Chapter 8

[Will you attend the Founding Festival? (Attending will give you memories)]

 

▷ Yes

 

▷ No

It had been a while since Lala last made a suggestion.

‘Already the season for the Founding Festival again, huh.’

I remembered how frustrated I was at the dance party and the hunting competition last year when I couldn’t win first place. Normally, I would have declined right away—too busy, too much trouble. But maybe because it had been a while since I’d seen a choice window, I felt oddly pleased and pressed ‘Yes.’ This time, since it wasn’t a quest, I didn’t need to obsess over winning first place. I could just go and enjoy myself. With that thought in mind—

Time passed, and at last, the first event of the Founding Festival arrived: the dance party.

It had been a while since I entered the palace. Pretending to listen to the Emperor’s welcoming words, I let my eyes wander around the hall.

“Extravagant. Really extravagant.”

I muttered as I admired the noble ladies’ dresses. Last year, big ribbons were in vogue. This year, the trend was overflowing frills. As if prearranged, everyone’s skirts were smothered in them, almost to the point of excess.

‘Which is why I avoided it.’

I never liked blindly following a trend just because everyone else did. So I had kept the frills on my skirt to a minimum. Anna had been disappointed, but it wasn’t my taste.

‘My dress looks just right.’

Pleased with myself, I brushed my hair back. The pale lavender frills on my sleeves fluttered lightly. Trends in dresses might change, but the palace remained the same. Once again, an overwhelming spread of sweets and fruits was laid out, and—

‘Still here, I see.’

The gilded moldings and columns that had caught my eye last year were unchanged.

While I was lost in admiration, the Emperor’s greeting ended, and music filled the air. Finally, it was time to dance. As promised, I took Ian’s hand and stepped onto the floor.

“Ugh, can you do this properly?”

“Maybe you’re the problem, not me?”

Since neither of us was aiming to be ‘Best Couple,’ we spent more energy bickering than dancing. Still, with all eyes on us, our bodies moved smoothly, almost mechanically, through the motions.

“Last year you were desperate to win Best Couple for the kids’ division.”

“Yeah, well. As if I could ever be Best Couple with you.”

“So what, you planning to win it with some other guy?”

Ian’s brows twitched in irritation. Now, if a married woman like me really did win Best Couple with another man, that would be a scandal. Obviously, I had no such intention.

“Are you crazy? As if I’d—”

I didn’t get to finish. Another couple, dancing too enthusiastically, bumped into me, shoving me forward. I lost my balance and ended up falling against Ian.

“Sorry.”

“If you’ve got a problem, use your words.”

“I really am sorry. Someone pushed me.”

I shuffled back a few steps and checked Ian’s face. Thankfully, he didn’t seem upset—his lips were still faintly curved upward. I straightened, ready to continue, but the music ended with a round of applause.

“Looks like we won’t be Best Couple again this year.”

“Didn’t expect to be anyway.”

Without a quest, I found the dance party much more enjoyable.

Soon another tune began, and the hall split between those who danced and those who chatted. Having danced once, I felt that was enough. I turned toward the refreshment tables, ready to abandon the floor, when—

“Sia, would you grant me the honor of a dance?”

Angelo appeared in front of me, offering his hand with a shy smile.

The first dance was with my husband, Ian, as tradition demanded. But afterward, I was free to dance with whomever I pleased. And this wasn’t just anyone—it was Angelo, both Ian’s and my close friend.

‘Ian won’t mind, right?’ I thought, glancing over.

“You…”

Contrary to my expectation, Ian’s expression was sour.

‘Why?’

At last year’s hunting competition, Ian had looked annoyed when he saw me chatting with Angelo. But over time, since the three of us often spent time together, his hostility had faded. Yet the way he was glaring at Angelo now was reminiscent of that hunting day.

“Don’t tell me…”

I whispered in his ear.

“You don’t want me dancing with anyone else? You like me that much, don’t you?”

“Are you insane?”

Ian looked as if he’d had enough of me. I snickered. With a sigh, he glanced between me and Angelo, then trudged toward the wall—almost as if giving us permission.

‘He really needs more friends…’

He’d spent a whole semester at the academy without making any. Maybe that’s why he was sulking over me dancing with Angelo.

Lost in thought, I suddenly felt Angelo’s hand tug mine closer. Our distance shrank. Calmly, I placed a hand on his shoulder and let the music guide me. Seeing his face this close—for the first time, every detail down to his eyelashes—I noticed the gentle smile aimed squarely at me.

‘What’s Ian doing?’

I offered Angelo a polite smile, then shifted my gaze to find Ian. He was leaning against the wall, watching us with open boredom. Typical Ian. When I grinned at him, he smirked back. And so, even as I danced with Angelo, my eyes stayed mostly on Ian.

“It’s been a while since we danced together, hasn’t it?” Angelo’s voice came close.

“Yeah, I guess.”

For me, it was the first time, but for him, it had been years. I nodded.

“Remember? Three years ago?”

“…What did I do this time?”

Every time Angelo reminisced, I braced myself. By his account, the original Elicia had treated him terribly. How he hadn’t cut ties with her was beyond me.

“That was when we finally danced without any mistakes. You even praised me.”

Relief washed over me. At least back then, she’d been decent.

“And then you said if I messed up again, you wouldn’t forgive me.”

“Sorry. People make mistakes sometimes…”

“No, no. Because of your words, I practiced harder.”

His eyes shone with gratitude, filling me with guilt.

“I don’t think it was really encouragement…”

“Back then, whenever I was with you, I got so nervous I messed up all the time.”

Was it really nerves—or fear of her temper? I didn’t dare ask. I just resolved that I, at least, would treat Angelo kindly in her place.

While he recalled the past, the song ended. I started to pull back politely, but Angelo held onto my hand.

“I didn’t mess up even once this time.”

“Yeah, you were great.”

“So how about just one more dance?”

“…Do we really have to?”

Honestly, I didn’t feel like it. His nostalgic stories sometimes made me uncomfortable.

“Not really, but…”

“Then that settles it.”

Ian, who had suddenly appeared beside me, cut in before I could refuse.

“Seriously? Not even one more?” Angelo asked, eyes sparkling. Maybe he thought I’d soften if he looked at me like that.

“My feet hurt.”

I cared more about resting than another round of dancing.

“Oh. Sorry. I didn’t mean to bother you.”

Angelo’s shoulders slumped as he let go of my hand. And though I wasn’t like the real Elicia, who had no qualms about cruelty, guilt pricked me at the sight of his dejected expression.

“How about the three of us get a drink instead?”

“Great idea!”

Angelo beamed, and Ian nodded in agreement.

It was the perfect solution. Until the dance party ended, both Ian and Angelo looked relaxed. Even better, since I stuck close to the two of them, my father and sister—who also attended—limited themselves to polite greetings and skipped the usual nagging.

Just as Lala had promised, I made a happy memory that night.

***

Two weeks had passed since Ian’s vacation began.

A week later, the day of the Hunting Competition arrived.

Ian, who had looked so relaxed throughout the dance party, seemed quite nervous today. Not only did he sigh heavily from the start, but he was also quieter than usual. Was it because he wanted to beat his cousin, Liam, again? After handing a personally embroidered handkerchief to Duke Bellocchio, I approached Ian.

“Treat it carefully.”

I pinned the brooch I had prepared beforehand onto his left lapel. Then I gave him the handkerchief, which I had painstakingly embroidered with the Bellocchio family crest.

“I put an enormous amount of effort into making it.”

“Thank you.”

It was really all thanks to my sewing skill, but I wanted to make a fuss about it just once. However, after tucking the handkerchief into his inner pocket, Ian hesitated, not leaving my side as if he was missing something.

“What?”

“That’s not here this time.”

“What?”

“That black thing.”

The black thing? What could that be? After a moment’s thought, something belatedly clicked, and the corners of my mouth involuntarily started to curve up.

“Ah, that cheering tool? I didn’t make one this time. Should I make one again next year?”

“No, absolutely not. Don’t ever make it again.”

He refused sharply and headed toward the area where the hunting competition participants were gathered. I sat down and scanned the participants with my eyes.

‘As expected, he came too.’

Liam was participating again this year. He must have sharpened his resolve to beat Ian this time as well.

But his behavior was different from last year. Last year, he seemed to be glaring at Ian even before the competition started, but this time, he merely glanced at Ian, whispered something to the man next to him, and giggled.

‘Something feels off…’

It felt suspicious to simply attribute it to sharing a fun story with a friend. Just as I was glaring at Liam,

Bang-

A gunshot was heard, and the hunting competition began.

‘I hope nothing goes wrong.’

I waved my hand as Ian briefly looked my way before heading into the hunting grounds. As I stared intently at Ian’s retreating back, Angelo sat down next to me and greeted me.

“Hello.”

“Hi. Aren’t you hunting?”

“I prefer talking to you over hunting.”

It seemed Angelo wouldn’t be participating in the hunting competition this year either, just like last year. He simply sat beside me, and we chatted comfortably. Even though we had only met a week ago at the dance party, he asked about my well-being as if genuinely happy to see me.

‘By the way, this is surprising.’

Perhaps it was because Ian and Angelo had become quite close over the past year. Even though Angelo remained right next to me, Ian didn’t come back to our table. Last year, he had been so wary.

“I think the Founding Festival is a genuinely good event. Thanks to it, I get to meet Sia again.”

“Yeah, I guess so. It’s not bad.”

Honestly, I didn’t have any strong feelings about the Founding Festival, so I gave a vague, uninspired answer.

“Are you going to the night market next week, too?”

“No. I can’t go there.”

“Why?”

“Just… I have my reasons.”

Since I almost got lost at the night market last year, Ian had thrown a fit, insisting he would never go this year, so I had given up on it.

I looked sadly at Angelo, whose lips were turned down in disappointment. Upon reflection, he didn’t seem to have many friends either. That might be why he was so devoted to our friendship. Feeling sorry for him, I patted Angelo’s back, and from behind, I heard a woman’s voice say, “Ah…” in a tone of distress.

‘Don’t tell me she’s misunderstanding this, thinking I’m having an affair with Angelo behind Ian’s back?’

I was startled and turned my head toward the source of the sound.

“I was wondering if I should say hello since you have company. Long time no see. How have you been?”

The owner of the voice was Celine, Liam’s cousin. What a relief. At least I wasn’t being suspected of adultery by other nobles.

“It really has been a long time. Next to me is my childhood friend, Angelo Leglorie. Please, sit here.”

I happily greeted her, patting an empty chair, but she just offered a small, awkward smile, looking troubled.

“No, thank you. I’m not feeling well, so I just came to say a quick hello. I couldn’t even attend the dance party last week.”

I looked at her face again. She truly looked unwell, her complexion was pale. She looked exhausted, forcing a smile, and come to think of it, her voice was lower than usual.

“Oh dear, what’s wrong? Have you seen a doctor?”

“Thank you for your concern. I’m being treated by the doctor who resides at the mansion. It seems like a lingering flu.”

“This isn’t the time to be greeting people here. You should rush home and rest! Angelo, don’t you agree?”

“Yes. Sia, you’re right.”

Angelo nodded in agreement.

“It was nice seeing you again after a long time. Well, I’ll be going then.”

Celine covered her mouth, coughed, and left.

“Sigh, she really looked pale. I hope she gets better soon.”

“Are you close with that lady?”

“Somewhat?”

“You have a friend I don’t know about.”

Seeing Angelo’s disappointment, I was convinced. He has no friends other than me.

‘Ian and Angelo seem like they would get along really well…’

I became certain when I saw him looking sad that his only friend was making another friend.

“Angelo.”

When I grabbed both of his shoulders and called his name, he widened his eyes in surprise.

“If you live a little longer, you’ll make many other friends besides me.”

“Huh? …I’m not interested in other friends.”

“Come on, you’ll change your mind once you attend the academy. If you look closely, you and Ian are quite similar.”

“I’m similar to him?”

Perhaps because their first meeting wasn’t great, Angelo’s expression instantly became serious, as if he had heard something insulting. Just then,

“Are you harassing Angelo again?”

The owner of the unwelcome voice—my father—approached our table, looking very disdainful of me.

“I’m not harassing him.”

“Who would believe that!”

Come to think of it, it was understandable. I was gripping both of Angelo’s shoulders, and Angelo’s expression wasn’t exactly bright. I smiled awkwardly and lowered my hands from Angelo’s shoulders.

“That’s right, Marquis. Sia wasn’t harassing me.”

“See? Angelo says so too! Anyway, aren’t you participating in the hunting competition?”

My father’s expression, which had softened slightly after being cleared of the suspicion of abusing Angelo, hardened again.

“You know I don’t participate in the hunting competition, don’t you? Are you asking on purpose?”

Had something bad happened? As I didn’t know anything about it, I glanced sideways at Angelo, who smiled awkwardly.

“Sia, have you forgotten already? The Marquis hasn’t participated since he was bitten on the leg by a magical beast during the hunting competition a long time ago.”

“Ah, right. That happened.”

I nodded, pretending to know. How kind of Angelo to tell me right away, as I was curious.

“Ahem. It was a very threatening magical beast. Anyway, you seem to be doing well, judging by the increased sponsorship from the Bellocchio family.”

“Oh, really?”

Since he quickly diverted the conversation to the sponsorship, it must not have been a very threatening magical beast.

“From now on, you should also…”

“Oh? Ian is coming again.”

“Alright, see you later.”

My father ran away at my words. It was probably because Ian had shown signs of being displeased with him at last year’s hunting competition.

Feeling much more relaxed after my father disappeared, I leaned back in my chair and stretched.

“I don’t think Erlian is coming.”

“I lied.”

It seemed not only my father but Angelo also believed my lie, judging by him staring at the hunting grounds and asking. Angelo chuckled loudly at my nonchalant lie. Was that really so funny?

“Why are you laughing so much?”

“Just. Because it’s so you, Sia.”

I suspect that was an insult. Anyway, when is this hunting competition going to end? I was starting to feel bored and was desperately trying to suppress a yawn. Just then.

“Who’s coming?”

A man was running out of the hunting grounds.

“What’s going on?”

The man, who had hurried over, was talking to one of the hunting competition officials with a serious expression. The two continued their conversation with solemn faces. And then,

Bang!

The official shot a gun into the air, and with a loud boom, red and yellow sparks burst like fireworks. The hunting competition was abruptly ended.

***

 

“I was quietly hunting. But!”

He, whose wounded left arm was being given first aid, scowled and continued.

“Erlian came up behind me and stabbed me!”

The one claiming to be the victim was Liam, Ian’s cousin. He fixed a gaze full of fury on Ian as he insisted on the pain and injustice of his injured arm.

The young man standing next to Liam also supported Liam’s claim, asserting he had witnessed the scene. This was the same guy who was chatting and laughing with Liam right before the hunting competition started.

“Erlian, is this true?”

Duke Bellocchio, who had been silently listening to Liam’s claims, asked.

“…”

No words of denial or affirmation came from Ian’s mouth. I knew.

‘This is a frame-up.’

Ian would never do such a thing.

However, since not only Liam but also Liam’s friend, the sole witness, were giving false testimony, there was no way to prove Ian’s innocence. That’s probably why Ian remained silent. No one would believe him even if he denied it.

In the original game, <Girl in the Cage>, Ian did not participate in the hunting competition.

According to the game’s description, he was framed at the hunting competition when he was fourteen and was never able to clear the misunderstanding. That’s why the furious Duke Bellocchio supposedly placed a ban on Ian from participating in the hunting competition.

‘So, this is how the events unfolded.’

As Ian maintained his silence, Duke Bellocchio spoke in a stern voice.

“Erlian, the hunting competition is only for hunting animals or magical beasts. But to harm your cousin…”

“Father, Ian didn’t do it!”

Hoping he wouldn’t be framed this time, I shouted.

“You weren’t even in the hunting zone, so how do you know?”

Was it because I intervened again after the impromptu sword duel? Liam shouted at me with annoyance. His sickly voice from earlier was gone, and he spoke very loudly. And what’s with him using informal language with me?

“Because Ian wouldn’t do that!”

So, I replied informally too.

“But Erlian didn’t deny it when our uncle, Duke Bellocchio, asked if it was true.”

“He didn’t affirm it either, did he?”

When I shrugged and smiled, Liam’s lips pressed into a thin line, as if he were getting infuriated.

“Yes, I understand. He’s your husband, so you must hope he didn’t do such a terrible thing.”

I glanced sideways at Duke Bellocchio. Unfortunately, he also didn’t seem to believe Erlian. He probably thought Erlian was capable of such an action because his character wasn’t very good, much like his own.

“Ian really didn’t do it!”

“Why do you think so?”

“Father, imagine this: you’re faced with a bothersome person who keeps provoking you with swordsmanship. If you were to stab him, where would you stab him?”

“Why are you asking such a question?”

“I would stab the right arm he uses to hold his sword. To prevent him from ever holding a sword again. Or I could stab him in the heart so he could never get up.”

Confusion clouded Duke Bellocchio’s eyes. It must be because those were cruel words for a fourteen-year-old to say.

“It’s possible since the attack was from behind. But stabbing the left arm, which isn’t used for the sword? That makes no sense.”

“…”

“Ian would think the same thing. Right?”

Ian quietly answered yes to my question, and Duke Bellocchio also slightly nodded in agreement. He must have found my logic plausible.

“But why was that guy stabbed in the left arm? The reason is simple: even while staging a self-injury, he didn’t want his precious right arm to be wounded.”

“That’s just your opinion!”

Liam, his neck flushing red, seemed to realize the situation was turning against him and screamed as if venting his rage. However, perhaps because there was still an injured person, no one else seemed to believe my strong assertions.

“Did Ian really attack him? If it’s not true, both of you can take responsibility, right?”

I asked, looking alternately at Liam and the witness supporting him.

“Of course!”

“U-um, of course!”

Seeing the witness stammer, I became even more certain. They were putting on a coordinated lie.

‘Hahaha… You guys are in big trouble.’

I smirked and looked at Liam and the witness, but they didn’t seem to notice yet and were playing the victim, wearing pitiful expressions.

“Actually, I was worried something might happen to Ian, so I prepared something. You know the jewel on the brooch on Ian’s chest? That’s actually a Video Stone.”

“What?”

I was simply curious. What incident exactly led to Ian being framed and banned from the hunting competition? Since this world had such a great thing as a Video Stone, I attached one as a pretend gift. Because an incident was bound to happen at this year’s hunting competition.

It paid off that I installed it. Liam had conveniently fallen into my trap.

“Right before the hunting competition started, Ian’s brooch was a pale purple, wasn’t it? But look!”

Everyone’s gaze was drawn to Ian’s left lapel.

“Now it’s black, right? That means the entire situation up until now has been recorded properly!”

A Video Stone could only record for a limited time. Moreover, after a Video Stone has done its job, its color gradually turns black, regardless of what color it was initially. The fact that the Video Stone was black now meant it had been working well and that Liam’s provocation was successfully recorded.

“Then we should check the situation through the Video Stone.”

No emotion could be read on Duke Bellocchio’s face. However, a slight, subtle upward curve of his lips told me he approved of the current atmosphere.

“Why the hell did you install such a thing?”

Perhaps because the tables had turned, Liam couldn’t hide his anxiety and vented it as irritation.

“Why I installed it, well, sniffle…”

I quickly pretended to cry, covering my face with both hands, and continued.

“Last year at the hunting competition, that jerk—no, that person—tried to ambush Ian. If I hadn’t stopped him then, Ian would have been seriously hurt. I was worried that something like that might happen again this time…”

It was true, wasn’t it? After the hunting competition last year, Liam, furious that he had lost to Ian, tried to attack him from behind. Although he didn’t manage to land a proper attack.

“May I check the Video Stone, please?”

A man who appeared to be an official of the hunting competition asked Ian, and he quietly removed the brooch and handed it over. As the man who received the brooch muttered an incantation, a video unfolded before their eyes.

The video was only from Ian’s point of view. It began with my face attaching the brooch to Ian’s left lapel.

Geez, is my face coming out too big? Feeling awkward, I cleared my throat. Soon, small magical beasts were seen falling to the ground from Ian’s sword swings. As the hunting continued for a while,

– You were here.

Liam appeared. He was smiling maliciously, the left corner of his mouth pulled up, and the witness stood beside him.

– Now you’ll never be able to show your face at the hunting competition again.

Liam nodded toward the witness, and the witness went behind Liam. And then, the witness cut Liam’s left arm with a sword. The witness’s sword passed so quickly, barely grazing Liam’s left arm, as if he had no intention of causing a serious wound.

Liam’s scream, full of pain, was heard along with Ian’s incredulous scoff.

“I think that’s enough.”

The video ended at Duke Bellocchio’s words. Despite the many nobles observing the scene, it was silent, as if water had been poured over them. Everyone seemed to be waiting for Duke Bellocchio’s next words. But he remained silent, and only the sound of the grass rustling in the wind tickled our ears.

“T-that…”

Fearing the silence, Liam and the witness sobbed and stammered, and,

 “Why on earth did you do that!”

Count Liveri, Liam’s father, shouted.

‘Wow, what hypocrisy.’

He must have been the one forcing his son, Liam, at home to absolutely defeat Ian this time as well. The witness was crying, his face terrified, as his parents smacked his back.

“I will not overlook this matter. I will send a letter regarding the compensation for damages soon.”

Duke Bellocchio told Ian and me to return and turned his back.

I quietly took Ian’s wrist and headed for the carriage. Because of this, I didn’t pay attention to Angelo, who was greeting me.

***

“You truly are clever. It seems I chose a good daughter-in-law.”

“You flatter me.”

Inside the carriage returning to the Duke’s mansion. Duke Bellocchio seemed pleased and spared no praise for me.

“I never expected you to use a brooch with a Video Stone.”

“I just had a feeling Liam would cause some trouble.”

“Well done. So, I’ll ask my clever self something. What would be a good thing to demand from them as compensation for the damages?”

I closed my eyes for a moment to think. I remembered that after Liam’s ambush incident at last year’s hunting competition, Duke Bellocchio had received a special-grade Magic Stone from Count Liveri as compensation.

‘A Magic Stone isn’t enough.’

Ian was the victim, yet only Duke Bellocchio benefited. Ian also had to receive satisfactory compensation. Having reached a conclusion, I opened my eyes and spoke decisively.

“The most important thing is to ensure this never happens again.”

“Indeed.”

“So, Liam’s right arm might be a good idea.”

“…You seem tired. Go ahead and take a nap.”

Was it just me? Duke Bellocchio seemed to be abruptly ending the conversation.

“If that’s too much, then perhaps his wrist…”

“Just sleep now.”

Under Duke Bellocchio’s insistence, I had no choice but to try to sleep.

That night.

“What should we demand from those who framed you at the hunting competition today?”

“You don’t need to worry about it. Father will handle it anyway.”

“You’re the victim. You should demand what you need.”

Frustrated, I abruptly sat up in bed, but Ian remained lying down peacefully. No, maybe it was more resignation than peace.

“What do you want? Let’s demand it from Father boldly. I’ll talk to him with you. You know that if it weren’t for my help today, you would have ended up framed, right?”

“What I want right now is…”

He reached out and took my wrist. What is this? Does he want me? We are minors and just friends, though. My heart suddenly started beating fast.

“For you to sleep quietly. Right now.”

“What?”

At Ian’s words, my rapidly beating heart quickly calmed down. Seriously, what the heck?

“I’m tired.”

Well, he had a point. Ian was exhausted from participating in the hunting competition today. Yes, it’s better to let him sleep first. I gave up on the conversation with Ian and lay back down.

“Good night.”

“Yeah.”

The conversation between us ended with Ian’s reply. A short time passed.

[Would you like to check the Status Window?]

 

▷ Yes

 

▷ No

A window popped up, offering to check his status.

After failing the quest related to the Founding Festival last year, Ian’s main gauges—Temperament and Affinity—could only be checked once a year. A year had passed, and it was time to check Ian’s status.

I muttered ‘Yes’ internally, and Ian’s Status Window, detailing the exact gauges, appeared before my eyes.

[Name: Erlian Bellocchio (Age 14)

 

Temperament: 31

 

Affinity: 45

 

XX: 6

 

Relationship with Ethel: Strangers]

‘Wow!’

I almost shouted out loud in surprise. His Temperament had exceeded 30. Why did his Affinity go up so much? I still couldn’t figure out why XX also went up.

‘I’m doing pretty well, aren’t I?’

He’s only fourteen. But his Temperament is already over 30. At this rate, I’ll be able to fill his Temperament up to 100 before he turns nineteen.

I felt good about the smooth progress of the game. But that was only for a moment.

‘I have to get proper compensation from those jerks.’

It was so infuriating that despite raising him so well, Ian himself received no comfort. Honestly, it wasn’t my business, and I could let it go, but I still wanted to argue for him.

So, the next day, after breakfast, I immediately headed to Duke Bellocchio’s office.

“What is it?”

Perhaps because my visit was unannounced, Duke Bellocchio asked with an irritated voice. I don’t like talking to you either, you know?

Sitting in an empty chair, I jumped straight to the point.

“There was Liam’s stunt yesterday. Have you decided what to receive as compensation for the damages?”

“I don’t need to decide; they will bring what I want on their own. Are you really going to demand Liam’s right arm?”

“That’s not it. Ian is the victim, so shouldn’t the compensation be something for Ian?”

“Leave if you’re going to talk nonsense.”

“It’s not nonsense.”

He looked at me with a detached gaze. I didn’t avoid his eyes and met his gaze directly. After a few seconds, the door opened with a knock.

“Guests have arrived.”

Duke Bellocchio stood up as the butler’s voice came from behind. His gaze remained fixed on me.

“Let’s go and hear what they brought as compensation.”

It seemed Liam and Count Liveri had come to apologize. I followed Duke Bellocchio to the parlor.

 

***

“Elder Brother, I am truly sorry. I suppose Liam is still too young.”

“My incompetent son has caused trouble. I apologize, Your Grace.”

More guests than usual had gathered in the parlor. Count and Countess Liveri and Liam, as well as Jade—the witness who falsely testified that Ian stabbed Liam—and his parents, Count and Countess Bianchi. They all bowed their heads in apology as if they had committed a capital offense—but they apologized to Duke Bellocchio, not to Ian, the victim.

“This will never happen again. As a consequence of my son’s awful crime, he will never participate in the hunting competition again.”

“Isn’t that the Emperor’s command, not your will?”

Duke Bellocchio’s cold gaze fixed on Count Liveri.

‘So that’s why Ian in the original story couldn’t participate in the hunting competition.’

In the original story, Ian probably never cleared his name from the accusation of stabbing Liam. Because the clever me wasn’t by his side. As a result, he was issued a ban from the hunting competition by the Imperial Family. Just like Liam and Jade now.

‘What would have happened without me?’

I almost smiled with a sense of pride, but Count Liveri’s apology brought me back to my senses, and I lowered the corners of my mouth.

“I am truly sorry. There will be no more damage from such incidents now.”

“That may be. Since Liam can no longer enter the hunting competition. But is this an issue that ends with an apology? Erlian’s—no, the Bellocchio family’s honor was almost disgraced.”

Duke Bellocchio was not easy to deal with. Although it seemed he was more angered by the damage the family almost suffered than by a desire to protect his son, Ian.

“Your Grace, please accept this meager gift. It is a token of my sincerity.”

I watched with an indifferent expression as Count Bianchi, with trembling hands, offered a small cloth pouch. A mere cloth pouch as compensation for damages after his son caused such a massive incident! Wasn’t that too shameless?

However, unlike me, who was angry, Duke Bellocchio took the cloth pouch with an interested expression.

“This is surely…”

“Yes. It is a pouch that has been passed down through generations in our family. Though small in size, it can easily hold any object. Many have coveted it over the years, but it is a precious item we have never surrendered.”

“I know. Adria wanted it too. I wonder if I should take this.”

Despite his cautious words, Duke Bellocchio quickly tucked the cloth pouch into his inner pocket. Seeing the subtle upward curve of his lips, I knew he was very pleased.

“It is my sincere offer, so please use it well. However, please spare us the noble’s trial…”

“Understood.”

Only then did Count and Countess Bianchi and Jade let out a sigh of relief.

 “We know that no matter how much we apologize, it’s not easy to heal wounded feelings, Elder Brother.”

It seemed it was Count Liveri’s turn. Duke Bellocchio stared expressionlessly at his younger brother, who was profusely apologizing. Understandably so, since he had come empty-handed.

“I thought an apology was paramount, so I came hurriedly without a gift. The item will likely arrive in two weeks.”

“Do I look like a man who trades with his son?”

“Oh, Elder Brother, perish the thought! This is purely a gesture of my sincerity. Brother, I have finally acquired the Blood Herb. It was in the Eastern Continent. It’s scheduled to arrive in my hands by ship soon.”

What is a Blood Herb? Anyway, it must be something good, judging by Duke Bellocchio’s look of interest as he stared at Count Liveri.

“Are you speaking of the rare herb that is said to save even the dying? Adria also wanted that.”

“That’s right. I’ve finally acquired it. I will give it to you in two weeks.”

“But won’t the herb wither quickly?”

“I will ask a great mage to cast a Preservation Spell on it. If I do that, it can be used for at least ten years.”

Count Liveri quickly explained, as if he was in a hurry.

“I’ve fully grasped your sincerity.”

“Thank you.”

Count Liveri bowed his head so low it seemed he would hit the table. The expressions of those who had come to apologize had brightened. They looked relieved that they wouldn’t have to face a trial despite causing a major incident.

‘I don’t like this.’

I pouted, watching them, and opened my mouth.

“By the way, are you sure you all came to apologize?”

“Yes. Haven’t you been listening until now?”

I scoffed at Count Liveri’s words and countered.

“Then why hasn’t anyone apologized to the actual victim, Ian? Ian is here, too.”

When I raised my left hand to point at Ian next to me, he grabbed my wrist and lowered it beneath the table, as if telling me to stay quiet.

“Liam and Jade are being very quiet.”

“You!”

Perhaps because I, who was two years younger, had called him by his given name, Liam pointed his finger at me and shouted, his pride wounded. However, Count Liveri restrained him, so he lowered his hand and bowed his head again.

“Hurry up and kneel down to apologize to Ian. If you truly came to apologize.”

“I’m sorry. This will never happen again.”

Jade had approached Ian’s side and apologized on his knees. I couldn’t see his expression because his head was deeply bowed, but his pride must have been crushed. Ian neither got angry nor smiled. He was just indifferent, as if looking at the garden trees or the tableware on the table. But perhaps his lack of reaction was more frightening.

“I must have been crazy. To fall for Liam’s suggestion and do such a terrible thing…”

“I-I never suggested it!”

A flustered Liam tried to deny it, but he couldn’t finish his sentence. Jade was frantically hitting his own head, blaming himself. It was a desperate gesture to somehow earn Ian’s forgiveness.

“That’s enough. Get up.”

At Ian’s single word, Jade’s hand, which was heading for his head, stopped. He immediately stood up, bowed, and thanked Ian, his expression visibly brighter.

“Ahem. It seems we have taken up too much of your time.”

Count Liveri cleared his throat, muttered, and looked at Duke Bellocchio.

“Elder Brother, we shall take our leave,”

“Liam hasn’t apologized yet.”

Where did he think he was going to run off to? I cut off Count Liveri and quickly stated my opinion. I don’t know if he was displeased that I cut him off, or annoyed that I was forcing his son to apologize, but Count Liveri glared at me once and told his son.

“Apologize to Erlian at once.”

“Sorry.”

It was an apology that clearly lacked sincerity. He didn’t kneel and his expression was plainly wounded pride. At this, I muttered, but loudly enough for everyone to hear.

“Perhaps we should take Liam’s right arm, as I suggested yesterday.”

“What?”

“Oh, did you hear that? I spoke very quietly.”

Of course, Duke Bellocchio pretended not to hear my suggestion to take Liam’s right arm as compensation then. But it was still true that we had that conversation.

As I looked threateningly at Liam and twitched the corners of my lips as if to speak again, he bowed his head deeply.

“Erlian, I’m sorry. Please forgive me.”

He must have been afraid of losing his right arm. Liam, who apologized in a subdued voice, bit his lip as if his pride was hurt. Of course, he didn’t kneel.

Ian gave no response to Liam’s apology. He just crossed his arms and looked Liam up and down dismissively.

“My apologies, Elder Brother. We’ve taken up too much of your time. We shall return now.”

Perhaps he didn’t want to see his son humiliated any further. Count Liveri stood up, forcing a pleasant smile.

‘Liam hasn’t knelt yet…’

I tried to hold the Liveri family back, pretending not to notice, but Duke Bellocchio nodded and let them leave, so I couldn’t say anything. The Liveri and Bianchi families quickly left the mansion as if fleeing.

“I don’t feel much satisfaction.”

Once everyone had left and I was alone with Ian in the parlor, I stuck out my lips and grumbled.

“In the end, those people came here to apologize to Father, not you.”

All the heartfelt apologies and compensation were only directed at Duke Bellocchio. As a result, Ian only ended up with the wound. I clenched my fists, feeling frustrated.

“I didn’t expect that in the first place. Still, the mere fact that Liam apologized to me must have felt humiliating to him.”

“Why doesn’t Liam give up when he loses to you every time anyway? Is he perhaps harassing you at the academy?”

Up until now, whenever a conflict arose between Ian and Liam, I would brilliantly resolve it and guide it in a way that was advantageous to Ian. But if Liam harasses Ian at the academy where I’m not present… Wouldn’t that be a huge disadvantage for Ian? I was worried.

“Don’t worry. Liam is quiet at the academy because he has an image to maintain. And I’ll win anyway.”

Ian subtly curved his lips. Seeing that, I felt a little relieved. I was determined to treat Ian well, compensating for the harassment from Liam and the indifference from Duke Bellocchio.

And so, a period of calm followed.