CH 2.2

The sacrifices of the people, which surged as a side effect of that. The public sentiment, wailing towards the sky covered in blood.

Elijah Dell was a terrifying and magnificent figure who put an end to that long era of loss and turbulence.

However, the surface that is pressed by force may seem calm on the outside, but on the inside, it swells like boiling magma. You never know when or where it’s going to burst.

That was why they wanted Mikael, who not only Elijah but also the imperial family said was the key to the new path. Because the power would be pushed around depending on where he was. And the ending would change accordingly.

“So that’s what happened. I already knew you had a weak body, but it’s my fault that I couldn’t be more considerate. I apologize.”

With Mikael’s voice, the sound of his feet slowly grew closer. However, it didn’t seem like there was just one person coming this way. I listened quietly.

“Don’t move around your room for a while and focus on your recovery. I’ll have a healer stay in a nearby room. Don’t attend today’s banquet and rest well.”

Having said that, Elijah kissed my cheek lightly and suddenly left the room.

Ah, annoying. Look at that pretentious guy. I rubbed my cheek and grunted quietly, but only then did I notice another man other than Mikael.

“Ian?”

I called his name in a moment of confusion.

“Yes, Young Lady.”

Then, a man hardhearted like a stone bent his knee and met my eyes. His gaze on me was too upright. Behind the silver-framed glasses, his dark eyes were extremely calm and revealed his wisdom.

One of the main targets in the novel was Ian. He had the typical appearance that comes to your mind when you think of a skillful ‘butler’.

Dark hair and eye color. A tall, lean, good at handling things, cool and handsome guy with an intellectual feel. Someone as ascetic as Archmage Elijah, a hidden target character.

Ian was just an attendant who did miscellaneous work next to Celina, who was a noble lady who had decent abilities but had nothing to do. Until he left Celina’s side due to some kind of incident.

​”No, it’s nothing. You can get up.”

“I was very surprised to hear that you had collapsed. How are you feeling?”

Ian’s eyes were looking all over Celina’s body. I nodded my head.

Although Celina did not possess magical power, she was the child who was most cherished by outside wizards, so she was treated with honor and hospitability by anyone but her family.

“I’m fine. But I want to talk to Mikael.”

[Good. That’s exactly it. You did very well!]

I just did what I wanted, but I heard a sudden compliment.

“I understand. I’ll prepare things right away.”

Ian began to move busily. I stared blankly at what the butler was doing for a while, then carefully turned my eyes to the protagonist.

Mikael immediately showed a bright smile. It seemed that he had been looking at me since before.

I smiled at him as if I had been possessed by something. The corners of my mouth were out of control and rose on their own, like an idiot. Ah, the protagonist’s face is the best.

In fact, at the time of writing, my feelings for the protagonist often crossed between love and hatred. I wondered how I could go back and forth between extremes to that extent.

The feelings of both extremes were perfectly proportional. I suffered as much as I cared about him.

But now it felt like the negative emotions had definitely disappeared. I didn’t know if it was because the inner waves had passed, or because we were facing each other like this.

[Wouldn’t it be better to ask Ian to leave?]

I glanced sideways at the chat window that was fading in the air. I was already hoping for it.

“When you finish, please leave us for a while.”

“I understand.”

Ian replied. As I was doing this, I felt like I was in a virtual reality that was impossible to distinguish from reality. I couldn’t believe I was experiencing the essence of future technology like this.

If this kind of perfect virtual reality comes out, assuming that consciousness is really me and not a body that is a shell, will it be possible to easily conclude which side is the real reality?

“Young Lady.”

Ian’s neat voice pulled me out of my philosophical thoughts.

“Yes?”

“It’s all set. I will take my leave now.”

At some point, an assortment of shiny snacks occupied the table by the window, which had been empty until just now. The rising scent of tea was fragrant.

“Thank you. We’ll enjoy it.”

“Sorry? What are you saying suddenly? You don’t have to thank me.”

He tilted his head as if in doubt. I replied awkwardly.

“Ah… I see. Alright.”

“Yes. Please feel free to call me if you need anything.”

Ian gave a polite bow and left. I scratched my head once, as if I was still confused.

Did I just make a mistake? Wow. I didn’t know why, but I felt chills down my spine for a moment.