Chapter 12

“I feel like there was something I was supposed to do…”

After returning home, washing up, and finally lying down comfortably, a nagging feeling enveloped me. It was like I had completely forgotten something important I needed to do.

‘But what is it?’

As I contemplated and rolled my body to the left, my desk came into view. Normally, I wouldn’t pay any attention to it while lying in bed, but the desk kept bothering me. I stared intently at it for a while before I belatedly realized.

“Oh no… I didn’t write a letter to Ian.”

Since neither Duke Bellocchio nor the butler had said anything, Ian must be doing well at the Academy.

“Is he too busy to even reply?”

Maybe he was concentrating even harder on his studies because he was upset about the deduction in his conduct score. Even in the original game, Ian was so obsessed with being the top student that he was wary of the heroine, Ethel.

“Still, it bothers me…”

If he’s upset with me, it would be best to resolve the misunderstanding quickly for the sake of my smooth game play. Just as I forced my tired body up and headed for the desk.

[★Lala★’s Quest occurred! Would you like to check it?]

 

▷ Yes

 

▷ No

Just a few hours after clearing the last quest, a window proposing another one popped up. I nodded and inwardly said, ‘Yes,’ and the quest details appeared.

“What the? What kind of quest is this?”

I couldn’t help but be flustered after checking the quest. I had a feeling that Lala was trying to sabotage me.

[★Lala★’s Quest]

 

<No Letters to Ian>

 

Ian is extremely busy with his Academy life right now♪

 

We can’t disrupt his routine just for a letter!

 

Please do not send him letters so that Ian can concentrate on his studies♬

 

(Duration: Until the break arrives)

…The quest itself is easy.

‘But something feels off about it.’

It seems Lala’s creativity is waning. I’d received a quest before telling me not to reply to Ian for a month. Isn’t this current quest similar to that one?

‘Honestly, I don’t even know how this quest helps the game progression.’

But what can I do since it’s a quest? Knowing that a massive penalty occurs upon failing or refusing a quest, I couldn’t refuse.

‘No choice, I guess.’

I should ask Angelo if Ian is doing well. By letter.

***

“…So, it seems she’s only not sending letters to me.”

“Sorry. Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything.”

Angelo scratched the back of his head, looking embarrassed. Despite that, Erlian’s gaze was fixed solely on Angelo’s right hand. Specifically, on Elicia’s letter sent to Angelo.

“She’s probably busy, Sia. So I guess it’s best not to bother her.”

“So, what does the letter say… No, never mind.”

Erlian turned around and headed for the swordsmanship training area. His stomach was churning, and his mouth felt bitter. What exactly was the problem? No, why was he feeling so bad just because of a single letter? Erlian was confused.

It had started then. That day the 500-day wedding anniversary party was held. Watching Elicia confront her father, Erlian felt self-reproach for not having prevented it sooner. Of course, he felt relieved after realizing she was only pretending to cry in front of Marquis Evra.

He only found out after the party was over that it had been a bait to catch Elicia’s father. He tried to understand how that the wedding anniversary party he had looked forward to had been used. She surely must have had her reasons.

However.

‘Why didn’t she tell me?’

He was deeply hurt by Elicia keeping it a secret from him. It made him feel as if he had become useless to her. And what happened after the party?

“Don’t you have anything to tell me?”

“I’m sorry, Ian. I’ll explain later. Would you mind going to our room first?”

He was disappointed by her prioritizing the maid over him. On the other hand, he couldn’t understand himself why he was expecting so much from her and then getting disappointed. So, the next day, he returned to the Academy before Elicia woke up. He felt like he would continue to be confused if he faced her.

“Ian, are you perhaps worried about something?”

“Erlian.”

“Yes, Erlian. Are you worried?”

It was Angelo who noticed his change.

Erlian expected that no one would notice as he always walked alone and maintained a poker face at the Academy. But Angelo noticed that subtle change. Erlian was surprised but didn’t show it. If it were the usual Erlian, he would have ignored such a question.

‘That guy said he’s been friends with Ellie since they were very young…’

Though it was frustrating, Angelo must know more than him, having known Elicia for a longer time.

“How did you feel about the last party?”

Even as he asked the question, Erlian was anxious. Anxious that Angelo might already know the truth of the party. Anxious that Elicia might have only told Angelo and not him.

“Ah, it was a strategy for Sia to trap the Marquis. It was great.”

“You knew about that?”

“Yeah. I knew.”

Erlian’s brow furrowed.

‘She said she would be on my side.’

Elicia, who had once said so, didn’t give him any notice. Erlian felt a deep sense of defeat towards Angelo.

“Did Ellie tell you beforehand?”

“Just calm down, Erlian.”

“When did she tell you that fact? Ellie has been busy.”

“I was also informed by letter yesterday. She sent me two letters to explain about the party last weekend.”

“Why only to you…”

A mere 500 days of marriage couldn’t overcome the memories of a childhood friend.

‘You cherish Angelo more than me.’

Erlian, unaware that Angelo had intercepted the letter Elicia had sent him, clenched his fist in despair.

“Maybe she was disappointed because you caused trouble at the Academy.”

“…”

The incident where Erlian broke the Academy’s window.

It was an impulsive action, but he didn’t regret it. After all, she came all the way here to see him, despite having been out of touch due to being busy.

“But she didn’t look disappointed.”

“She just didn’t show it. Sia wanted you to maintain the top student rank until graduation.”

Had he known that Elicia would be disappointed in him because of that incident, he would never have done it. Erlian regretted it belatedly.

“She must be disappointed in me…”

As Erlian quietly muttered, Angelo smiled and said,

“You know, I’m a very old friend of Sia’s.”

“And?”

Like him, Angelo was just a friend to Elicia. But Erlian couldn’t understand his own feelings: why was he bothered, and why did he feel bad when Angelo talked about being close to her?

“I know a good way to soothe Sia’s anger at times like this.”

“What is it?”

“Just stay quiet for now. Don’t even send any long-winded letters.”

“…Does that method really work?”

“Staying quiet without showing yourself until Sia’s anger subsides is the best way. I’ve experienced it.”

It was humiliating, but Angelo’s words were probably true. He couldn’t ignore the time they had spent together. So, Erlian didn’t send her a letter. Hoping that she would eventually get over her anger and send a letter first.

But weeks passed, and she didn’t send a letter. Of course, Erlian initially tried to understand. He thought she must be busy trying to find the culprit since her father had gone missing and was later found as a body.

“Who is that letter from?”

“Ah, it seems Sia still hasn’t gotten over her anger with you.”

However, despite being supposedly busy, she occasionally sent letters to Angelo.

“I think I should send a letter after all.”

Because of this, Erlian grew more anxious with each passing day.

“If you send a letter before her anger subsides, she might get even angrier. It’s best to stay quiet for now.”

“Until when, exactly…”

“The break is coming soon anyway. It’s best to be quiet until then.”

“Is this method really correct?”

Erlian couldn’t bear the frustration and ran his hand through his hair.

“Think about it. If Sia had gotten over her anger, she would have already sent a letter.”

“She might be too busy to send a letter.”

“But she’s sending letters to me. So, it’s best to stay quiet, at least until the break.”

He despaired. When Erlian was unable to speak, looking distraught, Angelo patted him on the shoulder and walked away. Left alone, Erlian stood there motionless for a long time.

***

“Wow, it’s been a while.”

Time passed, and the school break finally arrived, with Ian returning to the Duke’s mansion.

[Ian’s Temperament has increased by 5.]

 

[Ian’s Affinity has increased by 5.]

As soon as I met Ian, I finally received the reward for the successful quest. Not sending a letter to Ian until the break came. Since the quest was easy, the reward was minor, but I was happy anyway.

“…Have you been well?”

Was something wrong with my eyes? Ian seemed to be greeting me with a somewhat wistful look.

In any case, I was truly glad to see him. While Ian had been staying quiet and out of trouble, I hadn’t been able to see his face, and even the letters we used to exchange news through had stopped.

‘He used to rush me, asking why I wasn’t sending letters before…’

Honestly, I was a little hurt. Although it was partly my fault.

“I’ve been fine. Have you been well, Ian?”

“So you’ve been fine…”

Ian’s eyebrows twitched, as if my answer wasn’t to his liking.

‘Seriously.’

Did he think I would be so sorry that I’d skip meals or lose sleep?

“Yes. Although I failed to be the top student this semester, I will maintain the top rank again from the next one.”

A bright light flashed in Ian’s eyes.

‘Angelo was right.’

Through Angelo’s letters, I had heard that Ian was busy concentrating on his studies. Furthermore, I was advised that since Erlian already knew the truth about the 500-day wedding anniversary party, there was no need to explain it, and I shouldn’t bring up the party at all. It was said that he hated talking about that day because it brought back those memories.

It seemed the party had left such a deep wound on Ian. I wish I had explained it to Ian beforehand if I’d known.

I smiled bitterly and headed to the room with Ian. But he just kept glancing at me, not saying a word.

‘Does he have something to say to me?’

It was so strange that he was just watching me warily, unlike usual. Just as I was about to ask him if something was wrong the moment we entered the room.

▷ Leave the room, avoiding Ian.

 

▷ Treat Ian as if he’s not there and look out the window.

A choice window popped up after a very long time.

‘Oh, right. I was in the middle of a game.’

The choice window hadn’t appeared much since Ian entered the Academy, so it had been a while. I was happy to see the choice window, but something felt unsettling.

‘Both options seem to be telling me not to deal with Ian.’

I wanted to talk with Ian since it had been so long, but the game didn’t seem to want that. Since leaving the room felt too overtly like avoiding Ian, I chose the second option.

‘What the?’

I couldn’t help but be confused. Normally, my legs would have moved toward the window against my will. And I would be forced to stare outside. But now, whether it was a game error or not, it didn’t happen.

‘Lala, you should be grateful.’

I simply walked to the window myself and looked outside. The sky was blue, and the ground was fresh. It was meaningless. Then Ian stood behind me, fidgeting. I looked at Ian’s reflection in the glass. He opened his mouth, fixing his gaze on me as if he had something to say, but no voice came out. I waited for him to speak, but he just hesitated without saying a word. Frustrated, I asked first.

“Ian, don’t you have something to say?”

“…Has your anger subsided?”

“Anger?”

Was I dreaming?

‘Shouldn’t Ian be the one who’s angry, not me?’

Ian must have been very angry because of the party incident back then. Flustered, I turned around and looked at Ian.

“You’re not angry?”

“Why would I be angry?”

“I thought you were angry, and so…” Ian sighed deeply and continued.

“I heard that when you’re angry, you don’t even talk to the person. I was just quietly waiting because I was told I should stay still until your anger passed…”

“Who told you?”

“Your friend.”

It must have been Angelo, who is also Ian’s friend. Was the original Elicia like that?

‘She must have had to watch her step until her anger subsided.’

Judging by Angelo’s past stories, Elicia had been physically aggressive towards him. It would have been better to stay still rather than foolishly stepping forward and potentially getting hit.

“Ah, I was like that when I was little, but not anymore. Why would I be angry at you?”

I pretended Angelo was right because I had to play Elicia’s role well anyway.

“Then why didn’t you send any letters all this time?”

“I didn’t send them because I was busy.”

I gave a vague excuse since I couldn’t talk about the quest. Then Ian ran a hand through his hair and gave a hollow laugh.

“Back during our wedding anniversary party.”

Ian brought up that day. He said he hated talking about it because it brought back memories. Of course, this was just Angelo’s idea.

“Why didn’t you tell me about your plan beforehand?”

“I wanted to handle it myself. I also hoped you wouldn’t have to worry about it.”

“So you didn’t need my help?”

“Why are you talking like that?”

I was flustered by Ian’s self-mocking laugh.

“You’re angry because I didn’t tell you beforehand, aren’t you? I’m sorry. I was worried about you.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

Ian turned his back on me and left the room, as if he didn’t want to hear what I had to say.

After the door closed with a bang, silence fell over the room. Ian was seriously angry at me for not telling him the purpose of the party beforehand. That must be why he hadn’t sent any letters all this time, using the excuse of concentrating on his studies. I felt like I needed to have a conversation with him when he returned to the room. But contrary to my plan, Ian did not return immediately.

“How was life at the Academy?”

“Nothing out of the ordinary.”

I didn’t see Ian again until dinner time. Duke Bellocchio also appeared in the dining room after a long time. I could now guess why he was eating with Ian.

“Is she doing well?”

“Yes.”

“…That’s a relief.”

My guess was right again. He wanted to hear about Ian’s mother, Adria. The sight of him wistfully asking Ian for Adria’s well-being, like an old ex-boyfriend who couldn’t bring himself to visit her directly, was always novel to witness.

“She will soon be in charge of your magic lessons.”

“Starting next year.”

“You know your role is important, I trust.”

Ian nodded.

“It’s fortunate that you are well aware. It’s a chance to make amends for your past mistake.”

“Yes.”

‘Ian made a mistake with his mother?’

When I first came here, his mother, Adria, had already left the Duke’s mansion. That meant Ian had done something wrong before then…

‘No matter how big a mistake a child makes, why would she leave home over it?’

I couldn’t understand her actions. Then, I belatedly remembered one fact. When I first met Ian, his character stat was at rock bottom.

‘…He must have made an enormous mistake.’

Accepting this, I quietly concentrated on my meal. I planned to talk with Ian once he returned to his room after the meal.

***

“He’s not here.”

I muttered, looking at the empty chair. Fried eggs, bread, soup, and salad were prepared in the dining room. However, not only Ian, but even the usual food set for Ian’s seat was missing. Ian must have finished his breakfast before I woke up.

‘That’s a bit disappointing.’

Ian hadn’t returned to the room even after finishing dinner last night. Whether he slept in another room or not, I was alone when I went to bed and when I woke up in the morning. Moreover, he, who always ate meals with me, had finished his before I even woke up.

“I’m not going to let this slide.”

I muttered while aggressively forking my food. I was used to eating alone like this while Ian was at the Academy. So I should be used to dining alone, but… this meal felt very lonely.

I’ll put an end to this conflict today.

I even asked Dario, the person in charge of finance, for a morning off today. All for a long conversation with Ian. As soon as I finished my meal, I headed to the training grounds and finally caught sight of Ian.

“Ian!”

Ian, who was intently swinging his sword, stopped his action and turned his head to look at me. Our eyes definitely met. But despite clearly seeing me wave my hand, Ian immediately turned his back and focused on his training again.

“Seriously.”

I sat on the bench and watched him, arms crossed. But Ian practiced with his back to me the entire time. He must be really, really sulking.

A considerable amount of time passed. Ian’s training lasted longer than usual. It was as if he was telling me not to wait and to go back quickly. Nevertheless, I stubbornly sat on the bench, watching Ian’s back.

If it were the Ian when we were on good terms, he would have come over to talk to me in between or finished his personal training early. But today, he was concentrating only on his training for a very long time.

‘The weather is nice, so I’ll wait just a little longer.’

I endured the boredom and continued to wait. After waiting for quite some time, Ian finished his training, put down his sword, and wiped the sweat from his forehead. Seeing that, I rushed over to Ian and said, “Long time no see. Are you not planning on coming back to our room anymore?”

“I’m busy.”

“No matter how busy you are, you’ll sleep, won’t you?”

“I said I’m busy.”

“Fine, just sleep when you’re dead.”

I pouted as I replied, but still walked alongside Ian, who was heading towards the main building. Fortunately, perhaps because his Temperament stat was quite high, the incident of him abandoning me and walking quickly away didn’t happen this time. I quietly smiled, watching his profile as he matched his pace to mine, who walked slowly.

“Still, sleep in our room. I have something to talk about.”

I said this as soon as we entered the main building after walking silently the whole way. I didn’t want to have a serious conversation with the servants watching.

Ian went up the stairs without acknowledging me. I chose to interpret that as a positive response and headed off myself. To help Dario with the financial work. So, I thought I’d be able to have a deep conversation at night…

“This guy…”

I naturally assumed Ian would sleep in our room this time.

Of course, I had lunch with Dario because of the financial work, but I had dinner with Ian. Even then, I clearly told him I had something to say and we should talk in the room. Although I didn’t get a positive reply.

Ian didn’t come to the room even late at night.

“He must be showering. He’ll be here soon.”

I waited, thinking he would come, even if late, since I told him I wanted to talk, but he never entered the room. I thought about waiting a little longer, and if he didn’t come, I would search the mansion thoroughly and drag him back…

‘Why is it morning?’

I closed and opened my eyes, and the deep darkness was gone, replaced by warm sunlight greeting me. I had dozed off without realizing it.

“Ian!”

I anxiously called his name, but no voice answered. The spot next to me was empty.

“Oh, seriously!”

The moment I punched the bedsheet in frustration, the door suddenly burst open.

‘What the. He finally came.’

The corner of my mouth unconsciously lifted.

“Miss, you’re up early.”

I smiled and looked at the door, but the person who opened it was not Ian, whom I was looking for, but Anna.

“Where’s Ian?”

“Lord Erlian already finished breakfast and went to the training grounds.”

Ian is avoiding me. My fist trembled. I wanted to run to the training grounds right away, but I had to diligently work on the financial duties from the morning. My workload had piled up tremendously because I started late yesterday after watching Ian.

“Just you wait until I run into you.”

I clenched my fist and vowed. I would definitely have a conversation this time.

“Lady Elicia. Aren’t you pushing yourself too hard?”

“I’m fine. I just want to finish the work quickly today.”

“Then I will do my best too.”

Driven by the desire to talk to Ian, I finished work two hours earlier than usual. Normally, I would eat snacks and chat with Dario in between, but not today. I just focused only on work like a workaholic.

After finishing the work and stretching fully, I walked quickly towards the training grounds.

“What the, where is he?”

But the training area was only full of knights practicing, and the person I desperately sought was nowhere to be seen. I forced myself to hide my irritation and grabbed one of the knights to ask.

“Where is Ian?”

“He finished training an hour ago and went to the main building.”

I should have asked the butler or a maid before coming out.

I sighed deeply and walked quickly.

“Lord Erlian strictly instructed us not to reveal his whereabouts.”

As soon as I entered the main building, I grabbed the butler and asked for Ian’s location, but the answer was useless. Being so blatantly avoided only made me more determined. I opened and checked every room on the first floor, excluding the office.

“Little Madam, do you have any orders for me?”

I only saw surprised servants and maids at my sudden appearance; Ian was nowhere to be found.

“Did you happen to see Ian?”

“…No.”

Judging by their reactions, Ian must have told others not to tell anyone where he was, either. Does he think I won’t be able to find him this way?

I strode up to the second floor. I checked our room first, but he wasn’t there, either. I thoroughly checked the remaining rooms, excluding Duke Bellocchio’s, but Ian was not visible.

“Haa… Ian, you’re good at hide-and-seek.”

Finally, I went up to the third floor. After opening and checking the doors one by one.

“That room is…”

Only the room Ian entered on his birthdays was left.

‘Is he in that room today too?’

Knock, knock.

I knocked, but there was no response.

“I’m coming in, okay?”

Still no response. But hadn’t I announced that I was entering? I gripped the doorknob and sighed loudly. I was unconsciously nervous, perhaps because I had never been inside before. I slowly turned the doorknob to open the door, but it didn’t open with a click. The door was locked.

“Ian, are you inside?”

After knocking on the door, I belatedly remembered an item.

‘Use Crescendo Funnel.’

I held the funnel against the door for quite some time, but I couldn’t feel any presence.

‘It seems Ian isn’t here either.’

I trudged down to the first floor and looked for the butler.

“Where is Ian?”

“Well…”

I turned away from him, seeing his troubled smile. I knew he wouldn’t tell me even if I kept pressing him.

The annex housed the rooms of the servants and maids. Therefore, Ian wouldn’t go there.

‘Surely, he didn’t go for a ride, not wanting to associate with me at all?’

Just in case, I headed to the stables, but I had to come back as the coachman said Ian hadn’t been there.

‘Where on earth did he go?’

I don’t know. Seriously, if I can’t meet Ian this time, I won’t associate with him either.

I walked past the garden and headed toward the back of the main building. I had lived here for a year and a half since the wedding, but this was my first time at the back of the main building.

‘The gardener must be very good at his job.’

Not many people would come to the back of the main building, but not a single weed was visible. Small trees were planted in a row along both sides of the dirt path. I was entranced and stepped onto the dirt path.

‘This place is nice.’

It didn’t have fancy, huge fountains or colorful flowers, but it had a charm that brought peace to the mind and eyes just by looking at it. As I walked for a short while.

“I finally found you.”

Ian came into my view at the end of my gaze.

He was lying on a bench, a book covering his face, as if he had fallen asleep. Looking at the title, it was a boring book about the history of the Empire.

As I crossed the boundary of the dirt path, the grass touched the soles of my shoes. I tried to approach silently, but unfortunately, I didn’t have that skill. A rustling sound spread with every step I took.

Perhaps because I was making my presence known with my footsteps. Ian put down the book and slowly opened his eyes. Our eyes met, and he quickly jumped up and turned his back as if to run away.

“Are you going to run away again?”

“…”

He didn’t say anything. But he expressed his affirmation to my question by moving his feet.

“Do you not even want to talk to me anymore?”

I’m really annoyed. I clearly intended to speak calmly, but I felt tears streaming down my cheeks. This is so humiliating. Crying just because Ian avoided me.

Did he notice my watery voice? Ian turned around and looked at me. His eyes soon widened in surprise. I quickly wiped away the tears with the back of my hand, not wanting to show him my crying face.

“You…”

“I’ll let you go. Go.”

I said a line that might appear in a B-movie, turning my head away in embarrassment. However, the rustling sound grew louder, which meant Ian was approaching me. He was hiding so thoroughly when I was looking for him.

“Don’t follow me. I hate you now.”

Crying over something so trivial. And even showing it to someone else. I wanted to run away. So I turned my back and ran.

‘Ian is avoiding me anyway.’

So I thought he wouldn’t follow me as I ran away. I clearly thought so, but…

“Ellie!”

Judging by the sound of his footsteps, he seemed to be running at full speed.

“I said don’t follow me, you idiot!”

Ian didn’t seem to hear my earnest cry, and he ran up to me in the blink of an eye.

“Hah, he ignored me when I asked to talk… Hah, hah.”

Unfortunately, my stamina was trash. I was out of breath after running for just a little while. But Ian looked incredibly calm, as if it was unbelievable that he had run at full speed. That fact made me so angry that I shot him a glare, and Ian’s finger touched my eye area.

“It’s sweat.”

“I see.”

“I mean it’s really sweat.”

“I got it.”

It seemed he noticed that I had been crying. I really hate this. Crying just because Ian was avoiding me, only for that reason.

I wanted to find Ian so much until a moment ago, but now I wanted to be alone. Especially, I didn’t want to be with Ian.

“I won’t bother you anymore, so don’t follow me.”

I turned my back to leave. But the moment I was about to move.

“I’m sorry.”

Ian’s voice came from behind me, and my feet involuntarily stopped as if rooted to the ground.

“You didn’t tell me the secret of the party, and it made me feel like I was useless to you.”

So, it was true that he was avoiding me because I hadn’t told him about the party-related incident beforehand. I certainly understand that. It’s natural to feel hurt. But continuously ignoring my request to talk and avoiding me to explain myself was too much.

“I knew you didn’t have a good relationship with your family, and in that moment, I didn’t know anything about the party’s secret and couldn’t help immediately. I felt self-loathing because I was useless.”

“No, you’re not useless.”

“Even so, I shouldn’t have shown you that I was hurt. I’m truly sorry.”

“I’m sorry too for not telling you beforehand.”

“It’s because I don’t have friends.”

I don’t know why he suddenly started talking about friends after talking about being useful, but the part about friends was a fact. But I shouldn’t openly agree. So I remained silent, showing no reaction.

“To me, you are my only friend, so I hoped you would share everything with me.”

“I’m sorry too for not telling you the secret of the party beforehand. I hoped you wouldn’t have to worry about it. And you do have another friend. Angelo.”

“I’m not that close with him.”

I’ve seen them talking several times, so is he joking? I just decided to interpret it as a period of denial before fully accepting his affection for Angelo.

“You’ll make friends soon. Maybe you’ll even become closer with them than with me.”

I said with a voice full of certainty. Because the female protagonist, Ethel, will enter the Academy next semester. Although at first, there will be a strong period of denial that surpasses even his current denial towards Angelo.

As I was thinking about Ethel, Ian suddenly knelt on one knee like a knight, looked up, and met my gaze. Ian said with sparkling eyes.

“I swear. I will never have anyone closer to me than you, until I die.”

Ian made an impossible vow, unaware of his future.

“No, why such a grand oath…”

“And I’ll try harder to become a useful person to you in the future.”

He then proudly mentioned that he had added more private tutors this break.

“You don’t have to push yourself. And don’t talk about being useful between friends. Get up now.”

I pulled Ian’s wrist, and fortunately, he complied.

“Ian, just promise me this: never avoid me again.”

“I promise. You shouldn’t avoid me either.”

“Okay, I won’t avoid you.”

“You really shouldn’t avoid me. And don’t keep secrets either.”

“I said I got it.”

Ian smiled, looking satisfied. I didn’t have any secrets, but I vowed to myself that even if I did, Ian wouldn’t catch me.

In any case, our strange conflict ended smoothly.

Ian really seemed to want to be a useful person to me, as he added history, literature, and art to his already packed schedule of swordsmanship, etiquette, and magic studies. Duke Bellocchio didn’t show it, but he seemed pleased with Ian’s actions, and assigned famous teachers from the Empire to him.

Because Ian suddenly became so busy, we couldn’t talk much except during meals. He finished his lessons late at night and fell asleep as soon as he entered the room.

“Ian, don’t overdo it.”

“Don’t worry. I even cut back a little on this.”

Ian said, shaking his head resolutely. He was pushing himself this hard just for me… which made me feel even more burdened.

And occasionally, letters came from Angelo and my older sister. My sister, who had become the Marquis Evra, was doing very well and was trying to revive the trading company that was on the verge of ruin because of our father.

「Hello, Elicia. How are you?

 

(~~~~)

 

Doing it myself, I keenly feel how incompetent Father was in managing it.

 

It’s a little hard now, but this will also become a memory.

 

Let’s meet when things settle down. Stay healthy until then.」

And Angelo sent greetings along with an offer to meet. I did consider meeting him after he kept sending offers despite a few rejections, but…

‘Ian is working so hard, I can’t just play around by myself.’

Feeling guilty, I refused. Was that why?

“I missed you, Sia.”

One day, Angelo came directly to the Duke’s mansion. He was holding a bouquet and a paper bag containing financiers.

“What’s going on?”

When I greeted Angelo with a dazed expression, he smiled and handed me the colorful bouquet. The size of the bouquet was enormous and heavy enough to make me mistakenly think today was a special occasion.

“You should have told me you were coming. I’m in the middle of working, so…”

In fact, I wasn’t that busy and was just lounging around, but I deliberately pretended to be busy. I had always replied to Angelo’s offers to meet by saying I was busy. So, even if I wasn’t busy right now, I had to pretend to be.

“I’m sorry for showing up suddenly. I know it’s not proper etiquette, but I came because I missed you.”

Angelo looked downcast, and his eyelashes cast shadows under his eyes.

“I couldn’t help it. The Academy is starting soon. I can’t see you there…”

What is it? Is he complaining because I can’t attend the Academy?

I squinted and looked at him, and he smiled brightly at me.

“It’s the break, so I wanted to see you more often, but you wouldn’t meet me, Sia. So I came to see you. I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable.”

In a way, I understood. Just like Ian, Angelo must also consider me a valuable friend.

‘A brief conversation should be fine.’

I stood up and said,

“Wait for me for a moment.”

Leaving Angelo behind, I left the drawing-room and went back to Dario’s office.

“A guest suddenly arrived. Can I take the rest of the day off?”

I confidently asked for a day off. But it was fine. I wasn’t that busy today, and I was working pro bono from the start anyway.

‘It was a talent donation anyway.’

Of course, thanks to my enthusiastic efforts, Duke Bellocchio increased the sponsorship to Marquis Evra’s family, but I didn’t personally receive anything.

‘Now that my sister is even refusing the sponsorship, there’s no profit to be gained either.’

Perhaps because of this, Dario only assigned me the easy money calculations.

“Of course. Thank you for your hard work today, Little Madam.”

As expected, he easily let me go. I quickly walked back to the drawing-room.

Slam. As I opened the door to the drawing-room, I saw Angelo sitting quietly on the sofa. He was expressionless, looking bored, but when our eyes met, he smiled brightly.

“Sia, I was waiting.”

Why did Angelo’s eyes look so affectionate?

Seeing those eyes made me feel strange, so I lowered my gaze. On the table were fruits, two teacups, and a plate with financiers.

‘Those financiers must be the ones Angelo brought.’

As soon as I sat across from Angelo, I picked up a financier and took a bite. Angelo also tasted the financier, following my lead.

‘They’re delicious even after a long time.’

It was incredibly frustrating that I still didn’t know the name of the store that sold something this delicious. Such a mean guy. No matter how many times I asked, he only smiled and wouldn’t tell me.

“There’s only one week left until the Academy starts. I would have been sad to return without seeing you.”

This meant that in one week, Ian would meet the female protagonist, Ethel.

‘When Ian returns to the Academy…’

At first, he would be wary of her and dislike her, but he would gradually become drawn to her without realizing it. And after that, I wouldn’t even be able to play the role of Ian’s closest friend like I do now.

‘Maybe he’ll be so obsessed with Ethel that he won’t even care about me.’

No. I shook my head.

I had momentarily forgotten, but the current Ian, unlike the original, was steadily heading towards a happy ending. He wouldn’t be as madly obsessed with Ethel as he was in the original. Still, I, as a comrade he only sees during the break, would be put on the back burner. It was a little bitter.

‘It’s getting stuck in my throat…’

The financier, which was appealing for its crispy outside and chewy inside, suddenly felt endlessly dry. It was so dry that it got stuck in my throat, and I couldn’t eat any more, so I put it down. I wondered why I liked this so much.

‘Was the pastry chef having an off day?’

The financier I just ate was so disappointing, even though it was from the same bag. So I drank water in gulps for no reason.

“Sia, I am different.”

“…What do you mean, you’re different?”

Taken aback by the sudden topic, I put down the cup and looked at Angelo.

“No matter what happens, no matter who else appears, you are the most precious to me.”

“Right, thank you.”

He must want to show off his overflowing camaraderie since we met after a long time. I decided to just think of it that way. But someone spoke up, suggesting that it wasn’t okay.

“That statement seems a bit inappropriate.”

“Hello, Erlian. Long time no see.”

“Saying someone else’s wife is the most precious is a little strange.”

Ian said firmly as he sat down. Especially emphasizing the words ‘someone else’s wife.’

“Hurry up and get married so you can cherish your own wife more.”

“Yeah, I will.”

Angelo replied, looking at me. I thought the two of them had become quite close, but judging by the fact that Ian didn’t even look at him when answering, that didn’t seem to be the case.

“Speaking of which, Ian, don’t you have a lesson? How did you come?”

“I canceled my magic lesson, never mind.”

“Suddenly?”

For your information, Duke Bellocchio had hired a magic teacher for Ian whose fee was five times higher than that of a typical magic teacher in the Empire. Duke Bellocchio paid immense attention to Ian’s magic studies, to the extent that this teacher commanded the highest tuition among all of Ian’s tutors.

I suspected that he particularly cared about magic education because his wife, Adria, was a magic professor. To have such a precious magic lesson canceled… surely not…

“The magic teacher must have had a sudden emergency.”

Ian quickly explained as I looked at him with suspicious eyes. Although doubtful, I decided to let it slide this time.

‘A short break like this will be good for Ian too.’

Lately, Ian had been incredibly busy attending various lessons. It had been a long time since we had a proper conversation. I was just happy to have this rare, relaxed time talking with Ian.

“It’s been a while since the three of us talked like this.”

“I know. I’m really happy to be with you, Sia.”

Ian was not included in Angelo’s reply. …Oh no. It seems they really aren’t close.

However, perhaps because I was there between them, Ian didn’t unilaterally pick a fight, and the conversation flowed smoothly.

It was truly a trivial conversation. Angelo also shared my sister’s recent news, having kept in touch with her. Of course, I already knew everything. Ian just sat quietly beside me, listening to Angelo’s stories.

“Two weeks ago, I went to a villa with my family, and the scenery was truly beautiful. So I hope you’ll come visit someday.”

“Okay, I’ll go if I get a chance.”

“Well, we also have many villas with beautiful scenery that I will inherit someday.”

Unlike my vaguely positive response, Ian abruptly boasted about the villas he would inherit someday. Angelo just managed an awkward smile.

While spending time with such unproductive conversation, the sky gradually turned yellow.

“I should go now. It’s sad that I won’t be able to see Sia for a while again.”

“Can’t be helped. You have to attend the Academy, don’t you?”

Although I don’t go. I, the uneducated person in this world, replied leisurely.

“I wish I could graduate quickly.”

“You know you’re only becoming a sophomore now, right?”

“…How am I going to endure until the fifth year?”

Even Angelo, who always looked carefree, must really dislike school. Seeing him whine like this.

“Time will pass somehow, I guess.”

But since it was none of my business, I replied vaguely.

When the two of them graduate from the Academy at the age of nineteen, they will become adults.

‘Then I’ll be leaving this mansion.’

I had promised to divorce Ian once I became an adult.

‘Then, what should I do for a living after the divorce?’

I fell into thought. Of course, I could return to my sister’s house after the divorce. The situation of the Marquisate, which my father had ruined, wasn’t good yet, but it would gradually improve.

‘Since the sponsorship to my house has been cut off anyway, should I ask for pocket money instead?’

Duke Bellocchio seemed quite favorable to me, perhaps liking my efforts. So he would gladly grant my request. Anyway, my sister inherited the family. Then what should I do with my life from now on…

‘Wait. I don’t need to worry about this anyway.’

Come to think of it, I had completely forgotten again. The fact that I was playing a game right now. And that the game would end around the time Ian graduates.

I couldn’t tell if his character stats had gone up or down, and it was so realistic that it felt like reality. With the quests and choice windows appearing infrequently, I often mistook this place for reality and myself for Elicia.

‘I really shouldn’t be doing this.’

I worried that I might get too engrossed in the game and not be able to adjust to reality once the game ended.

“Sia, are you feeling unwell?”

I snapped back to my senses at Angelo’s voice. Ian and Angelo were both looking at me with worried expressions, apparently because my expression wasn’t good.

“No. Just a little tired.”

“Go inside and rest.”

“Okay. Goodbye.”

After Angelo left, Ian went off to his art lesson, and I hurriedly returned to the room. And I quickly wrote in a blank notebook.

Is it because I’ve been playing for too long? I keep forgetting that I’m in a game.

Snap out of it. I’m not Elicia.

This was the first entry I wrote in a diary since starting this game.

***

Time flowed, and Ian’s birthday approached.

“Ian, are you going to that room again?”

I asked, blocking the path of Ian, who was weakly heading up to the third floor after finishing breakfast.

When it was his birthday, the day he should be celebrated the most, Ian would spend his time alone in the end room on the third floor. I didn’t like that sight.

“Play with me today.”

I said, holding onto Ian’s sleeve.

“I’m sorry.”

“We promised not to avoid each other.”

“I’m not avoiding you. Please understand this.”

He gently removed my hand and climbed the stairs.

“Why do you go in there every birthday?”

And I followed him, asking. Ian’s pace quickened, as if telling me not to follow.

“I did something wrong.”

“What was it?”

“…I can’t say.”

“Why, what is it? I won’t think it’s strange. Isn’t it time to tell me now?”

I chattered away next to him, but he no longer answered and headed for the third floor. We soon arrived at the door of the end room on the third floor.

“Then can’t I go in there too?”

Instead of answering, he moved behind me and placed his hands on both my shoulders.

“What? Are you suggesting we go in playing a train game?”

“No, you should rest in your room.”

Then he gently pushed my body toward the opposite side of the end room. As if telling me I absolutely couldn’t enter.

While I was laughing hollowly, Ian quickly opened the door and went inside. It had been locked last time when I came to find Ian who was avoiding me, but today, a servant must have unlocked it beforehand since Ian was going to use it.

I tried to follow him in, but BAM! the door slammed shut the moment I approached it. Because of that, I couldn’t even peek inside.

“Can’t be helped, I guess…”

I had to trudge down to the first floor. Of course, I hadn’t given up. I just retreated for a moment because I had work to do.

After finishing the furious money calculations next to Dario, I ate a hearty lunch and went up to the third floor again.

“Ian, come out!”

I shouted as loudly as I could, matching what I had eaten, but unfortunately, there was no reaction. Last year, I just let him be, thinking he had his own story. Because I naturally thought his mother had passed away.

‘Ian’s mother is perfectly alive. So why is he doing this every time it’s his birthday?’

Moreover, his very healthy mother was active as a professor at the Academy Ian attended. So why on earth does he stay in that room, which supposedly holds memories of his mother, every birthday? And with a face full of guilt? What on earth did he do wrong?

So I vowed.

‘I will definitely get Ian out of the Room of Solitude today.’

If he made a mistake, he should apologize to the person concerned. What good does it do to punish himself by locking himself up like this? Therefore, what I did was,

“Ian, if you don’t come out, I’m going to break down the door. I have an axe in my hand!”

Of course, I wasn’t holding anything in my hands, but I bluffed. I actually did look for an axe. However, the butler, who noticed my intention, wouldn’t hand it over, saying absolutely not. So I had no choice but to threaten him verbally.

“Be careful. Step away from the door! I’m really going to swing the axe!”

Even with me trying so hard to provoke him, the inside remained quiet.

BANG!

I hit the door with my fist, pretending to be hitting it with an axe. But the sound wasn’t as loud as I had hoped, which was a little disappointing.

“Open the door!”

I shouted, banging on the door with both hands like an angry gorilla. Still quiet.

‘What on earth is he doing inside?’

After continuously knocking, only my hand hurt. What on earth would make Ian come out of that lonely room? I briefly thought about it, and an idea suddenly popped into my head. Would this actually work? With half-worry and half-excitement, I slowly opened my mouth.

“No choice then. I’m bored, so I’ll go out to play with Angelo, just the two of us!”

I marched in place to simulate footsteps. And five seconds later.

‘It worked.’

With a click, the lock on the door was released.

“…Where are you going?”

The door opened slightly, and Ian poked his head out.

“I don’t know. Since I’m bored, I’ll just go anywhere.”

“…Come in then.”

“Can’t you come out?”

I asked, keeping one foot inside the room, in case he changed his mind and locked the door again.

“If you don’t want to come in, don’t.”

“No, I’ll come in.”

As I brought my remaining foot inside, Ian closed the door again. I failed to get Ian out of the Room of Solitude, but I was able to enter the room instead. I felt this alone was a significant step forward.

‘I must succeed in getting Ian out of the Room of Solitude next year.’

I slowly moved my head and looked around the interior. A child-sized bed was in one corner of the room, and a brown teddy bear was placed on the bed. On the opposite side, there was a small desk, a chair, and a bookshelf, which was packed with books. Briefly glancing at the titles, they seemed to be fairy tales.

‘He has a lot of toys too.’

I looked at the toy box next to the desk, then lifted my gaze. A portrait occupied that space. A portrait of Duke Bellocchio, Adria, and a much youngErlian.

“How old were you in this?”

“Around six, I think.”

At least until this age, he hadn’t spent his birthdays alone.

“Was this your room?”

“I lived here when I was little.”

“What were you doing here now?”

“Just being here.”

“Just being here doing what?”

“Just.”

Was he saying ‘just’ because he really wasn’t doing anything?

Looking around the room, there was nothing that the current Ian would like. He had no interest in dolls or toys, and the books in this room were far below Ian’s level for reading.

So I changed the question.

“Then what were you thinking about here?”

“That…”

He hesitated for a moment, unable to continue his sentence. His lips opened slightly as if he was about to talk but then closed. I just watched him, not pressing him at all. After a short while, his lips moved again.

“I was thinking about what I did wrong. But I still really don’t know. What I did back then.”

“Surely that means…”

“…”

“You don’t even know your own mistake?”

I laughed in disbelief. Then why has he been enjoying solitude here every birthday?

“Then maybe it’s not your fault?”

“No. It is my fault.”

“Why do you think it’s your fault?”

“Because Mother left this place because of me.”

“Are you sure about that?”

I couldn’t help but doubt it. The Adria I saw at the Academy didn’t seem to dislike Ian that much.

‘Though she didn’t look affectionate either.’

Honestly, recalling that time, Adria seemed more uncomfortable being with Duke Bellocchio than with Ian.

“Father said Mother left because of me.”

“It could be a misunderstanding.”

“No. Mother came to this room to see me when I turned seven. And then she screamed, saying she was sick of it.”

“There must have been another reason.”

Unlike Ian’s calm voice, mine trembled. It was too cruel to Ian. What on earth did Ian do wrong to be abandoned by his mother on his birthday?

“Actually, Mother didn’t like me much from the start. She usually studied magic or spent time with Father, and hardly ever came to see me.”

He sighed and continued speaking.

“I have to look good to Mother to atone for my sin. That’s why I tried to maintain the top student position. Because Father told me so.”

So that was it. The reason Duke Bellocchio forced perfection on Ian. And the reason why Ian in the original was so uniquely obsessed with being the top student at the Academy, to the point of being wary of the female protagonist.

“Honestly, this time I failed to maintain the top student position and caused trouble, so I thought I would be scolded. But fortunately, I wasn’t.”

“Everyone makes mistakes.”

“No, it’s thanks to you for handling it well. I’m grateful for that.”

Ian was completely mistaken. Ian didn’t avoid being scolded because I desperately intervened. Duke Bellocchio seemed excited, not angry, at the news of Ian causing trouble.

At first, I thought I had misread the situation. But seeing him face Adria at the Academy, I was certain. Duke Bellocchio still loved her. And he was so happy to reunite that he didn’t even have time to be angry at Ian.

“It seemed to me that she was more uncomfortable being with Father than with you.”

“Mother did love Father. Even when I was little, she was always with Father more than with me.”

“Have you talked to your mother at the Academy?”

“No.”

“Then talk to her this time. Ask her what exactly you did wrong. And then you can apologize for it.”

“I don’t know.”

Seeing him hang his head, looking dejected, made my heart heavy.

“Ian, what’s the problem? It’s much better to apologize directly than to reflect like this without even knowing the mistake.”

“…Is that so.”

“And you probably didn’t do anything that terribly wrong, right? It was probably just a misunderstanding.”

“How do you know that?”

“Honestly, when I first saw you, I thought your personality was awful.”

“Awful…”

Ian must have really been unaware of his own personality. Judging by his shocked mutter. How could he not know? That’s more shocking. I hastily added a compliment.

“But you weren’t so hopeless that I’d want to abandon you and leave. I thought you were quite decent.”

But it didn’t seem to be comforting at all. His expression was still blank.

“So, stop just worrying here and try to talk to her when you return to the Academy tomorrow.”

“Well… if there’s a chance to talk.”

Fortunately, my persuasion seemed to have worked. Ian’s expression, which was usually immersed in gloom every birthday, had lightened up.

“Then promise me you won’t come here anymore.”

I just didn’t like it. The sight of Ian spending his birthday, the day he should be celebrated the most, alone and gloomy in a room.

“That…”

“If you stay in here in the future, I’ll go out and play with my other friends.”

“I got it.”

Ian seemed unable to bear the thought of me living an outgoing life alone, and agreed immediately after I finished speaking. As I was quietly smiling at that sight.

“Then you promise too.”

Ian stared at me and proposed an unknown promise.

“What promise?”

“That you won’t leave me like Mother did.”

“Okay.”

I won’t abandon Ian. I just plan to divorce him as promised when he becomes an adult.

‘Ian won’t be interested in me once he meets Ethel anyway.’

Unlike Ian, who smiled as if relieved, I couldn’t smile comfortably.

“Shall we go out now?”

I stood up and held out my hand, but he just stared at my hand without taking it.

‘Is leaving still too much?’

Still, if he apologizes to his mother and finds out the reason, he might be able to leave next year. Let’s be satisfied with having managed to squeeze into Ian’s private space this year.

The moment I was about to lower my hand with a bitter smile.

“Okay.”

From his palm to the back of his hand. Ian’s warm touch gradually enveloped my hand.

‘Come to think of it, this is the first time I’ve held Ian’s hand, except when dancing.’

But as soon as Ian stood up, the warmth in my hand quickly disappeared. Ian walked ahead to leave the room. I stared at the hand I had held with Ian for a moment, then followed him out.

His feet were now completely out of the Room of Solitude. When we had passed the corridor and stepped onto the stairs, I asked Ian.

“What should we do now?”

“Come to think of it, I promised to be a useful person to you. I shouldn’t be lazy even if it’s my birthday.”

Ian brought up the topic of being useful, which he had completely forgotten about.

“No, I never agreed to such a promise. You’re not a useless person just because you don’t work that hard.”

“No. I shouldn’t be complacent.”

Today was his birthday, and he had to leave for the Academy tomorrow, so all his lessons had finished yesterday. Because of that, Ian went to his swordsmanship training alone and worked hard after a late lunch. To the point where I, who followed him to cheer him on, got sick of it.

***

The next day, the day Ian was due to return to the Academy, arrived.

“Ian, don’t forget the advice I gave you yesterday.”

He nodded at my words. Seeing his resolute expression, I felt certain that he would be able to resolve the misunderstanding with his mother and get along well this time.

“Go carefully.”

“I will. I’ll write to you.”

“And try to make some friends this time.”

“…”

As expected of a voluntary outcast, Ian pretended not to hear me. At the same time, his pupils, which had been fixed on me, shifted to the side.

“I hope you make a female friend this time.”

“Why should I?”

“It’s just my wish. If possible, I hope she’s a friend with excellent grades.”

“My grades are excellent too.”

That was true. Although he failed to maintain the top rank last semester due to demerit points, he still maintained a high rank thanks to his high grades.

“And I hope your new friend’s hair is pink. Pink is pretty.”

Ian quietly fiddled with his bangs, then fixed his gaze on me and opened his mouth.

“Be confident. Silver hair is pretty too.”

“I know that.”

“…”

Perhaps because I showed too much confidence? Ian chuckled as if dumbfounded.

“Anyway, go carefully. And send me a letter.”

Ian nodded and got into the carriage. He would soon meet Ethel, his destined partner. This was the start of the main story.

A month passed after Erlian returned to the Academy.

“Don’t forget, seriously.”

I still occasionally forgot that this place was a game. So, I checked my diary every morning if possible. It still had only the first entry written in it. I just checked the first entry where I wrote that I was in a game. Only then did I remember that I was playing a game.

When I didn’t check the diary, there were times when I completely forgot I was in a game and just went about my day. Apart from that, one unremarkable day after another passed.

「Hello.

 

(~~~~)

 

I finally got a chance to talk to my mother.

 

When I apologized, she told me that I didn’t have to feel sorry.

 

But she didn’t mention why she left home.

 

Still, my mind feels much lighter. It was good that I listened to you after all. Thank you.」

As I expected, it seemed to be a misunderstanding, not Ian’s fault. Although I still didn’t know why she left the Duke’s mansion.

‘Now, from next year’s birthday, Ian won’t have to sink into gloom and solitude.’

Since the issue related to his mother was mostly resolved, there was only one thing left to worry about: the meeting between Ian and Ethel. But there was a problem.

“I’m curious… I want to see it too.”

What’s the use of Ethel appearing? I don’t know anything.

I don’t know if Ian has encountered Ethel, or how they are getting along. Why did I fail to get into the Academy?

‘This is all because of Lala.’

If I hadn’t failed the quest, I would have been able to attend the Academy with Ian.

I sighed heavily in frustration. Of course, I did ask Ian in a letter. If he had made any new friends, or if there was anyone he was paying attention to. However.

「There’s no one like that. And there won’t be in the future.

 

My only interests at the Academy are the top student rank and graduation.」

Ian was so utterly uninterested in the people around him. I only learned through Angelo’s letter that Ethel was admitted as the top student and, due to her exceptional ability, had entered the same class as Ian, the second year, not the first year. This aspect was the same as in the original story.

‘Ian isn’t jealous of Ethel.’

However, the problem was that Ian, who should be conscious of Ethel for taking the top rank, was completely uninterested. It was because he already knew that this semester’s top rank was out of reach due to the demerit points he received last semester.

“The situation seems to be going in a strange direction…”

Even so, I don’t regret it. After all, the current Ian seems happier than the one in the original story.

It’s just a little late. If Ethel maintains the top rank next semester as well, Ian will become conscious of her. Ian and Ethel were destined. It was the natural order of things for the two to get together.

“I just have to wait a little longer.”

As time passes, even without my intervention, the two will naturally become conscious of each other and fall in love. When that happens, I will be out of sight. For now, I decided to quietly wait for the development of the two. Until the break arrives.