorry.”
The peacock bowed his head to me. I quickly waved my hand at his sudden apology.
“No, it’s really okay. The wounds were all healed.”
“However… … It must have been painful.”
of course… … It hurt. It is said that people do not feel pain when they are driven into an urgent situation, but I had a clear feeling.
“… … I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t painful, but… … .”
However, the face of the duke I was facing at that time seemed more painful than mine, so I didn’t feel any pain at that moment.
“I had to endure it. It’s really okay, so you can stop feeling sorry for me.”
I couldn’t say that he was crying, so I said around. The peacock looked at me with a complicated expression for a moment, then slowly raised his head. Then he spoke the following words:
“And that night. First aid you gave me.”
“That, that.”
also! I expected to bring up this topic, but when he apologized, I was a little distracted. Suddenly, the events of that night came to mind, and his face became very hot. So, to replenish his magical power, he kissed his lips… … .
I quickly waved my hand and tried to make excuses again.
“So, it’s really first aid, so forgetting it in your memory… … .”
“Don’t forget.”
A low voice suddenly interrupted. Startled, I stopped talking and looked at him. The duke looked at me with a more serious face than ever before and said,
“At the time, it wasn’t just first aid for me.”
“dismissal… … ?”
He didn’t know what to reply to every word that came out of his mouth. What else is the peacock talking about now? Rather, it’s like… … .
pounding. My heart started beating again as if I had sensed something. I felt like my hands were sweating for some reason, so I clenched and opened my fists repeatedly. I averted my gaze and looked at the peacock again. And he gently licked his lips.
“sure… … ?”
“It’s a kiss.”
“… … .”
“Clearly selfish.”
“That means that your Excellency… … .”
He already gave the answer, but I couldn’t believe it, so I asked again. The peacock nodded his head. he whispered softly.
“I like you.”
“… … .”
“I say this in advance for fear of misunderstanding, but it’s not like a simple crush or friendship.”
The duke cut the end briefly. He seemed to be inhaling, then came straight up and made eye contact.
“It’s love. I like you, of the opposite sex, much more than you think.”
I took a deep breath. And he looked at the peacock without blinking his eyes. The peacock seemed to make eye contact with me, and then he turned his gaze slightly. He mumbled in a very small voice.
“It’s the first time I’ve said something like this to someone, so it’s not easy. But I am sincere.”
“that… … Since when… … .”
He came so straight forward that there was no way to avoid it. But since when? I didn’t feel that way at all. I just thought he trusted me more than anyone else.
“I don’t know either. I just wanted to see and care about you from that moment on. Maybe it’s because of his friendly appearance, maybe it’s because of his straight face. In fact, it’s hard to pinpoint a certain point and say it’s good. I just like you And it was precisely that I realized my feelings for you… … .”
The peacock, who was speechless for a moment, looked at me and said.
“It must be the time of the monster forest. It was then that I realized exactly what my heart was. So I’ve been wanting to talk about it ever since.”
“… … .”
“I like you very much.”
“dismissal… … .”
“After I said that, I feel relieved. You won’t know how much I’m trembling.”
He had a cool smile as if he was really relieved. The Duke said so, but it was well known to me how nervous he was. Unsurprisingly, I put a lot of energy into my body. I hesitated and opened my mouth.
“Sir, I… … .”
“Wait a minute.”
“… … ?”
He interrupted my answer. I looked at the peacock with a puzzled face. The peacock, who lowered his gaze for a moment, made eye contact with me this time and opened his mouth.
“Don’t answer me yet. When all this is over, answer me then. Until then, I will do my best to make sure you like me.”
“Yes? still… … .”
“Didn’t I just realize my feelings too? So, I want you to take the time and look at me carefully. Or maybe, is there someone you have in mind?”
the peacock asked cautiously. Startled, I quickly shook my head.
“No, that’s not it.”
Then the duke replied with a smile of relief.
“That’s good.”
“… … .”
“I’ve said everything I wanted to, so I’ll just have to get up and go.”
“Ah yes. I will see you off.”
As soon as the duke got up, I suddenly went out with the director to see him off.
“Ah, sir.”
I ran into Leonard, who had just finished class. Leonard approached with a friendly face. After all, we decided to see off the two of them together. Leonard got into the wagon he was riding in first. After that, before the peacock got on too, he stopped for a moment and looked at me. Then he seemed to hesitate for a moment, then looked at me and said.
“See you later, Ciel.”
The wind blew in an instant, and his voice was scattered. But I could clearly understand what he was saying. Is it because the wind tickles my skin? itchy chest After hesitating for a while, I finally answered in a very small voice.
“Yes… … .”
After smiling at my answer, he also got into the carriage. Soon the wagon departed. I waved my hand, and as the two carriages completely disappeared from view, I lowered my hand and let out a deep sigh.
“’I like it.’ … .”
And I made his confession… … .
‘I was about to say no.’
Of course, I have a deep affinity for him. I don’t know if this is a rational crush, but it was clear that standing in front of him would make me strangely tense, and if I touched him, my heart would be pounding. I was confused because I had never liked the opposite sex, but maybe this is what ‘likes’ means. But the reason why I couldn’t receive his heart… … .
‘I can’t afford to care.’
I had too many things to take care of. Children’s safety, the emperor’s check, Jack’s identity and our future. Even thinking about it was overwhelming, but I didn’t have time to even date. But if you blindly accept your heart, the Duke may be disappointed… … . I thought it was the best option.
‘But I got in the way.’
As if it had been expected.
“Ugh, I don’t know.”
I’m still out of my mind, but my head is too complicated. As I was about to enter the director’s office, I turned around and sat down on the bench. It was early spring in March, but it was still quite chilly. It was nice because the chill seemed to cool my head. He rested his back comfortably on the backrest and tilted his head. It felt good to have the right wind blowing. He closed his eyes and then opened them slowly. The sky filled with white clouds filled my vision. The clouds covered the sun so it wasn’t dazzling.
‘But if it wasn’t for me, I might have readily accepted the duke’s confession.’
If there were a little less things to be concerned about than now, then I would have been able to accept his heart.
“Rather than regret… … I’m a little upset.”
It’s the first time I’ve ever felt this way. The duke said he would try to make me like him, but without having to, I was already in love with him.
‘That doesn’t change anything.’
I’m sorry for the duke, but to me, the children were more important than that. You can’t do anything like love. Even if it does, I hope it will be after the children are safely protected. When that time comes… … .
‘The Duke must have already woken up from me.’
When that time comes, he will really have to get married too.
‘What are you thinking now.’
went too far As he shook his head to shake off his thoughts, he heard a voice.
“Master, what are you doing here?”
“Ah.”
I straightened my head. As the world rotated halfway, Jack’s face came into view.
“Jack.”
“I saw you coming out of the second floor… … . I have a cold.”
He covered me with the large blanket he was holding. Then he handed me a mug with warm steam rising up and down. I accidentally took the glass. It was cocoa.
“Is Jack on it?”
“Yes, cocoa is immature, but… … .”
“Thank you, I’ll drink.”
What does taste matter? It doesn’t matter that the child prepared it for me. Especially if the kid is Jack.
“… … Can I sit next to you?”
As I lowered the temperature of the cocoa by blowing in the air, Jack asked cautiously. I rolled my eyes.
“I must catch a cold… … .”
“It’s ok, as much as this.”
Jack nodded lightly. I was worried, but I didn’t want to ignore the sincerity of Jack who approached me first. Eventually, I nodded and slammed the seat next to me.
“Yeah, come here.”
Jack approached me slowly and sat down next to me. I also covered him with the blanket I was covering. The blanket was so large that two people could cover it without too much trouble. In that state, I took a sip of cocoa. The warmth and sweetness seemed to melt my body.
“… … It’s delicious. I rode well.”
“… … thank you.”
Jack smirked at my contented look. I glanced at Jack as I took another sip of cocoa. Jack was sitting a little away from me.
hmmm. Eight. I strode to sit right next to him. When Jack looked at him in amazement, he smirked.
“It will be a little warmer if you sit like this.”
Jack hesitated for a moment at my words, then nodded his head and leaned over. I didn’t say it for nothing, but sitting close like this made me feel warmer.
“By the way, don’t you see the children?”
In particular, I couldn’t see the figure of Cloan, who would have been running around actively. I mumbled, and Jack answered.
“By now, you and your children must be making a children’s book together.”
“fairy tale book?”
Suddenly it’s a fairy tale book. Looking at me as if to say what I mean, Jack said with a small smile.
“Lodi said he wanted to make a children’s book. Roddy doesn’t know how to write yet, so we decided to help out together. Edie will draw, Ren will weave the paper, and Cloan will write. I think Ren’s writing is better than Cloan’s.”
Jack’s words reminded me of Cloan’s handwriting for a moment. Just for that age, Chloane’s handwriting was crooked and difficult to read. I definitely think Ren’s handwriting is neat, so Ren’s writing would be better, but then Cloan would be disappointed. By the way, you all decided to make a children’s book together. It was so cute and unique that it made me laugh out loud.
“Is Jack not participating?”
When I asked, Jack nodded.
“Because it’s a secret even to me… … . Everyone is gathering in the restaurant.”
“I see. It is expected.”
Is it a secret to me too? Will you show me when it’s finished? I was already looking forward to it. And the conversation stopped again. The only sound was the slight breeze blowing, but it didn’t feel awkward or uncomfortable.
‘It’s similar to back then.’
The day I signed a sponsorship contract with the duke. Then we sat next to each other like this.
‘If there’s one thing that has changed, it was night then and now… … .’
I glanced at Jack’s side face. He looked a little more mature than he did back then. Yes, even though I am fifteen years old. More than anything… … .
Jack felt my gaze and tilted his head.
“Why?”
“Huh? Ah… … Nothing.”
Even if I tell you that the way you look at me has changed, Jack won’t understand. As I said, Jack was very different from back then. Unlike back then, when the door of my heart was tightly closed, now it makes me smile.
‘Should I ask now?’
It wasn’t intentional, but now was the right time. Because Jack’s class is over and there are no children. After contemplating, I carefully opened my lips.
“Hey Jack, can I ask you something?”
“Yes, tell me.”
Jack nodded happily. After a while, I parted my lips.
“Jack, your name is Frit. You mean Fritt?”
Then Jack shook his head slightly.
“… … that’s right.”
“Isn’t the ex-Empress sent you to Frit?”
I already knew this, but Jack didn’t know that I already knew, so I went into it step by step. Again, Jack nodded.
“Yeah, I heard you sent me to Frit right after I was born.”
‘I heard,’ he said. no doubt Someone told Jack his identity.
I asked a little more aggressively.
“But Jack, how did you get here?”
If anyone really protected Jack, he shouldn’t have been here. What the hell happened? Jack’s gaze moved noticeably at my question. I was guessing, but the look made me sure something had happened.
After a moment’s hesitation, Jack opened his mouth. A muffled voice came from within.
“Mother… … The former Her Majesty’s Majesty has entrusted me to someone to send me to Frit.”
Jack’s eyes darkened. He bowed his head slightly and continued speaking.
“That person… … She was like a mother to me.”
Until that day.
* * *
“Your Majesty, Your Majesty!”
Young Jack turned his head at the sound of his calling. A voluptuous woman in an apron ran towards Jack and quickly snatched him away.
“Did I say I shouldn’t go out the fence? Why are you not listening!”
“mass… … .”
“I told you. Outside of this wall, there are a lot of people who seek the throne! Do you want to die like His Majesty the Emperor and His Majesty?”
Jack bowed his head as Mass gave a terrifying look on his face. Misa, who thought it was frightened, relaxed her expression and whispered in a friendly voice.
“it’s okay. If you don’t go outside without my permission, you won’t get caught.”
“… … Huh.”
At Misa’s whispers, Jack nodded with an expressionless face. Misa, who had a frown on her face as if she didn’t like Jack, smiled brightly as if she had always been, and brought Jack inside. The house the two lived in was an ordinary family house, nothing special. However, what was different from other family houses was the wall built high enough to reach the sky and the interior with very few furniture. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the inside of the house was empty. Especially in Jack’s room. There was no desk or even a bed or wardrobe. It was all yoga on the floor. It felt more exaggerated than frugal.
Jack stood still in the doorway. Then Misa’s voice came from behind her.
“I’m going out.”
When she turned her head, Mass had already finished preparing to go out. Misa, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, looked at Jack and cautioned him.
“You know, but you must never go out until I come. The royal army is all over the place. If caught, you will die very cruelly. I see?”
I was about to cry. Jack nodded.
“Okay, Misa.”
“like. I’ll come back soon and make dinner. Please wait patiently until then.”
“Huh.”
When Jack responded graciously, Misa smiled contentedly and left the house. After seeing Mass at the door, Jack turned and returned to the living room. Through the slightly opened door of Mass, I could see what was inside. In contrast to Jack’s empty room, Misa’s room was full of things like furniture and clothes. But it didn’t feel cramped. That is why Misa’s room was very spacious. Unlike Jack’s room, which was only big enough for two people to lie down.
But Jack didn’t feel the slightest oddity about it. Because he has been like this for 10 years since he was very young. Jack didn’t know where Mass was going every afternoon. After leaving only the words to wait patiently, Mass came back in the evening. One day, when I asked where he had been, he got angry. Since then, Jack hasn’t asked. However, I was satisfied that Mass did not forget food, clothing, and shelter and took good care of it.
It wasn’t until evening that day, too, that Mass returned and prepared the meal. That day was a little strange. There were a lot of expensive and oily foods, unlike the usual stuffed with soup or oatmeal. From lamb steak and grilled turkey to fresh salads and fresh fruit juices.
“Until now, I ate modestly due to poor circumstances, but I think I can eat something special today.”
“What day is today?”
When Jack asked, Misa’s hand slicing the meat stopped for a moment. Then she said, smiling softly.
“What day is it? It is the birthday of His Majesty the Prince.”
At Misa’s words, Jack’s eyes widened. He had never celebrated a birthday before. Every year, when today’s date came, as an excuse, the Mass simply passed by saying, ‘I don’t have much money, so I eat simply.’ So, he felt more puzzled than the joy of eating good food, but when he was young, he could not harbor deep doubts.
The meat I had just tasted for the first time in my life was very oily, the fresh fruit juice was sweet, and the salad was fresh. After dinner, Mass called Jack to read a book for some reason. Jack sat next to Misa on the sofa in the middle of the living room. When I put firewood on the stove, the surroundings were cozy thanks to it.
Misa read the children’s book in a calm voice. Jack listened quietly to the story. There is only one children’s book in this house, so the book that Mass reads was the book that Jack had read dozens of times. However, it was the first time someone else had read it, so I was enveloped in an unfamiliar feeling. It was like hearing the first story. As the monotonous and calm voice continued, drowsiness came over. Jack closed his eyes tightly.
“So the children lived happily ever after. … … My lord, are you sleeping?”
Misa asked in a small voice.
“… … no.”
Jack shook his head lightly.
“… … Your Majesty, aren’t you curious about your Majesty the two of you? Parents.”
Then, Jack slowly opened his eyes at the question that Misa suddenly heard.
“… … curious. But Mass hates me asking questions.”
Many times Jack wanted to ask about his parents, but each time Mass showed a distaste for it. So I never really asked. But why today? Misa’s appearance was different from usual. Misa seemed to be thinking about something at Jack’s words, and then she spoke quietly.
“I will tell you. To His Majesty the former Emperor, you were a very warm Sung-gun. He was a man who denied the idea of aristocracy and thought of the people more than anyone else. When the people suffered from famine due to the drought, he opened the warehouses of the imperial palace and lowered the tax rate for the people, but instead collected more taxes from the economically wealthy aristocrats.”
It was difficult to say to a 10-year-old, but Jack shook his head slightly as if he understood everything. Misa, who looked down at Jack quietly, opened her mouth again.
“And the former Empress, who was my master, was also a very warm person. One day, a young maid, accidentally spilled juice on Her Majesty’s cherished dress. If it had been any other noble, it would have been a tribute, but Her Majesty the Empress smiled and calmed the shaky maidservant child.”
As if imagining that time, a smile appeared on Misa’s lips.
“The Empress was a lover of flowers and small animals. There was a big age difference between the two of His Majesty, but just by looking at them, you could feel that they truly loved each other. And the Empress Dowager must have betrayed His Majesty the Crown Prince… … He was very happy. Both of them were very friendly. … … But be careful.”
Misa’s voice, who continued to speak in a warm voice, froze for a moment. Jack looked up at her. Misa’s orange eyes fluttered in the flames of the hearth.
“In the aristocratic world, kindness is poison. It comes back to a blade that hurts itself.”
“… … .”
“Your Majesty should have thought of the nobles more than anyone else. You should keep in mind that it is the nobles, not the people, who lead the country. Her Majesty should have raised her hand when she realized that she was leaning towards the second prince instead of taking care of the flowers with kindness at the fore. If I had, I would have been able to save my life.”
“… … .”
“Then, your Majesty, keep in mind. Don’t trust anyone. Doubt and doubt and make the most rational choice rationally, not emotionally.”
“… … Misa, it’s weird today.”
Misa smiled softly when Jack said, embarrassed by the unusual appearance of Mass. She spoke as if she was going to leave at any moment.
“And above all else, you must not reveal your identity to anyone. Then the imperial army will immediately come to arrest you. What would you say if someone asked your name?”
“… … Jack, Jack Frit… … .”
“good job. When you use a province’s last name as a surname, you mean that you’re a native of that area, so no one will ever suspect you. And you can’t go to the capital until you’re an adult. It is crowded with the emperor’s army and nobles.”
“… … okay.”
It’s a word I’ve always emphasized, but today, it feels strangely different. But for a moment, Misa put Jack’s head on my lap. Jack suddenly lay down on her lap. Misa gently stroked Jack’s brown hair.
“Today, I will sing a lullaby until you go to bed. Go to sleep.”
“… … Huh.”
The change in Misa’s attitude was unfamiliar, but Jack thought about it nonetheless. It would be nice if days like this continued. So Jack fell asleep listening to the lullaby of Mass. And when I opened my eyes again, Mass was gone. With all the valuables left by the Empress to Jack.
In the place where the Mass was, a letter was laid loosely.
[sorry. Majesty.]
It was difficult to understand at first. But when Mass did not return after a week, Jack finally accepted. the fact that he was abandoned. In fact, Jack already knew in his head that Mass wasn’t coming back. Misa’s room was a mess, and the box in the middle of the room was empty with the lid open.
-“It is a keepsake left by Her Majesty the Empress. They are very precious things. I will give it to you when you become an adult.”
At that time, the Mass was a little different from what it is now. We spent a lot of time together. But from that day on, Mass changed. It became more common to leave Jack alone and go out. Jack seldom entered Misa’s room. It was the first time in several years that he had set foot in Misa’s room.
Jack rummaged through Misa’s room. The box was still empty, and the closet was almost empty except for a few clothes. The rest of the clothes were too tattered to be worn again. Mass scraped away anything that could be money. Then Jack found a silver coin under the closet. Jack took the silver coin, changed clothes that Misa had left behind, and cut his long brown hair short. And put a hat on it.
Before leaving the house, Jack looked around the house. It’s been 10 years since I bought the house, but for some reason, there aren’t many memories left. If there was anything that came to mind, it was the memory of that night. It was the first time I had such a warm and cozy birthday. Even if the end is thrown away. After Mass had left, Jack could not remain in this house. There was no more food, and he did not know when the emperor’s army would arrive.
‘Mass is no longer coming back.’
Alone, Jack thought he had to take care of his own future. So I decided to go to the capital. Massa had always told Jack never to go to the capital. I knew it was dangerous, but the crowded capital could have been better than this secluded rural town. More than anything… … I wanted to see the Imperial Palace. The place where my parents died, where I should have lived, the person who killed my parents lives.
Misa told Jack that he should always be rational, but for Jack, who was still ten, that was the most rational decision. In fact, on the one hand, it was also a decision made out of reaction. Rebellion against the Mass who abandoned himself. Because she told me not to. Jack packed his things and left the house without hesitation. After a moment’s hesitation in front of the fence, Jack opened the door and went outside. Then, with silver coins, he was put on a peddler’s wagon and headed to the capital.
Jack still recalls from time to time. If he had not come to the capital at that time, what would he have been like?
As soon as they arrived in the capital, the emperor was just there. Jack could see the Emperor from a distance. Gorgeous blonde hair and terribly cold blue eyes. Jack stared blankly at the face. The emperor looked straight ahead, without even giving a single glance to the crowd. The procession passed quickly. After the emperor’s disappearance, the people who gathered were polite.
“Actually, 10 years ago, when I heard that the emperor had changed due to a rebellion, I was very anxious, but didn’t the empire get more prosperous?”
“right. Neighboring countries are not even blinking at us.”
“Actually, the former Emperor was also a gentle person, but somehow, he was so gentle that there were times when I was anxious. It seems that neighboring countries are also ignoring us. The name is Empire.”
“In a way, the rebellion might have been a good thing. Isn’t that also the case with the ‘Clean Street’ policy led by His Majesty this time? The things I hate to see have disappeared, so the streets are really clean.”
“That’s right.”
Jack was listening to all the stories. Jack didn’t know what to look like when they said they were happy that the rebellion had taken place. Should I be angry or should I be sad?
At first, he seemed to be a little indignant. Because of that rebellion, my parents died and I was in this situation. But it didn’t take long for Jack to suffer from cold and hunger. It was early November and the air was very cold. I didn’t have any money because I used silver coins to come up here. Even if I tried to work in the store, there was no place to use the shabby, wretched Jack. Rather, he kicked it out saying it was dirty.
Reluctantly, Jack went into a poorly ventilated alley and crouched around him. When the sun came up, I thought I would find a job again. He had no intention of going to the palace and revealing that he was the prince. He came here because he wanted to see the palace where the emperor lived, but Jack was afraid of the emperor. He felt like a demon who had killed his parents and was lurking to kill him.
‘Why did Mass abandon me?’
If I ever met Misa, there was something I wanted to ask. Why did you forsake yourself, and why did you do something wrong? If you have done something big wrong.
‘If you tell me, I’ll fix it… … .’
Then will you come back? With that thought in mind, Jack slowly closed his eyes. When I open my eyes again, I hope that all of this is just a dream… … .
“Hey! Is there a cheonmin kid here? What do we do?”
how many eyes Jack slowly lifted his head at the sudden sound. Two men in armor stood in front of Jack.
“What, what, how! Don’t you know the ‘clean street’ policy that catches the common people who clutter the streets? The order came down to send adults to labor camps and children to nurseries.”
“Oh, it was. Hey kid, come with us.”
Jack had no idea what the two men were talking about. I just heard the words ‘Your Majesty’ and ‘Ha Myung’ and tried to run away. But it was caught in the hands of a quick man.
“Hey, where are you? Don’t worry. Because I want to send you to a better place.”
The security guard smiled reassuringly, but in Jack’s eyes he looked like a demon trying to take him before the emperor.
“Sa, live… … .”
“Oh, he’s so rebellious, isn’t he?”
“I’m going to faint for a moment.”
Jack struggled, but after Mass left, he hadn’t eaten properly, so he had no energy at all. The knight, who was looking at Jack struggling weakly, sighed briefly at the words of his fellow knight.
“Sleep for a second, kid.”
Along with him, the knight slapped Jack on the back of the neck. Jack’s body drooped with the sensation of a sudden loss of consciousness. When Jack woke up again, he was in the wagon. It seemed to be moved somewhere. There were no windows, so I couldn’t tell what was going on outside. Will he die like this? Couldn’t he have come to the capital? A feeling of despair engulfed his whole body. I was caught up in a feeling of helplessness that I would rather fall into a deep sleep like this.
At that moment, the wagon came to a stop with a rattle. Soon after, the door to the luggage compartment opened. For a brief moment when the door opened, I thought about jumping out and running away, but I stopped. There’s no reason to live any longer anyway. And as soon as I left, it was clear what I was going to catch. There was no reason to see a tough situation.
“arrival… … What, are you awake?”
The voice he heard sounded like that of the man who had stunned him. Jack slowly shook his head. It was daytime, so the surroundings were bright.
“Come out. Arrived.”
where did you arrive Also the palace?
Jack got up helplessly and got out of the wagon. But it’s weird. It was too small a house to be an imperial palace.
“I brought it. It’s this guy.”
“It’s this kid. Be pretty.”
I looked around when I heard a woman’s voice. Jack turned his head. The first thing that caught my eye were yellow hair, golden brown eyes, curved eyes, and lips with curved lines. Next, the accessories and jewelry that adorned the body caught my eye. The woman bent her knee and made eye contact with Jack. she said with a friendly face.
“Hi? My name is Cielara. I am the director of the orphanage where you will be staying. How are you?”
nursery school. It was then that Jack found out the true identity of this place. This was not an imperial palace. It was an orphanage. The knight said with a happy face.
“You can start a new life here. This person will take good care of you. Then I will go.”
“You worked hard, knight.”
Siela waved at the departing knight. After a while, the carriage left and Ciela lowered her hand. Then he murmured as he looked down at Jack with contemptuous eyes.
“I got dirty again. Well, the bigger the child, the bigger the subsidy. Oh, it’s annoying.”
“… … .”
“how old are you?”
His tone and expression were completely different from before, but Jack responded without hesitation.
“… … ten years old.”
“name is?”
At that moment, Jack paused. It was because I was a little confused about what name to say. After a while, Jack answered in a small voice.
“Jack… … Jack Frit.”
“Okay, Jack Frit. You are living here from today. If you make a fuss or make a nuisance, you’ll be kicked out of the street again. Did you understand?”
Jack nodded slightly at her smirk. Ciel looked at it with satisfaction, and took Jack inside. A chime, a deafening bell rang, and after a while children started coming down from the second floor.
“Master… … You have been.”
A little girl with pink hair greeted her with a dismayed face. Ciela, who had just glanced at it, said.
“I know that because I will be living here from today. Say hello to yourself.”
Leaving those words behind, Ciela went into the director’s office.
There was silence between the children. Jack looked at the hesitating children. A pink-haired girl, a dark-haired boy, and a still-baby blond-haired girl. All three were
“I… … Hi?”
The pink-haired girl in the middle greeted me cautiously. Jack nodded.
“How old are you?”
Then the dark-haired boy asked sternly. Jack answered briefly.
“Ten years old.”
“We are six years old. I’m Ren, this is Cloan, this is Lodi, and he’s still three years old.”
“… … I see.”
Jack was very unfamiliar with this situation. However, when the children introduced themselves, I felt like I had to do it myself. Jack said hesitating.
“… … I am Jack, Jack Frit.”
“Tit!”
Lodi smirked as he pronounced his name. Jack’s face turned slightly red because it was the first time he had seen the baby. The baby’s smile was very cute.
“Can I call you Jack if it’s okay with you?”
Ren came up first and asked. Jack nodded in embarrassment.
“okay.”
“Cloane, call me your older brother too.”
“I do not know.”
Ren suggested, but Cloan shook his head. Then he looked at Jack with wary eyes. Even Jack’s eyes were unfamiliar. Ren apologized instead.
“I’m sorry, brother. Still, Chloe, you’re a good boy. Understand me.”
“wren!”
At Ren’s words, Cloan cried out in shame. Lodi laughed at the sight. Looking at it, Jack burst out laughing involuntarily.
“uh? laughed.”
Then Ren and the children looked at them in surprise. Ren came over and grabbed his hand. Jack looked at him in confusion. I couldn’t even think of taking my hands off those twinkling pink eyes.
“Thank you, brother.”
Len, the dissatisfied Cloan, and the still-baby Roddy filled Jack’s eyes. Suddenly, Jack felt a strange feeling. It felt like warmth enveloped my body. For the first time, Jack nodded, thinking he had done well to get to the capital.
“me too… … Good luck. Ren, Cloan, and Roddy.”
As Jack called each one by name, the children looked at them with wide eyes. Then he laughed. Jack had a foreboding that this place, with these children, would no longer be cold and lonely. After a while more children came in, but in less than a year, most were sent elsewhere by the director. After Edie, no more children came in. Jack did everything he could, fearing that Cloan and the children would be sent elsewhere. Despite the new arrival of the maid, Romanda, she kept her mouth shut and protected the children.
But it was getting tiring. The director’s indifference and Romanda’s abuse grew more and more severe. I thought about running away with my children, but it was not easy because I had already experienced the reality once. As the days of just holding on to it continued, Chloane finally exploded when she saw Romanda swearing at Lodi.
“Do you think it’s sweet to say I’m sorry? In particular, this is the dish that the director cherishes the most! what to do! What are you going to do?”
“Rody apologized!”
“Cloan! you fall out! And if an apology can solve all problems, why would there be a law in the first place?”
“That doesn’t mean you can’t bring back a plate that has already been broken! Can’t you just skip this one time? In the first place, washing the dishes is your responsibility!”
“what? Is this all you are talking about?”
The situation was getting worse and worse. When Romanda finally tried to swing her hand, Jack tried to stop it with his body. However… … .
“What are you doing now?”
It is unknown. Why is the manager blocking Romanda’s hand? Why are you blocking Romanda’s face with such a cold face and protecting us?
“You are fired.”
From that day on, the director changed. Jack doubted the director, but gradually realized that she was sincere. After being abandoned by Misa, I vowed not to trust anyone, but if it were this person… … .
‘I think you can believe it.’
* * *
Jack told all the truth without a single lie. Jack smiled at her, who looked like she was about to cry at any moment after hearing my story.
“this… … .”
I tried to say, ‘That’s all.’ But Jack couldn’t say any more. Because she hugged her without warning.
“really… … you’ve been through a lot Thanks for sticking with me, Jack.”
The voice that reached my ear was trembling. Hearing that voice somehow made Jack feel very emotional. My lips trembled and I bit hard. And buried her face in her arms. She gently patted Jack on the back.
Suddenly, I remembered the time I slept on Misa’s lap. At that time, Misa also patted my shoulder. Sleep well and whisper. Is it because it’s the warmth that I feel for the first time in my life? In particular, his hand is still sharp. However… … It doesn’t seem like that hand anymore.
Feeling Ciela’s touch, Jack thought for a moment. It was also good that he came to the capital.
* * *
After talking with Jack, I returned to the director’s office and was caught up in a complicated mood. Jack’s story was much more convoluted than I thought.
‘It means that you were abandoned after all.’
The question of how Jack got to the capital was cleared up, but rather than rejoicing, it was bittersweet. I was worried that I might have dug up Jack’s wounds for nothing. But there were also facts that I learned from it.
‘The nanny the former Empress sent to Frit with Jack.’
Except for me and Count Seymour, there was one other person who knew Jack’s identity.
‘The nanny never appeared in the original work.’
If so, can I be at peace? But for some reason, the anxiety did not go away easily. Is it true that I really don’t have to worry about it? In fact, it may not have been necessary to appear. Because Jack was already destined to die before that. But Jack is alive now. I don’t know how the original trajectory turned out to be.
‘I’ll have to check it out.’
The name is obviously… … Did you say Mass? I guess I’ll have to ask Vincente. It wouldn’t be hard to find a single person with Vincente’s ability.
‘and… … .’
Actually, there was one more thing I wanted to ask of Vincente. I think I will have to meet Vincente soon.
* * *
dark space. Of the three men seated around the round table, the emperor frowned and said:
“You can’t see the figure of Cheong.”
He had been openly ignoring the emperor before, and his silent absence from the event was amazing. Then Baek replied quietly.
“Chung is currently missing.”
“Is it missing?”
The emperor widened his eyes at the unexpected answer. But if you think about it, it’s not unexpected. He also aimed at the core of the king of monsters, but it was Duke Kreiman who got the core.
‘Did you get hit by the peacock?’
But there was no such report. If so, is there any other reason? Maybe he failed in his attempt to subdue the Demon King. As I thought about it, arsenic slipped through my lips. I acted so confidently. But soon after, the emperor asked with a cold gaze.
“Then why didn’t you report it to me?”
“I was going to report it when the exact truth was found.”
Beck answered politely. Black looked at White with a tired look. kill me with my own hands The emperor didn’t like Baek’s reply that he was going to report it when it was correct, but he nodded. But his questions did not end there.
“I don’t see any enemies. Is the enemy missing?”
“Ah, he… … .”
Baek touched the mask. Behind the mask, the pale blue eyes gleamed with a cold.
“I couldn’t attend because of an injury.”
“injury? How… … .”
“Your Majesty, there is something more important than that.”
Baek stopped talking to the emperor and looked at him.
“The ethernum of hallucinations. I’m afraid it might have fallen into someone else’s hands.”
White’s voice lowered. His gaze was directed towards the emperor. From that gaze, the emperor knew that Baek was suspicious of him. it would be natural Rumors that the duke presented the king of monsters to the emperor had already spread throughout the empire.
The emperor stared quietly at such a bag and opened his lips.
“I got it wrong. The core of the king of monsters was not Ethernum. It was a core of ordinary magic.”
“Is that true?”
“Even if not… … .”
The emperor’s deep blue eyes stared straight at the back.
“Is Jim obligated to say that?”
“… … .”
The usual emperor felt suppressed. It was the members of the organization who made him emperor, so he could not always express his intentions properly. But today’s emperor was different. Baek looked at the emperor for a moment, then burst out laughing and shook his head.
“No, Your Majesty has no obligation to do so. I was rude. Please forgive me.”
“… … done. So what are you going to do now? Is there no information obtained?”
the emperor asked skeptically. Baek shook his head in regret.
“Yes, I will report to Your Majesty as soon as I receive any new information. And first of all, it is better to protect the cursed Aethernum more thoroughly. You never know when the one who stole the healing Aethernum will also seek the cursed Aethernum again. What is clear is that there are people who know our organization. Because that existence may be aiming for Your Majesty… … .”
Baek, who had blurred the end of his speech, bowed his head slightly toward the emperor.
“Please take care of yourself.”
“… … .”
At first glance, he seemed full of loyalty, but the Emperor recognized that it was White’s warning. The emperor took a breath. Then he got up and left the meeting room without saying a word. Heuk, who had been watching after the emperor left, asked in a worried voice.
“Is it okay to provoke the emperor like that?”
“The emperor is useless now.”
As White got up, Black’s gaze followed. He said as he took off his white mask.
“It seems that the emperor has forgotten his grace.”
“So, what are you going to do now? In addition… … .”
Are you planning to start a revolt? Heuk didn’t say anything behind his back, but even if he didn’t say it, the meaning was fully conveyed. Baek put his hand to his chin as if he was worried. he muttered a little.
“To do that, we need Prince Seid or another heir to the throne, but at this point there is only one heir left… … . I’ll have to wait and see for a while.”
“Right.”
Black answered briefly. Baek looked back at Black and asked.
“How is the enemy?”
“same. I tried to cure the eye, but it seems to keep failing. Perhaps that’s why they are buying magic stones in large quantities.”
“It would be difficult if I did something that stood out for nothing… … . Are you still not talking about the one who made the eyes like that?”
“It seems that my self-esteem has been severely damaged.”
“Really… … .”
Baek shook his head as if in annoyance.
“Still, I’m the only owner of Ethernum, so keep an eye on me. And if you drive… … .”
“Don’t let me do that.”
Heuk, who answered meekly, turned his back first. He suddenly disappeared into the dark. Seeing the spot where Black had disappeared, Baek turned his head and looked at the door where the emperor had left. Baek smiled quietly. And in the next moment, he disappeared.
* * *
Returning to the room, the emperor harshly threw the coffin. And laid down on the chair.
‘Now they are no longer on my side.’
I’ve felt it before, but now it’s clear. The emperor didn’t trust them, and they didn’t need him any more. The emperor nervously bit his nails.
‘I couldn’t be dragged around forever, so I went out strong… … .’
Even so, there was a lot of insecurity inside me. Because they have already committed a rebellion once.
‘I am monitoring Seid’s every move. I killed all those who had the right to heir to the throne, so right now… … .’
No, no. There is still one person left.
‘That kid!’
A child born to the former emperor and his wife. It was clear that the child was there, but he still didn’t know where he was. If they even find the child before you… … .
‘How did you get this position?’
He did not hesitate to get blood on his hands, and he cut off all those who stood in the way. No matter how blind they were to power, killing people was never easy. To kill my blood relatives. He couldn’t lose this position he had earned by doing so. So, before the organization, the child… … .
Bump.
“your Majesty!”
At that moment, the door slammed open and the maid ran in. The emperor immediately picked up the inkwell and threw it. The bottle hit the chieftain’s head and fell.
“What rude attitude is this now!”
“Sin, I’m sorry, Your Majesty. It’s an urgent matter… … .”
The chieftain immediately fell flat on his face. The emperor breathed heavily in anger. Even though he could see his body trembling, his anger did not subside. He wanted to kill him right away, but he couldn’t because he was a limb carrying out his secret mission. The emperor took a deep breath and opened his lips as he stared at him with an extremely cold gaze.
“Okay, let’s hear what the hell is going on. If that’s not important to me, I won’t leave you alone.”
“Yes, yes. It’s no different. I heard that an item was put up for auction at a small auction house that is being operated illegally. … .”
The chieftain raised his head and met the emperor’s eyes. His eyes were trembling. He swallowed his saliva and said.
“It seems to be a keepsake of the former Empress Dowager.”
“… … what?”
Upon hearing the report of the chieftain, the emperor could not believe it and asked. It’s a memento of the former Empress. All belongings of the former emperor and his wife were burned and destroyed as soon as he ascended to the throne. However, he did not know that the memento was uploaded to the auction house, or it was leaked… … .
‘That the Empress directly entrusted to someone.’
This meant that the person who placed the auction item was the empress’s closest aide. However, the Empress’s closest aides killed them all in a rebellion.
‘Even though Count Seymour remains, she not only left the palace a long time ago, but also fell ill and is unable to leave the estate.’
In addition, people were attached to monitor her, but there was no movement. Then there is only one possibility left.
‘It must have been that the empress stole it herself. Perhaps with his own child.’
As if when he was angry, the emperor’s lips were bent to the point of being torn. It looked like a demon overjoyed in the eyes of the chieftain.
“Find it now. Whatever you do, find the seller and bring him to me!”
“I will obey your orders!”
The chieftain responded quickly and ran out of the room. The emperor could not control his trembling hands and clenched his fists.
‘Look at this. No matter how tightly you hide it, it is of no use.’
“… … I can’t wait to see what kind of child it will be.”
* * *
The next day I heard about Jack’s coming to the capital, I called Vincente. Calling Vincente is simple. If I put on and take off the invalid Ethernum, it ran on its own. It was because of the tracking magic still on me. Who would have known that the magic that Vicente put to death could be so convenient?
‘Well, I didn’t know that the relationship between me and Vincente would be this close.’
“So why did you call me?”
As soon as I called, Vincente showed up with a sigh. Every time I see it, I love it, that movement magic. It would be great if I could learn too.
“Um, would you like something to drink first?”
Still, I invited him, but I can’t sit him down because there’s nothing. I fumbled through the tea leaves and asked, but when I didn’t get an answer, I turned my head and stopped. The distance between him and me was too close. To the point where I almost ran into him. I stiffened in embarrassment, but Vincent didn’t seem to mind.
“This would be good.”
Vincente reached over my head and picked up one of the teapots.
“Ride with this.”
Then he waved the barrel right in front of my face and smiled. He and I didn’t seem to be conscious of how close we were. Well, I don’t even need to be conscious of it. He didn’t approach it with any special meaning. Thinking that way made me feel at ease. Is it because I recently heard a confession from the duke? I think I’ve become a little sensitive. I erased my hard expression and responded lightly.
“okay. Sit down.”
And I turned my back and raised the water. But for some reason, there was no sign of Vicente returning to her seat. I tilted my head slightly.
“What are you doing?”
“… … done. What would you expect?”
Then Vincente mumbled only incomprehensible words with a dull face. Then I returned to the sofa and looked at him with an incomprehensible face.
Why are you talking like that? Vincente’s appearance was a little strange, but, well, he was strange for a day or two. I soon turned my mind off and focused on driving the car. The tea Vincente chose was a flower tea with a delicate scent. It is a mixture of several types of flowers that have a good combination. I parked the car and put it in the seat in front of him.
“Drink it.”
At my suggestion, Vincente tasted the tea.
“how?”
“Well, it’s okay to eat.”
He said it bluntly, but since he sips non-stop, it seems to suit his taste luckily. Then he put down the teacup. He had already drank more than half.
“So why did you call me?”
“I want to ask you something.”
“I want to ask you. Let me hear it first.”
Vincente languidly hung down and crossed one leg. And he beckoned me to tell him. I didn’t like the way it looked, but I didn’t have any complaints because I was in a position to ask for it and it was me who was dissatisfied.
“I want you to find someone.”
“person?”
“Huh. He worked in the Imperial Palace until 15 years ago and fled right before the rebellion. A middle-aged woman and her name is Misaya. He ran away with valuables, so he should have disposed of them little by little.”
“It’s not difficult to find someone.”
“Can you do it?”
“You didn’t think I would say no in the first place, did you?”
Vincente pursed her lips. I bit my lip and shut my mouth. As he said, I was sure Vicente would do my favor. It’s because he’s been cooperative with me lately. Moreover, he has even made a plan to retake the cursed Aethernum, so it will seem more favorable. But when I pointed it out like this, my conscience pricked me a little. It seemed like it was taken for granted. When I couldn’t say anything, Vincente, who stared at me for a moment, said:
“Well, that’s not really the problem. It’s also fun.”
“Fun?”
I tilted my head slightly at the unexpected answer. Did I do something that would make him interesting?
“At first, my daily life was monotonous, but thanks to you, I have experienced all kinds of things. is not it?”
He spoke in a soft voice and gently closed his eyes. It’s a new feeling, but Vincente was also the owner of a very beautiful appearance. Amethyst-colored eyes that are lighter than Jack’s original pupils, and platinum-colored hair that is close to silver hair. From pure white skin to a slender body. If Duke Crayman was elegant, this one was glamorous. So it’s like an orchid and a rose.
“Well, anyway, I’ll look for a woman who does Mass or something. Then can I tell you my business this time?”
“Your business?”
Since I sang it, I didn’t think Vincente would have any business.
“Hey. Can’t you remember?”
“… … .”
Nothing came to mind right away, so I was silent. Vincente sighed deeply, as if frustrated by my appearance.
“It’s magic. You said you’d lend me my magic.”
“Oh, it was.”
I was so distracted that I forgot. My magic power was almost depleted, and Vincente told me that she was going to fill it with me.
“You forgot such an important thing.”
Suddenly, Vincente got up. Then he leaned on the table and leaned his upper body towards me. Gradually his face drew closer.
“Are you going to do it now?”
he murmured lowly. As his face drew closer, I opened my eyes.
“Now What… … .”
“You know it well. How do you transfer magic power? Huh, Ciel?”
He whispered my name as if trying to seduce him. I have a memory that comes to mind. In the forest of monsters, the peacock, who had exhausted his magic, delivered the magic through his lips… … . Do you want me to do that now? As if he wasn’t joking, he came right before his lips touched. Blocked by the sofa, I couldn’t step back. Confused, I bit my lip. And said in a low voice.
“Don’t play with me, Vincente.”
“… … Unless it’s a joke?”
Vincente stopped approaching and raised her gaze to meet me. I looked down at him without saying a word. The image of me in his eyes is like an emotionless doll.
“… … That’s right, a joke.”
Vicente stared at me like this, spoke briefly, pulled something out of her arms and hung it around my neck. Then he went away. I checked that Vincente hung it around my neck. It was a necklace with purple jewels. Looking at him with questionable eyes, Vincente waved his hand as if annoyed.
“It is a crystal that has refined my magic. If you wear it around your neck, it will help you build up your magical energy. When the effect goes down, the gem disappears, so keep that in mind.”
I looked down at the necklace with a surprised face. It’s a magical crystal. Perhaps that’s why, the jewel gave off a somewhat mysterious feeling. I grabbed the necklace and looked at Vincente.
“Why? Did you really think I could even kiss you?”
“… … Nope.”
In fact, Vincente was right. At that moment, Vincente’s expression looked very serious, and there was a sense of tension.
‘It seems that I overdo it by myself.’
I was embarrassed and coughed a lot.
“Anyway, thank you. I’ll write well. How about a little mining excavation? Any progress?”
“Ah, that.”
I quickly turned the topic around and Vincente nodded.
“Certainly, there was a strong magical energy flowing through the entire mountain range. It is so energetic that it is not easy to find the source, but I don’t think it will take long.”
Then he grinned as to what he was thinking of.
“It’s fun to use the duke’s enlisted men.”
… … it’s evil Vincente wouldn’t know how evil her face now looks.
‘Anyway, it looks like things are going smoothly. thank God.’
I wondered if there were any other members of the organization, but there seemed to be no sign of that. In fact, it didn’t appear in the original.
‘But will it really work out like this?’
In addition to the healing ethernum, he successfully obtained the hallucinatory ethernum. Although he missed the request, it would be difficult to heal such an injury without the healing ethernum. If this plan goes well, the emperor will lose his power. If that happens, he was sure that even if the emperor found out about Jack’s identity, he would be able to protect him.
It is under the protection of the duke, and there is also a sympathy. I’m also learning magic, and if I’m still around, I can get help from Vincente. With that in mind, there’s nothing to worry about… … .
‘I’m still very anxious.’
No matter how well it worked out so far, there is no guarantee that it will be any better in the future. In fact, you’ve been endangered many times up until now. And as much as it was reliable, there were also many unstable elements. Once the duke is watched by the emperor, he cannot move easily. In addition, if Jack’s true identity is discovered, he could be framed as the duke of rebellion. Even in such a situation, the Duke will be fully willing to help, but that is something I am very sorry for.
Hoyeon can be said to be the strongest among the beasts. But it has a fatal weakness. It smells like numbness. As his senses were sensitive, the smell of paralysis was a rat poison to Suin. The emperor would be well aware of that. And Vincente… … .
I glanced at Vincente. He felt his gaze and smiled softly like a cat. They are allies now, but they never knew when they would turn into enemies. Moreover, once he recaptures the cursed Aethernum, he really has nothing to complain about. Even so, I did not have expectations that my magic skills would be superior until then.
‘also… … .’
There was something I had been thinking about all along, but I didn’t feel the need to do it, so I put it off. But it’s good to be prepared just in case. I looked at Vincente with a determined face and opened my lips.
“Vincente, I’m sorry, can you do one more favor?”
“Hmm, what is it?”
he asked with an interesting face. I answered right away.
“Please save me one forged identity.”
Unsurprisingly, Vincente looked at me with a puzzled face. Well, it’s worth it. You suddenly asked me to forge my identity. I quickly opened my mouth to see if he misunderstood. However, Vincente spoke first and kept her lips shut.
“Yeah, there are quite a few guys left in Cannes.”
“uh? So easy?”
Vincente’s answer was so gratifying than I thought that I would put a bewildered expression on my face. You’re asking me to forge your identity and nothing else, shouldn’t you be a little suspicious? Well, he’s a guy who doesn’t really know what he’s thinking. I looked at him in amazement and Vincente shrugged.
“Well, it’s not difficult.”
“Hmm… … .”
I stared at Vincente. He narrowed his eyes as if asking why.
“No, just… … I thought I was very lucky to have you.”
right? It can travel all distances that would take several days at a time, learn magic, trick the Emperor’s eyes with the psychedelic Ethernum, and provide help whenever needed. I said it with that in mind, but Vincente’s expression was somehow strange.
“What are you thinking about?”
I asked him with a puzzled look on his face. He seemed to be thinking about something for a moment, then shook his head briefly.
“Nothing. Anyway, I’ll send your request soon. At that time, I will send a subordinate instead of me, so keep that in mind.”
“okay. thanks.”
“what.”
Vicente glanced at me and turned around. Suddenly, Vincente’s figure disappeared. At first, it was amazing to see it disappear in the blink of an eye, but now I’m quite used to it. After Vicente returned, I sat down at the desk and fiddled with the necklace for a moment. Maybe it’s because he knows that it’s not an ordinary gem, and the sensation he feels from his fingertips is strange. Once the schedule was sorted out to some extent and my mind became lighter, I tilted my head back.
‘Though there is still work to be done.’
That may require a fake ID to arrive. There was nothing I had to do right now. Normally, I would have practiced magic, but I had to refrain from practicing because it was still time to conserve my magic.
‘… … It’s easy after a while.’
Come to think of it, it’s been a really long time since I’ve had this free time. It was a little vague to call it leisure, but anyway. I slowly opened my closed eyes and got up. It would be nice to get some sleep, but before that… … .
I glanced at the wall clock. The time has come for Leonard to come. I said, “Shhhhhh.” and got up. Even if you are in a rush, when you have time left, you should meet the child’s teacher as a guardian. I left the director’s office. Suddenly, I stood in the empty hallway and looked at the second floor.
‘I can’t see the children.’
Originally, at this time, they would have been studying or playing together in a restaurant, but the children were nowhere to be seen.
‘Are you still making children’s books?’
I was really looking forward to seeing what the children’s storybooks would look like. I wish I could see you sooner. Leaving my expectations behind, I went out. Just in time, the duke’s carriage arrived. Even though I knew who the person in that wagon was, my heart was pounding for a bit.
Soon the carriage came to a complete stop and the door slowly opened. I focused my gaze through the open carriage door. And one person getting off.
“Director?”
“Ah… … Hello.”
“Heh heh, did you come to meet me?”
“Yeah, haha.”
Leonard found me and approached me with a friendly face. I looked at him and smiled. I was afraid that I would show disappointment without knowing it.
“It went well. Before class begins, I have something to tell you.”
He tilted his head at Leonard’s words. I’ve had a lot of interviews about Jack’s class, but it’s usually after class, and I’ve never done it before. First of all, I took Leonard and headed to the director’s office. Leonard said when he ran into Jack coming down.
“Jack, go up first and review.”
“Yes, Master.”
Jack also had a puzzled expression on his face, but he quietly returned to the room on the second floor. After offering Leonard a seat, I pulled out the car. And sat across from him. Is it because of a different situation than usual? I just got nervous. Above all, Leonard’s expression was very serious.
“Still the tea tastes great.”
“thank you.”
Before getting to the point, Leonard gave a brief compliment. I replied with a grateful face. The sound of passing cars filled the space for a moment, and Leonard put down the teacup. And he parted his lips.
“Do you remember what I said before? That Jack has to see and learn more.”
“… … sure.”
how can i forget How much trouble did I have with that? Maybe that’s why, but my heart was so impatient.
“It’s about that.”
Leonard looked at me with a hardened face and said.
“I want Jack to be the Duke of Crayman.”
I opened my eyes wide at Leonard’s sudden words.
“What… … .”
“Ah, sorry. There was not enough explanation ahead of my mind.”
Leonard caught his breath as if trying to calm himself, then opened his mouth.
“Currently, the Duke Craymans are sponsoring . The target of sponsorship is an orphanage.”
“Yes.”
“What I said was that I wanted to sponsor Jack apart from sponsoring the orphanage. To be precise, you are right about becoming a guardian.”
“Is that what you mean?”
“I made a request, and you agreed. However, he said that it is entirely according to the will of the director.”
So this is more than Duke Crayman… … .
‘Leonard’s will is stronger.’
Really, just don’t do that. Leonard had been sacrificing Jack’s genius until now. I’m sure we can learn more if we get support. However, the saying ‘I want to be a peasant’ caught my heart. I asked about it. It seemed like it wasn’t just about sponsorship.
“But the words I want to bring to the peacock family… … .”
“Ah it… … .”
Leonard nodded and said.
“If Jack is sponsored, I would like to educate him more systematically and professionally. And if possible, I want to make it a duke’s residence so that I can study in a better environment.”
Leonard’s plan was more specific and grand than expected. I asked with a worried look.
“But Jack is from a commoner, is that possible?”
If he was the son of a noble family, he might be able to enlist, but Jack was from a commoner. Will he ever be able to become a peasant? Of course, Jack is originally from the royal family, but that shouldn’t be revealed.
Leonard nodded and replied.
“Of course, it will not be easy, but Jack is the winner of the first academic achievement contest. I plan to actively emphasize that part. With your permission, it won’t be difficult.”
Leonard looked at me with a very firm face. His will was well communicated in that figure.
“… … .”
His story was well understood. I also knew that this would be a great opportunity for Jack.
‘However… … .’
Still, he couldn’t nod his head easily because of the circumstances surrounding Jack. Currently, Jack has to avoid the eyes of the emperor, and there is a high possibility that Jack will be noticed if he enters the duke’s house. Leonard said again, perhaps impatient when I didn’t respond readily.
“I can send you to study abroad if you want.”
I was a little startled by the word studying abroad. Leonard watched my reaction carefully. If you are studying abroad, it would be better to avoid the emperor’s eyes as you are abroad. Not only that, with the support of the Duke Craymans, he may be able to attend the academy abroad.
‘Even though I can send you to study abroad.’
It was difficult for me to systematically manage it. Even if I hired a manager, I was worried that I would be able to trust that person. If it was possible to study abroad with the support of the Crayman family, it was a good opportunity to learn more while avoiding the eyes of the emperor. It wasn’t that I didn’t like Mass. But the only solution to that problem is to find the cursed Aethernum and neutralize the emperor. It was the only thing I could do for Jack. I opened my lips.
“First of all, thank you for this great opportunity. But it’s hard for me to say. Above all else, Jack’s doctor is the most important thing, so I will obey Jack’s will.”
“thank you!”
At those words, Leonard was overjoyed as if it had already been confirmed. Of course, I felt the same way with him. There are many complicated circumstances involved, but I didn’t think Jack would turn down this great opportunity. If Jack really accepted the offer, I was going to do my best to back it up.
* * *
Leonard’s face as he left the director’s office and headed to the second floor showed confidence and tension. This Leonard is nervous. I was surprised myself. I have taught many students and raised disciples, but this was the first time I was so nervous. It wasn’t like this when he entered the Crayman duke’s family and produced the first duke. That is why Jack was precious and meaningful to him.
Not surprisingly, all the children he taught came from wealthy and needy families, but Jack showed a stronger will and achievement than any other child in the harsh environment. I couldn’t help but be special. As the possibilities were endless, Leonard wanted Jack to grow up in a more prosperous environment. He was sure that Jack would certainly accept his offer.
“I’m sorry, but I will decline.”
“… … what? I think you heard it wrong. Can you tell me again?”
When Leonard asked with a puzzled face, Jack politely bowed his head.
“Thank you for thinking about it, but you said that you could not accept Master’s suggestion to enter the duke’s house.”
“What!”
Leonard, who had just come to his senses at Jack’s unwavering attitude, shouted.
“Why? What a great opportunity this is… … !”
Before class, Leonard did exactly what he had told Ciela. He explained what a great opportunity this is. He was a child full of enthusiasm for learning, so I was sure he would never refuse, but I couldn’t help but be baffled.
“Even though I can study more effectively and even send them to study abroad if they want! If there’s something you don’t like, tell me.”
“It’s not like that.”
“Then why? Wouldn’t you like to see and learn more, Jack?”
Leonard’s screams suddenly turned into circumstances. Leonard was so desperate.
“sorry.”
But even so, Jack did not hesitate or hesitate. The will was firm.
“… … Let’s hear the reason. Why would you want to kick such a great opportunity? Do you think you will ever have an opportunity like this again in your lifetime?”
If it was such a cheeky thought, I thought I’d make it hard. However, the answer that came back was different from Leonard’s expectations. Jack lowered his eyelashes and whispered quietly.
“It is good to study. It’s fun to learn what you didn’t know and expand your insight and perspective. But there is something more precious than that.”
“… … Are they children? Are you worried that you can’t leave? If that’s the case, the duke’s family will provide enough support… … .”
“Of course, there are concerns. But for a bigger reason than that… … .”
Jack lifted his gaze and met Leonard’s eyes. At first glance, a purple light hovered in the middle of his brown eyes. Leonard couldn’t take his eyes off him. “More than ever,” said Jack.
“I like this place, . I don’t want to leave this place. It is a very precious home to me.”
“… … You are foolish.”
“Maybe not.”
Jack smiled faintly. His gaze fell again. And for a moment, he seemed to recall something, and then he parted his lips.
“Even if you are a fool, you don’t want to miss out on precious things right now. Studying is good, but this time with everyone is more precious to me.”
“… … .”
Jack raised his gaze. Leonard looked into those eyes and sighed deeply as if he had lost.
“How did I ever get to take on such a stubborn guy… … . They say that there is no parent who can beat their children, so that’s the perfect match.”
“… … Thank you for your understanding, Master.”
Jack politely bowed his head.
“Still, think again. If you still think the same after that, I won’t force you any more. This was also recommended because I wanted you to be happier. I want you to be happy.”
At that, Jack looked at Leonard in amazement. He had always felt Leonard’s affection for him, but it was the first time he had expressed it directly like today. Jack’s eyes flickered for a moment. He quickly smiled and replied.
“I am happy enough now. I don’t want more happiness.”
“… … Yeah, I got it. I will not tell you again.”
“Please.”
“… … Then open the textbook. Following what we learned yesterday… … .”
Leonard continued the class casually. Jack also listened and studied diligently. But Leonard felt uncomfortable throughout the class.
Jack’s words, ‘I don’t want more happiness,’ touched my heart.
It was like a child who had already been deprived of happiness. So it looks like you’re afraid to be happy.
‘Are you worried about anything?’
I was even more concerned because I couldn’t tell what kind of wounds he had.
‘It’s unfortunate anyway. I was thinking of getting him into the duke’s family and making him register as a duke somehow.’
Of course, the process will never be smooth. However, among the dukes of the Kreiman family, it was not impossible, since there have certainly been cases in which a person who was not an enemy became a duke. Guardianship was the cornerstone for him. However, all plans were thwarted by Jack’s refusal. With him, his clandestine plan to try to weave Siela and Dietrich a little bit more was also thwarted.
‘Tsut, I’m really sorry.’
Leonard shook his head with a brief click while Jack was absorbed in his studies.
* * *
As I was standing in front of the stairs just in time for class to end, I quickly approached Jack as he and Leonard came down.
“Is class over?”
“Oh, yes.”
I glanced at Jack. Jack’s expression was the same as usual. There were no special corners to be found.
‘Didn’t Leonard say that?’
But when I think of that momentum, I don’t think I would have said it. I looked at Leonard with that question. When our eyes met, Leonard’s expression became strange. It made me realize that it didn’t turn out the way he had hoped. After sending Jack up, Leonard and I headed to the director’s office.
“How did it go?”
Leonard answered my question with a deep sigh.
“That’s it.”
At his next words, I had a startled expression on my face, then became serious, and then I didn’t know what to do with my face.
“… … If it’s Jack’s will, then there’s nothing we can do about it.”
“I hope the director will convince me once again.”
“… … Let me tell you.”
“Whoa, yes. I’ll just go and see.”
Leonard stood up from his seat with a puzzled expression on his face. After seeing him off, I thought I’d go see Jack right away, but I stopped. It’s been a while since Leonard has returned, but if you visit him right away, you might feel pressured.
‘However… … .’
I’m sure we’ve never talked about this together before, so it would be nice to talk about it. So if Jack had changed his mind, he would have come up with a more specific plan. I was about to enter the director’s room right away. Then, Hoyeon quietly approached.
“Master, someone is approaching.”
“… … who?”
“He is an unknown person.”
That means, at least, that he is not someone who has been to and from the orphanage.
‘no way?’
A bad feeling came over. I asked Ho-yeon not to let the children go out, and then I headed towards the gate. I was worried that it might have been sent by the emperor.
“Excuse me. Are you inside?”
Just then, a woman’s voice came from outside the door. I paused and spoke quietly.
“Who are you?”
“Are you the manager?”
“Yes, I am the director, Ciel. I asked who you are.”
The tone of speech became sharp. The answer didn’t come right away. After a while, a voice came through the door.
“Sent from the ‘Khan’s Master'”
“If you are the owner of Khan… … .”
I was able to figure it out instantly. Even so, there was only one owner of Khan that I knew.
‘Vincente.’
-“Nothing. Anyway, I’ll send your request soon. At that time, I will send a subordinate instead of me, so keep that in mind.”
I suddenly remembered what Vincente had said to me. I sent a subordinate, and it’s this guy. At some point, a hoon came out. she said warily.
“Do you know anyone?”
“Rather than someone you know… … .”
I’d say it’s a subordinate of someone you know. Anyway, I said to reassure Ho-yeon.
“I asked Vincente something, and he came to give it to me.”
“… … Well, I’ll go out. Master, please wait here.”
It was said to reassure Ho-yeon, but for some reason, Ho-yeon raised her hair even more. … … but.
‘It must be difficult to fully trust Vincente yet.’
I nodded. Without opening the door as it was, Hoyeon leapt over the wall. And quickly jumped in. Thanks to hearing our story over the wall, it seems to have been passed on.
“Here it is.”
“thanks. The messenger is… … .”
“It seems that the sign has disappeared, so it seems to have returned.”
“I see.”
I went back to the principal’s office. I let go and opened my pocket. Inside was a square, palm-sized crystal plaque. The name ‘Isilla Wignus’ was written on the plaque. It was the fake identity I asked for Vincente.
Unless you are a Californian, you usually authenticate your identity with an identity card made of crystal like this. ID cards are issued by the imperial family. Once again, holding the fake identity card in my hand, my heart was pounding with tension. I felt the work was getting bigger and bigger, but it was already too late to back down. I had to keep moving forward to protect what was precious. First, I shoved my ID card deep into the drawer. Then the regret came later.
‘Didn’t you want to ask for a magic item for transformation?’
It’s because I can’t reveal myself in order to use that ID card. But then I shook my head. You’ve already been of great help so far. It wasn’t too bad to expect that.
‘… … I must use a magic potion.’
If that’s the case, you can change your appearance temporarily. I think tomorrow would be a good date. I have work to do today. I looked at the clock. It had been a while since he had to deal with Leonard and Vincente’s errands. I left the director’s office. I was thinking of finding Jack. Jack is probably on the second floor, so when he was about to go up to the second floor… … .
“found!”
I turned my head to the first voice I heard. Cloan opened the dining room door and pointed at me.
“me?”
I tilted my head. Immediately, Chloe ran over.
“You’ve been looking for a long time!”
“What’s going on?”
I asked worriedly at Cloan’s words. If it’s anything specifically related to Cloan, I’m worried about it. A lively Ira. The other children are nowhere to be seen. I looked around. Except for Jack, the children mostly flocked around, so it felt strange to be alone with Clauan. Cloan nodded her head and grabbed my hand.
“I have something I want to show you.”
“Huh?”
I was taken by Chloane by accident. The place where Cloan and I went was Hoyeon’s room under the stairs. The room was used as a warehouse, but it has been remodeled, so it has a cozy feel.
‘By the way, it’s the first time I’ve entered Hoyeon’s room.’
There was no room left at the nursery, so I was worried about giving them a room that was used as a storage room… … Rather, it seemed cleaner and warmer than my room. Although my room is spacious, it is difficult to say that it is clean, even if it is empty, as it is a space where most of the work is done.
‘By the way, why… … .’
Is it okay to enter a room without an owner like this? Before thinking, the door opened and a second guest arrived. The people who entered were Edie, Ren, and Hoyeon. Hoyeon looked puzzled as to whether she had been dragged through the same procedure as me. She found me and opened her eyes.
“master?”
“haha… … I’m sorry for coming in.”
“No, thanks. Even the children told me in advance… … . But it’s too sudden… … .”
Hoyeon naturally sat down next to me. The children were gathering with each other and sharing something. I lowered my voice and asked quietly.
“Do you know what’s going on?”
Then, Ho-yeon shook her head and answered.
“No, I don’t know. I just said that I would rent a room today, and then suddenly asked for some time… … .”
“Cloan said there was something he wanted to show me… … . I do not know?”
“Yes, I don’t know. sorry.”
“No, I am not sorry.”
When Hoyeon felt so sorry, I quickly waved my hand. Meanwhile, the last child arrived. It was Roddy and Jack. But Jack looked puzzled as to whether he had been captured like us. Roddy, who came holding hands, smiled broadly and put her in my arms.
“Master, what the hell is this? … .”
Embarrassed Jack asked me, but I couldn’t answer because I was also brought in ignorantly. Confused, Chloane groaned and stood up from her seat. Naturally, our eyes turned to that direction. As his gaze drew attention, Chloane’s face turned slightly red in embarrassment. Finally, Cloan turned her head slightly and said.
“Well, the fairy tale book was completed… … .”
“Cloan, I can’t hear you.”
He seemed to have had the courage to do so, but as Ren had said, Cloan’s voice could not be heard well. Cloan put on a puzzled expression. Even though it doesn’t seem like it, there’s a bit of a timid side. At that moment, Lodi jumped up and grabbed something from the corner and handed it to me. I accidentally accepted it.
“This… … .”
“read!”
Clauan, who was stuttering, Ren, who was slightly sullen, and Edie, who was hesitant, looked at me. Everyone had the same expression. I looked down at what was handed me then. A rough book made by weaving parchment and paper together. was immediately recognizable.
‘It’s a children’s book that Jack said.’
Apparently, the children invited us to show this. I looked down at the book cover made of parchment. The parchment had a small piece of fabric in the shape of the night sky that I bought last time, sewn into it. It seems to be a piece of cloth left over from being used up.
I recited the title.
“Children in Wonderland.”
My low voice fell over the silence. Roddy clasped her in my arms, her eyes twinkling, and Edie, Ren, and Cloan hugged their cushions and gathered nearby. Ho-yeon and Jack were seated on either side of me. It was a reading group that was formed suddenly, but there was no such thing as heterogeneity or awkwardness. Is it because the room is cozy? The air in the room was particularly warm, and the children who listened intently were lovely. What was surprising was the fact that Hoyeon concentrated on fairy tales more than anyone else. So I guess I’m getting more and more into it. Of course, the contents of the children’s fairy tales were also interesting. As the title suggests, it is about children who have fallen into a strange country to work together to survive in a strange country.
Ren’s skill in weaving the paper was excellent and Edie’s drawing was cute. Cloan’s handwriting was also a little hard to read, but there were signs of trying to write it straight. It was even cuter because Lodi’s worldview was well shown in the work. I felt the traces of children everywhere in the fairy tale, so I fell in love with them. The fairy tale was longer than I expected, and the reading time was getting longer as the children were talking about the episodes that occurred while making the fairy tale. All the children were rubbing their sleepy eyes when the last letter was read. What time is it now? It was lunchtime when Clauan caught him, so it was probably dinnertime. I looked at the children who fell asleep while rubbing their sleepy eyes and muttered with a troubled face.
“I have to eat dinner… … .”
To do that, I have to prepare now, but I couldn’t wake up the children who fell asleep on my knees. Then Hoyeon cautiously stood up and said.
“I will prepare.”
“But it must be difficult to prepare by yourself.”
“Fine. You must have been tired from reading for a long time, so please take a break.”
Hoyeon went out without a bird to catch. I looked at the sleeping children for a moment, then moved the cushions and carefully laid them under Roddy’s head.
‘It would be nice to help too.’
Hoyeon said it was okay, but I couldn’t play alone no matter what. So I want to get up from my seat.
“… … Do not go.”
I turned my head, startled by the sudden voice. Jack, who I thought was sleeping with his head down, was looking at me.
“Weren’t you sleeping?”
I must have closed my eyes. When I asked in a small voice, Jack nodded.
“Not sleepy?”
I asked again. There was a lot of sleepiness in Jack’s eyes looking at me. But once again Jack shook his head.
“it’s okay.”
“… … .”
It was really weird. I think Jack is sleepy.
‘Ah maybe… … .’
I have a memory that comes to mind. The story Jack told me. Apparently, after Mass read a children’s book, he left while Jack was asleep.
‘Maybe that’s why.’
It may be that the memories of that time remain traumatic, making it difficult to sleep. I’m afraid I’ll leave like Mass. It was a nonsensical story, but as it was a shocking event for Jack, it may be that he cannot easily shake off the memory of that time.
‘It could be my misunderstanding.’
I sat back down on my body that had been raised up awkwardly to follow Ho-yeon. And he sat down next to Jack. Roddy, feeling the presence, tossed and turned for a moment, then rolled to the side where Ren and the children were sleeping.
“… … ?”
Jack looked at me curiously at my actions. I smiled at him and tilted my head back.
“Sleepy.”
“… … .”
“Can I close my eyes for a second? How are you, Jack?”
He asked, looking at Jack with his head resting comfortably against the wall.
Jack flinched at my suggestion. And he looked at me with strange eyes. He’s such a quick-witted kid, so maybe he’s already read my thoughts. But I didn’t hesitate or get anxious. Now I know what Jack will answer.
“… … Yes.”
Jack looked at me quietly and answered briefly. And just like me, I leaned my head comfortably and closed my eyes. The surroundings were enveloped in silence. There was only the sound of weary breathing. Soon, I heard the sound of colorful breathing from my side. It was then that I slowly opened my eyes and looked at Jack. Jack shook his head and fell asleep.
‘Look, I was sleepy.’
pretending to be okay. I smiled and rested Jack’s head, shaking precariously, on my shoulder. At the age of fifteen, Jack has grown so tall that he now resembles me at first glance. I looked at Jack, who was asleep for a moment, and then closed my eyes. As the fatigue of the past flooded in, Suma slowly engulfed me. As my consciousness slowly faded, I hoped. When Jack wakes up, he sees me still by his side.
* * *
early morning the next day. I went out with Ho-yeon and the children for a while. It was still chilly, so I wore what I needed carefully so as not to catch a cold. They bought food, daily necessities, and things the children wanted. Then I went to the bank. Ho-yeon and the children couldn’t hide their surprise at the first bank they came to. I understand. When I first came here, I was so confused whether this was a bank or an adult.
“Wait here for a moment. I will come soon.”
I can’t take the kids to work, so I sat them at a tea table in one place. It was a place that any customer could use. Of course, there is no fee to use. This is because the fee is deducted when you visit the bank to conduct banking business. The amount is never small, so it is said that every customer who uses the bank uses it once. It was my first time because I always left after looking at things quickly.
“Hey.”
I called the waiting staff.
“Yeah, what’s going on?”
“I’d like some snacks to eat while I’m at work.”
But for some reason, the staff did not attend and stopped and looked at the children with me. I frowned at that blatant gaze.
“Excuse me, sir, first of all, please tell me about your business. I will take care of it.”
The way he spoke towards me was somehow irreverent. I immediately noticed you are ignoring me now It’s not strange. Banks aren’t open to anyone. The pride of the banker must be considerable as it is a place where only wealthy people can accumulate wealth. However, it is rare for children to be brought here, and the behavior of me and the children is very ordinary, so it is possible to question the purpose of the visit. Because it’s rather strange to wear such an ordinary outfit here.
I understand that, but I couldn’t stand the blatant ignorance like this. The children, who were excited about the unusual atmosphere, looked at them. When Ho-yeon glared at the staff at the sight of such children, the staff trembled. I didn’t want to cause any problems, so I stopped that kind of cheering. and fell into trouble. No matter how ordinary our attire may be, this attitude is certainly problematic. There was no problem with asking questions. But I didn’t want to show such a nasty face in front of my children. It was a long-awaited outing, but I wanted to leave only good memories.
As soon as I finished thinking, I smiled at the staff. When I suddenly smiled, the staff put on a bewildered expression. It was funny to see his cheeks turn slightly blushing in the meantime.
“Good for you. Then will you take care of it?”
“Please speak.”
The staff made an expression as if to tell them where to go. Standing in front of him, I said proudly.
“I want to check the balance of the bankbook that is directed to Baron Siela Feirund. Please pull out the statement. This proves that I am Baron Siela Feirund.”
I handed over the seal I brought with me to the staff. When I told the real thing, the staff seemed to be embarrassed, but then he snorted very little. There was still a sign of ignoring me.
“all right. I’ll find out and come back soon.”
“Oh, and… … .”
I caught the employee who was about to leave. As he looked at me with a puzzled look, I said with a soft smile.
“I also bring refreshments on the way home. I’m going to have to bring something very tasty because I’m running out of time.”
The staff hesitated for a moment as if embarrassed by my dignified attitude, then shook their head and went inside. As he disappeared, I said with a smile to the worried children.
“Wait a little bit as delicious refreshments are coming soon.”
The children still looked worried, but I deliberately put on a bright expression on my face. Seeing me like that, the children also relaxed their expressions one by one. However, contrary to what I said that it would come soon, the employee returned after quite some time.
“… … Sorry for taking so long. First of all, I will start with the refreshments you mentioned.”
The staff quickly moved the plates from the trays. On the plate were something like delicious cakes and cookies. Forks were also brought along with the number of people. Next, I put the glass down. Tea cups were placed in front of me and Ho-yeon, and cups of juice were placed in front of the children. The children’s eyes twinkled as the delicious food was placed in front of them. I smiled as if it was okay to eat, and then looked at the staff with a cold face as if I had ever done it.
The staff’s shoulders shuddered at my cold gaze. Then he handed me a paper bag.
“This is the account statement you mentioned, Baron.”
Unlike before, when he was disrespectful, he spoke with the highest honor.
“thank you for your effort.”
I wanted to snatch him because he was so fresh, but he stopped because he was watching the children and he also changed his attitude. I checked the statement.
‘… … How many times has it multiplied?’
It was about six times larger than the amount last checked. I didn’t even feel real anymore, so I didn’t even tremble. But with this money… … .
‘that’s enough.’
I smiled contentedly and put the statement back into the envelope. And I looked at the staff who were still standing by my side. When our eyes met, he flinched. In fact, with this amount of money, it is not far behind among bank customers. I was treated like an uninvited guest, so I can’t help but notice. As you can see, the rank doesn’t seem that high.
As the bank relies on deposits from the rich, customer management is thorough. If I complained that the attitude of the staff was unkind, I don’t know, but I won’t go overboard. The staff probably have that in mind too.
‘What should I do?’
Having worked in a call center for complaints in a previous life, I was confident that I could do better than anyone else when it comes to complaining.
‘… … Let’s stop.’
But soon after, I changed my mind. Because today was a casual outing. I didn’t want to waste time and energy on this.
‘and… … .’
I looked away from the staff and looked at the children. The children could not take their eyes off the dessert as if they had forgotten the uncomfortable situation a while ago. Thinking of the children, the best thing you can do right now is… … .
I looked at the staff. As I looked, the staff gulped their saliva nervously.
“There is nothing more foolish than judging people by their outward appearance. I want you to be more careful next time.”
“Yes, sorry… … .”
The staff bowed deeply and went back.
Now, even the hindrances are gone. I looked back at the children. The children’s faces brightened when they finished judging the situation.
* * *
After telling Ho-yeon and the children to wait at the bank for a while, I hurriedly walked out of town.
‘It must have been like this.’
I looked around and looked down at the map I had brought with me. Scissors were placed on the map showing the capital of the Lux Empire. It was engraved based on what I saw in the original. But it wasn’t as important in the original as the Western Kingdom, so I had no idea if this was really the case. However, I couldn’t find it by asking anyone. Because it’s a secret place. I have no choice but to find it on my own.
‘Ordinary real estate is not available.’
The destination for today’s outing was a place I couldn’t normally go to.
‘Among the denials, only a few were known.’
It is mentioned very little in the book. Nevertheless, the reason I was able to find out about this property was thanks to Vincente. To be precise, I found out after reading the Vicente Gaiden in the original.
‘Because I got help from this person when I built the Khan.’
At that time, it appeared briefly. The yolks in the empire are well known. But above all else, the reason I’m looking for it is… … .
‘Even the emperor cannot easily touch the point.’
That was the decisive reason I chose this property. But then, it’s not easy to find anything.
‘I’m going to do some preliminary research.’
As I remembered what was marked on the original map, I thought it wouldn’t be too difficult to find. However, it was much more difficult to find than expected. If it was easy to find, I would have used both dogs and cows.
‘Oh, I found it.’
After looking around for a while, I finally found it. However, as soon as I saw the building in front of me, I could not erase my doubts.
‘From the outside, it looks like an abandoned building that is collapsing.’
It wasn’t, but after wandering for a long time, the buildings I found were almost all in a state of collapse. The wooden exterior walls could not be cracked and were on the verge of collapse, and even the doors and windows were broken and not even repaired. There was no light leaking through the opaque window, and even that gave off a somewhat gloomy feeling.
Can I really go in here? I don’t know if it’s human trafficking or something, but it’s a waste of time to go in the wrong place. However, there were no other buildings around, and as long as I had come this far, I could not back down. Just in case, I prepared a magic tool for self-defense. Immediately, I took out the magic potion I had brought. It was the same thing Seid drank. It was my first time taking a potion, so I was nervous, but I quickly opened the mouth and drank it at once. Then I slowly opened my eyes and looked at my body.
‘I have no special feeling.’
Wouldn’t that be ineffective? Then it’s difficult I looked at myself through the broken window glass. It’s not clear because it’s opaque, but I could confirm that the hair color and eye color had changed. His yellow hair had turned black, and his golden brown eyes had changed to light purple. It’s just a color change, but the feeling has changed drastically. That would be enough. I swallowed my saliva and pushed the wooden door.
Kick, tick. Even the door did not open easily. It felt like the handle would fall off if I applied more force. I carefully opened the door and looked inside. As seen from the outside, the inside was dark and gloomy. The corners of the walls were covered with cobwebs, and even the tables and cupboards that were left were full of dust. It seems to have been neglected for a long time… … . Is this really right here? While I was skeptical, I suddenly felt a sense of popularity behind me. I quickly turned my head.
“This is a building no one is using.”
An old man in shabby clothes was walking out from the inside with a cane. Wrinkled eyes were staring at me. I swallowed my saliva as I looked at the old man. And he said with a relaxed smile.
“I came to find the mist flower.”
“… … .”
At my words, the gentle old man’s expression changed in an instant.
‘I came to find the mist flower.’
This is the password used here. I don’t know how the real estate industry and ‘fog flower’ are related, but… … . Anyway, to meet him, you must have a password. If he did not know the code, even the emperor could not meet him. As I said the code, the old man looked at me. He seemed to be trying to figure out who I was. Considering that unusual reaction… … .
‘You did find it right.’
If it was someone I didn’t know, I would have made an expression of nonsense or was trying to tell you the location of the flower shop.
“Come in.”
The tone of the old man calling me has completely changed. I followed the old man with a nervous expression at the voice that felt somewhat overbearing. The place where the old man came out was engulfed in darkness, so it was hard to see, but it turned out to be a long hallway.
Expensive magic stones were shining on the walls of the hallway at regular intervals. When we reached the end of the long hallway, a wide and bright space was opened. A magic stone chandelier in the center of the high ceiling and the interior gleaming with gold. A large table covered with red cloth and a large sofa. Maps were rolled up everywhere, and a panoramic view of the capital could be seen through the wide windows.
Miraculous. Obviously, it was on the first floor when we entered, but how did it rise so high that the panoramic view of the capital was under our feet?
“It’s magic. It’s an application of basic teleportation magic.”
The old man who read my question explained and took off the hat he was wearing deeply. Then he became a young man, not an old man. The wrinkled skin gained elasticity and became smooth, and the buried eyes became clear. He was a handsome man with light brown eyes. It was interesting, but I didn’t give it a tea. It’d be better not to look too immature.
“Sit down for now.”
He offered me a seat. I sat down on the sofa as he said. Then, a teacup and a teapot automatically flew in front of me, pouring out the deep brewed tea.
‘What the hell is this?’
As I watched the wonderful scenery with my own eyes, I was immersed in confusion. Such a sight had never been seen in Vincente’s room. Then he smiled softly.
“Are you excited? There is nothing that money cannot do.”
“… … Iknow, right.”
So, in a word, it meant that they were all using magic items. In fact, from making a gate using teleportation magic, it was already beyond the normal category.
‘Well, Vincente, there’s no need to create a system like this because you use your own magic.’
it’s weird though No matter how rich they are, they cannot perform magic like this. This marvelous sight was showing his wealth instead. At the same time, I am convinced that I have come to the right place.
I checked the fake ID in my pocket to shake off my anxiety. and looked at him He smiled as if to tell him.
“I came here because I want to order something.”
“Tell me anything. Whatever it is, it will find the best land. Instead, keep in mind that my ransom is a little high.”
“You don’t need the best land.”
I already know the location of the mine where the magic stone is buried. Now that the price of magic stone is skyrocketing, there will be no better land than that. But… … .
“I want to buy a house.”
“House?”
He narrowed his brow as if he had heard it wrong. I nodded and added an explanation.
“Yes, I wish the yard was large and the house was bigger. Because there will be a lot of children. Water does not leak, sunlight is good, ventilation is good… … .”
“Wait, wait a minute!”
He hastily interrupted me. I looked at him with bewildered eyes.
“Is there any problem?”
“So now you want me to find a house for my children that is leak-free, sunny and well ventilated? this to me?”
“Well… … Yes.”
When I heard it, I thought he was absurd. The wealthiest people in the empire want to get his help, but the only thing they say is that they want to find a good house. How much less are you looking for a house to live with your children, not a large mansion?
“If that’s the case, I think you came to the wrong place. somewhere else… … .”
“I have one more condition.”
As he was about to wave his hand, I continued. He looked at me with a dissatisfied expression, but then crossed one leg as if to listen.
“I’ll listen first.”
“It has to be a house that no one can find. Even the emperor.”
“Huh?”
Only then did he show interest. The story will only make you curious. He’s looking for a place to live while avoiding the emperor’s eyes.
‘I don’t think he’s a criminal.’
Then it’s a little difficult.
“It’s a house where even the emperor can’t find it. Why do you want that?”
“The emperor is a parable. That means they want a house that no one can find.”
It drew too much attention, and there was nothing good about it, so I put it around a bit. But he didn’t seem to believe me. It doesn’t matter though. Because he doesn’t care about such things. That was one of the reasons I came to this man. The man observed me without a word. I also looked at him quietly. After a while he spoke in a cheerful voice.
“Okay. I don’t accept quests that don’t match the original level, but your quests are very interesting. It’s like a treasure hunt.”
Fortunately, it seems to have stimulated his interest properly.
“Please give me the deadline as soon as possible.”
“I will rescue you within a month. Give me your ID.”
he held out his hand I handed over the fake ID as naturally as possible. For a moment he glanced at the fake ID and me, then chuckled.
‘Did you notice?’
“No need to worry. Most of my clients use fake identities.”
He grabbed the fake ID in his pocket. Fortunately, it seemed to pass safely. I guess it’s normal Not only is the company itself not licensed, but the people who use it cannot reveal their original identity.
“I think this amount would be good.”
He scribbled it on a piece of paper and handed it to me. Again, it was an astronomical number, but this was expected.
“Your account may be tracked, so bring it with you with runes on your next visit.”
I nodded and then said.
“I will.”
“Okay. I’ll get to work right away. Come back at the right time.”
“Yes, please.”
After the story was over, I got up from my seat. He saw me outside. As I passed the hallway I was coming from, the original shabby and shady space appeared again. After leaving a message of request to him once again, I headed to the bank where the children and Ho-yeon were waiting.
* * *
Before returning to the bank, he first drank the detoxifying potion and returned to his original form. Then I checked to see if the children were safe. Fortunately, the children and Ho-yeon were talking while eating delicious desserts. Looking at it with joy, I prepared to go back.
‘How long will it take?’
They said they would be rescued within a month, so hold on to it for a month at most. They told me to come at the right time, so I think I’ll have to come back for an interim check in about two weeks.
‘By the way, it’s been a week since I told you about the Basellium mine.’
Time seems to go by really fast. Vincente and the Duke also said it would take about a month to find and excavate the mine, so some progress should be made by now.
‘I’ll have to ask Vincente.’
It’s too late today, so I thought I’d call Vicente tomorrow to check the progress. Without knowing that the person I would meet the next day would be a completely different person.
* * *
The next day I was going to call Vincente. But he didn’t know what kind of sudden action he was going to take, so I was watching the time because Leonard thought it would be better to call him after he started class. Finally I heard the sound of Leonard’s carriage and I went out. As expected, Leonard got off the wagon.
“Oh, Leonard.”
My lips, which were opened to say ‘Welcome’, were frozen as they looked at the figure of the man who came down in the next moment.
“Hello.”
“Hello. However… … .”
I glanced at him and Leonard noticed, “Oh.” said aloud.
“Your Excellency said that you also have business to do, so I came with you.”
“… … i See.”
I nodded my head at Leonard’s words and lifted my head slightly as I watched his quiet gaze. Leonard sensed something and entered the nursery first. I wanted to hold on to him, but I couldn’t because of the voice that followed.
“It’s been a while, Ciel.”
Suddenly, my name came out of his mouth and felt unfamiliar. Has it been like that for a long time? His awkward face when he first said his name seemed far away. Well, the time I got to know him was never short. That was around October of last year, so about 5 months have passed.
‘So many things have happened during that time.’
I received his help countless times, almost died at his hand, and heard his past history. A lot has changed during that time. Financial problems, property, business of the nursery. But the biggest change among dogs is… … .
‘Feeling towards him.’
For me, he was a very good supporter, helper and strength. That fact has not changed even now, but the gaze towards him has definitely changed. It was no longer possible to see him only with the official eyes as before. I didn’t know what expression to make when he looked at me like that. Should I smile or should I be expressionless? How to put your mouth and mouth, where to place your gaze. Then, as his sign drew closer, I slowly lifted my head. He looked at me with a complex and subtle expression and parted his lips.
“Ciel.”
I bit my lower lip. Every time he pronounces my name, my fingertips tingle.
“… … Do not avoid me.”
I looked straight into the peacock’s face at the voice I heard. His eyes narrowed. he said in a subdued voice.
“I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable with me with my confession. Of course, it won’t be easy, but I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. So I… … .”
The peacock came one step closer to me. Slowly my head went up as well. Then the peacock spoke with a sad expression and voice.
“I don’t want to go away from you.”
thump, thump. My heart is beating fast again.
‘This is a foul.’
I held back what I wanted to protest. Then he glanced at the peacock. He was still looking at me with a sad face. With a beautiful face, that expression, that voice, and pleading that you don’t want to go away. No one can be shaken. What’s more, I’m now in a state where I feel more than a crush on the Duke. I couldn’t help but shake even more. I feel like I want to hold his hand, but… … .
‘I can’t do that now.’
If you can’t accept his heart right away, that kind of behavior only confuses the other person. Instead, I nodded and said.
“sorry. I didn’t mean to stay away. It just came all of a sudden and I was a little embarrassed.”
That was correct. I was embarrassed to suddenly see him without any mental preparation. When I reassured him, his expression became more comfortable. Since I can’t stay like this outside forever, I first tried to guide him inside.
“Come this way… … .”
“wren! Look at this!”
“Cloan! for a moment… … !”
At that moment, I thought I could hear Ren’s urgent cry from afar, and Cloan suddenly appeared and bumped into Duke Crayman.
puck!
“Hey, Cloan!”
The peacock didn’t falter, while Cloan hit the buttwheel loudly. In the sudden situation, I quickly ran to Chloane. Ren, Edie, and Lodi were also running from a distance away.
“Cloan, are you hurt anywhere?”
“Uh, uh… … .”
When I inquired about the situation urgently, Chloane nodded with a bewildered face. Fortunately, he said, there were no injuries. Ren and the children, who followed, wrapped their eyes around Cloan. I got up and bowed my head towards the peacock.
“sorry. Are you very surprised? Aren’t you hurt?”
I carefully monitored his condition, as he had been in trouble because of my child. Then the duke readily shook his head and answered.
“Okay. than that… … .”
The peacock’s gaze turned toward Cloan. Cloan, feeling the gaze, hardened her body and dyed her complexion pale. The children were also not sure what to do, and they stuck to Cloan a little more. The fear of the peacock was clearly felt. Perhaps, thanks to Nana and Ho-yeon, the fear of adults has disappeared, but the fear of the nobles will still remain.
The duke was also well aware of that fact. When I first visited our nursery school, I saw the children’s reactions firsthand. I watched him with nervous eyes as he approached the children. But he didn’t go any further and stopped a few steps away. Cloan looked at him with a stiff face.
The Duke seemed to be contemplating something for a moment, then lowered his posture and slowly extended his hand towards Cloan. and asked quietly.
“You must be very surprised. Are there any injuries?”
Cloan’s eyes widened at his cautious voice. I also looked at the peacock in surprise. I didn’t expect it at all.
“uh… … .”
Chloe did not readily answer. Perhaps it was surprising that the peacock’s attitude of gently reaching out his hand was surprising, but his lips were wide open and his eyes twitched. After a long awkward silence, I quietly called out Cloan’s name next to me.
“Cloan.”
“Oh, uh… … Yes… … .”
Cloan, who finally came to his senses, nodded, hesitated, and took the duke’s hand very slowly. The smiling duke lifted Cloan up and brushed off his dirt-stained clothes. Then, with a soft face, he said.
“I’m glad you weren’t hurt. If there is any pain in the future, please tell the director. I’ll send you a senator.”
nod. Cloan nodded once, and when the Duke released his hand, Cloan and the children ran towards the nursery. Then, Roddy stopped for a moment, nodded at the Duke, and went inside. The duke looked at the back of his face without saying a word, and looked down at my hand that was holding Cloan’s hand. A gentle smile crept onto his lips. Looking at it, I felt a subtle emotion. What should I say? Is it inspiring?
Among the children, Cloan was particularly wary of adults and nobles. It was very meaningful that Cloan stood up holding the duke’s hand. But it wasn’t just that.
‘In the original work, Cloan and the Duke were father and son.’
Although it was wrong because of me… … . Anyway, the relationship between the two in the original was very special. I was moved by the sight of these two people getting a little closer. Thank you to Chloane for being brave, and also to the duke who reached out and waited for Chloane, who was withdrawn… … .
“thank you.”
As I said my thanks, the duke gave me an unknown expression. He won’t know why I’m grateful.
“Shall we go inside?”
“… … Don’t do that.”
He still had an unfamiliar expression on his face, but when I spoke with a bright face, he also had a smile on his face. I took him to the director’s office. As soon as I entered the director’s office, I gave him a seat and asked Ho-yeon to serve him refreshments. And sat across from him. The peacock tasted the tea with a relaxed face. Then he drew a satisfied smile.
After a while, he put down his teacup and I asked with a curious face.
“By the way, sir, what did you come here for?”
Maybe there was something wrong with the mine excavation. Judging by the peacock’s expression, it didn’t seem like a bad thing.
“I came here because I thought I should let you know how far things have progressed.”
Again, mine was right. Fortunately, it’s not a bad thing, and it seems like I’m just here to report the progress. I tried to nod my head. But after his next words, I couldn’t say anything more.
“in fact… … .”
“… … ?”
He made eye contact with me. His golden eyes captured me alone. Slowly his lips parted. For some reason, I couldn’t take my eyes off of it.
“Ciel, I came to see you.”
“… … .”
After saying that, he gave a nice smile. I stared blankly at him, speechless. As the peacock looked at me and spoke, for an instant, I felt as if the world was moving away from me. On the contrary, his appearance became clearer. His face, smiling at me, filled my vision. My hands and feet were numb and my heart was beating so hard that my heart ached.
‘Is this okay?’
All of a sudden, I was worried. Am I really okay like this? Can I fall for this man in this way? can i afford it I know better than anyone that this relationship cannot last forever.
“Ciel? I don’t look good… … . where bad… … .”
The duke stretched out his hand to me with a worried expression on his face. When I tried to measure the fever, I was startled and pulled back. The peacock’s hand stopped in mid-air.
“Ah… … no. it’s okay.”
Oh, I made a mistake. I avoided it too blatantly.
‘But if you get too close to the current state, it seems like you won’t be able to control your emotions.’
So I stopped making the peacock feel embarrassed. I looked at him with a sorry heart and smiled awkwardly and said again.
“I am not feeling very well today… … It’s nothing to worry about.”
“… … If you’re not feeling well, how about getting a test? I will call the senator without going out.”
“It’s not like that. I will only be grateful.”
He waved his hand when he told him to call the doctor and smiled lightly. I am fully aware of how strange I am now. But I’m not good at hiding my feelings like this. It’s the first time I’ve ever felt this kind of love.
“Are we talking about mines? How is it going? I wonder if Vincente is cooperating well.”
I quickly changed the subject. The peacock let out a short sigh when he saw me like this and opened his mouth.
“okay. I came here because of that.”
As the topic changed, his expression became more serious.
“First of all, the mine was discovered three days ago. As you said, there really is a mine where magic stones are buried. Excavation work began immediately upon discovery.”
Then he looked at me in wonder. Those eyes made me smile as if I had become a great person. He continued to speak.
“Contrary to concerns, he was quite cooperative. Thanks to his magic, I was able to work faster. And since we started mining magic stones in earnest this morning, we should be able to get enough magic stones in a week.”
It seems that Vincente is doing a better job than I thought. It’s nothing else, but it’s directly related to my curse, so it’s only natural to work hard.
‘It’s been a week… … .’
The schedule came earlier than expected.
‘Still, that’s enough.’
I raised my head and looked at the peacock and said,
“Then I think it would be better to spread the rumors slowly now. The question is, under whose name are you spreading rumors? … .”
There must be someone you can meet face-to-face, as they will definitely try to contact you there.
‘I can’t be a duke.’
The Duke and I are watching over the Emperor, so if we show a suspicious appearance, we will try to dig through the cracks quickly.
‘What should I do.’
At that moment, while immersed in trouble, an unfamiliar voice intervened.
“If that’s the case, do it in Khan’s name. I will meet you.”
When I looked up in surprise, Vincente, who did not know when he appeared, was leaning against the wall and staring at me. I looked at him in amazement, but the Duke looked at Vicente with a calm face, as if he had already known. Vincente came over and sat down next to the Duke. Then he smiled crookedly and looked at the peacock and said,
“I didn’t know I was going to lose the lead. It’s quicker than I thought.”
“It must be slow.”
The duke responded lightly to Vicente’s sarcasm. I was at a loss for words at the sight of what looked so familiar. Have these two been like that all along? All I saw was uncomfortable. Rather… … .
“What do you mean by Khan’s name?”
“Literally, they are going to release information in Khan’s name and make direct contact with them. There is nothing strange about digging a mine if it is about the size of a Khan.”
“But if you make a mistake… … .”
If he had revealed the identity of Vincente, he could have been cursed again. It’s very easy to find out the name. But he couldn’t even say that, and looked at Vincente with a complicated face.
“This is my chance to break this damn kite with my own hands, and I can’t miss it.”
He looked at me and smiled.
“do not worry. Because I don’t want to be beaten easily. I have what I want.”
Saying that, Vincent smiled brightly. I don’t know what he’s talking about, but the peacock’s expression hardened terribly, as if he understood. As the mood changed strangely, I quickly parted my lips. At least, I didn’t want to create any strife until I safely recaptured the cursed Aethernum.
“Then I will use Khan’s name as Vincente said. Would it be okay?”
I asked the peacock cautiously. He also invested in digging the mine, so he wondered what to do if he didn’t like it. However, the peacock nodded willingly.
“If you like it, do it.”
“Starting today, I will spread the rumors quickly. So what do you think, Ciel?”
Vicente asked me in a friendly tone. He seemed to be asking for a specific plan for this work. The peacock was also focused on me. I parted my lips with a careful expression.
“First of all, I have no intention of handing over the real magic stone to them. It is dangerous if a large amount of magic stones fall into their hands.”
“then?”
“I want to use the ethereum of hallucinations. Just as you deceived the Emperor… … .”
“Hmm.”
“Really, that’s right.”
Vincente had a serious expression on her face. The peacock nodded as if he understood.
“That’s why I’m going to hide in his mansion. As long as we can safely enter the mansion, we know the location of Aethernum.”
It was the enemy’s mansion where Kloan fought and recaptured Aethernum. But I had no intention of even fighting. Because it’s too dangerous.
“So, let’s swipe the ethernum, right?”
Vicente smiled and I nodded. It sounded odd, but it got the gist of it. Our target is Ethernum, and if we can steal it, we don’t have to bump into it.
‘If there is no Ethernum left over there, division will occur naturally and the emperor will become powerless.’
For once, the transcendent power to pursue Jack can be blocked. After that, or after that, I somehow managed to stop it. Even if I leave this place.
“This is what I was thinking for now.”
I looked at Vincente and the Duke with nervous faces. If they said they didn’t like it, they had to come up with a new plan.
“great.”
“That would be great.”
Fortunately, the two happily nodded their heads as if they were very pleased.
“Okay, knowing that, I got up first… … ”
Vincente, who was talking, stopped on the way and glanced at the Duke. Then he smiled and opened his mouth to see what he was thinking.
“Oh.”
“… … ?”
I looked at him like that with bewildered eyes. I opened my eyes wide at Vincente’s actions that followed. He lowered his upper body and brought his face closer to me. I tried to cover my lips in the movement that seemed to touch.
“sleep… … .”
sudden. But even before that, the duke got up quickly and grabbed Vincente’s shoulder.
“What are you doing?”
A harsh voice scratched his neck and came out, as if a beast was warning him. The cold expression on his face was so terrifying that I couldn’t believe it was a peacock I knew.
“Ah.”
Vincente, who was pushed back, looked at the peacock with a puzzled smile. But in the smile on his face, something like a strange life flowed.
“It’s not that difficult. I had something to say.”
“If you have something to say, just do it. Can’t you say that in front of me?”
“Well, yes. because… … .”
Vincente turned to me. Bewildered by the sudden situation, I noticed his expression. Ah, you got caught up in the numbers of Vincente. You could tell just by looking at the crooked corner of his mouth. This child is playing a joke right now. The good atmosphere was destroyed at once. Perhaps he couldn’t feel this atmosphere, and Vincente continued speaking with a sly face.
“Siella had a ‘secret’ request, so I was going to talk about it. I asked ‘only me’, but I can’t publicly announce it. is not it?”
Maybe it’s because of my mood, I think I emphasized ‘secretly’ and ‘only to me’. The peacock looked at him as if he was really saying this. I thought I knew what Vincente was trying to say. If I had only asked him to do it, that was the only thing I had.
“Yes that’s right.”
“So, can you put this down?”
When I affirmed, Vincente said triumphantly. The duke looked like an abandoned puppy, and then released the shoulder of Vincente he was holding. Freed, Vincente stood up, shaking her shoulders. Then he smiled and looked at me. I noticed that Vincente was playing a prank again. You are deliberately stimulating the peacock.
‘This is not a kid.’
Even in this kind of situation, don’t scratch it and make it crumble. Feeling tired, I said.
“Next time, please listen. You must have misunderstood.”
“I told you to misunderstand.”
“Vincente.”
“Ah, I see.”
When I called him harshly again, Vincente raised her hands as if tired of nagging. Then he glanced at the peacock and said to me.
“What you asked for, you got a clue. I think we will find it soon.”
“Is that really true?”
I jumped out of my seat at the unexpected good news. I couldn’t hide my happy expression.
“Thank you, you worked hard. I wish you all the best.”
“… … what.”
I wondered if Vincente’s face turned a little red as if I was embarrassed by this, then turned around and disappeared. I looked at the duke at the place where Vincente had disappeared. His eyes dimmed darkly.
“… … You seem to have gotten very close to the author.”
His voice was low and hard. The expression on my face hardened. Vicente’s ‘Only to Me’ and ‘Secretly’ seemed to have been deeply hit. Is it because I confessed that I like you? He didn’t hide his emotions, he showed them without filtration. wounded… … .
‘Vincente, you bastard… … .’
It may be a simple joke to him, but I am very troubled.
‘But I can’t tell the Duke the whole truth.’
It might be better to reveal all of Jack’s identity and ask for help. In fact, you might be able to ask for help more actively than you are now.
‘But it should be hidden as much as possible.’
It’s not that I don’t believe in the peacock. He was Cloan’s biggest helper even in the original, and he was a just and upright man I’ve seen so far.
‘More than anything else, I’m pretending to be with the financial system.’
It was safe to say that he seldom spoke to anyone.
‘But even so, I don’t want to make people who know as much as possible.’
I haven’t talked to Jack in depth yet, but unless Jack says he wants to usurp the throne, he won’t be revealed for the rest of his life.
‘If only the Mass disappears… … .’
Except for Count Seymour, the only people in this world who know Jack’s secret are Jack and I.
‘Vincente said he would find it soon.’
Before, my only thought was to find Mass, but now my thoughts are complicated. What to do if you find a Mass. Should I tell Jack about it? Wouldn’t it rather just bring back bad memories? Just thinking about it made my head ache.
‘Now first… … .’
Put that thought aside and now is the time to focus on the man in front of you.
‘I told you that I felt very close to Vincente.’
What should I answer? What should I say to make the peacock less sad? After contemplating, I parted my lips.
“It helped me a lot.”
“… … Right.”
He spoke in an official tone as much as possible without any emotion. The duke was silent for a moment and touched the cold teacup. And after a while he got up. Naturally, I got up with him.
“I’ll just have to go back.”
“Already?”
Surprised, I asked involuntarily. Naturally, I thought he would be with me longer, so I was surprised. But what Why did he say that he had to go back… … .
‘Why do you feel so sad?’
For some reason, I wished he had stayed a little longer. I couldn’t get it out of my mouth, so I pressed my lips shut. The duke looked at me like this with a light smile and said.
“I also want to be of great help to you. So that you can depend on me and trust me more than anyone else.”
“… … .”
“So it’s a pity, but I think it would be better to just go back today. We need to speed up the mine excavation a little more.”
“… … .”
“It’s cold, so don’t go out. It’s a big deal if you catch a cold.”
With the last words left, the duke left the director’s office. Left alone, I sat down on the sofa, looking at the closed door as it was far away. Then he tilted his head back.
‘Going crazy.’
I slowly lifted my eyelids that had been pressed down. Somehow, his face lit up in front of him. The voice that said that I wanted to be the person I could rely on the most echoed in my ears.
‘It can’t get any better… … .’
It was dangerous for him to rush without hiding his emotions. He tried to cool his emotions as much as possible in front of him, but he kept rekindling the fire. At one point like this, I was worried that I might be losing my mind without realizing it.
‘Let’s be alert.’
After hitting both cheeks, he jumped up and sat down in front of the desk. There’s still a lot of time left before Jack’s class is over. In the meantime, he was going to study even more magical narrative formulas.
* * *
Time flew by very quickly as I studied the narrative form. After seeing Leonard off, I went up to the second floor where Jack was.
‘Cloan saw from below.’
The children were not allowed to hear the story that should be told from now on. Now was the right time without Cloan.
smart.
“Jack, it’s me. May I come in?”
I knocked and waited for an answer, but no answer came back. I knocked a few more times, but there was still no sound. I carefully opened the door with a puzzled face. I can’t even change my clothes like last time. However… … .
‘no one is here?’
Contrary to expectations, Jack was not in the room. Confused, I went inside, but Jack was nowhere to be seen.
‘Where did he go?’
After closing the door, I went to the restaurant on the first floor. If not in the room, it was most likely in the restaurant. When I opened the door, I met Chloane, who stole the cookie and ate it. The cookie fell from Chloane’s hardened mouth. By the way, I promised to eat only three cookies a day with lots of sugar. Cloan had eaten all three this morning.
“Hmm, Chloane?”
“That, that, this, this!”
As I narrowed my eyes and called my name, Chloane waved her hand, feeling helpless. I crossed my arms and glanced at Chloane slightly.
“Did you promise to only eat three a day?”
“Well, I mean, I just fell on the floor… … .”
“Cloan.”
As I squinted my eyes as I continued to make excuses and called out my name, Cloan flinched and looked at me. Soon he bowed his head and muttered in a small voice.
“… … sorry.”
“What?”
“I secretly tried to eat another cookie… … yo. This.”
Chloe’s voice grew more and more muffled. Since they are children with many wounds, I try to be as kind and friendly as possible, but if I treat them like that until they make a mistake, I could develop a bad habit. So when I made a mistake, I acted as firmly as possible.
Cloan looked at me with a sullen face. My angry face seemed terrifying. I let out a short sigh and gently stroked Chloane’s black hair. Cloan lifted her eyes and looked at me.
“I told you to eat only three cookies a day because eating too much is not good for your health. But sometimes I’ll make you eat a little more, so next time, don’t eat secretly and come and tell me. Understand?”
nod nod. Cloan nodded broadly. Then he asked carefully.
“I’m not mad… … ?”
“It was released because Cloan spoke frankly and apologized.”
“really?”
“then.”
As soon as I answered, Chloane’s expression grew brighter. After looking at Chloane cutely, I took out five cookies from the cupboard. Then he said to Cloan.
“Would you like a hand? Not just one hand, but both hands.”
“… … ?”
At my sudden request, Cloan stretched out her hands with a puzzled face. On top of that, I placed five well-packaged cookies. Chloe’s eyes widened.
“I dropped it and couldn’t eat it. To be honest, this is a prize. Go eat with the kids. Oh.”
After talking, I picked up a cookie with a sudden thought.
“I’ll give it to Jack. Do you know where Jack is?”
Then Cloan shook her head.
“No, I didn’t see it.”
“okay? okay. thanks. Come on and see.”
“Huh!”
After stroking Chloane’s hair with his hand once more, he grabbed another cookie and left the restaurant.
‘If it’s not a restaurant… … Are you out there?’
But except for the restaurant, I couldn’t think of any place where Jack could be. Once I left the nursery. I ran into Ho-yeon, who was cleaning the yard.
“Hoen.”
“Ah, my lord.”
When I called, Hoyeon recognized me and bowed her head. I approached her.
“It’s a lot of trouble.”
“This is nothing.”
“This is a gift.”
I handed one of the two cookies I brought to Hoyeon. Hoyeon accepted it with a bewildered expression.
“… … Can I give you something so precious?”
“Huh? Are you precious?”
Those are just chocolate cookies I made.
“Even children can only eat three a day… … .”
“Ah, that’s what I was talking about.”
Well, for Ho-yeon, who doesn’t know that eating a lot of sweets is bad for health, cookies might look great. Because the only restrictions that I give generously to the children were hygiene and snacks.
“Do I dare to eat this? … .”
Ho-yeon muttered as if she was in disappointment. It would be difficult to understand even if I explained to Ho-yeon that eating a lot of cookies would make her health worse. In the first place, beasts don’t need this kind of management. But if you leave it like this, you’ll be like, ‘I don’t dare eat something so precious! I will only accept the heart of the owner who has thought of me.’ He could have returned the cookie. How can Hoyeon accept it without burden? After thinking about it, I looked at Hoyeon and smiled brightly.
“Sure. Hoyeon is also a very precious person to me. I can give you a cookie or something.”
“That, that… … .”
Ho-yeon’s silver-gray eyes flashed with emotion. I feel like a con artist tricking innocent people with cookies, but it’s true that Ho-yeon is a precious person.
“Come on, eat.”
“Yes, yes… … .”
At my suggestion, Hoyeon carefully opened the cookie package. Then he took a little bite and asked. crispy. Bassack. Ho-yeon’s eyes widened with the sound of the cookie crumbling. Hoyeon looked at me in surprise and shouted.
“taste… … Delicious! This is the first time I have ever tasted such sweet food! Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside!”
Ho-yeon was very surprised. Then, like a crab, he ate up the remaining cookies in an instant. If I ate it so quickly, it was to the extent that there were a lot of crumbs on the corners of my mouth. I smiled briefly and pulled out a handkerchief and wiped the corners of my mouth. Ho-yeon noticed only then and rubbed the area around her lips with her sleeve.
“I’m glad it suits your taste. There are more in the restaurant, so it’s good to eat.”
“Hey, is that really true?”
“then.”
“Then thank you… … !”
Hoyeon acted as if she was running to the restaurant right away. Before that, I quickly asked.
“But haven’t you seen Jack?”
At my question, Ho-yeon put on a thoughtful expression.
“Ah, I see… … .”
After thinking for a while, Hoyeon said as if something flashed in her mind.
“I saw you go inside while cleaning.”
“inside? That’s the way to the backyard… … .”
The only thing in the backyard is a connector that transfers heat to the central stove.
‘Let’s go first.’
I don’t know English, but I decided to go for it. After thanking Ho-yeon, I headed to the backyard. It was quiet outside because all the children were inside.
The leaves that had fallen during the winter running through the middle of March were blooming again with a blue color. Some trees were already in bloom. If you look at a certain point, you can see the still dry branches in winter, and if you look at a certain point, it is spring when flowers and leaves are blooming. It was amazing to feel the flow of the seasons at a glance. I stopped walking. There was no going to the backyard.
‘You were here.’
I found Jack on a bench on the way to the backyard. Jack nodded his head slightly and closed his eyes.
‘If you sleep here, you’ll catch a cold… … .’
I stopped trying to wake Jack up, went back, took a blanket, and put it over my shoulder. And as I sat down next to him, Jack felt his popularity stop and slowly opened his eyes and looked at me.
“… … Manager? How here… … .”
“Sorry, I woke you up. Well… … There was something I wanted to say, so I went looking for it, but I saw that he was sleeping here.”
Jack muttered in surprise, and I, who was just shy, smiled awkwardly.
“Ah… … .”
Jack groaned briefly. His vision was blurry as he was still dazed. I sat next to Jack without saying a word. Then he asked quietly.
“Then why are you sleeping here? It’s cold, but I can’t sleep inside.”
Then Jack said.
“I like this place.”
“here?”
It doesn’t look special here. It is just a passage connecting the nursery yard and the backyard.
“You can see the whole view of the nursery from here.”
“Well?”
At Jack’s words, I changed my gaze and looked around.
‘Come to think of it… … .’
There was a gate on the right side, and if you looked at the front, there was a playground and a yard for children to run around. The director’s office was also visible from here. If you look to the left, you can see the backyard.
“… … It really is.”
As Jack said, here you can see all the places of the nursery at once. Somehow, a smile was drawn on his lips.
‘Perhaps the sight Jack saw was a little different.’
They are all in for a snack now, but as usual, children would be running around in the playground. Ho-yeon was cleaning the yard and backyard, and I must have been working in the director’s office. Really, just imagining it… … .
“Good.”
“Yes.”
Jack answered my murmur.
“So you were sleeping here?”
When I asked, Jack blushed slightly.
“I didn’t mean to sleep. I was thinking of getting some air for a while, but I must have fallen asleep.”
After all, the sun is nice during the day. There is nothing more perfect for a nap than a moderately cool breeze and warm sunlight. Especially in this place, the sun was shining. I leaned back comfortably on the backrest and muttered.
“I think I’m going to like this place too.”
Then he turned his head and smiled at Jack looking at me.
“Shall we get some air together next time?”
“… … Yes.”
Jack smiled faintly. Looking at that smile with joy, I looked at the empty playground and parted my lips.
“Jack, what if? … … Have you ever thought of wanting to reclaim the throne?”
I asked very carefully and looked at Jack. Because it’s a sensitive question, my mouth was dry from the tension. Jack looked at the nursery for a long time without saying a word, then parted his lips.
“When I turned down the offer of guardianship, Master asked. Why are you rejecting this great opportunity?”
“… … .”
The words came out of nowhere, but I silently waited for Jack’s next words. Jack looked at me immediately and said with a light smile.
“He said he liked this orphanage so much that he didn’t want to leave.”
“… … Jack.”
I widened my eyes at the unexpected words. I didn’t know Jack would say that. I was surprised and felt a strange feeling at the same time. I can feel Jack’s love for this nursery school so much… … .
“It’s like back then. I like it best now. of course… … There were several times when I thought about wanting to reclaim the throne. There were times when I dreamed of revenge, but even if I succeed, I will have to leave this orphanage. I can’t live like this anymore.”
“that… … .”
I couldn’t say no. Jack continued talking while looking at the nursery school scene with a refreshing expression.
“This place is more valuable than the throne, and this time is more precious than the revenge of my parents who have never seen their faces properly. therefore… … .”
Then Jack’s head turned toward me. Brown eyes that were so deep that I couldn’t tell the end were staring straight at me. What stands in it is infinite trust and love. Suddenly, Jack began to see me as a real protector.
“I don’t need a latitude or a better environment. I like it best now. I like , Director.”
I bit my lower lip at the name that came out of Jack’s mouth. Then he nodded loudly.
“Yeah, I see.”
He raised his hand and stroked Jack’s brown hair. Jack looked at me without moving. Like a cat with a completely open heart.
“I won’t say things like this from now on. Because you are ‘Jack’.”
Not a hidden prince being chased by the emperor, nor a genius with an extraordinary brain, he’s just an ordinary 15-year-old boy, Jack. Needless to say, Jack would have understood all of these hidden meanings.
Jack laughed.
“Yes. Thank you, Director.”
His voice became lighter. Looking at it, I definitely made up my mind.
* * *
Two weeks have passed since I heard Jack’s heart. The calendar moved from March to April, and the season that was between late winter and early spring entered full spring.
‘Magic has also been restored to some extent.’
Thanks to that, I was practicing water magic again these days. At first, it was barely splashing water droplets, but now it can scale to a certain extent. Of course, the practice took place quite far from the nursery school. If you have an accident, it’s a big deal.
I finally made the water droplets very large. I memorized all of the narrative formulas, but it was difficult to precisely extract magic power. The water droplets that started from my hand gradually inflated. When it reached the size of a giant giant tree.
pop! I lost my concentration for a moment, and immediately after that, the water drops burst with a loud noise. Thunderbolts fell over my head. Thanks to you, I let out a deep sigh. Water magic required more sophisticated control than fire magic. Thanks for making mistakes like this. The problem is that every time it gets drenched. The thought of going back to the orphanage in this state of affairs is already embarrassing. That moment when I took a deep breath.
“It’s like a rat wet in the rain.”
I quickly turned my head when I heard a voice mixed with laughter from behind.
“Vincente?”
It was Vincente who appeared. It’s not surprising now that it happens so often. Vincente came closer. He had a smile on his lips.
“You were wet.”
Vincente’s fingers tangled in my wet hair. It felt as if they were making fun of me for failing this kind of magic, so I said as if making an excuse.
“I can’t help it. Not everyone is a magic genius like you.”
“I don’t mean that.”
Vincente responded immediately. He shook his head and snapped his fingers. Then the water that soaked my body disintegrated and disappeared. Suddenly, I was back in a soft state. I looked up in amazement, and Vincente said nothing.
“It’s nothing. It’s because we just decomposed water by reversing the principle of the narrative formula for condensing water.”
… … It seems that Vincente doesn’t know that it’s a separate thing in itself. That’s what geniuses are.
“and… … .”
Vincente put down my dry hair and looked at my face and said.
“You are great.”
“… … uh? what?”
For a moment, I did not understand the meaning of the words I heard from him, so I reflexively asked. Then Vincente smiled and spoke again.
“Normal humans don’t even get to this level. Besides, in such a short time. So you are great.”
“… … Go, thank you.”
What, why is he doing this? I’m not really that kind of kid… … . Today, Vincente’s attitude was a little strange. It’s hard to say in a pinch, but… … .
There was an awkward silence for a moment. As I rolled my eyes, not knowing how to speak, I had a fundamental question.
“But what did you come here for?”
“You’re asking very quickly.”
Vincente said with a look on her face that she knew now. a little bit embarrassing make him crazy But I couldn’t even follow his next words.
“I found it.”
Vincente’s expression turned serious. I sensed the meaning of his words and slowly hardened my expression.
“I found the woman you were looking for.”
As soon as I heard Vincente’s words, my heart sank. At the same time, my head felt cold.
“… … how… … Where did you find it?”
It was a feeling that was difficult to describe, and my pronunciation was cut off. The relief that I had finally found her and the anger that I found the woman who abandoned Jack was the greatest. His shoulders trembled, he tightened his body and bit his lip. Vincente, who watched me quietly, said:
“Maybe I was stupid, I submitted an item to the auction house under my real name. I found out that it had the same characteristics as what you said. I found the location of the house… … .”
Vincente raised her lips and asked.
“Shall we go?”
It was an unquestionable question. I nodded right away. Then Vincente snapped her fingers, and in an instant the landscape changed.
“Here… … .”
“It’s on the southwestern edge of the empire. A town without a name.”
Standing in the middle of the road, I looked around. Several buildings were lined up, but most of them were close to abandoned houses and unpopular enough to resemble a ghost town.
‘You were there.’
It’s a town without a name. Indeed, it was a very good place to avoid eyes.
“Misa’s house… … .”
“there.”
Vincente’s finger pointed to a certain place. It was inside a dark and deep alley that seemed to be sucked in just by looking at it. Swallowing my saliva, I walked towards it. how far did you walk At the end of the alley, I found a very small house.
‘Should I call this a house?’
The doors had already fallen off and the windows had been completely covered with boards. It didn’t look like anyone could live.
“Is this right?”
I couldn’t believe this was really Misa’s house, so I asked. I asked the question, but I knew better than anyone that Vincente’s intelligence was undoubtedly perfect. It was also in the original, and I even found out that Count Seymour had an Ethernum. I asked for this job because I believed in that ability.
“no. You will find out if you check it out for yourself.”
I muttered, thinking about knocking, but carefully pushed the ragged door. The door swung helplessly. A lot of thoughts ran through my mind during the brief opening of the door. Is there really a Mass? Will I be able to control my emotions when I see her? Do you still have the other relics of the Empress? After hearing Jack say that I didn’t want to leave the orphanage, I decided what to do when I met Misa. The idea was to persuade her to stop holding Jack’s ankle and send her money to another country. It would cost a lot of money, but considering it was for Jack’s safety, it wasn’t worth it at all.
‘At the same time, the empress’s belongings are also recovered.’
But there was something I didn’t understand.
‘Why did the Mass appear?’
He was careful enough to live in hiding for a whopping five years. Even if it was urgently needed, I didn’t quite understand why it was put up in an auction house that could get attention. If I really needed the money, I could have done a deal at a pawnshop or something.
‘Besides, by your real name.’
There were a lot of strange things, but it was just a matter of meeting her and asking her. However, after waiting for a while, I hardened my expression at the scene inside the house that was revealed.
“… … this.”
Vincente, who was watching from behind, smirked.
“There is no mess.”
As I said, the house was a mess. All of the furniture was in a state of toppling or broken, and countless footprints were imprinted on it as if someone had hit it.
‘Mass… … .’
I quickly looked for traces of the Mass, but there was nowhere to be seen. In the meantime, suspicious marks were found everywhere. Like bloodstains… … .
“Vincente, this is… … .”
That was the moment.
“Hey!”
There was the sound of breathing in with a rustling chuckle. I quickly turned my head. At the entrance, a man was looking at us with contemplation. When our eyes met, the man trembled and immediately turned around and ran away.
“Vincen… … !”
I reflexively called out Vincente’s name. I was going to ask him to catch me, but before I could even say his name, Vicente disappeared from my sight. A scream was heard from outside. I ran right away. Vincente grabbed the back of the man who was sitting down. Then he asked jokingly.
“How do I do this?”
As Vicente shook it, as if handling a toy, the man’s face drained of blood. If it was Vincent, it seemed like he would kill the man really casually. I walked towards the man.
“I wonder if the Mass who lived in this house… … .”
I tried to ask if he knew anything about a woman named Misara.
“Hey! He, that woman and I have nothing to do with it! It really is!”
However, the man’s reaction to my words was quite intense. As the man shook violently, Vincente frowned as if annoyed and threw it to the floor. The man who fell to the floor hurriedly crawled toward the wall and shook his head, shaking his head. No matter how you look at it, it wasn’t normal. I knew intuitively that this man and Mass had something to do with it.
“What shall we do now? It seems that the woman is not here.”
Vincente asked, standing next to him. I answered briefly.
“You have to find out.”
and looked at the man. When our eyes met, the man shrugged his shoulders.
* * *
The emperor, who was working, suddenly put down his pen and tilted his head back. He opened his mouth and took a deep breath, then closed his mouth. Soon the corners of his lips rose. At that moment, a voice was heard along with a knock.
“Your Majesty, I will.”
“Come in.”
When permission was granted, the door opened and the servant came in. The emperor, who had glanced at him sideways, rolled his eyes and asked.
“What happened?”
“At the beginning, I tried to find out why I was dragged out with a riot, but now I am in a state of resignation.”
“Right.”
The emperor, who answered briefly, seemed to think about something for a moment and then got up. When the servant looked at him curiously, the emperor walked ahead and said:
“Well, I have to go.”
The chaplain quickly followed the emperor as he left the room. The place the emperor was heading to was the basement of a rare private palace. The further down we went, the more ominous the rustling of iron was heard. The stench that stung his nose was worse than anything, but there was no delay in the emperor’s steps.
As the emperor descended the last steps, the chaplain quickly pushed open the door in front of him. An unpleasant stench spread seriously along with the sound of squeaking and rough friction. When the emperor frowned at the smell, the chaplain quickly raised a clean handkerchief. Covering his nose with a handkerchief, the emperor walked inside. The floor of the basement was full of water, and there were no windows, so only a torch was illuminating the inside of Asrai.
“Ah, Your Majesty.”
Among them, a man who was heating iron in a blazing fire found the emperor and quickly bowed his head. The emperor’s gaze turned to him. There, a woman was tied to a chair and lost consciousness. Although the wound was serious at a glance, there was no commotion in the emperor’s face. Then he said in a cold voice.
“Wake up.”
“Oh, four!”
At the emperor’s command, the man and the adviser threw a cold water bowl on the woman’s face.
“Cool!”
The woman coughed violently at the sudden thunderbolt and slowly opened her eyes. The woman who was about to close her eyes again after seeing the torturer suddenly found the emperor and stopped breathing. Her lips trembled and opened.
“Wow, Prince… … , Whoa!”
When the word ‘Prince’ came through her lips, the emperor blinked, and the torturer chuckled and tortured the woman. The emperor didn’t even move, even with a tearful scream. After a few minutes, the emperor beckoned the adviser back. And when he reached out his hand toward the chief, the chief, who understood, quickly handed the stick prepared in advance. The emperor lifted the woman’s chin with the stick. The woman looked up at the emperor with her half-closed eyes.
“Tell me again.”
“Wow, the Emperor’s lungs… … .”
When she corrected the title, the emperor gave a satisfied smile. Then he opened his mouth again.
“Where is the ‘child’?”
“Everyone, I don’t know what you’re talking about… … .”
“Miss Clinton. You, one of the maids that the former empress trusted, left the palace right before the imperial power was restored.”
“Well, what about that… … .”
“You took care of the Empress’s child.”
“… … !”
Misa’s eyes swelled as if they were about to explode. The emperor’s mouth was ripped open in response to the unusual reaction.
“I know, you.”
Suddenly, the rod was thrown away, and the emperor grabbed Misa’s chin as if to break it. The servant chief tried to cover his chin with a handkerchief, but the emperor restrained him with one hand, brought his face closer and whispered.
“Where did you hide it?”
“Mom, I don’t know… … .”
“What is your gender? Age is? where did you hide it? Have you entrusted it to the noble family? Did I force you to usurp the throne when you become an adult? Yes? I mean, don’t act like a dumb dumbass like that!”
“Ugh… … .”
The emperor’s hand clenched his jaw as if to crush it. Tears flowed from Misa’s eyes. However, he did not answer the emperor’s question until the end. The emperor, who looked as if he was going to kill Mass, lowered his chin lightly as if he had given up at some point. Misa’s head fell.
“Bring it.”
But the emperor was not giving up. The emperor pointed and said. It was a piece of iron that had been burned.
“Your Majesty, this is what I… … .”
“You dare to go against my command?”
The adviser crouched to show off the emperor, but the reaction he got back was cold. The adviser clenched his lips and quickly handed the nugget to the emperor. Misa’s lips parted as she raised her head. The emperor came with a hot iron block.
“If you don’t answer the question, you won’t even be able to die.”
Soon after, a red lump of iron was placed on Misa’s bare skin. A shattering scream resounded horribly. Seeing this, the emperor smiled brightly. Several hours of torture followed. Mass could no longer scream and lost consciousness several times, but the adviser did not give her a chance to wake her up.
“No, no, I’ll tell you… … Please stop… … .”
“Stop.”
When Mass begged, the emperor stopped the torture. Then he approached Misa, who was in a moribund state, and lowered her head and asked.
“Yes, tell me.”
Even though he had witnessed the scene of terrible torture until now, the emperor’s voice was comfortable and gentle. That made the Mass even more terrifying.
“Wow, it is true that your Majesty’s Majesty has entrusted me with Ah, the child… … .”
The emperor was excited when the answer he wanted began to appear, but he did not show that excitement. He listened to Misa’s voice with a calm attitude.
“Ah, the borderline with the child… … left for There, I grew up… … .”
“How old are you now? If you really raised him, you would know how old he is.”
“fourteen… … No, fifteen years old… … it will be… … .”
“Where are you now?”
“Mom, I don’t know.”
“I do not know?”
As the emperor grabbed the horse’s tail, Misa’s still pale face became contemplative. She said as if she was really embarrassed.
“Really, really… … ! We broke up when I was very young… … . Even alive… … .”
“Hmm, is that so?”
“Yeah… … . So… … .”
“Then you are no longer useless.”
“… … Yes?”
As the flow flowed strangely, Misa looked at the emperor with a puzzled face. Looking down at such a mass, the emperor said with a fishy smile.
“There is no need to keep alive something that is useless. do it yourself You don’t have to live this time.”
“Yes!”
“Come on, wait! your Majesty!”
As the emperor was about to leave, Mass hurriedly summoned him.
“Hey, name! Sa, if he were alive, he would have changed his name. I know the name changed. So, please, save your life… … whoops… … .”
“It’s your name.”
As the emperor showed interest, Misa’s complexion brightened. But the emperor let out a light laugh and left the basement. I could hear Misa’s cry behind my back, but it was cut off as soon as the door closed.
“Can I not hear your name?”
The waitress, who was standing by, asked with a worried voice. The emperor replied lightly.
“Of course you should. But since you can tell a lie, you make it a little more desperate. Don’t dare spit lies.”
Since it was a prey already caught, there was no need to handle it with care. The emperor leisurely turned towards the main palace where the office was located. Not knowing that someone is following them.
* * *
The emperor pretended to kill her right away in front of Mass, but told the adviser not to kill her. Instead, torture was more intense than before. For three days, the emperor did not go to Mass and only heard the news by report. The first time she cried out for life, she begged to call the emperor as the torture continued. She left her tongue so she could speak, but when she attempted to commit suicide by biting her tongue, reports came from the emperor that she was gagged.
“This should be enough.”
Upon hearing the servant’s report, the emperor slowly got up and headed for the basement.
“I’m using the name Jack!”
As soon as he saw the emperor, Mass convulsed and cried out. Her voice cracked and the sound of iron was mixed, but Misa raised her voice. He tried to reach the emperor somehow.
“Jack?”
The emperor narrowed his eyes.
Jack. It’s not an unfamiliar name. But it was difficult to pinpoint who it was. Jack was the most common name among commoners. It must have been named that way on purpose because of this advantage.
“It’s useless.”
The emperor shook his head. Now, thinking that the Mass was really worth it, he was about to leave the basement again, but the words of the next Mass caught the Emperor’s footsteps.
“nomination! You must be using your last name as your last name!”
“Castle? Aren’t you disguised as a commoner?”
The commoners had no castles, so the emperor looked at him as if he was saying what he was talking about, and the servant chief next to him whispered quietly.
“Among commoners, natives of certain areas often use their surnames as their surnames.”
“Hmm.”
The emperor showed interest in the words of the chieftain.
“What is that last name?”
At the emperor’s question, Mass seemed to hesitate. When the Emperor tried to turn around without hesitation, he called out quickly.
“F, it’s Frit!”
“All together, it’s Jack Frit. Jack Frit… … .”
The emperor continued to ponder the familiar name somewhere. But no one came to mind.
“It is undeniably true. So, please have mercy… … .”
“Ah, yes.”
The worried emperor turned his head at Misa’s voice and looked at her. Seeing the emperor looking straight at him, Misa saw hope. Hope that maybe I can live. However, the next words of the emperor turned hope into greater despair.
“You begged me to kill you so much. Don’t give me the death you wanted.”
At those words, Misa’s face quickly turned pale. She hurriedly opened her lips, but the Emperor’s feet had already left the cellar.
“Sleep, Your Majesty! Please live… … !”
bang! When the door was closed, Mass’s cry ceased in vain. The emperor continued to mutter as he walked into the main palace.
“Jack Frit… … . Jack Frit… … . I’m sure it’s familiar… … .”
“your Majesty.”
At that moment, the chaplain spoke to the emperor and looked back coldly.
“What’s going on?”
“There is a man named Jack Frit.”
“what?”
The king’s eyes widened at the unexpected words.
“Who is that?”
“Don’t you remember? 1st place in this academic competition… … The child of .”
“… … !”
The emperor’s eyes widened at the words of the chieftain. Then he muttered a little.
“right… … . It must have been the boy’s name, Jack Frit.”
It didn’t make sense. He met face-to-face, but the child was just an orphan of a lowly commoner. His appearance did not resemble the Emperor at all. But I also felt something unusual. He was definitely a kid who looked out for his eyes. That child was the child she had been looking for… … ?
The province of Frit is far from the capital. Indigenous people with local surnames rarely leave the province. Moreover, since Mass had told the child the secret of his birth, he would not have ventured to the capital even more. So he could not believe that the child he had been looking for so close was so close. The child had also said that he was from Frit, so he was using his last name. But then it made no sense any more. If that child is the child he was looking for, there is no way he would participate in an academic contest as a representative of the duke family and do something that stands out.
“… … I can’t believe it.”
As the emperor mumbled in a muffled voice, the chaplain quickly added.
“It could be that the Mass is lying.”
“It is possible.”
The name of ‘Jack Fritt’ was listed in the newspaper as the first prize winner of the academic achievement contest, so it may be because he saw it and spit it out out of his mouth. However, considering the state of Mass when she was confessing, the possibility of that happening was remarkably low. Her body and mind were already exhausted from the long torture. I didn’t think he would lie in that spirit.
“… … It would be good to know for sure. See if there is anyone in the Fritt area by the name of Jack Frit. If you’re a native, you’ll know. and… … .”
The emperor kept his gaze away. To a place where there may be a child you have been looking for so much… … . the emperor ordered
“Find someone familiar with and bring him to me.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The chaplain bowed his head and received the order. The emperor turned his head again and resumed the step he had stopped.
* * *
“Uh, one day a group of men suddenly came and messed up the house and took Mass… … .”
I brought the man into the house and asked him about his relationship with Misa. He said that he is in a relationship with Misa and that they are living together. I lied about being Misa’s old friend in order to loosen his boundaries as much as possible. With the information he had heard from Jack, he was able to easily relieve the man’s vigilance. According to the man, just a few days before we came, strange men suddenly came over and they recklessly held Mass.
“… … Do you not know what they are?”
Then the man shook his head vigorously.
“I do not know. Ah, but… … .”
As if he had suddenly remembered something, the man blurted out his last words. I focused on his words. After thinking deeply for a moment, he said with a face as if he had suddenly remembered something.
“As soon as they arrived, Mass exclaimed that she knew nothing.”
“I don’t know anything… … ?”
“Yeah, Mass seemed to know their identities from the start.”
‘… … You are the emperor.’
It was only now that I realized that the information that the former empress’s items were put up for auction under the name of ‘Miss’ had also flowed to the emperor. It was hard to believe that information had leaked out of the Cannes, but otherwise Mass couldn’t have been so afraid.
‘I’m one step late.’
He must have known well that Mass was going to be like this. But why did she put up the empress’s relics at auction? This man who lived with Misa might know something.
“Recently, Mass put up an item at an auction. Do you know why all of a sudden?”
“Oh that… … .”
At my words, the man stuttered, contemplating whether he knew something.
“I don’t know… … .”
However, just as the man was about to pretend not to know, Vicente set off a flame and threatened the man. The man who had already confirmed Vicente’s powerlessness once said, “Hey!” He screamed and said hurriedly.
“I am! I uploaded it! I need money… … . If I upload it under my name, debtors will find out, and Massa has an item that looks precious… … . sorry! Whoa!”
Finally, the man burst into tears. I looked at him with cold eyes.
“she… … Is Mass okay? Do you know where she was taken? If you know, please let us know! Is Mass safe? … ?”
He lost his lover for a moment and looked sad. However, this would not have happened even if he did not steal the name of Misa and secretly put up the remains of the former empress at the auction house.
‘I wouldn’t have been able to find Mass either.’
It was far better for no one to find her than to lose her to the emperor. His rash judgment made the situation worse. The sympathy quickly faded.
“Now what?”
Vincente asked me what I meant. In my mind, I wanted to hold the man accountable, but that doesn’t mean that Mass will return. Best of all, this guy won’t even know what he’s done… … .
“… … Let’s go back.”
I ignored the man and turned my back without hesitation. I heard a man sobbing from behind, but without delay I left the house.
‘We have to come up with a countermeasure.’
The Emperor will somehow try to get information about Jack from Misa. I don’t think she’ll ever say anything about Jack, who has already abandoned him once.
‘Maybe you already got a hint about Jack.’
Fortunately, she and Jack were separated from their childhood, so we don’t know what they look like or where they are. All she knows is that Jack has magically changed his appearance, and… … .
‘The name is Jack Frit.’
Did she even talk about magic? At least the name is most likely known.
‘You’ll find out soon.’
The name Jack is common, but the Emperor had already seen him once.
‘After all, I shouldn’t have been sent to the academic contest.’
At the time, Jack wanted me to let him go, but I didn’t know the situation would turn out to be this bad. No matter how much Jack wants, he’ll sternly refuse.
‘Now, what will I do if I regret it?’
If Jack’s information had already entered the emperor, there was no time. Before the Emperor moved, I had to move first.
‘Is the house saved?’
I remembered the house I had commissioned for real estate. They told me to come around this time, so it was time to go.
‘I should have found a house as soon as possible… … .’
That way, you can evacuate the children in case of emergency. And, and… … .
“Hey, Ciel!”
“Ah… … .”
Deep in thought, I looked up at Vicente’s loud voice, startled. Seeing me like this, he raised his elegant eyebrows as if he didn’t like me.
“Are you okay? Are you out of your mind?”
“Vincente, I… … .”
Suddenly, I was overcome with a very strong impulse. I’d rather ask Vincente. You may be able to seek help without telling the whole story. At least a hiding place where the children can live safely… … .
Then, suddenly, I woke up. Can I really trust Vincente completely? Can I really conclude that he is completely on my side? Come to think of it, up until now, Vincente has helped me a lot and I also depended on him a lot. There were many things that he could entrust to him. He was a very good helper for me. But it wasn’t like trust that linked him to my relationship. it’s a contract The only reason he helped me was to break the curse. The protection of children was clearly outside the contract.
‘and… … .’
Along with that, I didn’t fully trust Vincente. Of course, the first bad impression has changed a lot together. He was a much nicer and decent guy than I thought.
‘However… … .’
Even so, that doesn’t mean you can completely trust him. He is the owner of a large, unhealthy casino and once ran an illegal auction. Above all, he was the person who confronted Cloan in the original story. It’s on my side like this now, but I didn’t know when I would change my appearance. And if all the truth is revealed and help is sought, that person will probably be something other than Vincente.
“what? Why are you talking?”
Vincente, who was waiting for my next words, asked as if frustrated. At that, I smiled and shook my head.
“Nothing. Let’s go back now.”
“Hmm… … .”
Vincente’s expression frowned as if he was suspicious of me. As if to say something, he immediately waved his hand.
“done. Because I don’t intend to forcefully dig up things I don’t want to talk about.”
“thanks.”
“Can I go to the orphanage?”
“Huh… … , Please.”
“done. It doesn’t matter.”
After Vincente’s blunt answer snapped her finger once, I immediately returned to the nursery school director’s room.
“Then I will go.”
“Wait, I still have something to tell you.”
As he was about to leave, I quickly grabbed his sleeve. Vincente looked at me overly reacting.
“What, what?”
“Ah, sorry for catching you all of a sudden. I felt bad.”
He was a guy who didn’t like being in contact with other people, so he could feel bad enough.
“It’s not like that… … under.”
He looked at me crookedly and asked, as if I was frustrated.
“So what are you going to say?”
“It’s a mine. I think it would be better to advance the schedule. ASAP.”
can’t afford I wanted to finish the work I had planned as soon as possible and find stability. Vincente’s expression frowned as she looked at me as if this kind of emotion had been revealed on her face.
“Are you okay?”
“… … are you okay. Can you do it?”
“Whoa, okay. Anyway, this is enough for the amount of mining, and as soon as I get back, I’ll start spreading the rumors. From then on, those who approach will be picked up and sent to you, so you… … .”
“… … ?”
As Vincente blurted out the end of her speech, she looked at me with a puzzled face. Soon he gently pushed my forehead with his finger.
“Ah?”
Surprised by his sudden action, I wrapped my forehead and looked at him. Vincente said with a short laugh.
“You get some rest. If you go out with that look now, the kids you care so much for will be worried.”
With those words left, Vincente turned and disappeared. I was left alone, blankly staring at the place where Vicente had disappeared, and then I looked in the mirror.
“… … .”
It was only then that I realized the meaning of what Vincente had said. Clearly, my expression now looked somewhat anxious. At first glance, he looked like a scared child.
“ha.”
Looking at it, I took a deep breath. If you go out with a face like this, your children will definitely be worried.
‘However… … .’
Even if I told him to rest, he could not rest. Instead, he made an effortless expression. And I was ready to go out right away.
‘Vincente told me to rest.’
I can’t rest. I had work to do right now. After getting ready to go out, I found Hoyeon. Ho-yeon was burning firewood on the stove. As I approached, Ho-yeon, feeling popular, quickly stood up.
“Master, where are you going?”
Ho-yeon looked at my outfit and asked. I nodded and said.
“I have a place to go to. It might take a while. In the meantime, please take care of the children.”
He spoke and paused for a moment. And then he opened his mouth again.
“There’s not much I can do for you, but I’m sorry that I’m always asking.”
“Don’t say that. Just being here makes me happy.”
Hoyeon smiled softly.
“Before I came here, I was always busy with my hair upright and wary of my enemies. A heavy responsibility weighed on my shoulders, and when I was captured by humans, I would rather die. But when I come here, I laugh several times a day and sometimes forget that we are of different races.”
“Hoen… … .”
“Sometimes you can eat delicious food that is ecstatic.”
Hoyeon laughed lightly. Then he said with a calm face.
“I will take good care of the children. Don’t worry and go.”
Hoyeon said with a confident face. I nodded.
“Yeah, I’ll go.”
My heart became lighter. I left the orphanage thinking that I did well in choosing Hoyeon. The first destination is the bank.
* * *
I went to the bank and converted the amount that ‘he’ suggested into runes and withdrew. Indeed, despite the astronomical amount of a rune with a value of 100 gold, the pocket became very heavy. After leaving the bank, I ate the transformation magic potion I prepared in advance and headed to the last building. It was not difficult to find the place as I had already visited it once. It still looked shabby and gloomy.
“Excuse me… … .”
I cautiously stepped into the dusty interior and spoke. I expected him to show up like last time… … .
“uh?”
A red quill flew from the other side of the hallway and stopped in front of me. The sudden situation opened my eyes, and then the quill flew back in the direction it had turned. As I stared blankly at it, the quill stopped and looked at me. It seemed like he was telling me to follow him.
An inanimate quill is telling you to follow. Funny idea, but my feet were suddenly following the quills. The stopped quill flew again. The hallway was the hallway she had previously walked with the realtor. As I walked, a wide and bright space appeared, and the quill pen guiding me sat comfortably in the hand of a man.
“Come here. The timing is very right.”
He was sitting on a chair and approached me. still looks gorgeous He hadn’t turned into an old man like before. He seemed to have already expected me to come.
“I’m curious to see how far the work you asked has progressed.”
“If that’s the case, I found a very suitable house just yesterday. Would you like to see me?”
A man proposed to me. You just bought a house yesterday. As he said, it was very timely. I nodded my head and grinned, he pulled out a scroll from the drawer and tore it to pieces. At that moment, a tornado struck the room. When I close my eyes and open them in a strong gust of wind… … .
“Wow… … .”
A completely different landscape was unfolding. I was standing on a gentle hill, not too high, and a vast, pale green meadow stretched out to the end of the horizon that I could see. There were small herbivores poking around among the trees and bushes that had risen from time to time, and it was full of wildflowers. All I could see was that. There were no people or buildings. He said, standing next to me.
“This is a land that no one knows about, not even marked on the map. No one is going to come here the way you wanted it to. Even the emperor.”
At that, I said with a slightly puzzled face.
“I have to go to town or city to buy necessities, what should I do?”
“If that’s the case, you can use the scroll. It’s expensive, but if you have enough money to ask me for a quest, it will be enough.”
I guessed the price of the scroll in my head. Each scroll costs about 10 gold. It’s a huge amount of 1 million won in Korean currency, but… … .
‘It feels like that amount of money is nothing.’
If I was a country in my previous life, I would have been surprised by the price of the scroll, but, ironically, now I was thinking, ‘That’s about it’. Even after subtracting the donations, I was earning a huge amount of money from the tea bag business every month. To the extent that there is no problem at all if you use one scroll every day for the rest of your life… … .
‘Besides, the scroll leaves no trace.’
rather good It has been the best environment so far. I looked at the man and said.
“Where is your house?”
“It’s just a short walk from here. Because I live with children, I purposely showed the surrounding environment. There are no wild animals here, so it’s perfect for children to run around. come here.”
It felt like he paid attention to the smallest details. Thinking it was good to leave it alone, I followed the man. how far did you walk Slowly, outlines began to appear, and a large house appeared in front of me.
“Wow… … .”
The pure white fence came right up to my chest, and I could see a playground enough for children to run around.
“For customer care, we also have a playground for children to play with.”
The man said with a confident face. I sincerely thanked him.
“thank you.”
He turned his gaze back to the playground. Unlike the playground in , which has only a suitable assortment, I clearly felt that the playground here is really a space for children. Slides, swings, seesaws, jungle gyms, and even a sandy space. This greatly reduces the risk of injury to children.
Looking at the playground with satisfaction, I looked at the most important house. The house was a little bigger and neater than . Upon entering, the living room with a large fireplace was revealed. There were three rooms in the center of the living room, and at the end there was a staircase leading to the second floor. Unlike , which was designed to be convenient for patrols, it was a house that felt like a family home.
The 2nd floor had 4 rooms in a straight hallway, and the 3rd floor was an attic. When I opened the door to the attic, a cool breeze blew in. A view of the landscape came in through the window. like a frame. Other than that, the house had all the conditions I wanted. It was sunny and there were no signs of leaks. This house didn’t even make a creaking noise whenever the children ran around. It was a sturdy and very well made house.
“How are you?”
After looking around the house, the man asked. I nodded my head loudly.
“I like it very much. It was hard.”
This was not at all worth the huge amount of money. Most of all, I liked the fact that no one could visit this house.
‘When they become adults, all the children will be independent, but… … .’
Until then, it was good to hide and live. After even looking around more, the man tore the scroll again and returned to the main store. I handed the bag I had brought in advance to the man. After checking the amount inside, the man looked satisfied and handed me ten scrolls and a key.
“If you tear this scroll, you can always go to that house. This is the key to the front door of the house. I can give you a scroll back to the capital if you wish, but how about it?”
the man asked me In fact, if you move to that house, you probably won’t come back to the capital for a while.
‘But there’s nothing wrong with taking it.’
“Yes, please. thank you.”
It would be nice if I didn’t have to use this scroll for a while… … . After taking all the scrolls, I left the building. After drinking the magic detox potion, I went back to the nursery. And the next day, Vincente and the Duke came.
* * *
The enemy tried to contact me faster than I expected. It was because of the exaggerated publicity by increasing the amount of magic stone mined by Vincente.
“I got a deal date. Three days later.”
“Where?”
“It’s a building called ‘Acacia Pavilion’ not far from Khan. It is now an abandoned building that no one is using. We decided to do business there.”
“What did your companion decide to do?”
Vincente answered the Duke’s question.
“Alone without minions.”
I nodded my head at Vincente’s answer, and I was deep in thought.
“You probably want to trade quietly. Well, I guess I’ll have to hide in secret… … .”
That was the moment.
“I will go with you.”
I looked up in surprise at the duke’s sudden words and asked.
“You too?”
He nodded as if it was natural.
“Didn’t I say that I was also involved in this?”
Of course I said that, but I thought it was about magic stone mining… … .
“However… … .”
Of course, if he was with him, it would be very reassuring, but this was too dangerous to be compared to simply mining a mine. I said it frankly.
“It’s very dangerous.”
“But don’t you go too?”
“that… … .”
I know the peacock is worried about me. Maybe you don’t want me to go there.
‘But only I know the structure of the enemy’s mansion.’
The enemy’s mansion was the place where he had a battle with Cloan, so he knew the rescue. The place where the cursed Aethernum might be stored was also expected. As such, I couldn’t be absent from this operation. I can’t tell the story directly, but the Duke knew well that I couldn’t be absent from this incident. So instead of telling me to fall for it, he said he would be with me.
I nodded, contemplating whether I could bring the peacock in any more than this. In fact, that worry is now over. The Duke wanted to be deeply involved from the start, and I couldn’t stop it. It’s dangerous now, so I guess it’s too late to tell you to fall. Reluctantly, I nodded my head.
“I see.”
And I looked at Vincente and said,
“Then you and I will accompany you as your servants.”
“Hmm, I don’t like other guys interfering, but I can’t help it. It’s not bad to have someone like a duke help out.”
It was surprising. I thought you would say no to Vincent. He’s a guy who doesn’t like craftsmanship very much… … . But in retrospect, it means that this event is important enough for Vincente to be serious. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to break the curse that has haunted him for the rest of his life.
‘If you think that way, it’s pitiful.’
After watching him for quite some time, Vincente wasn’t that bad. Of course, my first impression was really bad, and even now, even jokingly, I can’t say that I’m a good person, but anyway, I’m not a bad guy. It’s to lift the curse, but just look at how much you helped me. Such a guy ended in a tragic end as a villain in the original story. It makes me sad to think about it like that. If there had been a helpful person like me in the original story, it wouldn’t have ended like that… … .
“What are you looking at like that?”
“Nothing. Then the operation… … .”
I said the operation I had been thinking of. It was a very simple and dangerous operation that ended as it was with a few mistakes. Hearing the story, the peacock nodded.
“Surely simple, but probably the surest way.”
“Yes.”
As he said, the method I suggested was very simple. While Vincente was making a deal, we would also hide in a wagon loaded with a large amount of magic stones and enter the enemy’s mansion. How to sneak into the enemy’s mansion and use the void Ethernum to summon Vincente. But as simple as it was, there were a lot of gaps. The peacock suggested one way.
“Then how about using that hallucinatory ethernum?”
“The hallucinatory ethernum?”
“We’re also hallucinating to look like magic stones. Wouldn’t that reduce the risk of being caught a little?”
“Ah, sure… … .”
That was a very sensible thing to say. If it is a hallucinatory ethernum that hallucinates even ordinary magic stones to make them look special, it will be possible to hallucinate us as well. Vincente nodded as if in agreement.
“I think it’s a good way.”
“It would be nice to hallucinate the magic stone too. Because I have no intention of handing over the magic stone. If you cover the outside with magic stones and fill the inside with stones, it will be very eye-catching.”
Vincente giggled and added a comment. He looked already excited at the thought of messing with the enemy. After completing the operation, we promised three days later and parted. After seeing the duke off, I fell into deep thought.
‘If I come back after finishing this job safely… … .’
I set my gaze on the desk. After clearing the large map, a scroll from the real estate agent appeared.
‘I have to leave.’
If this task is completed safely, the emperor will surely become powerless. But that doesn’t mean the threat to me and Jack is gone. This place and the Imperial Palace are so close that the emperor can reach them if he wants to. So if Jack has no intention of reclaiming the throne… … It’s good to leave this place.
‘Before that, we must finish this task safely.’
If you safely recapture the cursed Aethernum and lift the curse, your relationship with Vincente is over. And if you leave the capital, you and the duke… … .
At that moment, my heart ached. Taking a deep breath, I put the scroll into the drawer. Then he traced his memory and drew the structure of the enemy’s mansion on paper. Again and again carefully. Because there shouldn’t be any mistakes. The day passed like that.
* * *
The emperor’s gaze fell down. A woman was lying flat on her face, trembling with her gaze.
“Woah, I see your Majesty the Emperor, I see you.”
“I heard that you are familiar with .”
“Si, are you talking about Ciela Nursery School?”
She raised her head in surprise at the unexpected name, and as soon as her eyes met the emperor, she quickly lowered her head.
“Yes, yes. I have some work experience… … .”
“What is your name?”
“Lo, it’s called Romandara. your Majesty.”
Romanda couldn’t understand the situation and felt like she was about to cry. After being suddenly fired from , Romanda moved from place to place. However, there was no place that accepted Romanda because he was evicted without a letter of recommendation. Even that didn’t do his job well, so Romanda was quickly kicked out. As she was barely continuing her life by moving from place to place, several men blocked Romanda’s front. I tried to turn around, but the back was blocked and I couldn’t.
A man appeared in front of the fearful Romanda. He introduced himself as the emperor’s servant and asked Romanda if he knew anything about , and Romanda answered that she had worked there before. He was immediately captured and brought right here, right in front of the emperor.
The emperor’s fame was well known. The one who ascended the throne by beheading his brother. A cruel man known for being merciless to those who dislike him. Then why is he looking for himself? Although scared, Romanda did her best not to make a mistake. The only thought in my mind was to get out of here safely. At that moment the emperor asked.
“If you know anything about , please tell me.”
Although the emperor’s command was sudden, Romanda vomited out all the information she knew.
“that… … Siella is a place run by the Fallen Nobility, but the facilities are not good enough, and it is a poor place to be eliminated from the audit. She looks beautiful, but her personality… … .”
“Okay, how about the kids?”
“Oh, children? He, so the youngest, is a girl named Lodi and follows a girl named Ren best. Edie was the last to come in, but she’s not shy and Clauan is very cheeky… … . And I have a child named Jack as the eldest.”
“Jack, yes. Tell me more about that kid named Jack.”
The emperor’s eyes suddenly changed. At first glance, Romanda seemed to have a numbness in her throat as she went on to live. He didn’t know why the Emperor was asking him this, but he thought of Jack, desperately trying to get out of this place as quickly as possible.
“Jack… … This is a boy named Jack Frit. fourteen… … No, I am fifteen now.”
Let’s see, what kind of kid Jack was.
“He… … He was a weird kid. He was no ordinary kid.”
“Isn’t it normal?”
“Yes. There was a time when Director Ciela sent the children to another facility. Perhaps it was because of the lack of gratitude, and the amount of donations also decreased, and it was because it was difficult to bear so many children. But one day Jack came to me and said, Please help me and my brothers not to scatter.”
“Can you help me? Was there any special reason?”
“These kids have been with Jack since he first entered the nursery.”
“Did you just accept that request?”
“no… … . I refused, saying there was no reason to do so. Then Jack said… … You threatened me!”
“How did you threaten me?”
“That, that… … .”
Romanda hesitated, but in the Emperor’s sharp gaze, she couldn’t help but tell the truth.
“I stole and sold money from the director’s office… … . I guess it was caught by that guy Jack… … . He offered me a deal that he would let me go if I could help. I was forced to accept it and had to ask the director not to let Jack and the kids go.”
Romanda looked genuinely embarrassed. The emperor asked more.
“Is there anything special about it? How did he get into the orphanage?”
Romanda was suspicious of the Emperor’s particular interest in Jack, but her mouth moved quickly.
“As far as I know, that… … I came in during the clean street policy.”
“Clean street policy?”
The emperor’s brow furrowed. The ‘clean street policy’ was his first policy after he ascended to the throne. It was literally a policy to clean up the streets and to get rid of the poor who polluted the streets. Apparently, adults were sent to labor camps and minors were sent to orphanages.
‘Are you sent to an orphanage then?’
If that’s the case, then you were wandering the streets… … . It would be plausible to say that after Mass had left home, he had gone up to the capital, wandered the streets, and sent to an orphanage.
“And that guy, he was a very smart guy. If you tell me one, you can… … No, he was more enlightened than that. I liked books, so I wore them every day.”
As the emperor listened to his story, Romanda, who wanted to be at this time, began to talk back and forth. Then, suddenly realizing that the atmosphere was not serious, I shut my lips tightly.
“also… … I can’t leave it alone.”
The emperor, who muttered a little, raised his head and glanced at the chieftain, and the chieftain brought the knights and bound Romanda. Suddenly captured, Romanda struggled loudly and shouted.
“Lung, Your Majesty! Why are you doing this? Please save me! I told you everything you want!”
“Put him in the dungeon.”
“Yes.”
However, the emperor did not listen and ordered the servant chief, who beckoned Romanda to go.
“your Majesty! your Majesty!”
Romanda cried out, but soon her voice was interrupted by a huge door. Romanda and the knight left, and the chieftain quietly stood beside the emperor. After a long silence, the Emperor finally spoke.
“I have to punish you.”
“Shall we summon the knights?”
“It would be best to end it as quietly as possible. call the bodyguards I will set the date for tomorrow night.”
“all right.”
At the emperor’s command, the chieftain bowed his head and left the auditorium. The emperor, who was left alone, pressed his temples tightly as if his head was throbbing, and smiled quietly. His lips parted open and a muffled voice came out.
‘I’m not sure if it’s really that kid.’
what is it It is better to cut the buds of doubt and see. The emperor raised his cold gaze.
* * *
The long-awaited appointment day has come. I left the orphanage with Ho-yeon early in the morning and headed to Cannes with the Duke. After finishing preparations in Cannes, it was meant to depart for the meeting place, ‘Acacia Pavilion’.
“I’ve heard of places like this, but it’s the first time I’ve been there.”
The duke murmured in front of the huge Khan. After all, the duke is not a person worthy of coming to a place like this, so it’s just strange. It felt like a child’s surprise, so I burst into laughter briefly. The peacock looked at me bewildered.
“Oh, I’m sorry.”
To be honest, if I said I laughed because it was cute, I would be offended. Instead, I shook my head and held out my mask. I wasn’t going to use the auction house, but I decided to wear a mask because there was nothing good about showing up. In particular, the peacock stands out wherever he goes, so someone will recognize him immediately. I quickly put on my mask and looked at the peacock. However… … .
‘Oh right.’
Peacock, I’m not good at tying knots. His hands were very sloppy. The peacock’s expression became serious as the string kept coming loose. I smiled lightly and went behind him. When the duke gave me a puzzled look, I grabbed the string of the mask and said:
“I’ll do it for you.”
“… … Then I will take care of you.”
Perhaps the Duke thought it was unreasonable to do it alone, and the duke gave the string to him. He bent slightly to make it easier for me to tie the knot. I tied the knot tightly so that his mask wouldn’t fall off in any case. As the fine black hair passed through the gap between my fingers, I tickled for nothing.
‘Come to think of it… … .’
As I was doing this, I remembered that time. The day I went to the mansion of Count Seymour. At that time, the peacock helped me.
‘I couldn’t even tie it back then, so I did it.’
It feels like yesterday, but it’s been quite a while. A season has already passed. As I was thinking, I tied all the knots and I fell off him. Then, I went forward and checked that the mask was in the right place.
‘Yeah, that’s good.’
The dark blue mask suited him very well. At first glance, the golden eyes were very mysterious. Any color other than a blue mask would suit him well.
“Can I just go in?”
I asked him and the peacock nodded. We entered the entrance together. As if Vincente had already said it, no one caught us. Rather, a person called a guide appeared and guided us to the elevator.
“‘Vincente’ is waiting for you.”
When the Duke and I got on the elevator, he operated the lever with a large magic stone attached to it. Then the elevator began to move slowly and then quickly headed upward.
‘I mean, it’s amazing.’
It was already the second time, but the elevator using the power of the magic stone was amazing. With that in mind, I glanced at the peacock. The peacock was silently looking straight ahead. Even though it was an unfamiliar place, her neat appearance caught my attention without a single shake.
“Im here.”
As soon as we reached the top floor, the guide led us inside. I’ve been to Vincente’s room through magic, but it’s the first time I’ve been up to the top floor by an elevator like this, so I pretended it wasn’t me and looked around.
‘indeed… … It’s Vincente.’
Unlike the glamorous and glamorous downstairs, the top floor, used by Vincente alone, was quiet and even felt empty. After passing through a long corridor with occasional ornaments, the guide stopped in front of the farthest room.
“I am waiting inside. You can go in.”
Having said that, the guide went back. After looking at the dark red door for a moment, I slowly pulled the handle. The inside was the same as I had been before. A spacious room with a lot of paperwork and untidy neatness. As the Duke and I went inside, Vincente, who was sitting at the desk, approached me.
“I’m here?”
His expression hardened. No matter how much Vincentera I am, I feel nervous.
‘Well, it must be the most tense among us.’
Because he had in front of his eyes what he had longed for so much, nothing else. The introduction was unnecessary. We went straight to the point. First of all, I summarized today’s operation one last time.
“We’ve prepared an escape route under the carriage, so we’ll just have to escape while we move the magic stone after we get to his mansion.”
At Vincente’s words, I nodded and touched the invalid Ethernum in my hand. The eyes of the Duke and Vincente turned towards him.
“I’m happy though. Because the hallucinations of Aethernum are not nullified.”
The idea of hiding us with the hallucinatory ethernum was good, but there was one concern. What if the aethernum of nullity nullifies even the hallucinations? Fortunately, however, the only thing that nullified Ethernum could nullify was magic. The hallucinations were eaten safely.
I wrapped my hair in my arms for the past few days, followed my memory, and took out a map I had completed and unfolded it. There was a lot more empty space than the finished space because there was a limit to the description of the background in the original work, but I was able to draw safely to the place where I expected the Ethernum to be stored.
“It’s important to know where you are when you first arrive. It would be a good idea to refer to this map to find your way.”
Said, looking at Vincente and the Duke alternately. The two nodded their heads. After the operation meeting was over, Vincente snapped her fingers. Then we moved to another space. Immediately a very large wagon came into view. I intuitively recognized that the carriage was ours. There was no one around the wagon. It seemed that Vincente even drove the carriage. In fact, there are conditions stipulated there, and we were able to reduce the variable that Vicente drives was useless.
While Vicente checked the wagon, I opened the wagon’s door. The inside was a bit cramped compared to the very large outside. The carriage was still empty. A door in the middle of the floor stood out. When I pulled the door open, a secret space appeared. It wasn’t very spacious, but it seemed to be suitable for me and the peacock to fit in. I leaned slightly inside. It was a lot more comfortable than I thought.
‘This is the way out of which Vincente spoke.’
As I fumbled on the floor, something like a very small handle caught on me. After unlocking the lock and opening the handle, the door opened silently. I looked around except for my face underneath it. The world looked upside down. I was just curious, so I was hanging around and looking around, when suddenly my two legs stopped in front of me. As he raised his gaze along the bridge, the peacock, who had taken off his mask, bowed his head and made eye contact with me. Surprised by his sudden appearance, my hands relaxed and I screamed briefly and fell to the floor.
“Ciel!”
But luckily, I didn’t hit my head on the ground. The peacock just supported me. I fell under his arm and looked up at him with wide eyes.
“Are you okay? Where were you injured? … .”
“it’s okay!”
The duke’s face, asking with a worried expression, was so close that I hurriedly got up and fell from his arms.
“… … thank you it’s okay thank you.”
It was hard to look at him, so I turned my gaze slightly and thanked him.
“… … okay.”
The duke responded with a strange voice to my appearance. I know my attitude is rude, but I can’t help it.
‘I was so surprised… … I feel like my heart is going to explode.’
I got close to him all of a sudden. The blow was even greater because I hadn’t even prepared my heart. I took a deep breath and calmed my pounding heart.
“What’re you doing?”
Then Vincente approached and asked with a puzzled face. I shook my head loudly.
“Nothing. Is the inspection over?”
“Oh, nothing wrong.”
He looked at me with a complicated expression. The duke approached me and stood next to me. A strange current flowed. Now, with the decisive battle in front of his eyes, his tense expression went back and forth.
“Before we depart, we must first change our appearance.”
Having said that, Vincente snapped her fingers. Then, the appearance of Vincente and the Duke changed. Vincente’s platinum-blonde hair was plain brown, and her white, pretty face had changed to an ordinary impression. He seems to have completely changed his appearance because there is a risk of being caught by the enemy.
The same was true of the peacock. His jet-black hair had turned to sky blue, and his golden eyes had changed to blue. But the beautiful appearance remained the same. However, the impression was somewhat blurred. It would be more accurate to say that the presence has faded.
And I… … .
“Because of the void of Ethernum, the magic won’t work.”
It was better to keep the ring on to signal that I had arrived. There is a way to put it on and take it off again, but in that case, the magic that I put on hard work can be removed, so I prepared a magic potion that I can drink when I arrive in place of Vincente’s magic. So, I decided not to cast a spell from the beginning, but to change my appearance with a magic potion after arriving and calling Vincente.
“Now go in. Then I will fill the wagon with magic.”
Vincente’s magic was really useful. With just one gesture, this huge wagon can be filled in one breath.
‘It won’t be as easy as it seems.’
I glanced at the necklace that Vincente had given me.
‘Now, though, the magic is almost restored.’
I brought it in case you didn’t know. I wish I didn’t have to use this necklace. Our goal is to recapture the cursed Aethernum. A decent fight isn’t good. I got on the wagon. As I was about to enter the secret space connected below, the duke entered first and then reached out to me.
“You can’t fall like a little while ago.”
I blushed at his words. Because I thought it was an absurd mistake. I wanted to plead that it was careless for a moment, but the expression on the peacock’s face when he reached out to me was so serious that his lips didn’t come off. No, it’s hard to make eye contact. Come to think of it, I, the Duke and I are alone in that small space until we get to the enemy’s mansion.
‘Is it okay… … .’
I was suddenly very worried. They say they keep their emotions, but sometimes they show their emotions without realizing it. At times like that, I would rather reveal all my feelings, but… … .
‘I have to leave soon anyway.’
As long as I had already made up my mind, I shouldn’t have moved forward with him. I hardened my heart and bit my lip. Then he took his hand and went downstairs. This is unavoidable. He is blocking the entrance and holding out his hand, and he will come down on his own, so why not ask him to get out of the way? I went downstairs and closed the door.
“do.”
With Vincente’s signal, I felt a feeling as if my head was getting heavy. I tried to open the door slightly, but the door wouldn’t open. In this state, Vincente gives hallucinations. Then the useless stone mass and us underneath it will also appear as magic stones. We’re hiding in a secret space, but they can find it, and it’s good to be a little more certain. The door of the wagon closed and after a while the roar of a horse was heard. As soon as I thought, ‘I’ll be leaving soon,’ I felt a rumble.
“Isn’t it uncomfortable?”
I shook my head at the words of the peacock who was sitting opposite me.
“I’m fine. How about you?”
“I’m fine too.”
It may feel cramped because it is a small space and there is no ventilation, but there was no such thing. Rather, it was very comfortable and cozy. It seems that Vincente used some kind of magic.
‘It took about 20 minutes to get to the Acacia Pavilion.’
I don’t know how long it will take to get to the enemy’s mansion, but when I checked the map, it looked like it would take about an hour. Originally, the enemy’s mansion was hidden by his magic, but since the place name was mentioned in the original, it could be found on the map. He did not tell Vincente and the Duke about it. It was because I was worried that Vincente would come to visit me, even if I said that.
‘Do I have to be with the Duke for over an hour?’
I leaned my back against the wall to get some distance from him. And glanced at him. A thin light that came through the gap in the carriage wall fell on his face and body. So even in the dark, his face and expression were clearly visible.
The peacock was quiet with his eyelashes lowered as if lost in thought. Thanks to that, it became possible for me to hold my breath and secretly look at the peacock.
‘Again… … You’re handsome.’
It was a look I never got used to. Every time I see it, something new and amazing comes out. Even though the impression was blurred by magic, it was always clear to my eyes. It’s so clear that only this person can be seen… … .
Is that so? Every time I see a face like this, I feel the excitement of seeing it for the first time.
“Ciel.”
“Yes Yes?”
Then he spoke. I looked at him, startled, wondering if he had been caught stealing. The peacock slowly raised his gaze and made eye contact with me. The blue eyes instead of the gold they had before turned to me. But it was also a peacock. The emotion in the blue eyes was clear. Tension and… … .
That was the moment.
Rumble! The wagon shook violently, and I stumbled when I was vigilant. I was about to touch the ground with my hands, but before that, the peacock’s hand grabbed my arm.
“Are you okay? Where did you get hurt? … .”
The duke looked at me anxiously. I wasn’t hurt at all, but he was acting like a child. I was trying to shake it off saying it was okay, but when I suddenly met his close eyes, I stiffened as I was. I should say it’s okay, but my lips didn’t open well.
‘The sound of my heart is so… … Big.’
“Ciela, I thought about it before, but you… … .”
The duke, who looked at me quietly, was about to say something, but the carriage stopped with another rattle. And the conversation sounded.
“Is this wagon?”
“Let’s check.”
“Hmm.”
Then, along with the sound of the door opening, there was a sign of rummaging through the magic stone. Me and the duke held their breath in close contact.
‘Will Vincent be okay?’
If the current character is really the enemy, then Vicente could be in danger.
‘Actually, it’s because I took all the risks.’
Moreover, there was little chance of recognizing her appearance and voice with magic. The backtracking was quite tenacious. The sign of the hand digging into the magic stone was getting closer and closer. Maybe this secret space was discovered, I couldn’t even breathe. But soon the sight faded away, and the voices were heard again.
“great. I will deposit the transaction amount to the account I received at that time.”
“As soon as possible, please.”
It was obvious that Vicente was swallowing a laugh. Because I cheated on the enemy and stole my money. The roar of the horse was heard again, and the carriage began to move again. I instinctively noticed that this carriage had left Vincente’s hands and headed for the enemy’s mansion. When the wagon moved and there was a noise, I was able to breathe.
“I’m glad I didn’t notice it.”
He sighed and looked up at the peacock. The peacock was still holding my arm.
‘I think I was trying to say something… … .’
“Sir, what did you say… … .”
“… … It is nothing. From now on, it would be better to silence the sound as much as possible.”
Having said that, the duke fell from me. I looked at him curiously. He must have been trying to say something, but why suddenly… … .
‘Well, it doesn’t matter.’
Just thinking about it made me feel bitter, but I tried to push my thoughts away and turned my head. We didn’t have any conversations until we got to the enemy’s mansion.
* * *
The white-haired man entered the room covered in darkness. He paused for a moment to discern his son-in-law. A small ray of light leaked through the tightly closed curtains. The white-haired man turned his gaze to the direction the light was headed. A man was sitting at the end. He walked towards the man.
“Enemy, no. Should I call him Count Frehrmann, the master of swordsmanship now?”
“… … hundred.”
At Baek’s words, the enemy raised his head. The frost that had frozen one eye white now spread to the other eye, freezing both eyes. The enemy didn’t say anything, but White could tell that he was blind in both eyes. I’m very happy. Because of this, I can’t figure out what kind of expression I’m making. A worried voice flowed from between the lips painted with white arcs.
“It seems to be getting worse and worse.”
“Turn your mind off and turn it off.”
“How can you not care, comrade?”
“colleague?”
At Baek’s words, the enemy burst out laughing as if it was funny.
“Comrades, these aren’t words that come out of your mouth. Tell me your purpose, Beck. I know you weren’t really worried about me.”
“… … .”
At the end of the enemy’s day, Baek was silent for a moment. Instead, he slowly approached the enemy. Feeling the white presence, the enemy grabbed the scabbard next to him. Seeing this, Baek let out a short laugh.
“I’m happy though. If it wasn’t for the senses trained by swordsmanship, I would have become a helpless person who could not feel anything.”
“When you come closer, I will cut you.”
The enemy growled and warned, but White shrugged and moved again. But this time, it was not an ordinary step. A purple air stream flowed around him for a moment, and Baek moved to the enemy’s side in an instant. The startled enemy tried to swing the sword, but Baek had already crushed the tip of the scabbard.
“I will find the healing ethernum.”
“… … Shut up.”
“Give me the cursed Aethernum instead. If you can’t guide me because you can’t see, tell me the hidden location.”
“Shut up!”
When Baek showed his true intentions, the excited enemy jumped up from his seat and swung his sword at random.
“Ethernum cannot be passed over! it’s mine! It’s mine!”
“Ha, indeed.”
Seeing such an enemy, Baek shook his head as if frustrated by it and said as he stepped back.
“I will come back tomorrow. If you don’t tell me where Aethernum is by then, I’ll kill you, pull out your heart, and search the mansion to find you somehow. If you have a head, think well. Which choice is beneficial to you, enemy.”
“hundred! Stand there!”
The enemy shouted, but Baek had already disappeared. Even when he noticed that White had disappeared, the enemy could not easily quench his excitement. A knock was heard as he was gasping.
“go away… … .”
“Master, the item you have been waiting for has arrived.”
The lips of the enemy who was about to be expelled were hardened. Then he slammed the door open. The butler, who was waiting outside the door, was startled by his sudden appearance, but he bowed his head without showing a sign.
“Wagon, magic stone. My power is finally here!”
“I put it up in the back yard of the annex so that no one could see it. Would you like to see it?”
Even though he knew that the word ‘see’ had no meaning, the butler asked, and the enemy shook his head.
“Take me there right now!”
“Yes, I will help guide you. Excuse me.”
Although he was not looking, the butler politely bowed his head and took the enemy’s arm and moved forward. The face of the enemy as he took each step was filled with joy.
* * *
‘Have you arrived?’
how far did you run I felt the carriage stop in the stillness. I wondered if it had stopped for a while, but then I heard the driver getting off. Intuitively, he recognized that he had arrived at the enemy’s mansion. I looked at the peacock.
‘Shall we leave now?’
‘That would be nice.’
The peacock nodded his head. I stuck to the wagon wall once more, checked the sound, and carefully opened the exit door. The underside of the wagon was far from the ground, so it had to be seated carefully so as not to make a sound. First the nimble duke came down and he supported me. After safely escaping from the carriage, we lowered our posture and looked around for a while. As soon as there was a buzz nearby, he quickly hid behind the wheel.
‘That person… … .’
I just tilted my head slightly. The man who approached the carriage was dressed in a fancy way, but his appearance was ordinary. As he approached, he checked the inside of the carriage and muttered with admiration.
“Really, these are all magic stones… … . No matter how small he is, he seems to have a lot of money. Damn, what do you do when you pretend to be an Amman noble? I only get paid a little bit.”
‘This voice… … .’
I made eye contact with the peacock. It seems that the peacock also recognized the identity of the voice.
‘It’s the same voice I had with Vincente.’
If so, then he is the one who bought this magic stone.
‘It’s a band.’
It was easy to spot. There was nothing surprising. Because I really didn’t think the enemy would show up without hesitation.
‘The Count… … .’
‘Even if it’s a count,’ said the deputy. I do not know all the identities of the members of the organization. Even in the original, the identities of the members of the organization are not clearly revealed. However, there were clues as to its identity. The fact that the member of the organization was a ‘central nobleman’ was also one of the clues. The enemy was one of them. The exact name of the enemy did not appear in the original. However, on several occasions, he was mentioned as a central nobleman called ‘the master of swordsmanship’.
There were several excellent swordsmen in the Empire. For example, Duke Dietrich Kreiman was also a great swordsman. There are swordsmanship masters who say they produce only the best knights, and there are many other talented people such as the winner of the swordsmanship competition and the commander of the Imperial Knights. None of them fell short of the reputation of a ‘master of swordsmanship’. Therefore, it was difficult to identify the ‘master of swordsmanship’ among them. However, when it comes to the ‘earl’ and ‘the master of swordsmanship’, the word is different.
‘Count Frérmann.’
He was one of the people who perused the nobility yearbook and engraved it into his eyes. He showed a distinct prominence in the sword from the age of ten, and entered the military academy as the youngest, and after graduating from high school at the youngest age, he inherited the rank of Count Frehrmann and swept over the battlefield. The soldiers cheered for his splendid inaction and relentless swordsmanship, and the morale of the imperial army surged in every war he went to.
‘However… … .’
The man who had nothing to fear with only a sword became increasingly arrogant and arrogant. The battlefield where he went to protect the empire was gradually transformed into a slaughterhouse to satisfy his desires. The soldiers faltered at his crooked desire. He used to wield his sword regardless of his enemies or allies, but he was seriously injured by a momentary mistake, and he can no longer wield his sword as he did before. People were rather relieved, and he was greatly discouraged, and it is said that he disappeared after that.
‘So I put it up as a strong candidate.’
If you are active in an organization, your political activities are likely to be less.
‘It would be plausible to say that Eternum also got their hands on the battlefield.’
I wondered if I should tell the duke what I found out. Then the duke said
“There is grass there. I wish I could hide myself in the grass for now.”
The peacock whispered quietly. I nodded and looked at the man’s behavior. Seeing the magic stone filled with the carriage, the man burst into exclamation.
“… … There are so many, I don’t know if I can peek at one… … ?”
he muttered a little. His eyes, glancing from below, were glistening with lust. He could feel all his nerves being focused on the magic stone. If I were to pull myself out, now would be the right time.
I glanced at the peacock and he nodded. As we were timing, when the man plunged deep into the wagon to steal the magic stone, we swiftly got out of the wagon and hid in the grass.
‘Whoah, I’m going to die.’
Only one carriage escaped, and I was already exhausted. I hid myself among the grass and looked at the man with only my face removed. I was worried that he might have noticed, but fortunately, the man did not harbor any doubts. Then he sighed People will come to move the magic stone soon. Sure enough, soon the duke whispered quietly.
“Ciel, someone is coming.”
After hearing the duke’s words, I came to my senses and checked the direction he was pointing. There were really two people walking this way. However… … .
‘Your behavior is strange.’
One of the two was unstable and was supported by the other. The impression became more and more evident.
‘That person… … .’
As they got closer, me and the duke disappeared completely and held their breath. They passed the bush and approached the wagon.
“Sir, that man just… … .”
I whispered quietly, and the peacock nodded.
‘A man with reduced mobility, obviously he was wearing an eye patch.’
It’s really weird. It’s not a room, and it’s not even the night, but you’re walking around with your eyes closed in broad daylight.
‘Special training… … It didn’t look like it.’
If so, I wouldn’t have received such support. Then I suddenly remembered that Vincente was fighting an enemy. Did you have an eye injury at that time? And the injury hasn’t healed yet… … .
If so, then I understand the bizarre appearance. I watched them again. They checked the magic stone inside the carriage.
“Uh-huh, magic stone! The source of my strength!”
A man wearing an eyepatch clasped the magic stone in his arms and shouted with joy. Then he said to the man next to him.
“Take all these to the room. And bring ‘it’ too. It will absorb power.”
“all right. master.”
“I have to go back to my room. tired. Call me when you’re ready.”
“I’ll see you.”
A man called the butler went back the way he had been supporting him. And soon after, many users came and moved the magic stone of the wagon. In the meantime, the Duke and I moved from place to place quietly. Because there were too many people, it was easy to get caught. Moving into the forest, we caught our breath for a moment. Fortunately, it’s been fine so far.
‘Is the children well?’
I was suddenly worried. When I was preparing for departure, I left the scroll with Ho-yeon, just in case. If anything happens while I’m away, tear off the scroll and evacuate.
‘It would have been better if I had been by your side.’
If I can finish this task safely, I will be able to lessen my worries. It won’t be down for this long. Thinking about it that way made my heart ache.
‘For now, let’s just focus on this.’
I looked at the peacock and said,
“Sir, those people earlier… … .”
“okay. Perhaps the owner of this mansion. He will be the master of Aethernum.”
also… … . The peacock seems to have had the same thoughts as me.
“However… … He looked very bad.”
At his words, I nodded. That’s how serious his condition looked.
“I’ll call you Vincente first.”
“… … okay.”
The Duke paused for a moment and answered. I took the ring off. Vincente will be here soon. ‘Cause I’ve been waiting for this moment However… … .
“what?”
“Why didn’t you show up?”
“Yeah, will you?”
As the Duke said, Vicente did not appear. I thought you were going to show up right away, right?
“I’ll try again.”
Maybe there was something wrong, so I put the ring back on and took it off.
“… … He doesn’t show up.”
But this time, Vincent did not appear. I hadn’t thought of such a case, so I was confused.
“Isn’t it possible that you don’t hear magic well?”
“Yes? no way… … .”
I hate to believe it, but the Duke’s words were true. I lit a flame over my hand just in case. Fire was made. I did… … .
“Very small. cute. Was it really that small?”
The peacock, who saw my fireworks, shared his honest impressions. For some reason, I was embarrassed and shook my head quickly.
“No, it’s not really that big. As you said, something seems to be blocking the magic. But it doesn’t seem to be completely blocked.”
“Then maybe the signal is going slow. I have no choice but to wait.”
I nodded at the peacock’s words. But he didn’t know when Vicente would come.
‘It won’t take long.’
I don’t know for sure, but if even this amount of fire magic that consumes less mana is released, it will be more difficult to completely block the pursuit magic that consumes a lot of mana.
‘Should I change my appearance before that?’
It might be a good idea to change your appearance in advance, in case someone notices you. I took the magic potion I had prepared in advance from my pocket and drank it. Since this was the third time, I felt less repulsive than the first.
“Ciel… … .”
Suddenly, the peacock’s eyes widened as he looked back at me calling my name.
“Oh right. I should have told you earlier, were you surprised?”
I pulled my hair out to check the color change.
‘what?’
I thought of something like the usual brown or green, but the color changed to a brilliant silver. it’s silver Silver hair is a very rare and difficult color to come by. Moreover, it is a color that is almost impossible to come out with a magic potion… … .
‘that’s interesting.’
Wait, maybe her eyes aren’t silver, are they? It’s hard to see because there’s nothing to illuminate. I’m curious, hmm… … .
Contemplating, I met the peacock’s eyes. He was looking at me with strange eyes. I just asked him.
“Sir, what color have my eyes changed?”
Then the peacock slowly opened his mouth.
“It is sky blue.”
“Ah, it must have changed to a lighter color overall.”
With silver hair and blue eyes, wouldn’t it look like a walking cloud? By the way, why is the peacock staring like that? Maybe it doesn’t suit you? Because disguise was significant, it didn’t matter if it was suitable or not, but I wanted it to look good if it was going to change. I mean, it’s such a difficult combination. Embarrassed, I said, twisting my hair.
“Isn’t it a bit strange?”
“no.”
The duke answered immediately. With a very determined tone, I opened my eyes and looked up. He looked me in the eye and said.
“matches well. But it felt a little new, so I couldn’t take my eyes off it. I apologize if that made you uncomfortable.”
“Oh, no. I was not offended.”
“Then I’m glad.”
Saying so, he smiled softly. Seeing that, I felt like my face was heating up for nothing. I had a hard time controlling my expression at the next duke’s words, despite the fact that I had struggled to grasp my mind.
“But anything would suit you.”
“… … thank you.”
After the confession, I thought he became more active, but I didn’t know how to say it so directly. He was not used to such a daring feat yet.
‘No, I will not be able to adapt in the future.’
He gave me a compliment, so I thought I should say something in return, so I rolled my eyes and opened my lips.
“Hey, you get along very well too.”
This was not an empty word. Because it’s something I’ve always had. I took this atmosphere as an opportunity to convey it. Then the peacock smiled very brightly.
“Thank you.”
“Yes… … .”
And a moment of silence followed. The peacock and I sat side by side against a large tree, looking elsewhere. The awkward atmosphere seemed to suffocate. I’ve been alone with him many times before, but it’s the first time I’ve felt so awkward.
‘That’s probably because I’m conscious of the peacock.’
His expression, gaze, voice, tone, and even small gestures make him nervous. It is clear that that tension was transmitted to him through the air current.
‘I’d rather Vincente come sooner… … .’
Because he doesn’t have anything like that. How about being more friendly? It feels like a friend. It seemed that this tension would be relieved when he came.
“Ciel.”
At that moment, he spoke my name. I looked at him in surprise.
“Yes?”
“Perhaps… … Am I uncomfortable?”
My eyes widened at the unexpected question. His eyes wandered through the air and focused on me. His straight, clenched lips signaled that he was very serious now.
“I think my confession made you uncomfortable.”
“Ah, that… … .”
Actually, it wasn’t wrong.
‘After hearing the duke’s confession, I was very aware of my feelings.’
that I like him. From then on, I didn’t feel comfortable seeing him. I don’t know what to do with the first feeling… … . Unable to tell the truth, I looked away. The peacock let out a short sigh.
“… … It is true that I want you to be conscious of my confession.”
I looked at him at the voice I heard. The peacock’s blue eyes turned to me. a little sad If it had been her original golden eyes, she would have been much prettier. Making eye contact with me, the peacock continued to speak slowly and gently.
“But I didn’t want you to make me uncomfortable. It’s true that I want to win your heart, but I don’t want to get away from you because of my greed. So… … .”
The peacock’s eyes fluttered for an instant. He gave me a bitter smile and said to me.
“It’s okay if you don’t accept my heart now. Even if you refuse… … Okay. Please don’t make me uncomfortable, Ciel.”
It was not a request or coercion. it was a plea The duke is begging me not to leave me please and not to go away from me. The ‘Duke Dietrich Kreiman’, who is known to be in conflict with the emperor and has no one among the noble families to follow him, comes from a humble downfall aristocrat and is the head of a small orphanage… … .
That evoked a strange feeling. I think I became a great person, and I also felt that he was very soft. So, it was to the extent that I wanted to accept his heart. To be honest, I want to vomit out that I like you too… … .
“I… … .”
Also, this guy is not good for me. I thought it would be difficult to control my emotions if we were together longer than this, so I jumped up from my seat. I felt the peacock looking up at me. Rather, I decided to take a look outside the forest. It’s been a while, and Vincente will appear soon.
“that… … Shall we go to the main building before Vicente arrives?”
In that case, wouldn’t it be better to move it enough to be able to move it? Because two people are less noticeable than three people moving. When I changed the topic openly, the peacock looked at me with a strange look and nodded as if he couldn’t help it. I was grateful for that, but I was sorry. We walked along the exterior of the building to find the main building. What is surprising is that the number of users is extremely small compared to the size of the very spacious mansion.
‘It’s like Count Seymour.’
Count Seymour had almost sent out his servants to minimize the cost when economic activity was no longer possible. But that wasn’t the only reason. There was also something to hide his illness. Why is she thinking It must have been because Count Frérmann’s condition was bad at first glance.
‘So it makes sense if you say that the magic is blocked for security.’
As a swordsman, the most difficult thing for him to deal with is magic. He may have believed that if he blocked the magic, he would be able to handle everything else. Even if you can’t continue your life as a prosecutor, your skills won’t go anywhere.
“Ciela, that seems to be the main building.”
How much crooked road would I have walked, avoiding my eyes? The peacock pointed somewhere. I looked in the direction he was pointing. It was definitely the largest building in the mansion, and the users were coming and going.
‘Vincente should appear soon… … .’
“Oh, that’s terribly annoying.”
Before thinking, I heard Vincente’s voice from behind. I looked back warmly. When I greeted him in an unanswered way, he blinked his eyes in embarrassment and smiled. He changed his appearance by magic, but his characteristic smile was still there.
“What are you waiting for?”
Normally, I would have been blunt about what I was talking about, but today I did not affirm or deny it. Because waiting is true.
“More than that, this mansion is terribly annoying. I felt the tracking magic you gave me was very weak, and I had a hard time finding it because I had magic to hide my presence.”
As expected, this mansion had a special magic that blocks magic. Was the reason for doing so, after all, to prepare for an attack from the outside?
“That’s the main building. There is a cursed aethernum within me.”
At my words, the Duke and Vincente looked at the mansion. Maybe it’s because I found out that there was a special magic on it? It felt even more gloomy and blurry. Having confirmed the location of the main building, I took out a map from my pocket and spread it out on the floor. The map showed the route from the entrance of the main building to the room where the Aethernum was kept. The map was simpler than I thought. There was no special device on the way, and the structure was not complicated. But it was located in the most difficult place to find.
“The Aethernum is in a secret space located inside the enemy’s room.”
“A secret space?”
At my words, Vincente frowned. It’s not easy being in the enemy’s room, but the fact that there is even a secret space seems like a pain in the ass.
“It must be difficult to approach the room away from the eyes of the users.”
“Well, that’s why… … .”
I glanced at the two of them. As I was wondering what I was going to say, I felt sorry for nothing. But other than this, I couldn’t think of any other way.
“that… … How about wearing a disguise?”
“If it’s a disguise… … ?”
“As a user. However… … .”
I glanced at the main building. I’ve always felt this mansion… … .
‘All but a few are women.’
From the beginning, he had planned to disguise himself and hide in the mansion. Even a closed mansion requires a minimum number of people to manage the mansion. So I thought it would be fine if I disguised myself as a user and moved. But in this mansion, except for a few, most were women.
‘Why?’
The owner of this mansion is a very careful person. I put a blocking magic on it, and it wasn’t enough, so I put a magic that blurs the presence of the mansion. If you are that thorough in crime prevention, there is a high possibility that you are suffering from anxiety. That is why, no matter what happens, the mansion is filled with women who are relatively easy to subdue. Since women replaced men’s manpower, the number of female employees was much higher than that of other mansions.
The problem is that since the number of male users is very small, there may be some who consider the Dukes of Vincente and Crayman suspicious. No, you will definitely find it strange. So, it was difficult to get into the current form right now.
“What should I do?”
“What, what, how?”
When I asked with a puzzled face, Vincente, who responded lightly, was cloudy and snapped her fingers. Then his appearance changed in an instant. The magical brown hair and ordinary impression remained the same… … .
“What, what?”
Confused, I stuttered. Vincente raised her head and replied.
“This should be enough to avoid suspicion.”
Vincente shrugged. His long brown hair fluttered across his shoulders. Yes. Vincente was transformed into a woman.
‘The world of magic is really limitless.’
During that time, Vincente had shown many extraordinary skills through magic, but she never expected to see her transformed into a woman. What’s even more surprising is that it fits perfectly without any discomfort. It was more natural because she changed her appearance with magic rather than just a woman’s disguise.
“I don’t think that’s enough.”
but what Even if it was in the form of a woman, it was not unfamiliar or burdensome because the unique atmosphere of Vincente was the same. He was also a pretty cool guy.
Vincent did it. now… … . Both me and Vincente’s gazes turned at the same time. The peacock’s face turned a little red when attention was paid to it.
“dismissal… … .”
I’m kinda sorry It’s Vincente’s own business, and he doesn’t care about such things, but the Duke wasn’t such a thick-faced person. Maybe it’s too much of a burden.
‘I’d rather ask the Duke to look outside.’
You can’t go inside together, so it might be better to look at the dynamics outside. I was about to say that thought, but the Duke spoke first. He looked as if he had decided something.
“would.”
“Yes? really?”
There was no subject, but I could tell what it was without listening. When I asked in amazement, he nodded and looked at Vincente.
“request.”
“If you want it that much.”
Vincente smirked and snapped her fingers. For some reason, I became more nervous and looked elsewhere.
“… … did it happen?”
At that moment, I was shocked by the sudden sound of a voice. Then he glanced back at the peacock with a squinting squint.
“Wow… … .”
And without realizing it, I burst into exclamation. Needless to say, the peacock in the form of a woman was really beautiful. The original indifferent eyes and tightly closed lips are the same, but should it be said that they have become a little sharper? I have to say it’s alluring. Anyway.
“It’s really pretty.”
“is it… … .”
I was purely amazed. If he had been a real woman, “Sister!” and may have followed As I stared, the peacock blushed slightly and turned his head. Oh my gosh, it’s pretty like that. Anyway, the disguise was done. The costume was also changed to a maid’s suit through magic. I gathered the two of them together and told them what I had learned. The true identity of the enemy was that of Count Frehrmann. The Duke was very surprised by this, and Vincente responded by asking who it was.
“He was a very famous prosecutor. It was even said that his sword protects the empire.”
“It’s the past tense.”
The duke nodded at Vincente’s words.
“I heard that he was seriously injured during the war and disappeared. I wonder if the Count is the owner of the cursed Aethernum… … .”
“It’s the sword of the Empire, and it’s not even funny. In reality, he’s a pervert who is obsessed with slaves.”
The corners of Vincente’s lips rose slightly. There was a deep look of disgust in his eyes. It bothered me more about calling myself a ‘slave’ than that, but I pretended not to know. If I just pointed it out, I wouldn’t like it.
“Even if you get injured, your skills will remain. And you have to be careful as you can also use magic stones to cast magic.”
They both nodded at my words. We approached the main building.
‘The enemy’s room was the last room on the second floor.’
However, as far as I know, Gaju’s room was not accessible except for those close to him. Moving away from people’s eyes was the most important thing. That was the moment.
“there!”
someone called us Startled, I looked back. A woman with a strong appearance approached me quickly.
“These are the first faces I’ve ever seen. Where do you belong?”
I was embarrassed, but I took a step forward and bowed my head to answer.
“I do laundry and chores.”
“Hmm, okay?”
The woman looked at us suspiciously. I swallowed my saliva. The maids doing laundry and chores occupy the largest proportion in the mansion. In particular, since the number of maids in this mansion is overwhelmingly large, I thought that I would be able to cleverly hide in the gap.
“I recently hired more maids to do chores, so it must be you.”
“Yes.”
At my words, the woman was engrossed as if thinking about something. In the meantime, I glanced slightly at Vincente and the Duke. Vincent’s lips twitched.
‘Should I kill you?’
No, stop. Then, this time, the duke placed his hand on the scabbard hidden under the skirt.
‘I’ll knock you out.’
No, sir, please stop.
Not only do we not know the rank of the woman, but this woman is not suspicious of us right now. It was not too late to deal with it after the woman suspected us.
“Okay, I’ve decided.”
At that moment, the woman raised her head and grabbed my wrist. Startled, I blinked and looked at her. In the meantime, his eyes stopped the two men from going out.
“You go up.”
“Yes? where… … .”
“Where is the master’s room?”
“Yes… … ?”
If it’s your master, Count Frehrmann? In a completely unexpected situation, I looked at her with puzzled eyes. Then she rebuked how she misunderstood it.
“Are you sure you don’t believe the rumors that the master is insane?”
I didn’t know there would be such a rumor, so I looked at her without answering. Then she took a deep breath and said:
“Recently, the owner’s behavior has changed a bit, so such rumors are circulating… … . Anyway, it’s a baseless rumor, so come on up. Your master says you need a maid to attend.”
“Oh, yes.”
“Take care of them.”
As I bowed my head, the woman returned with a satisfied smile. Apparently, a woman is more like a maid.
‘by the way… … .’
“Ciel, I will go.”
“No, I am going. I’m going to go grab it.”
As soon as the woman disappeared, the two men screamed. Then, aren’t they fighting each other over who they want to go? I know they’re worried about me, but they were absurd.
“First of all, Vicente will not be able to control her emotions as soon as she sees the Count.”
As I pointed and spoke, Vincente put on a dissatisfied expression.
“Your actions are awkward, and you may be suspicious.”
Pointing to the peacock this time, he shrugged. Judging by the look on his face, he seems to have no confidence in himself.
“But, Ciel, it is dangerous to go alone.”
“I think the same. You’re not good at magic right now, are you?”
“Ugh.”
I didn’t say anything, but Vincente was well aware of my condition. As he said, it was not easy at all to release magic power because of the blocking magic. It seemed that if I made a mistake, my magic power would explode as it is. But it’s more dangerous to let those two go.
“For now, I’m just serving, and I know how to open a secret space, so I’ll just look at the dynamics and come out.”
He knew the location of the secret space where the Aethernum was hidden, but he did not know the structure of the room. Although there were descriptions in the book, it is now about 10 years ago, so the structure could have been different.
“Until then, please make sure no one comes. If it seems dangerous, you can come in and help.”
I said to the Duke who couldn’t give up his worries. The peacock looked at me for a long time and nodded slowly.
“… … I get it. Instead, you should always seek help when something dangerous happens. He’ll be right around the corner.”
I nodded at the duke’s serious voice. Then I headed to the second floor where the Count’s room was. When I went up to the second floor, there was really no one in the hallway. It felt like walking through a haunted mansion. It felt even more so because of the gloomy atmosphere that spread throughout the mansion.
Vincente and the Duke stopped about three steps away, and I stood before the Count’s door. And after looking at the Duke and Vicente once, he knocked on the door.
smart. Recalling the attitude of the users in the original work, I waited for an answer to come back, but for some reason no sound was heard. I knocked once more, then quietly opened the door and went inside.
‘It’s dark.’
As soon as I opened the door, I felt that it was dark. Not a single ray of light came in, perhaps because the window was covered with a blackout curtain. I stood still for a moment and blinked my eyes to discern the son-in-law. After that, I noticed a little bit of the surroundings. The room was very spacious and… … .
‘Fenghae.’
All they had was a bed, a sofa and a small table. There wasn’t even an ordinary desk.
‘Did you intentionally remove everything?’
A mark on the rug was announcing there was something there.
‘After all, the Count can’t see.’
The way I came here with my eyes closed with eyepatch support before, and this room now as well.
‘Because of Vincente’s magic?’
“Who are you? Is it the assassin sent by Baek? To steal mine!”
At that moment, I wondered if I could feel the cool energy on the nape of my neck, and then I heard a terrifyingly eerie voice. I guessed the owner of this sword.
“Oh, no. The maid sent it.”
It didn’t matter if that woman was really a maid. First of all, it was important to clear the boundaries of this man. by the way… … .
‘I asked if it was an assassin sent by Baek.’
If it was Baek, he was definitely one of the members of the organization. As I recall, I think I played the role of a leader who led the organization.
‘Is there also an internal division?’
Then, it was understandable that the magic that surrounded the mansion and the number of female users were large. All of them must have been prepared for the attack of White.
‘I didn’t even notice that you approached me.’
Even if it is uncomfortable due to an eye injury, it seems that his skills do not disappear. If the Duke or Vicente had entered, the battle would have been fought by now.
“Sa, please save me… … .”
When he didn’t let me go despite my explanation, I purposely trembled and made a sound of fear. Actually, it wasn’t that scary. Who wouldn’t be afraid of having a sword in front of his neck? But it wasn’t that scary either. what is it
‘Is there a reliable corner?’
I had no idea how reliable it was to have someone to rescue me whenever I was in danger. When I first met the Duke, I didn’t know I would be so dependent on him… … . Who would have known that feelings would grow so deep?
“… … .”
Fortunately, the Count lowered his sword to see if my frightened smoke had passed. Then he went to bed and said,
“thirsty. Bring water.”
“Oh, yes.”
He must have really needed a maid.
‘Isn’t it difficult to do private affairs even if you feel sensitive to the basics of a person?’
I went to get water and looked around.
‘You said that among the books in the library, there is a key in a black book, and there is a key hole in the place where you pulled out the book. You said there’s a passage behind the wall that leads to a secret space.’
It’s probably still in the same location today. But a difficult thing happened. The room was too dark to find which book was the black one. Guess I’ll have to pull the curtains back to find the book… … .
“Come and bring it.”
When I hadn’t brought water for a long time, the Count let out a voice as if frustrated. I quickly poured water into a glass of water on the table and brought it to the Count.
“I brought water. master.”
He held out a glass of water to him. After taking a sip, he suddenly threw the glass at me. If I hadn’t crouched down in surprise, I’d have been shot in the face.
Clink! Instead, a glass of water that fell on the floor made a loud noise.
“You’re too cold!”
this crazy guy Do you throw a glass of water in a person’s face? I wanted to argue, but I said in a stern voice.
“sorry. I will bring you back with warm water.”
It was the moment when I was about to go outside because I thought it would be better to tell Vincente and the Duke about the situation in the room and exchange opinions for that reason.
“Stop.”
The Count’s voice caught my ankle. I looked back with a nervous expression. Have you ever won a prize?
“Yes?”
“Come here and lie down.”
“Yes Yes?”
For a moment, I was so flustered that I stuttered. Then the Count, who was walking around, bent my wrists and wrapped them around me, and said in a gloomy voice.
“I told him to lie down on the bed. Rebellion is unforgivable.”
“radish… … ! put this… … !”
As soon as I understood what he meant, I struggled, and the count ignorantly dragged him away. I wonder if I’ve been treated like this to the maids until now. That’s why the maid said it was a groundless rumor. I wish everyone knew… … .
My head was spinning rapidly. What do we do. Shall I shout and call the Duke and Vincente? Or would you rather be distracted and be stunned with magic? While I was contemplating, the Count threw me on the bed. The world turned upside down and the Count creeped up on my body.
“Fall… … !”
I tried to scream, but I couldn’t make a sound anymore as I saw the peacock’s bare face up close. The area around his eyes was red, as if he had been frostbitten, and was dyed black. Above all else, the eyes that were described as ‘red’ were frozen white.
His loose eyepatch gradually fell down. His pupils revealed were out of focus. I couldn’t see properly through those eyes. And now this man was very underestimating me. I’d rather be stunned like this… … .
That was then. smart.
“Master, we have made the preparations as you commanded.”
The Count’s movements stopped at the sound of a knock and a man’s voice coming from beyond the door. He hurriedly got up and walked out of the room like a demon possessed. Suddenly left alone, I stared blankly at the closed door. My body trembled at the thought of what I almost had to go through.
‘This is not the time.’
He couldn’t miss the Count’s absence. I jumped up and pulled the curtains off the window.
“Ugh, it’s dazzling.”
I was used to the darkness, so the sudden sunlight was so dazzling. I squinted my eyes slightly, adjusted to the light, and looked around the room again.
‘In bright light, it is more flattering.’
The room felt much more empty and empty than it had seen in the dark. He had cleared anything that caught his feet in the path he was walking around.
‘… … A real madman.’
My body trembled with disgust.
‘Let’s call the Duke and Vincente first.’
You don’t know when the Count will return, so it was good to move quickly. I opened the door and looked out into the hallway.
‘By the way, where did you two go?’
I thought they would definitely wait in the hallway, but the two of them were nowhere to be seen. I made a small noise.
“dismissal?”
Immediately, I felt a trace behind my back. Startled, I looked back. The Duke and Vincente appeared suddenly.
“Where did you appear?”
When I asked with my eyes closed, Vincente replied indifferently.
“I released my magic so that I could come right away when you called, and I moved around for a while.”
“… … Is that possible?”
“Well, it’s nothing. All I need to know is the wave of magical power flowing through the air.”
That’s Vincente, that’s right. I know he’s a genius, but every time this happens, I feel like a completely different person.
“Ciel, are you hurt anywhere?”
Immediately after that, the peacock ran and looked all over my body. It’s a little unfamiliar to me to treat you like a woman like this. Embarrassed, I smiled awkwardly and nodded my head.
“Yeah, it’s okay.”
If the duke finds out what the count was trying to do to me, I don’t know, but a very big thing will happen.
“Once you go inside. When the Count is away for a while, he will find Aethernum.”
“Where did that bastard go?”
“I do not know. I think he’s trying to do something with the magic stone he bought from us.”
“I’ll have to find Aethernum quickly before I come back.”
“Yes that’s right.”
We went inside and headed straight for the bookshelf.
‘It’s almost a black book.’
Most of the books on the bookshelf were black books to hide the secret space.
“There is a key in the book and there is a keyhole that opens the door in the place where the book was. We have to find it.”
“It doesn’t matter.”
Vicente, who responded lightly, waved her fingers as if trying to use magic. However… … .
“what.”
He must have tried magic, but nothing happened. The peacock saw it and said.
“It doesn’t look like an ordinary bookshelf.”
“… … The magic doesn’t work at all.”
Vincente frowned and muttered.
‘I thought it wouldn’t be easy, but… … .’
Even so, it is a place where Eternum is hidden, but I thought it would be so lax. As it turns out, it seems that a blocking magic has been applied to the bookshelves as well. However, as long as Vincente’s magic is not applied, it is probably strong enough to be incomparable to the one hung in the mansion. I took a deep breath and parted my lips.
“I can’t.”
Two men looked at me. I said as I pulled out a black book.
“We have to look for each one.”
* * *
Count Frérmann, who entered the room filled with magic stones, could not hide his joy.
‘The body is full of energy… … !’
Just by having the magic stone next to him, it felt like his body was filled with power.
“Did you bring ‘it’?”
“Yes, Master.”
At the Count’s words, what the butler brought with him was a grinder powered by a magic stone. It is not difficult to pulverize magic stone with a normal grinder, but this specially made grinder was possible. When the butler came with the grinder, the count quickly put 10 magic stones into the grinder. Soon the grinder roared and dust fell to the floor. The Count quickly took it with both hands.
The count smiled at the feeling of powder in his hands. You can tell without looking. It must have a beautiful purple color that is so enchanting.
“This will make me stronger.”
Whoops, I inhaled once through my nose and poured it into my mouth at once. When the butler quickly brought water, he swallowed the water and pushed the powder into his throat.
gulp. Through the silence, only the sound of him passing through the water was heard. Before long, he wiped his lips and tried to feel the magic flowing inside me. However… … .
“… … what.”
“What is going on, Master?”
“Magic, I can’t feel the magic!”
he shouted The butler, who was startled, checked the magic stone, but it was unmistakably a magic stone in his eyes. He was clearly feeling the power of magic. By the way, what does the Count mean that he doesn’t feel magical power?
The Count took the grinder from the butler’s arms, grinded it himself, and poured the powder into his mouth. I grimaced and swallowed, trying to feel the magical energy that should soon return to my body. However, no matter what, the magic was not felt at all. After sitting down on the floor and swallowing a small magic stone, he woke up soon after.
‘It’s fake!’
My immediate thought was that I should check with my own eyes to see if Aethernum was safe. He got up from his seat and ran outside. The butler called from behind, but didn’t even answer. He rolled his invisible eyes and headed for the room. The users he met along the way saw his face and screamed, but he didn’t even respond. When he finally arrived in front of the door, he intuited. There’s someone in this.
* * *
Finding the key and secret space took longer than expected. This is because not only the volume of books is huge, but also checking between books is necessary.
‘If you really went to see the magic stone we sent, you’ll find out right away.’
No matter how much illusions were used to disguise the stone as a magic stone, the fake was a fake. It was obvious that he would soon notice. So, before that, I had to find Ethernum and escape. The thought made my heart even more impatient. As I was frantically flipping through the book, a cold metal caught my fingertips.
“… … found.”
I quickly grabbed the key and found the keyhole. Since I took out all the books, I was able to find the hole without difficulty.
“I found it?”
“Huh!”
Vincente and the Duke approached quickly. I put the key in the keyhole and turned it.
Druck. With a dull sound, the wall opened and a downward-facing space appeared. It’s too dark down the stairs, so I cast fire magic. Fortunately, the magic was successfully realized as if there was no blocking magic in the basement. After illuminating the surroundings, I went down with the two of them.
“It’s like a maze.”
It’s not like I’m not, but I was walking in a straight line, and I felt like I was walking on a curved road like a maze. Perhaps it was my own mistake, the Duke and Vincente nodded their heads.
“… … It’s magic. Damn it, I got lost with magic.”
Vincente, who noticed later, inevitably grinded his teeth. It was felt that Count Frérmann had prepared very thoroughly.
“Can’t you get rid of magic?”
“It is impossible to decipher whether it is a magic created by ourselves.”
Vincente bit her lip. His eyes blazed with anger and helplessness. What now? You can’t just keep going round and round in the same place. At that moment, the peacock spoke up.
“Isn’t even the invalid Ethernum useless?”
“Yes? Ah… … !”
His words suddenly caught my mind. All of this was done by magic, and the invalid Ethernum had the ability to nullify it.
‘perhaps… … !’
Upon realizing it, he took the ring out of his arms and slipped it into his finger. Then, surprisingly, a straight road appeared in front of me, not the winding road I had been on.
“… … The road has changed.”
“I can’t see it with my eyes.”
Vincente replied dissatisfied with my words. It seemed that only my eyes, who possessed the invalid Ethernum, could see it properly.
“I think we should go like this. Follow me.”
I walked along the road.
“If you are careless, you may miss it.”
“It is the same.”
Said Vincente and the Duke from behind. It seems that following me is much more difficult than I thought. It would be like breaking through magic with your bare body.
how far did you walk Eventually, the road disappeared and a square appeared instead. And a dark purple jewel placed on the central platform.
‘That’s… … .’
I could recognize it at once. That is the ‘Cursed Ethernum’ we have been looking for.
“at Las… … at Las… … !”
While everyone couldn’t take their eyes off them, Vincente reached out toward Ethernum and proceeded. Vincente tried to acquire Ethernum. But he could no longer move. It was by Count Frérmann who suddenly appeared. he shouted like a scream.
“Who are you?”
At that cry, Vincente turned her head like a seizure. Me and the Duke looked at the Count in surprise. When did you appear? I didn’t even feel a clue… … .
Looking at the peacock, he frowned. He also didn’t seem to feel anything. Upon closer inspection, a dark red aura was rising around Count Frehrmann’s body.
“See you again.”
Vincente grinned.
“That voice is you, Raphael. You crawled in like a mouse.”
I could guess by listening to their conversation. That the name ‘Raphael’ is the real name Vincente had stolen. Count Frérmann approached with enthusiasm. The expression he felt from him was unfamiliar.
“I gained power temporarily by absorbing the power of the magic stone. That situation is pretty dangerous. I’ll deal with you, so you back down with the duke. I need to reduce my mana consumption, so I also loosened the magic that I put on it.”
Saying so, Vincente snapped her fingers. Then, the appearance of Vincente and the Duke returned to normal.
“However… … .”
That means you’re at risk too. Vincente’s power is truly incredible. I knew that fact better than anyone. However, the state of the Count is suspicious. Just looking at it gave me a sense of danger. But even though we can’t all join forces, we’ll fight alone.
The peacock also said softly if he meant the same thing.
“It’s too dangerous. It’s not good to waste time.”
“I know that. But I kill that bastard. And it seems that you have to kill that bastard to get Aethernum.”
“What are you talking about?”
“There is a magic all around the Aethernum. It’s a very powerful defense magic, and it’s like that bastard’s magic. In other words, if you don’t kill that bastard, the magic won’t work.”
“But if that’s the case, I… … .”
Count Frehrmann might be listening, so I can’t say it directly, but if magic was a problem, I didn’t know if it could be solved with the void of Ethernum. But Vincente shook her head.
“It’s not just magic. A mixture of the power of the cursed Aethernum.”
“Ah… … .”
At Vincente’s words, I couldn’t speak any more. Ethernum does not affect each other. Just as the aethernum of the void did not get rid of the hallucinations of the aethernum of hallucinations. With those words, I confirmed the cursed Ethernum. When I looked closely, as Vincente said, a deep purple color like the cursed ethernum was flowing through the thin film that covered the ethernum.
“Even though… … sleep… … !”
I was trying to say that it would be better to deal with them together. But Vincente did not even look at me and ran towards the Count. He covered his lips as he almost inadvertently shouted Vicente’s name. If Vincente’s name is revealed here, it can be bound again by the cursed Ethernum. Besides, no matter how you look at it, that child didn’t seem to have any intention of cooperating with us.
“What should I do?”
When I saw the peacock and asked him impatiently, he shook his head and said.
“If you intervene recklessly, you may show a gap again. For now, I have no choice but to follow the author’s words… … . And if that’s the case, I’ll deal with it, so I hope you’ll prepare a blow.”
At the duke’s words, I nodded my head. As he said, if Vincente intervened in the midst of a rampage like that, I could have grabbed my ankle for nothing. At first, I had no choice but to prepare for a blow and watch.
* * *
“Haha, very good! You have become really strong!”
Dodging Vicente’s edged attack, the Count burst into laughter. Then he flew at once and touched Vicente’s face with his hand.
“Really, beautiful.”
“Can you see it?”
As Vincente sarcastically reached out to the count’s frozen eyes, the count said, avoiding.
“Don’t look very good. Beautiful blonde hair and purple eyes… … .”
Vincente was startled by his description. Meanwhile, the Count made a sword made of ice and held it in his hand. After watching a series of battles, I noticed.
‘I can see the eyes.’
His eyes were still frozen, but his strange white and red eyes were chasing after Vicente. Perhaps Vincente noticed that too.
The Count didn’t even have enough ice to make a sword, so he wrapped the magical energy of an ominous energy around it. Seeing this, Vincente laughed and said:
“Are there any other magic stones?”
“I’m not stupid enough to get caught up in shallow water! Did you really think that I would be satisfied with that level of magic stone?”
“What is certain is that we didn’t get as much power as we wanted.”
Vincente and the Count had a conversation. I remembered what Vincente said to me last time. A method of absorbing the power of a magic stone and making it run wild in an instant. Now the count must have used that method. Perhaps it was through that power that he temporarily became able to see his eyes. It seems that there was a magic stone prepared instead of the fake magic stone we bought from us. As Vincente said, he didn’t have enough magical power to satisfy him. Nevertheless, it showed formidable power.
I looked at Vincente anxiously. Although the blocking magic had been dispelled as he descended underground, he was still in an unstable state. That’s probably… … . I turned my gaze and looked down at the cursed Aethernum surrounded by curtains. The name was engraved on the smooth surface of the dark purple Aethernum. It’s probably the real name Vincente lost.
Vincent was unable to perform at his best due to a sense of revenge, excitement, and fear that he might be captured again.
‘It would be better for me and the Duke to help.’
Even if it was difficult alone, I didn’t know that it wouldn’t be that hard if we were together. Vincente didn’t seem to mind at all.
‘It’s not that I don’t quite understand.’
I lost my real name because of the curse and lived in fear that I might get caught. How frustrating and terrifying. So it made sense that I wanted to break the curse with my own hands.
‘But it’s dangerous.’
I lifted my head and looked up at the ceiling. Whenever the two people’s magical powers collided, the entire space vibrated as if resonating. That looked dangerous in my eyes. Instinct shouted, “I need to get out of this place.”
“dismissal.”
“Know.”
I was going to tell him to take Vincent and get out of here if I could, but the Duke nodded, saying he already knew. It was very believable. I gazed at the cursed Aethernum, still surrounded by the Count’s magic.
‘Even so, I don’t think it’s going to work at all.’
I carefully stretched out the hand with the ring on it just in case.
Pachijik!
“Ciel!”
Even with a slight touch of my fingertips, it felt as if a high-voltage current was being splattered. If the peacock hadn’t grabbed my hand and pulled it out, it would have been a whole roast.
“You’re reckless!”
he yelled at me Then, with trembling eyes, he looked at my injured hand.
“ha… … , why are you acting so reckless? … .”
“Oh, it’s okay.”
It was the first time he had seen a peacock who had lost his composure, so he looked at him in awe and came to his senses. Even though he said it was okay, the peacock’s expression did not go away.
‘It hurts a little… … .’
He said he was okay with the peacock, but in reality it wasn’t. With only a slight touch, his skin was torn and blood overflowed. Dark red magic was still flowing on the surface of his skin. It didn’t seem like it would heal easily.
‘If there was a healing ethernum, it would have been better soon.’
Carrying too much Ethernum was not a good idea, so the Healing Ethernum was kept in the safe at the orphanage. In case children get hurt, write it right away.
‘I thought it would have some effect.’
There was not even the slightest shaking of the dark red curtain.
‘You can’t get Ethernum unless you really kill the Count.’
I looked at Vincente anxiously. The Count and Vincente were still in a fierce battle. One by one, the wounds were growing.
“… … The blood doesn’t stop.”
At that moment, I turned my head to the voice I heard. The peacock was still holding my hand. I checked my wounds. As he said, the amount of blood flowing out increased. It didn’t look like it would stop easily. But the moment I was about to say that it wasn’t such a big injury and it was really okay.
wisdom.
“dismissal?”
Suddenly, the duke drew his sword and cut off a part of his coat. Startled, I called him, but the duke didn’t answer and wrapped his wounds around my wounds with a cloth.
“No matter how light a wound may appear, we should never ignore it. First of all, I have to stop bleeding from the wound and treat it as soon as I leave.”
“Ah… … thank you.”
“and… … .”
The peacock got up. He grabbed his sword and turned to Vincente.
“If you let it go any longer, the ceiling will collapse first. Let me join you.”
Vincente was still fighting alone, unattended. There were more and more wounds on his body. In the meantime, the wall was cracking and cracking due to the battle between the two. I really didn’t know if the ceiling would collapse if I left it like this. I nodded.
“I see. I’ll be preparing for a blow as soon as the Count loses his eye.”
“okay.”
The peacock nodded and moved forward. In an instant, he lowered the count’s back with his sword. Due to the battle with Vincente, the Count, who did not care about his back at all, had his shoulder torn.
“Great!”
“What, don’t interrupt!”
The wounded Earl hurriedly backed away, and Vincente, noticing the Duke’s presence, screamed.
“I have no intention of disturbing your revenge. But if we take more time than this, everything could be dangerous.”
“What… … .”
“The walls are cracking. It could collapse soon.”
“… … !”
Perhaps not even realizing it, Vincente bit her lower lip. He took a step aside as if he couldn’t do it.
“I can’t help it. Let me help you kill that bastard. Instead, it’s me who picks it up.”
“Keep in mind.”
The duke nodded and the joint attack began. Indeed, when the duke also joined, the count seemed to be pushed back. It was self-evident that he would win if he went on like this.
‘Meanwhile I… … .’
The two were fighting fiercely, and I couldn’t put my hands down and watch. As I was preparing to deliver a blow at the right time, I suddenly noticed.
‘Oh, I see.’
The Count didn’t care about me at all. It seemed that the two of them were protecting me from the front, and I felt like I had no power because I was in the very rear. Even now, I’m idly wandering in front of the Aethernum, so why don’t you even look at me? Thanks to that, I was able to observe Ethernum.
‘It might be possible to use it in reverse.’
You can’t do operations meetings or anything like that. I can’t help but believe that the two of them will do well.
‘Let’s do it.’
I took a deep breath. Then he took the ring out, put it in his pocket, and called the count in a loud voice.
“Count Frérmann!”
Then the Count’s gaze glanced towards me. I did not miss that moment, and imaged a sword made of fire on my hand. Maybe he didn’t know how to use magic, so the count’s eyes widened.
I don’t think this sword can break through the shield. However, he succeeded in diverting his gaze to this direction. I smiled confidently and lowered my sword towards Aethernum.
“stop!”
The Count flew to me, followed by Vicente and the Duke at the same time.
Whoa, whoa, whoa! Perhaps Vincente and the Duke delivered the final blow. That’s why the Count was very careless. However, that blow destroyed not only the Count but also this underground space.
“Ciel!”
“Damn it!”
As the ceiling fell, I saw two men running towards me. That scene felt particularly slow. I turned my head to look at Aethernum. At that moment I realized The fact that as the Count’s strength diminished, the membrane surrounding Aethernum had also weakened.
‘perhaps… … .’
I put the void Ethernum in the other hand that was still intact. and stretched out his hand. In the next moment, my vision darkened with the feeling of something overtaking me. When I woke up again, I was in someone’s arms.
‘who?’
“Ugh… … .”
Thanks to that person wrapped around me, I wasn’t seriously hurt. But he looked like he was seriously injured because he was surrounded by me. It was hard to lift my head because I was trapped in my arms. The strangely faint smell of iron armor revealed the identity of this man.
“dismissal… … ?”
“Ciel, la… … No injuries… … ?”
Suddenly, his voice was cut off. It felt like I was barely making a voice for myself.
“Sir, it’s okay… … .”
Raising my head to check his condition, I inhaled and inhaled.
“Go, sir, blood from your head… … !”
Blood dripped from his head and dripped down to my cheeks. It wasn’t just the head. The internal injury would be huge as I blocked the rock that fell from the ceiling with my body. But to protect me, he was holding up with both arms.
I was so shocked to see him seriously injured that tears welled up. Seeing me like this, he smiled softly and said.
“I’m not seriously hurt, so don’t worry.”
“However… … First, get rid of these… … .”
I was out of my mind My eyes turned white and my body trembled. I didn’t think anything of it, but I struggled with the feeling that I had to do something. I barely pulled out my arms and looked up at the peacock. He was breathing heavily. The amount of blood dripping down on me gradually increased.
I wrapped one arm around his head and pulled him into my arms. He felt his body stiffen in embarrassment. Next, he reached out his remaining hand toward the large boulder that was weighing him down.
‘You have to be very careful.’
so as not to affect him. Just to break this rock… … .
“… … it’s okay.”
Wrapping his head tightly, I concentrated my magic on the tip of the opposite finger. And it radiated in one room.
bang! The rock broke with a loud explosion. As the shards fell, the duke surrounded me again. Fortunately, the rock was crushed and there was no additional damage. As my vision cleared, I jumped up. The peacock’s body wrapped around me fell helplessly.
“dismissal!”
I hurriedly tried to hug him. But I couldn’t.
‘Hands… … .’
I looked down with both my hands. It’s all bloody It was surprisingly tattered that the fingers were stuck together. When I turned around, the cursed ethernum had fallen randomly.
‘That’s right, I got the Aethernum in my hands at the last minute.’
I thought that if I lost Ethernum here, I would never find it again, so I stretched out my hand. Maybe that’s why I lost consciousness.
‘You can’t touch the peacock in this state… … .’
What should I do? By the way, where is Vincente? I looked around. At that moment, Inyoung staggered and stood up in the distance. I was nervous that it might be the Count. If it was a count, it was a disappointment.
“… … I will die.”
But his voice proved that he was Vincente and not the Count. I was glad to call him. But I couldn’t. It was because he concentrated the magic power in the palm of his hand and plunged it towards the ground. Judging by the dull sound, it looked like it was attacking something like crazy. He was so terrified of his anger that he couldn’t even speak.
“ha.”
Then he tilted his head and looked at me. It was a completely lost sight. I reflexively shrugged my shoulders. Then he came over to me.
“you… … .”
“Damn it… … .”
I was trying to tell him not to gossip. Because the curse had been lifted, I thought there would be nothing to see. But he approached me and knelt down in front of me. No, it would be correct to say that he lost his strength and sat down.
“He was alive… … .”
He looked at me and smiled briefly. In the midst of this, I wanted to ask if there was laughter, but before that, tears came out first.
“Ugh.”
“What, what? Why are you crying!”
because you are scared and… … .
“Sir, please… … .”
I continued to speak, pointing to the peacock, who was completely unconscious. Vincente frowned as if he had found the peacock at last. Said to comfort me.
“do not Cry. ’cause I’m not dead You are better than that… … .”
As he said that, he suddenly opened his eyes and ran towards me. Startled, I opened my eyes wide.
“You, what’s that hand!”
“Ah, this… … . While holding the ethernum… … . That’s right, Ethernum is over there… … .”
“Crazy? You foolishly hold it with your bare hands? Did you intend to break your wrist?”
I expected that he would be delighted if he had acquired the cursed Aethernum, but for some reason, Vincente was very angry. I couldn’t figure out why, so my eyes were closed. He let out a deep sigh as if I was frustrated, and pointed to his forehead and said.
“With the Healing Ethernum, you and the Duke can be healed. Come back. Because the earl is dead, he can use magic freely.”
“Are you okay?”
“The magic power was consumed quite a bit, but it’s okay.”
“The Count… … .”
“It’s dead. It definitely killed him.”
Vincente said confidently. After all, looking at him earlier, no one would have thought he was still alive.
“Let’s go back sooner rather than later. The users are coming soon because of the binge drinking.”
Vincente said as if frustrated. I was worried about the duke’s condition, so I immediately nodded and said.
“Before that, let’s do one more thing.”
“What the hell! Doesn’t your hand hurt?”
“hurt. It hurts, but I don’t think I should go on like this.”
“What are you talking about?”
The enemy was the only one in the organization to possess Ethernum. Having lost the healing ethernum and hallucinatory ethernum, the organization will cling to the cursed ethernum even more. But is it okay to leave with the cursed Aethernum like this? The organization will surely pursue the cursed Aethernum.
“Using the hallucinatory aethernum to create a fake cursed aethernum.”
“… … surely.”
Immediately upon hearing what I was saying, Vincente nodded and picked up a stone. He then took out the hallucinatory Aethernum from his bosom and disguised himself as the cursed Aethernum. Vincente, who threw the fake cursed Aethernum backwards, looked at me.
“Is it now? Don’t worry, I’ll take care of the Duke and Aethernum.”
I don’t think he’s ever felt more reassured than at this moment. After looking at the cursed Aethernum with complicated eyes for a moment, Vincente put it in her arms and put the unconscious peacock on her side. and looked at me I nodded, and after a while Vincente did the magic.
* * *
The nursery was peaceful, the opposite of the enemy’s mansion that had just been there. As soon as I returned to the orphanage, I tried to open the safe first. But Vincente stopped me.
“What are you touching with your hands? Where are the keys to the safe?”
When I told him the location of the key, Vincente, who was briefly bruised, found the key and opened the safe instead.
“Sir, first… … .”
“Stay still.”
The duke’s injury was deeper than mine, so I tried to ask him to heal him first, but Vincente treated my hand at will.
“It’s silly… … .”
Watching her hand heal, Vincente muttered a little. Am I really that stupid? But if you don’t catch Ethernum then, you’ll be caught up in the explosion and you won’t be able to find it. Then you may never be able to break the curse again. Anyway… … .
“thank God. I can break the curse.”
“… … .”
At my words, Vincente pursed her lips. After all my wounds were healed, Vincente next treated the duke. The peacock’s injuries, seen in bright light, were far more serious than expected.
“Are you okay?”
“of course. Don’t die like this.”
As Vincente said, the duke’s injuries were getting better one by one, but I couldn’t hide my nervousness. Because you got hurt like this while trying to save me… … .
“It’s done. If you’re worried about it, why don’t you check it out.”
Vincente withdrew her hand. Below him, a handsome peacock could be seen. His clothes were covered in blood, but the wounds were in good condition. I checked his breathing just in case. Fortunately, it was picky and comfortable.
“thank God. Vincente, thank you… … .”
I turned my head to say thank you and opened my eyes wide. I didn’t notice it because I wasn’t in a good mood, but Vicente’s injury was also serious. It’s just that it’s covered in clothes, so it’s hard to see.
“You’re hurt too!”
“Ah, this. Fine… … .”
“Look at me.”
I took the Aethernum from Vincente’s hand and put him on the sofa. And he poured magical energy into the healing ethernum. Healing Aethernum can be self-healing, but it was thoughtful of the fact that he consumed a lot of mana. After the treatment, I looked around every corner to see if there were any scratches.
“Oh, it’s okay. Everything was fine.”
Vincente pushed me a little bit, probably because I felt burdened. Fortunately, as he said, all injuries seem to have healed. As I was relieved, I turned my head at the sudden sound.
“Ciel… … La.”
“Sir, are you awake?”
I quickly ran to him. The peacock slowly opened his eyes. His golden eyes turned to me.
“This is an orphanage. Healing all wounds with Healing Ethernum… … .”
“thank God… … .”
“… … .”
“I’m really glad you’re safe.”
He smiled as if he was really happy. Seeing that, I shut my lips. Why are you smiling in relief when you almost died protecting me? The real fool was not me, but this person. As the duke tried to get up, I quickly supported him.
“The Count… … Have you dealt with it?”
“Oh, I killed him.”
Vincente approached and answered the Duke’s question. And he held out the cursed Ethernum. Unlike when I saw it in the spacious room earlier, the letters had disappeared. I muttered involuntarily.
“Raphael… … .”
I shut my mouth shut. It was because he was afraid that his real name, which he had worked so hard to kill, would come into effect again. Then Vincente smiled and said.
“it’s okay. Because the curse that bound me is gone anyway. It really doesn’t matter now.”
“… … .”
I glanced at Vincente. He looked down at the cursed Aethernum with a complicated face.
‘How do you feel?’
How does it feel to get your lost name back? It is probably very complex and difficult to put into words. It might be unfamiliar
“… … I just have to go back.”
said Vincente, who looked down at Ethernum for a long time. I nodded.
“next… … .”
I shut my mouth to say see you next time. Now what’s next? Vincente accomplished his purpose. Our contract ended with this. Then I felt weird. I finally realized that I was closer to him than I thought. Seeing me like this, Vincente smiled and said.
“See you next.”
“uh… … .”
I didn’t know he was going to say that first, so I looked at him in surprise. Then Vincente asked, frowned slightly.
“What, won’t you see me now? Does it mean that the use value has gone down?”
“What are you talking about? See you later.”
When the sarcastic beaten him, he poked around and turned around. Soon, Vincente disappeared. After Vincente returned, the strength in her legs was somehow relieved. I sat down on the chair next to the bed. He opened his lips to the peacock.
“… … I was terrified to know you were going to die.”
At that time, I really thought the peacock was going to die, and my heart almost stopped. So I got a little angry. Why did you act so recklessly? Did you think I would be grateful if you died for me? However, the resentment that was spit out with emotions could actually hurt the other person. And before that… … .
“thank you.”
“… … .”
The peacock looked at me silently. I looked straight into those eyes and moved my lips.
“Thanks, I survived. But don’t do that next time. Because I knew you were going to die and I was really, really scared.”
“… … I’m sorry for causing you any concern.”
I shook my head as the duke gave him a sincere apology. He had no reason to apologize to me. Because it was me who drove him to his limbs. Rather, I should have apologized.
“Is your body okay? Do you have any pain or sore spots?”
He was well aware of the power of the healing ethernum, but he asked if there were any sequelae left. That’s how big his injury was. Then the peacock nodded slightly and answered.
“I’m fine. I think I’m in better shape than I was before I got hurt.”
“Then I’m happy. stay for a while Something to drink… … .”
“Don’t go.”
The peacock gently wrapped my wrist as I was about to stand up. It’s not strong, but I stopped and looked at him. The duke looked up at me with a desperate face and said,
“Stay by my side. That is enough.”
“dismissal… … .”
The peacock’s eyes on me were sad. I looked at him for a moment and sat down again. Then he nodded and smiled.
“Yes, I will be by your side. Do not worry. Everyone lie down for a bit. You must be very tired.”
“You are… … .”
“Because I’m fine. Or I will go.”
“… … .”
When I made threats rather than threats, the duke was reluctant to lie down again. After putting the blanket up to his neck, I looked at him.
“Close your eyes. I will contact the duke.”
“Are not you sleepy.”
“still… … .”
He closed his mouth for a moment, then spoke in a soft voice.
“I am always grateful and sorry. Because of me, I get caught up in frivolous things and get hurt often… … .”
“Do not be sorry. Didn’t I say from the beginning, I’ll protect the children and protect you too. It’s just taking responsibility for those words.”
“But I… … .”
I can’t accept your heart. I don’t know if I can just get help like this. As if reading my thoughts like this, he smiled softly.
“You do not have to worry. ‘Cause I don’t want anything from you If you just let me be by your side, that’s enough.”
“dismissal… … .”
“Jolly. Can I close my eyes for a moment?”
“sure.”
I smiled brightly. The peacock who was looking at me slowly closed his eyes. I stayed by his side until he was completely immersed in Suma. As a result, I fell asleep too, but I held it in. Instead, he got up and wrote a letter to the duke. After folding the letter finely and sealing it with a seal, as soon as I went outside, I saw Ho-yeon restless. He probably noticed that I had come, but he probably didn’t want to come in because he was trying to figure out the situation in the room.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t inform you first that I had arrived. What happened while I was out?”
It was only half a day, starting in the morning, but I was worried about what had happened in the meantime. Hoyeon shook her head and answered.
“It was nothing special. They just finished lunch and went up to the second floor.”
“I see.”
thank God… … . With a sigh of relief, I handed Hoyeon a letter.
“Can you send me this to the peasant? You don’t have to go inside. You can tell the soldier guarding the entrance that you will be sent from . Please.”
“all right.”
Ho-yeon accepted the letter without saying a word. She left and returned to the director’s office. I passed the sleeping peacock and opened the safe again. Inside there was a scroll left over from Hoyeon. Then I glanced at the peacock, who was sleeping soundly. It just made my heart ache when I saw that. I remembered begging to just be by my side. But I couldn’t delay any longer. I’m really sorry, Duke, but I have to leave today.
* * *
Around sunset, the duke’s carriage arrived. As soon as the carriage door opened, Rick jumped out. His complexion was pale.
“Your Excellency, you are sleeping inside.”
“I was taken care of.”
“no. I have been of great help from you.”
Apparently, Rick didn’t seem to know the exact circumstances. Except that the duke is helping me with my work. Maybe that’s why Rick rushed to my letter saying that the Duke had lost consciousness. Seeing that, I felt a little sorry. Anyway, it happened because of my circumstances.
“Fortunately, he regained consciousness, but he fell asleep again.”
I escorted Rick to the director’s office. As soon as I opened the door, the scent of sleeping herbs spread softly. It was put on in the hope that the peacock would not wake up.
“There were a lot of mistakes. I will accompany each of you. What can I tell you when you wake up?”
Rick, who entrusted the duke to the knights who came with him, asked Siela. The peacock did not wake up perhaps due to the influence of the sleeping herb. When Rick looked up and asked, I opened my mouth to say something, then closed it again. said with a soft smile.
“Please say thank you. Thanks to this, I and my children were able to live safely.”
There were many things I wanted to say. Thank you, I’m sorry, and thanks to your words of protecting me, I feel much more at ease. and… … .
“That’s it.”
“… … You are speaking as if it were the last time.”
Rick said with a slightly bewildered expression. I guess it’s because I left a message like my last goodbye. I shook my head.
“Is it possible? When you wake up, tell me that you will come to see me.”
“Yes, I understand.”
After saying goodbye, Rick left the room with the knights. I didn’t take my eyes off the peacock until the moment he moved it to the wagon. Maybe this will be the last time I see him. Soon the door closed and I saw him asleep, leaning through the small window. I missed the eyes hidden under the long eyelashes a little.
“Then let’s go. When you wake up, I will tell you.”
“okay. Be careful.”
Having sent the carriage with a smile, I took a deep breath.
‘Okay, this is good enough.’
Because Rick didn’t feel weird either. I was surprised to see the departing wagon until the very end and turned around. Because the little Inyeong was breathing in front of me. At first I thought it was Jack, but on closer inspection, it wasn’t Jack. hair color is different Brilliant golden hair. Although Lodi was blonde, she had a different physique. If so, maybe this kid… … .
“Say… … de?”
When I called my name, Seid lifted her head. Sweat was dripping down his forehead. I don’t know what’s going on, but I got an ominous feeling when I saw Seid, who seemed to have run away in a hurry. Said exclaimed.
“Nursery is dangerous, Ciela!”
* * *
Shade really liked Jack. If you ask me what was so good, it’s hard to give a specific answer. He was usually blunt and cold, but whenever he saw the children, he had a friendly smile on his eyes, and it was good to ask him something he didn’t know, and he slowly told me about it. Jack was a good friend and mentor to Seid. And he thought he’d be nice to him too.
“I never thought of you as a friend.”
However, that expectation was terribly shattered on the day of the academic achievement contest. His brown eyes were so cold towards him that he expected his unwavering upright attitude to never change, so Shade couldn’t stand it and ran away. The place where Seid escaped was a newly discovered secret place. The grass was in danger of being caught because the chieftain knew it.
‘I’m going to be scolded by Momma… … .’
Even though he knew he had to go back because he knew how high his expectations were for him in this test, he couldn’t. Because if I saw that face again now, it seemed like I couldn’t hold back my tears back then. It was impossible for the prince to show tears at the gathering of the sons of the noble family. So, Shade could not return to the test site. Even though I know what kind of storm it will bring.
“Leaving the exam hall without permission!”
As expected, the emperor was furious. The emperor urged him to make an excuse, but Shade just kept his lips closed and looked at the ground.
“I ruined everything because of you. How are you going to take responsibility?”
the emperor inquired. Seid wanted to protest. At first, he said he didn’t even want to attend the exam. But he never once rebelled against the emperor. For Seid, he was the object of fear. Brutal and cold-hearted, he never let even his son pass.
“… … sorry.”
At the orders of the furious emperor, Shade was left without a single step from the room for a month and had to be taught all the time. The emperor pushed Seid even more harshly and coldly. Even after a month of probation, Shade did not go to the orphanage to play like before. This did not mean that the Imperial Palace was better. The servant chief, who had said he was on my side, did not even speak a word anymore, and the people in the imperial palace only looked at him and turned their heads, pretending not to see him. It was because of the news that he trespassed during the exam and the emperor was angry. No one cared about Seid, lest it fly outside the eyes of the emperor.
‘I’d rather disappear.’
Then, by chance, I heard the news that Kanasis Jadeborough, president of the Academy, was preparing to study abroad. Seid also vowed to study abroad. It’s lonely and lonely, just like a palace or a foreign country, so I wanted to escape from people’s eyes. I was heading to the Emperor’s room to make a suggestion, and I found him rushing somewhere.
‘Where are you going?’
At first he thought he would go back, but he wanted to get out of the palace as soon as possible, so Seide followed the emperor.
‘That’s… … .’
Seid predicted that the emperor was simply going for a night walk. However, the place he went to was the basement of a detached palace that no one used. Seid, who had a strange feeling, hid in the nearby grass and waited for the emperor to appear. After a while, the emperor and the chief attendant came out. After seeing them moving away, Shade crept into the basement. How far down the stairs, a thick iron gate blocked the front. The lock was not engaged.
‘Is there a space like this in the Imperial Palace?’
Seid tilted her head. Although I lived in the Imperial Palace for 14 years, I had never heard of such a space.
‘What the hell are you doing here?’
What kind of place did the emperor visit at this late hour? Curiosity surged, and Seid pushed the iron door very carefully.
profit. Rusty hinges could be heard, but Shade couldn’t care less.
“Aww!”
It was because the scream of an unfamiliar woman pierced the eardrums enough to make the sound of the hinges disappear in an instant.
‘Hey, what does this mean?’
To see if someone was being abused, Shade grabbed the scabbard from his waist and peered inside. There, a woman was being tortured. Every time the hot iron sat on the skin, the woman had seizures and screamed. Shade took a deep breath at the painful sound he had heard for the first time in his life.
‘I need help… … .’
What is happening inside the Imperial Palace? In the midst of confusion, Shade tried to help the woman. Until I hear the next word.
“I will tell you everything, Your Majesty… … Call your Majesty!”
“Hey, you should have said that sooner. Your Majesty is already dead.”
“Ugh… … !”
At the words ‘Your Majesty’, Seide remained frozen. Torture followed again, and Shade closed the door and quietly left. As soon as he moved away from the private palace, Shade grabbed a tree and vomited. The screams of women and the smell of blood were still evident.
‘Why is Abamama… … ?’
Shade had a hard time hiding the confusion. For what reason was the emperor tormenting the woman? From then on, Seid kept an eye on the emperor. Because he had a gut feeling that something he didn’t know was happening.
The Emperor entered and exited the cellar several times, and Shade watched it from afar. Then, when another woman was arrested, Seid hid into the audience faster than the emperor and overheard their conversation. The Emperor ordered a woman named Romanda to tell her everything she knew about . Hearing that conversation, Seid had a question.
‘Why are you interested in ?’
At first, I thought I had been caught sneaking away, but as I listened to the conversation, I realized that it wasn’t. Exactly what the Emperor is interested in… … .
“Jack, yes. Tell me more about that kid named Jack.”
‘Jack?’
The emperor pecked at Jack. Romanda explained step by step how Jack entered the orphanage and his life in the orphanage. Jack was obviously an unusual kid, in her words, but nothing else seemed special.
‘Are you interested because Jack won first place in the contest?’
However, the interest of the emperor felt strange. When the story was over, even Romanda was dragged out. Seid was thinking of leaving the audience when the emperor left. When the silence subsided, the moment Seid, who thought the audience room was empty, was about to go out… … .
“I have to punish you.”
“Shall we summon the knights?”
“It would be best to end it as quietly as possible. call the bodyguards I will set the date for tomorrow night.”
“all right.”
A conversation that was difficult to understand immediately followed. At the word ‘punishment’, Seide covered her mouth, which almost made her scream. After checking the sound of people leaving, Shade, who came out of hiding, could not hide his confused feelings.
‘A punishment? Punishment?’
Who the hell?
‘I’m sure he said he’d be punished after investigating Jack… … .’
That said, it was highly likely that the people the emperor was going to deal with were Jack and . But why?
‘They are all good people!’
Not to mention Ciel, all the children were lovely and kind. I couldn’t believe that such children had committed such a great crime that they were punished.
‘You must have misunderstood something.’
If so, I had to clear up the misunderstanding immediately. Seid hastily tried to pursue the emperor. But soon, Seid’s footsteps stood tall.
‘What if it’s not a misunderstanding?’
It’s not a misunderstanding, but if there is a circumstance that you don’t know… … .
‘I have to tell you.’
The idea didn’t take long. Seid turned away to pursue the emperor. I couldn’t recall anything like Jack’s cold attitude towards him. All I had to do was go ahead and report this danger.
“Sir, where are you going?”
At that moment, Seid turned around in surprise at the voice calling him.
“Chief, mayor?”
There, the valet, who only knew he had left, was looking at Seid with his arms crossed. The moment he saw that heartless face, he thought his heart would sink. Seid’s eyes involuntarily scanned his surroundings. Seeing this, the chieftain said.
“Your Majesty has returned to your room.”
“Ah… … excuse me… … .”
Seid’s eyes rolled. His lips stiffened in embarrassment and fear. If the emperor found out that he had secretly hid and overheard, it was clear that he would be punished severely. Seid’s body began to tremble without realizing it. The waitress, who looked at Seid quietly, opened his mouth.
“Your Majesty, I will not report.”
“… … really?”
“Yes, so go back to your room.”
Seid’s expression brightened at the words of the valet to close her eyes. Seid asked, taking a step closer.
“Chief clerk, I mean to punish you. Isn’t it ?”
“Go back.”
“No? Yes? Am I doing something wrong?”
“… … .”
The chieftain had no answer. Seid was starting to get more and more anxious. He took hold of the maid’s sleeve and asked carefully.
“No… … ? There’s something wrong with Obama… … .”
“Do not talk about in front of His Majesty. You will only get angry.”
“… … What does that mean? If there is no guilt, then it should be revealed.”
“There are circumstances that you are unaware of. so… … .”
“So you’re pretending not to know? There may be a misunderstanding… … .”
“If you don’t go back to your room, I will report to your majesty that you overheard me.”
“… … !”
“Go back.”
“Ha, but I… … !”
Seid shouted urgently, but the chieftain looked away from him and left the audience. Seid, who was left alone, trembled. After a while, the knights came in and dragged Seid into the room. Then, the door was sealed to prevent Seid from coming out. The voice of the chieftain could be heard through the door.
“Cool your head for a moment. It will all be over in two days.”
“Chief!”
Shade hung on the door and shouted, but the chieftain did not return. Everyone shouted to open the door, but no one opened the door. Even if you can feel the popularity outside the door.
‘This is where I was.’
No matter how much Seid shouted, no one listened to him. When the emperor liked him, everyone listened to him, but when the emperor hated him, he treated him like a non-human. His presence came from the emperor’s attitude toward him. Even his mother was watching the emperor, so he didn’t care. That’s what Seid really hated. No one saw me as just ‘one person’. Even a single word that was handed out had multiple purposes. He was merely the heir to the emperor and the prince.
‘So I liked .’
The children there had approached innocently without any purpose. He was also thankful to Chloane who tucked him away. All the children around his age are busy trying to get acquainted with him by looking at him.
‘And Jack… … .’
Jack told him he wasn’t friends, but Shade really liked Jack. Although I was hurt by his words, I still wanted to be friends. But tomorrow night, … … .
‘Is Ciel aware of this?’
Had she known, Ciel would have acted wisely.
‘But if you don’t know anything… … ?’
He knew the cruel side of my father better than anyone. He will not see you as a woman or a child.
‘But if I get caught by Obama, I will… … .’
You will be locked up in a small room and will not be able to drink water. People will treat you like an invisible person, and Momma will take a deep breath as if it’s stuffy.
‘Maybe you won’t treat me like a son again.’
Although the emperor treated him as a tool, Shade liked the emperor. I wanted to be recognized by him. So I was afraid of being completely turned away from him. Shade was confused. Which one is best? Is it the safety of the children at the nursery school or the trust of the father? The contemplation lasted all night, and at dawn, Shade made a decision. Let’s help .
* * *
However, it was still impossible to escape from the room. The door was sealed, and several knights were blocking the door through the door that was briefly opened during the meal. In the end, there was only one way out.
‘No one is guarding the window.’
But there was a problem.
‘If I fall from here, I may die… … .’
Looking out the window, Shade swallowed his saliva. Seid’s room was on the fourth floor and was very far from the ground. It was clear that if he fell, he would be seriously injured even if he did not die.
‘It should arrive by the end of the night.’
Walking around the room, Shade took off the duvet and started tying it. And all the curtains were pulled out and tied. I said in advance that I would not eat today because I was afraid that someone might come in on the way. The servant, who thought he was heartbroken and locked in the room, returned without a doubt.
Shade tied all the fabrics in the room because it had to be made four stories tall. It took a long time because the weight was huge and it was not easy to tie the knot. Shade finally tied the knot to the right length. He tied the end of the fabric to the bed and threw it out the window.
puck. When the cloth cord hit the wall of the palace and made a louder-than-expected noise, Shade flinched, pulled his neck out of the window and looked around. Fortunately, no one came by the window. Shade turned and looked at the tightly closed door. Blue eyes fluttered for a moment. He soon clenched his fists and grabbed the cloth that was tied to the outside of the window and began to descend.
“Great.”
It wasn’t easy. No matter how consistently he trained, it was too much for a 14-year-old to do. I could have gone up to go up again. But Shade clenched his teeth and went down.
tuk. Seid finally set foot on the ground, and wanted to sit still and breathe. But there was no time for that. The emperor clearly said that would be executed at ‘night’. Seid lifted her head and looked up. It’s not even daytime yet, but it will be evening by the time we arrive at the orphanage. Shade took a deep breath and ran to the often used dog hole. I felt like someone was chasing me from behind, so I just looked ahead and ran. Even at that moment, it was difficult for Seide to control her heart. A terrifying feeling rose slowly. If I get caught by Abamamama, I’ll never get over it. What if I was wrong? Maybe the orphanage people have already run away.
just go back While trying hard to ignore her trembling heart, Shade ran only looking ahead. Please don’t be late.
* * *
Shade, who first shouted that the orphanage was in danger, seemed unhappy. But I knew right away what he was talking about. It seems that the Emperor has decided to deal with Jack. But when he listened to Seid, he seemed to be targeting the entire nursery, not just Jack.
“Ciel, you have to run away! Uh, where are we going? I, I… … .”
“Calm down, Seid. it’s okay.”
“… … .”
I calmed Shade, who could hardly contain his excitement. Seid looked at me with a tearful face.
“It must not have been easy, but thank you for letting me know. If you stay here, you might get in trouble too, so go back soon.”
“… … I’m sorry, Ciel.”
Soon, Seid bowed her head.
“What are you sorry for?”
As I said, rubbing my shoulder, Seid averted his gaze and muttered quietly.
“… … Actually, I was hesitant to come here. I’m afraid I’m going to be hated by Obama… … . Knowing that Ciela and her children could die… … .”
Feeling a sense of guilt, Seid sighed and shed tears. I looked at Seid like that with sad eyes. Then he lowered his posture, stroking Seid’s blonde hair, and whispered quietly.
“Thank you for your great courage. Even if you hadn’t come, I wouldn’t have resented you.”
“… … Ciel… … , can we meet again?”
Seid looked up at me with tears in her eyes. Seeing that, I smiled quietly without answering.
* * *
After reassuring Seid and sending him back, I immediately found Ho-yeon.
“Are you ready?”
“Yes.”
I looked at the luggage bags piled up around Hoyeon. There were not many bags. I didn’t have much to bring with me because my new house had all the necessities of life.
“What about children?”
“After dinner, I went up to the second floor. He is probably sleeping.”
“Yeah, I’ll bring you down. Please check if there is something that Ho-yeon has forgotten.”
“all right.”
I asked Hoyeon to go up to the second floor, but I stopped for a moment and looked down at Hoyeon.
“Hoen.”
“Yes.”
“that… … Aren’t you curious? Why am I suddenly leaving the nursery? You didn’t tell me.”
Then Ho-yeon answered with a smile.
“It is not this nursery that is important to me, but the owner and the children. If we go together, I like anywhere. So I didn’t ask.”
“… … Yes, thank you. I will go up.”
“Yes.”
After Ho-yeon, I even went up the stairs. My mind got complicated. Hoyeon’s words echoed around.
‘Location doesn’t matter… … .’
Ho-yeon’s words were true. Because I also think that the more important thing than the place is the person you are with.
‘But I’m sorry.’
My head understands, but my heart doesn’t.
‘It’s like a house.’
When I was about to leave, I was really sad. But now there was no time to be immersed in emotion.
smart.
“Ren, Edie, Roddy, are you in there?”
“Director?”
When I knocked on the girls’ door, Ren came out. Ren put on a puzzled expression at my sudden visit.
“Are Edie and Lodi inside?”
“Yes, what are you doing?”
I put on a slightly perplexed expression on Ren’s question. I’ve never said a word until now, but suddenly I have to move.
‘Because I didn’t know the emperor would come so quickly.’
I was planning to leave today, but hearing Seid’s words, my heart became more urgent. Ren gave a worried expression as if this kind of me seemed unusual.
“I think I will have to leave this place for a while. I have to leave right now, so can you pack only the things you need in your bag and bring Edie and Lodi?”
I was shaking my head as to what Ren would answer if he asked why.
“Yes, I will.”
But Ren nodded his head without hesitation. And quickly went inside. Looking at Ren like that with confidence, I knocked on the boys’ door. It turned out to be Chloe. Cloan was rubbing her eyes, probably waking up.
“Cloan, I have a place to go right now, so I just pack the important things and go… … .”
Then, feeling something uncomfortable, I hurriedly asked.
“Cloan, what about Jack?”
“brother? uh… … where did you go I was by your side until I went to bed… … . Oh, I went out to get some wind.”
“Ah… … .”
It was rare for the children to go out after dinner, so the problem was that they were careless. I endured the darkness before my eyes and told Cloan to pack up and come downstairs first. Cloan made an unfamiliar expression on her face, but she nodded at my urgent look and went inside. I went down to the first floor and told Ho-yeon to tear the scrolls as soon as the children came down.
“Doesn’t your master go with you?”
“I will go with Jack. Don’t worry, let’s go first.”
“However… … .”
“Please.”
When I asked with a earnest face, Hoyeon, who looked at me with a complicated expression, nodded.
“all right.”
“thanks.”
As I was leaving the nursery, I heard the sound of children coming down to the first floor. Looking back for a moment, I saw Hoyeon tearing the scrolls together with the children together.
“Sleep, the director and Jack hyung… … !”
Chloane felt a sense of urgency and shouted, but for a moment a light flashed and the place was empty. After confirming that everyone had moved safely, I quickly found Jack.
‘Where is Jack?’
I looked around the playground and backyard, but Jack was nowhere to be seen. As I was rolling my feet in nervousness, I suddenly remembered Jack’s favorite place in the nursery. I went there right away.
“Jack!”
“Director?”
As expected, Jack was there. With the relief and impatience that I had found Jack, I quickly approached him.
“What are you doing? Facial expression… … .”
“Oh, so… … .”
I thought for a moment about how to explain it. But there was actually a better way than talking around.
“… … The emperor is coming here. We’re going to attack you tonight.”
“… … !”
There is no need to hide secrets like other children, so it would be most effective to tell them directly. Jack’s eyes twinkled.
“how… … .”
Jack licked his lips as if in embarrassment, then lowered his gaze and stood up.
“What about children?”
“Everyone has moved to a safe place. All we have to do is move.”
“… … Then I must go.”
Jack’s attitude was calmer than expected. I thought you would be very upset… … . I looked at him more cautiously.
“Aren’t you curious how the emperor found out about you?”
“… … I wonder. But knowing that doesn’t change anything. And I think I know how you know.”
After saying that, Jack smiled softly and looked at me.
“I don’t have to worry. because it’s okay I’m more sorry than that. You made it difficult for me.”
Jack is very mature even at this moment. It’s scary, unfair, and I feel betrayed, but I try to reassure myself by hiding all those feelings. Even though he trusted Jack because of his appearance, sometimes he felt very sorry for him. Sometimes it would be nice to cry and get angry like a child… … .
“Director?”
“no. Come on. Go up to the second floor and get the things you need first… … .”
That was the moment.
bang! A loud bang was heard, and smoke rose from the entrance to the nursery. Startled, I turned around and looked at Jack. Jack’s face turned pale a little as if he had sensed it.
“… … let’s go.”
I grabbed Jack’s stiff hand and headed straight to the director’s room. Just in case, all the scrolls except one were sent to Hoyeon. The last scroll I left to move with Jack was in the director’s office. Meanwhile, the explosion continued. A hot and red aura flew through the window in the hallway. Perhaps the emperor made a fire. The flames spread quickly and surrounded the orphanage.
‘Is it sealed with flames so that they can’t escape?’
Without the scroll, it would have been really difficult to escape. We felt as if we were running on fire. I ran, looking straight ahead, and Jack looked around. At first glance, his brown eyes fluttered. As soon as I opened the door to the headmaster’s room and entered, the window was broken and the emperor’s knights broke in. I quickly grabbed the scroll that was on the desk, and when the window shattered, I pretended to be surprised and took Jack’s hand and stepped back. Among them, the emperor walked in.
“Emperor… … .”
Looking at him, I bit my lip. He reflexively hid Jack behind his back. The emperor’s eyes glanced over Jack once. Jack shivered slightly when his eyes met. Seeing this, the emperor burst out laughing.
“I didn’t know that was what I was looking for so much.”
Obviously, I was angry at his handling of Jack, but I didn’t act hastily. The scroll was also hidden behind his back, so the emperor was not aware of the scroll’s existence.
“Director, I am sorry for breaking in without permission. If you hand over the child, I will reward you enough.”
The emperor conciliated. Jack looked up at me and I said with a short smile.
“I’m sorry, but I will decline.”
“I’ve felt it before, but it’s so cheeky. If the manager’s answer is yes, then there is nothing we can do.”
As the emperor beckoned, the remaining knights rushed in. They lit the room and surrounded me and Jack.
“Master… … .”
I wonder if this situation was scary, Jack called me in a trembling voice.
“it’s okay.”
After appeasing Jack, I looked at the emperor. The emperor was watching with a relaxed attitude from beginning to end. In the form of a beast that can prey on weak animals at any time. For that, I was rather grateful. The more careless you are, the greater the damage. I gazed at the emperor one last time. His blue eyes flashed through the flames.
“Your Majesty, can I tell you one thing?”
“Tell me.”
I smiled softly at him. Then he took Jack’s hand and ripped the scroll apart.
“You won’t be able to catch Jack forever.”
“Hey, catch it!”
The emperor, who didn’t know I had a scroll, exclaimed urgently. However, by the time the knights rushed to run, it was already too late. In the meantime, the scroll completely tore apart and a bright beam of light came out and wrapped around Jack. As I felt my body disappear, I smiled very leisurely, as the Emperor did. Finally we left the orphanage as the emperor shouted amid the roaring flames.
“Ugh.”
As soon as I finished moving, I sat down on the floor and took a deep breath.
‘I really thought I was going to get caught.’
If the Emperor had been a little quicker, we would have been caught.
“master!”
“Master! brother!”
“brother!”
As soon as we appeared, Ho-yeon and the children, who were waiting for us, ran to us. Seeing that everyone was safe, I smiled and looked back at Jack with a relieved face. Then I held my breath. All the children were confused and couldn’t move any more. Cloan spoke very carefully.
“Brother, cry… … ?”
As Chloane said, Jack was crying. Without making a sound, with a very sad face.
* * *
Jack didn’t tell me why he was crying. I was too lazy to ask why. A week has passed since then, and life in the new home was more comfortable than I expected. First of all, the children, especially Cloan, were satisfied with the better environment and wider space than .
A wide field just outside the house was like a paradise for children. Girls cut wild flowers to make wreaths or juiced them to draw pictures, and Cloan ran around all day like an unbridled foal. Chloe’s opponent was mainly Ho-yeon. I am very grateful to Ho-yeon in many ways.
It took some time to adapt at first because the structure and location of the furniture in the house changed, but after about a week, I got used to it. There were a lot of scrolls with coordinates of nearby towns, but I didn’t use them. He didn’t want to be seen by anyone for the time being because it’s clear that the emperor, who had missed Jack in front of him, would turn on the lights and look for him. I had no worries this year at least because I had stuffed with food and daily necessities in advance. Above all, the biggest difference from was that there was a study room in this house.
‘Because I can’t take Leonard’s class anymore.’
What bothered me the most was that Jack could no longer take classes. I know how much Jack enjoyed learning. In order to satisfy that desire even a little, I made a dedicated library by filling the room with books as much as possible. Fortunately, Jack was confined to the study after coming to this house to see if he liked the study. Hearing Cloan’s words, it seemed like he was sneaking out at night and heading to the study.
smart.
“Jack, it’s me. May I come in?”
I brought snacks and knocked on the door. After a while, a voice came from beyond.
“Yes, come in.”
When I heard a voice, I hid my tension and went inside. Jack, who was sitting by the window reading a book, raised his head and looked at me. I said as I put the tray down on the desk.
“Chocolate cookies and apple juice. It’s just made, so it’ll be hot.”
“thank you. I will eat well.”
Jack smiled softly and said. I glanced at Jack’s expression and asked cautiously.
“Hey Jack, are you okay?”
“What do you mean?”
Jack tilted his head and asked.
that you were crying You don’t know how surprised I was then. As a child who doesn’t usually express emotions, I think it touched me more strongly. Then why was Jack crying? fear? Feeling betrayed by the person who revealed his identity? It seemed predictable, but it was difficult to get the hang of it.
No one spoke about that day. The children didn’t ask about the sudden move, and Jack didn’t say anything about the day. Although he didn’t show it, the sight of that day must have been a great shock to Jack. So, I’ve been quiet for a while, but I asked if it would be okay now that I’m used to living here. But Jack asked, pretending he didn’t know what to say. knowing what i’m talking about
I stopped talking about it directly. I didn’t want to dig out what I didn’t want to say.
“Nothing. Are you okay?”
Even if I didn’t ask, the other children gave their impressions here and there. The field is wide and it is free, it is warm through the sunlight, and it is good to be able to climb to the end of the jungle gym now, etc. It can tell the satisfaction of the children, but Jack was very concerned because there was no such thing.
“like.”
Jack answered.
“really?”
“Yes.”
When I asked a question, he answered lightly and smiled. Maybe Jack doesn’t know. That there is no sincerity in those words. Just to reassure you that I’m nervous, everything I say is disgusting. didn’t point it out It doesn’t change anything if I pinch it.
“Then I’m happy.”
I laughed quietly. Jack looked at me quietly. I thought I knew a lot about Jack, but I still don’t know what he was thinking. But one thing was certain. After confronting the Emperor, something changed inside Jack.
* * *
“You mean you haven’t found it yet!”
The emperor, who was wandering around the room, expressed his anger at the report of the chieftain. The chaplain bowed his head in anger.
“I am sorry, Your Majesty. I’ve searched all over and haven’t found anything yet.”
“I didn’t know the director had a scroll!”
“We traced the scroll distribution channels, but could not find a vendor who sold the scrolls to the ledger. Also, all the money in the account is withdrawn, so it seems difficult to track the account… … .”
“He was expecting me to attack. Did you expect the Mass to disappear? wicked… … ! Is there any news from the peacock family?”
“Yeah, I don’t think he ran away as a duke.”
“Then where are you?”
The emperor could not hide his impatience.
‘The director’s attitude, Jack is definitely his brother’s child.’
But you’re missing it right in front of your eyes. I made a very big mistake.
‘I have to get rid of it.’
“Find it as soon as possible. Keep an eye on the peacock as well. If you find anything strange, let me know right away.”
“all right.”
The servant left the room. The emperor reclined himself on the chair. A tired look appeared on his face. Then he turned and looked at the coffin on another chair. His blue eyes darkened heavily. He moved his lips slowly.
“This seat belongs to Jim.”
will keep no matter who interferes.
* * *
“You haven’t found any clues yet.”
“Yes… … . The nursery was located in such a remote area, so no one knew about the fire last night. Just the fact that the fire broke out with an explosion right after we got home… … .”
bang! At Rick’s report, Dietrich struck the desk with his fist. The power was so strong that the desk shook violently, and Rick gave a worried expression.
“I couldn’t sleep. I should have stayed by Ciela’s side until the end.”
Dietrich’s expression distorted painfully. Upon waking up early in the morning the next day after returning from the enemy’s mansion, Dietrich ran straight to the . There were a lot of things I wanted to say to Ciel. There was something I wanted to ask her. Just being able to see her brought a smile to her lips.
But when he arrived, the only thing that greeted him was the remnants of the ruined orphanage. Even Ciel was nowhere to be seen. What the hell happened last night? Dietrich tried to find traces of Siela, but she disappeared like a bubble. Fortunately, no bloodstains were found at the scene.
“Perhaps after we left, someone stormed , and it seems that they all escaped safely, as things like daily necessities were gone.”
By the way, who the hell raided the orphanage? And where did Ciela and the children go? Dietrich was at first suspicious of those linked to Count Frérmann. It was thought that someone had retaliated by killing him and extorting Ethernum. He immediately sent someone to check the dynamics inside Count Frehrmann’s mansion. However, there were no traces of Ciela and her children anywhere. Rather, he seemed to have been distracted by Count Frérmann’s funeral. So, who the hell attacked the orphanage? Maybe an unknown enemy he didn’t know attacked the nursery school. The next place the duke found… … .
“It looks like you haven’t found this one yet.”
“Ugh!”
Startled by the sudden voice, Rick looked back. Vincente approached Dietrich with a rough look. Rick tried to stop him, but Dietrich raised his hand to stop him. Vincente approached the desk and slammed it hard with both hands. In the end, some hardened ink flowed from the ink bottle that had fallen over.
“Am I right?”
“… … did you find it?”
Le presentation was only place, turn the gaze from baekjakga the ‘Khan’. Vicente If you would think would know something about Ciel d. But instead, Vincente ran up the street and asked Dietrich. It was said that the tracking magic cast on Ciela was suddenly interrupted. I asked if she knew where she was. It was then that a cooperative, not a cooperative, was formed. They promised to share if they found a clue while looking for Ciel. But Vincente didn’t seem to mind at all. Before that I could not find a clue itself. As if erased from the world.
“Damn, where the hell did you go!”
“Is the magic still not working?”
“It’s not dead. If he had died, he would have felt the magic dispelled. It sounds like you’re blocking magic on purpose.”
“Is it the invalid Ethernum? … .”
Dietrich whispered lowly. Rick couldn’t understand what the two of them were talking about. When Dietrich saw him bewildered and nodded at him to leave, Rick quietly left the room. Vincente muttered quietly as she saw the door close.
“Did you really find anything? He was the first to arrive at the scene.”
“… … .”
At Vincente’s words, Dietrich’s gaze lowered. The moment Vincente, who was looking at him frustratedly, parted his lips… … .
“I found a fragment of a cloak that was burned.”
“A cloak piece?”
Vincente narrowed her eyes.
“It was damaged to the point where it was difficult to distinguish the pattern, but it was definitely not in the nursery.”
“That means it belongs to the guy who made the nursery that way.”
Dietrich nodded.
“But you mean you don’t know who its owner is?”
This time I couldn’t even nod my head. Vincente muttered a little swearing. Dietrich fully understood Vincente’s feelings. In fact, he also wanted to pour swear words to his heart’s content.
“You can’t do restoration magic, do you?”
“Restoration is possible only if you know what I saw.”
“Then it would be impossible.”
Finally, Dietrich sighed. Vincente, who looked at Dietrich like that with frustrated eyes, disappeared as if he had left a word.
“I will find it, for sure.”
Dietrich wiped his face once and raised his head. Where did she really go? No injuries anywhere. Are you safe? where the hell are you
“… … Ciel.”
* * *
After I finished washing, I hung the laundry and looked up at the sky.
“The air is very warm.”
After a small mumble, Hoyeon, who was hanging the laundry with her, said:
“It’s May.”
“Well, it’s May. Oh, I’ll do the rest, so would you like to prepare lunch for Ho-yeon?”
“We will help you.”
“It’s okay, there’s not much left and I want to get some air by myself.”
When I said firmly, Ho-yeon nodded as if she couldn’t do it, and went inside.
flutter. After shaking the thin duvet several times to smooth out the wrinkles, it was hung on the clothesline. At that moment, a gust of wind blew, and I grabbed my messy hair. Then I started to hang the rest of the laundry. Shake and lay, shave and lay I repeated a series of actions on a regular basis, but my mind was dizzy.
‘It’s been two weeks already.’
Time felt so fast. It seems like it was just yesterday that I ran away from the burning nursery school to avoid the emperor… … .
‘The Emperor must be looking for him with his eyes wide open.’
After all, the weather was getting warmer.
‘I think I need to change clothes.’
After thinking about it, I hung up all the laundry and got ready to go out. He changed his appearance with a magic potion, but he was nervous, so he was wearing a hooded robe. Hoyeon offered to accompany her, but she refused. It is because I am anxious to go out with only my children, and it is advantageous to be alone in case of an emergency. Ho-yeon was uneasy, but persuaded and moved to the village.
The name of the village on the scroll is . I was looking on the map located on the northwest edge of the city. What is surprising is that the city is quite large even though it is far from the capital. Having bought the cloth and necessities in Oren Village, I wondered if the Emperor was looking for us. But surprisingly, neither Nana nor Jack’s names were on the wanted list, and there were no rumors floating around. It was surprising. I thought I’d just turn on the lights and search for them… … .
‘Have you given up?’
As soon as I thought about it, I shook my head. It didn’t look like the Emperor would give up Jack so easily.
‘Should I go to the port side after I left? Maybe there’s something to buy for the kids.’
Before returning to buy the necessary things, I turned away. The town of Oren is a small town, but has a large floating population. In particular, people of various costumes stood out.
‘It is a trading port city.’
Most of the empire was connected to the continent, and only a part was connected to the sea. It turned out that the port of Oren Village was the largest among the few ports, and because of that, many trade ships and merchants gathered. As merchants gathered from all over the world, they were able to buy strange things if they went near the port. If expensive is a flaw, it’s a flaw.
‘I’m sure you’ll be happy.’
A smile spread across my face as I thought of the children who would be happy to receive the gift. Especially… … .
‘Will Jack be happy?’
After coming here, Jack’s mood has changed somewhat. It’s hard to pinpoint what, but I’d say it was quiet.
‘There is not much change in expression.’
He smiles when he treats me and the children, but in my eyes it looks like a forced smile.
‘What is the reason? Is it because of the Mass? … .’
Jack didn’t ask why the Emperor discovered his identity, but he probably had a gut feeling. Misa announced that When he talked about Mass, there was no sign of resentment in Jack’s face. Although Misa abandoned him and left, Jack did not hate Misa. But Misa actually drove Jack into a limb… … .
‘If not… … .’
There’s one more thing.
‘Like me… … .’
The feeling of loss of a home. We didn’t see Ho-yeon and the children who left first, but Jack and I watched the nursery burn in front of our eyes. The gate collapsed and the playground was a mess. The restaurant where we ate together, the hallway where Cloan was running, and the director’s office, which he visited whenever he had troubles, all burned down under the emperor’s hand. No matter how good the current house was, it was nothing compared to the memories contained in the orphanage.
‘I should have let Jack go first… … .’
This is clearly my mistake. I should have sent him out first so he wouldn’t see such a horrific sight. Then there would have been no need for the brutal experience of disappearing the place of memories.
‘… … Let’s not get depressed.’
I struggled to raise the feeling to subside. Now that I regret it, nothing has changed. I could only live with the worries of Ho-yeon and the children. After thinking about it, we arrived at the port. I took a deep breath as I felt the smell of the sea.
‘By the way, have the children ever seen the sea?’
Among the common people, there were many cases where they had never seen the sea in their lifetime. To get from the inland to the sea, you have to use a wagon, because the cost of long-distance wagons is a burden for commoners. Except for the merchant, there is no need to come all the way here.
‘I’ll have to go out with my kids next time.’
I bought a lot of magic potions, so it shouldn’t be a problem. But for the time being, I have to avoid the emperor’s eyes, so at least this year will be difficult. Merchants who occasionally crossed over by boat often sold goods to tourists.
‘It must have been around here.’
I asked people, but I couldn’t see it very well. It was also uncomfortable to see because the hood was pressed. Then suddenly from one place and found that people gather. I wondered if it was there, so I hurriedly teased my feet. I had to go back before the sun went down.
“Wait. Excuse me for a moment.”
As I crept inside the crowd, I realized later that this crowd wasn’t there to buy anything. I was as hard as a stone statue.
“Is that person the Crown Prince of the Western Kingdom, Crown Prince Cesar Elias? As I heard, the character is clear.”
“Is the character clear? The business you started this time was also a hit. Did you visit today for that matter?”
“No, this time it was something else. What did you say, tee, tee… … .”
“Tea bag?”
“right! That tea bag didn’t make a big hit in the kingdom. They said that they would build a factory in the kingdom at all this time. That’s probably why you came. Look, the man over there.”
“Who is that man?”
“You don’t know? You’re Duke Crayman!”
My shoulders trembled at the familiar name. Reflexively, the hood was pressed down deeply.
‘Why is the peacock here… … .’
Hearing the stories of passersby, it seems that he went to the Western Kingdom for the tea bag business and entered the country with the Crown Prince.
‘You have to go away.’
The idea of buying gifts for the children was long gone. Gifts can be bought later. The moment I saw the peacock’s face, my hair went white and my eyes were blank, chasing after him.
‘I thought I was very emaciated… … .’
The steps to turn around came to a halt. At first glance, I fell in love with him.
‘Because I wore a hood and changed my appearance with magic.’
Not only did the color change, but the appearance itself was changed, so even if the hood is removed, you will not be able to recognize it.
‘Just a little… … .’
Just a little bit, just looking at him and going back. I turned back the steps I had taken. Then he removed the hand that had pressed the hood down and raised his head.
‘see.’
His vision gradually widened and he finally caught his eye. He was with the Crown Prince and several other companions, but strangely, only his face was full of sight.
‘Your face is very bad.’
After a brief moment of joy, I became upset. It was because his face, which he had seen in two weeks, had been greatly damaged.
‘My eyes are dry and my lips are dry… … .’
I was so busy with work that I couldn’t even sleep. if not… … .
‘It’s too much self-consciousness.’
He laughed lightly and criticized himself. For a moment, I thought he might be heartbroken because I disappeared. I observed him more carefully, as if possessed. You look very tired, but still… … .
‘That’s cool.’
The black hair that seemed to have captured the night sky, the golden eyes like gold, the smooth, sharp lines and the indifferent eyes were all still there.
‘It’s nice to see you like this.’
He and I are about ten steps away. If it was close, it was close, and if it was far, it was far away.
‘This is it.’
Even just seeing him was enough. I was just trying to go back. Then that moment.
Whew. A sea breeze blew, and the hood fell backwards in the blink of an eye. At the same time, his eyes met. His eyes widened. I was relieved. He changed his form with magic, so even if his form was revealed, he wouldn’t be noticed. But when my eyes met, he looked like he was possessed by something, and then he approached me. Noticing his steps towards me, I used a little magic to push people away and run away.
“sleep… … !”
His urgent voice came from behind. As soon as I hid in the alley, I tore the scroll.
evil. At the same time, a bright light enveloped my body, and when I opened my eyes, I was back home.
“You went… … Master, what are you doing?”
Ho-yeon, who felt my popularity and came to meet me, was surprised and asked.
“Ugh, okay… … .”
I tried to say yes, but I couldn’t.
“Lord, lord?”
Knowing that the hoyeon embarrassed I could not repress a tear chaohreuneun. Hoyeon who do not know what to do is stand still fell sweep, including my back. I could not stop the tears faded altogether obscured his face with both hands. As his vision darkened, his face came to mind a moment ago.
‘I miss you.’
For Ho-yeon and the children, who suddenly moved, I pretended nothing was wrong. Pretend you don’t want to see him at all, pretend you don’t miss him, pretend you’re fine. But the truth is, I miss him so much. There were times when I had trouble sleeping at night thinking, ‘It’s only been two weeks, but what should I do next?’ In the meantime, I was surprised to see him, but there were also tears when I saw him whom I missed so much. now it is certain
‘I like him.’
That too a lot. Much more than I thought… … . It is said that people need to lose to know what is valuable.
‘If I had known that… … .’
… … I’ll tell you that I like it. Not just like me, only you, and that I love you very much. If I had, I wouldn’t have regretted it this far. At the thought of telling the truth, my regrets would have disappeared… … .
“Master, it’s fine.”
A soothing sound was heard. I was very grateful to Ho-yeon. You must be very embarrassed to see me like this, but because you stayed by my side without asking anything. The first crying after entering this body did not stop as easily as the dam collapsed. Fortunately, the coordinates of the scroll were in my room, so the children did not find out.
how much i cried There were no more tears, and the eyelids were swollen. Hoyeon brought tea to relieve swelling.
“thanks… … .”
My throat was congested and my voice was not coming out. I said thank you and sip my tea. It feels like a warm and dizzy stomach has subsided.
‘by the way… … .’
I remember meeting him in the harbor. At that time, when our eyes met, I ran away without realizing it… … .
‘You didn’t recognize me, did you?’
I immediately shook my head. Completely changed the look. I hope you don’t recognize me
* * *
“Clearly Ciel.”
Dietrich said confidently. Rick rubbed his forehead.
“I looked all over the city, but I couldn’t find a woman by the name of Siela.”
“You could have changed your name.”
“Even so, sir, didn’t you say that you look different?”
When Rick asked, Dietrich nodded.
“It was a completely different look.”
“Then you may have misunderstood… … ?”
At Rick’s cautious words, Dietrich looked at him sharply. Rick flinched at the gaze, but did not back down.
“The Crown Prince and his companions are waiting. How long can I spend time in this port?”
“Know. But I can’t miss Ciel like this.”
Rick let out a deep sigh as the story was repeated over and over like a dolphin.
“How are you sure she is Miss Ciel? They looked different and we didn’t talk. It was just eye contact.”
There was a reason for Rick’s frustration. Rick wasn’t there. He had been away for a while to perform other duties. Rick, who returned late, wandered in search of the Duke when the inn he was supposed to meet with was not there. I found him on the port side. He was rummaging through the alleys like a madman. Leaving the Crown Prince and his companions unattended!
After delaying the schedule for a while, when I inquired about the situation, he said that he had seen Ciela. I was surprised at first. Itgie him know what La Ciel there was nothing to understand phrases like the ones he was insane. But now it was being digested an important event. I will contact the duke right now and release the enlisted men, so even if I told him to go back, the duke was reckless. “Only I can know,” he said.
I didn’t understand that. Hearing that, the enlisted men cannot find her because she has changed her form.
‘It was just eye contact!’
Rick didn’t believe in fate. I also didn’t believe in the word “love at first sight”. So, of course, I didn’t believe in ‘intuition’. Of course, if it was a peacock, the words were a little different. he is a special man It’s Rick who has watched his actions on the battlefield with his own two eyes. As usual, I would have trusted his intuition.
‘However… … .’
As for Ciel, he knew better than anyone how dumb he would become.
“It’s not just intuition. An ordinary person would not run away as soon as our eyes met.”
“Maybe there was an urgent matter, and your impression is a little harsh? He may be a weak person.”
“When she ran away, the crowd was pushed aside at the same time.”
“You must be a very strong woman.”
“It’s magic.”
“You mean magic? But she… … .”
“Ciela knows how to do magic.”
“… … !”
Rick’s eyes widened at Dietrich’s words. Wizards in the Empire were very rare and very few. But she’s a wizard. It was hard to believe, but at the same time, I thought that if it were her, it was really possible. Sometimes he also felt that she was so great.
“If it’s magic, sure… … .”
“If you use magic, you can change your form and run away quickly.”
“Then it would be rather difficult to find around here.”
“I have children, so I wouldn’t have been able to go that far. So before you disappear again… … .”
Rick hurriedly caught Dietrich as he was about to leave the inn again.
“Even if she is really Miss Ciel, you have a schedule to deal with! You haven’t forgotten how important this is. Please think rationally.”
“I am rational enough.”
“This business is a matter for the livelihoods of those who believe and follow the Duke Craymans.”
“… … .”
Dietrich’s steps stopped. Rick was relieved, but his trembling shoulders caught his eye instead. Rick let go of the hand that was holding him.
“dismissal… … .”
“… … I’m afraid she’ll disappear like this forever. Every night when I think of the situation she’s been through, my heart aches so much that I feel like going crazy. I’d rather have my heart ripped apart.”
“dismissal… … .”
“But as you said, I shouldn’t put people who trust and follow me in danger because of my personal circumstances. I am ‘Duke Craigman’ before I am ‘Dietrich’.”
“… … .”
Rick couldn’t answer ‘no’. I felt so cruel to myself. Seeing him like that, he smiled as if he understood.
“But I can’t miss Ciel like this.”
“Then what do you plan to do?”
“I don’t like it, but I have no choice but to get help from ‘he’.”
“If it’s ‘that’… … .”
Rick’s face darkened when he recognized the ‘he’ Dietrich was talking about. Rick was reluctant to be ‘he’. Something felt dangerous, so I wanted to keep it as far away as possible. But, given the circumstances, there was nothing that could be done. Rick brought the scroll at Dietrich’s command.
Dietrich looked down at the scroll with a complicated face. Above the scroll was a list of hard-to-recognize characters.
“What is it?”
asked Rick, who knew nothing about scrolls except that Vincente gave them away.
“… … It is a summon scroll.”
Dietrich answered with a confused expression and tore the scroll to pieces. Then the room was filled with bright light. Rick closed his eyes involuntarily. Dietrich stared straight ahead without closing his eyes. As the light faded, a figure of an Inyoung appeared.
“I gave it to you, but I didn’t really know how to use it.”
A scathing voice was heard. The light completely disappeared and Rick opened his eyes softly.
“You’ve found something, so you’re calling me, right?”
Gorgeous platinum hair and amethyst eyes, a man beautiful enough to catch the eye. The moment he saw Vincente, Rick’s spine shivered. It felt dangerous before, but now it’s even worse. His expression was light, but he had a premonition that his neck would run away with just a slight touch.
Vincente walked over to Dietrich. Rick tried to stop him, but Dietrich stopped him. Vincente looked at Rick with a squinting squint and leaned her head closer to the desk.
“That’s what you will do.”
“I saw Ciel.”
bang! At the same time as Dietrich’s words, the magic that erupted from Vincente’s body caused the shelf to collapse and the door leaf to fall off.
“Go, sir!”
Rick shouted, startled by the sudden situation, but Dietrich looked at Vincente with an unchanging face. Vincente muttered in a gloomy voice.
“If it’s a joke, it’s a peacock, and whatever it is, I’ll kill you.”
“Do you think I’m going to play pranks on Ciela?”
“… … .”
Vincente shut her lips at Diethiri’s cold look, which she had never seen when she was with Ciela. After examining his expression for a moment, he raised his tight head and said.
“You can’t tell me.”
“… … .”
Dietrich, who was stabbed in the corner, pursed his lips. In fact, neither Dietrich nor Vincente pretended to cooperate, but in reality they had no intention of cooperating. Before finding Ciel, the two were dating. If you were looking for Ciel, it had to be yourself. For this reason, Vincente could not immediately trust Dietrich’s words. Dietrich beckoned Rick to go out. Rick wanted to stay in Vicente’s momentum, which looked more dangerous than before, but he was forced to leave the room because of Dietrich’s determined appearance.
“Of course I don’t want to tell you.”
When Ciela was there, they hid their enmity for her, but now without her, there was no need to hide their enmity. Dietrich’s attitude was as cold as that of Vincente who was sentenced to death. Vincent looked at Dietrich without saying a word.
“As long as I can, I want to find Ciel.”
“However?”
“The circumstances do not follow. That doesn’t mean I can’t miss Ciela, so I don’t want to, but I have no choice but to get your help.”
“Hmm.”
Vincente narrowed her eyes as if trying to understand the intention. Dietrich’s expression remained unchanged. With an indifferent face as if he had no emotions, Vincente pulled the corners of his lips crookedly.
“I’m not very happy with your help, but I can’t do it if I can only find Ciela.”
“I don’t like it either.”
Dietrich responded coldly, telling him what he knew.
“It means you have changed.”
“You won’t be staying in a crowded place because you have to avoid people’s eyes.”
“But it’s clear that it’s around here. That’s it.”
“Can you find it?”
When Dietrich asked, Vincente nodded briefly.
“It’s difficult to track because of the nullity of Ethernum, but if Siela uses her magic even once, she can locate it.”
“indeed… … .”
Vicente can read the magic that flows through the air. Using that ability, he was able to find a magic stone mine.
“If you are near here, you can find it if you pay attention. No, we will find it. must.”
Confidence was seen in Vicente’s face. Knowing everything she could find out, Vincente left the room without hesitation. After Vincente left, Dietrich, who was left alone, sighed and wiped his face. I slowly lifted my eyelids. His golden eyes sank heavily. Dietrich himself was unfamiliar with himself. When I was abandoned by my parents and locked up in my room, when my father called me for the first time, and when I was told that I was actually dead to go to war, I didn’t get so choked. It didn’t look like he was going to die. Again, I realized how much influence she had on me.
‘Even if he finds it, it doesn’t matter.’
It would be all right if we could see each other again, Dietrich longed for.
* * *
It has been a week since I returned from the port.
‘I’m still recovering… … .’
I groaned and walked to the yard. It was to plant seeds in the flower bed. But my body didn’t move as I thought.
‘I think not sleeping properly is a big blow.’
I haven’t been able to sleep properly since the day I cried endlessly when I saw the peacock. It was because he remembered the last time he had seen his face at night. When I think of his face, I want to see him and my heart is pounding, so I can’t sleep properly. Because the fatigue accumulated in his body, his physical condition was the worst.
“Master, are you really okay? Rest, I will do it.”
Ho-yeon, who had been following me from my room, said impatiently. I shook my head.
“This arrangement is fine. And for the past few days, Ho-yeon has been doing all the work.”
Even if it was okay to say that my crying was a shock, Ho-yeon took care of my own affairs. No matter how superior the stamina of the beasts, their consciences are pierced. This arrangement was what I had to do.
“It’s really okay. Can’t you see the children anyway?”
When I changed the topic, Ho-yeon, who realized the intention, sighed deeply and said.
“I went out to play in the field.”
“okay?”
I looked up at the sky.
“I think it’s going to rain… … .”
It was supposed to be cloudy in the morning, but then dark clouds came in and covered the sky. The climate change here is severe, so I was worried because once it rained, it poured like the sky was open.
“I think it will come soon. It smells like rain.”
Hoyeon, who sniffed at my words, responded. Being a water person, I think I can even smell the rain.
“Hmm… … Then I’ll have to bring the kids with me. Even if it rains, it doesn’t matter.”
“That would be nice.”
I put down the seed bag and headed towards the field with Ho-yeon.
‘what?’
But for some reason the children were nowhere to be seen.
“I would normally be playing around here… … .”
“I will look for… … .”
The moment Hoyeon was responding, Edie ran from afar.
“Master! Good luck! It’s a big deal!”
galxmyxt 