Chapter 19

“Mistress, Young Master Erlian has returned!”

“What?” 

Huh? That’s strange. Why is my heart suddenly racing? I was flustered, but I immediately shot up from my seat and walked.

‘Did he really come back? Is this not a joke?’ 

Maybe because I hadn’t encountered Ian yet, it didn’t feel real even as I walked down the corridor and stepped onto the stairs. Yet, my pace quickened. I went downstairs to the entrance. Servants were gathered at the entrance, suggesting Ian had really arrived. Because of them, I couldn’t see Ian’s face. But I could be sure.

‘He really came back.’ 

I could see black hair that was slightly taller than the brown and blonde hair of the servants.

‘Did he get taller?’ 

My heart pounded even faster, uncontrollably. As I took one step after another, the servants parted to either side, and the owner of the black hair became visible. His lips curled up as our eyes met.

“It’s been a while.” 

A pleasant low voice came from between his lips. I stopped, unable to approach Ian, who had opened his arms to me. Because of that, the distance between us didn’t close.

“What’s wrong? You promised me a reward.” 

Ian looked at me strangely and strode toward me, and I instinctively took a step back. But perhaps because of the big difference in our strides, Ian quickly reached me and wrapped his firm arms around my shoulders and waist. I felt a subtle grassy scent, and at the same time, my mind went blank.

‘How can this be a game?’ 

As Ethel said, perhaps I wasn’t playing a game but had transmigrated. That thought suddenly occurred to me. 

‘If I really did transmigrate…’ 

Wouldn’t it be okay to get a little closer to Ian? I thought for a moment, then snapped back to reality.

[Congratulations. You have completed ★Lala’s★ quest {No Letters to Ian}. Would you like to check the reward?]

 

▷ Yes

 

▷ No

Right. I am playing a game. The timing was perfect. To show me the quest clear window just when I was about to be mistaken. However, I just stared blankly at the notification window without being able to answer ‘Yes.’ Perhaps because I showed no reaction.

[Ian’s Temperament increased by 5.]

 

[Ian’s Affinity increased by 5.]

Lala automatically informed me of the reward details. Yes, this is a game. Ian is just a game character. The only problem is that he is handsome, his physique is getting better, and he is excessively real. I must pull myself together. I pushed Ian’s chest region as a signal for him to release his arms, but the arms around my shoulders only loosened slightly and showed no intention of letting go. When I lifted my head to glare at Ian, our eyes met as he was looking down at me.

“I was able to catch it because I did as you instructed. The moment the Red Dragon opened its mouth to breathe fire, I attacked with water, and it froze up, unable to attack anymore. How did you know?”

“I just said that randomly.”

“Still, that’s amazing. Anyway, how could you not send a single letter?”

What should I do? I must be an otaku to the core. Not only is my heart racing just by seeing a game character, but my voice is trembling too. 

‘Sorting out my feelings? Nonsense.’

I was just going through severe denial of my affection.

“Let go.”

“Tell me the reason why you didn’t send a letter.”

“I was busy.”

“But you sent one to Angelo. Saying Father helped Celine.” Damn Angelo. I specifically told him not to let Ian find out. If they shared the content of the letter, weren’t Ian and Angelo best friends?

“So why didn’t you send one to me?”

“I was really busy.”

“You don’t look very busy.”

“I’m busy even now.”

“Liar.”

“It’s true. Father is waiting right now.” 

Fortunately, the lie worked. Ian’s arms slowly loosened, and I was free. I was a little regretful, but it couldn’t be helped. I didn’t want him to find out that my heart was pounding madly.

As I walked toward the dining room, Ian followed me. Duke Bellocchio was sitting at the center of the dining table. As if he had been waiting for us, his gaze, which had been reading documents, turned to us.

“Sit down.” 

At his words, the servants quickly began setting the food on the table. The menu wasn’t lavish due to Ian’s unannounced return, but the main character didn’t seem to mind. He was just looking at me, as if the meal wasn’t important. I couldn’t bring myself to meet his eyes, so I unnecessarily looked at Duke Bellocchio.

“How is Adria?” 

Duke Bellocchio’s pattern had changed. When Ian returned after a long time, they would eat together, and he would ask about Adria when the meal was almost over. This time, perhaps because he was impatient, he immediately got to the point.

“She has no injuries.”

“That’s a relief.”

“I heard you saved Celine.”

“You heard about that too?”

“Mother heard about it too.” Duke Bellocchio flinched slightly. Anyone could tell he was curious about Adria’s reaction.

“She had no particular reaction. The only change is that she read Father’s letter.” 

At Ian’s words, Duke Bellocchio covered his face with both hands. Before he covered it, he seemed to have smiled slightly. It was understandable. Until now, she had returned the letters without even opening them. He probably gained some hope for improving their relationship just from the fact that she had read the letter.

“No wonder the letter wasn’t returned. By the way, was she not hurt? Adria is sensitive to the cold…”

“Mother managed very well with a preservation spell.”

“I see. That’s good. Then continue with your meal.”

“What about you, Father?”

“I’ll eat when I want to.” Duke Bellocchio stood up, as if his business was concluded once the topic of Adria was finished. Without once asking about his son’s health.

‘He’s too indifferent to Ian.’ 

I unnecessarily glared at Duke Bellocchio’s retreating figure.

“I wasn’t going to tell him that Mother read the letter.” 

Ian opened his mouth after Duke Bellocchio left and the door closed.

“But I think I understand why you sent the letter to Angelo. You wanted Mother to take an interest in Father, right?”

“Thank you. But did she really read it?”

“That much is true. She just read it and didn’t reply, just like you.” 

He must have been very hurt that I didn’t send a letter. I had my reasons, though… I deliberately changed the subject.

“You went through a lot of trouble catching the Red Dragon! I thought it would take longer since you said it was good at running away.”

“It ran away even when we encountered it a week ago. I quickly cast a tracking spell on it then.”

“Does that work so easily?” 

In my memory, the Red Dragon wasn’t affected by magic except when it was attacked with water in its mouth. Moreover, if a tracking spell could be cast, wouldn’t ancient mages have caught dragons already?

“Your suggestion to spray water into its mouth when it breathed fire came to mind. But it didn’t breathe fire when we first met. So the water magic didn’t work either. It just drank it.” I listened intently to Ian’s continuing story. He said other mages tried to bind and attack the Red Dragon with magic. But it quickly broke free of the magic and tried to escape.

“In a rush, I cast a tracking spell on its tongue when it slightly opened its mouth, and it worked. That’s when I knew. That its weakness was its mouth.”

“Wow… I just said that randomly, but it really was its weakness.”

“I was able to catch it thanks to you. But Mother’s expression when she heard that I used a tracking spell…” 

Ian trailed off, hesitating to continue. Seeing his face, I felt like he had been scolded rather than praised by his mother.

“It was similar to the look Mother gave me when she looked down at me before leaving home. Though it might just be my imagination.”

“It must be your imagination.” 

Thanks to Ian’s efforts, they were able to defeat the Red Dragon that they hadn’t been able to catch for a long time. Wouldn’t she be proud of her son then? Ian didn’t look hurt, as he wasn’t sure of his own feeling, and thanks to that, we could eat comfortably. Of course, he occasionally expressed disappointment about me not sending letters, but I pretended not to hear him, focusing on the food.

***

“Were you cold, perhaps?”

“A little?” 

Unlike my voice, which was cracked from speaking immediately after waking up, a pleasant voice came from Ian. A week had passed since Ian returned. Something must have happened during the subjugation, because Ian had changed. First, Ian had started to feel the cold.

“The weather is warm these days, though…”

“Is it? I thought it was chilly at dawn.” 

We shared a bed, but we always slept with an appropriate distance, as if there was a wall between us. However, the morning situation changed a little after he returned from the subjugation. We were clearly at a proper distance when we went to sleep, but when I woke up, Ian was right next to me. Of course, he wasn’t holding me; it was just our arms touching. Even so, at first, I was so startled that I rolled off the bed, but now I had adapted and could respond calmly.

And that wasn’t all. His neediness had also increased.

“You’ll come with me when I train, right?”

“…Again?”

“You used to follow me so much before, but you’ve changed. I’m disappointed.” He used to go to his training fine all by himself, but these days he was making a fuss to go together. He claimed that because he had so many classes, we didn’t have time to be close.

‘Since when did you care about such things?’ 

I was also busy with money calculations and attending swordsmanship classes during times that didn’t overlap with Ian’s swordsmanship training.

And what’s more, during the remaining time, I was busy going to Duke Bellocchio’s office to protest that I wouldn’t attend swordsmanship classes.

“You also used to go to the training ground fine by yourself before.”

“Because I went around too well on my own, you still seem closer with Angelo.”

…He must have been really hurt that I sent one letter to Angelo.

“I couldn’t help that. I needed to inform your mother of your father’s heroic act, and I thought it would be more effective if a third party, not a family member, told her.”

“So Angelo is just a stranger, is he?”

“Of course he is.” 

Ian’s lips slowly curved into a smile. Guilty. Anyone seeing that smile would mistake Ian for liking them. I deliberately looked away from Ian’s face, stretched casually, and then confirmed a fact that came to mind belatedly.

“Angelo is coming today.”

“Why?”

“Just to see my face after a long time, I guess. We haven’t met since the subjugation.” 

To be honest, I thought Angelo would come to the Duchy as soon as the subjugation was over. However, the Marquis and his wife would never leave their son alone after he had suffered for several months. They dragged him along and left for a recuperation trip. Angelo sent a letter full of complaints, lamenting how suffocating his overprotective parents were because he had been slightly sickly as a child. And now, a week later, he was coming to the Duchy as soon as he returned to the capital.

‘So are Ian and Angelo friends or not? It’s still confusing.’ 

From the looks of it, Ian didn’t know Angelo was coming. Moreover, his expression hardened at the news, as if he was displeased.

“Lighten up. Miss Ethel is also coming. It’s nice to meet everyone together after a long time, isn’t it?” 

Still, Ian didn’t smile. Because of that, I became overly self-conscious. It felt as if Ian was jealous. I deliberately ignored his expression and headed to the dining room.

‘It’s good that Angelo and Ethel are coming.’ 

I wouldn’t have to meet the swordsmanship instructor, using the excuse of entertaining guests.

After finishing breakfast and doing the money calculations, I started to get hungry. That meant it was lunchtime, and it was time for Angelo and Ethel to arrive. The moment I stretched widely and came out of the financial manager, Dario’s office, I ran into the butler.

“Mistress. Guests have arrived.” 

I redirected my steps from the entrance to the drawing room.

“It’s been a while, Sia!” 

As soon as I entered the drawing room, I saw Angelo, who greeted me cheerfully, and Ethel, who gave me a calm nod next to him. And Ian was sitting across from them. I naturally intended to sit next to Ian. But.

“What is it?”

“I’m happy to see you too.” 

Before I could sit down, Ian suddenly pulled me into a hug around my waist.

‘Ugh.’ 

This is bad. He looked cute looking up at me. I tried to ignore Ian’s gaze and gave a hollow laugh toward the two people across from me. Ethel elongated her philtrum, looking at Ian and me. I shouldn’t be like this.

“I’m hungry.” 

I muttered, gently pushing away the arms around my waist. Fortunately, Ian’s arms came off easily, and I sat down. Then the servants began setting the food on the table as if they had been waiting.

“It really has been a while. Did you have a good recuperation?” 

I asked Angelo, ignoring Ian’s gaze, which was fixed on me from beside me.

“I did. My parents were too excessive to send me for recuperation when I wasn’t even injured. I originally planned to come see you as soon as the subjugation was over.”

“But spending time with family is more important. Miss Ethel, are you here from the Academy?”

“Yes. My exams are next week, but I made time to come anyway.” 

She said, fixing her gaze on the bread placed in the corner of the table.

“Miss Ethel, that’s tough. The subjugation team got an early vacation, though…” 

As Angelo said, since they finished the subjugation two weeks before the vacation, the Academy gave the students who participated in the subjugation an early vacation. General students were happy and enjoying the break, but Ian was different. He focused on his studies, claiming he had neglected theoretical classes while subjugating for a whole year.

“Still, the subjugation team went through much more trouble.”

“It’s a relief that it ended without anyone getting seriously hurt. Oh, right. Sia, did you hear the news? They’re replacing next month’s Founding Festival with a celebration again.”

“Yes, I heard.” 

I nodded without enthusiasm. The Emperor judged that it would be too much for the subjugation team, who had suffered for the past year, to participate in the hunting competition, so, following last year’s Founding Festival, he canceled the hunting competition this time as well, holding a dance party on the first day and only opening a night market for the entire week. For the dance party, the dress code was apparently red, matching the concept of the now-extinct Red Dragon.

“The Founding Festival is an important annual event, so His Majesty seems to be paying extra attention.” 

I nodded in agreement with Angelo’s words. The mention of the Founding Festival made me realize anew that this place was inside a game. I could check Ian’s status window once a year during the Founding Festival season.

“Erlian, you received a brooch from His Majesty too, didn’t you?” 

Ian nodded. 

The Emperor had sent a brooch with a red jewel and a handwritten letter to everyone who participated in the subjugation. Furthermore, he bestowed a sword only given to the Empire’s best swordsman upon Ian, who had contributed the most to eliminating the Red Dragon. It was a sword Duke Bellocchio had also received 20 years ago, and it was said to be uncomfortable to use in battle against monsters due to the excessive jewel decorations on the hilt, making it better for decoration.

“Are you all going to the night market?”

“Are you going, Sia? It would be nice to go together…”

“Hmm, well.” 

I was actually contemplating. I hadn’t participated since the incident where I almost got lost in the night market before, but I thought I should drag Ian along so he and Ethel could build memories.

“I will participate, but it might be difficult to go together. They will be selling Red Dragon bread there.” 

But Ethel quickly cut in and refused the idea of going together before I could even make the suggestion.

‘She’s quick-witted, as expected.’ 

She added that it was just Red Dragon-shaped bread, toasted to a golden brown, and would be filled with red bean paste or custard cream. It must be my imagination that her story reminded me of bungeoppang*.

[*T/N: fish shaped bread that is filled with red bean paste]

“That sounds delicious. Ian, how about it? Shall we go to the night market…” 

I couldn’t finish my sentence. The moment I turned my head toward Ian, a piece of steak was placed right into my mouth. The juices burst, and the meat melted softly in my mouth.

“Is it delicious?” 

I couldn’t answer because I was chewing, so I nodded in agreement. What is it? Ian’s steak tastes better than mine, it seems.

“Do you want more?”

“I can eat by myself, you know?” 

My face felt hot, so I unnecessarily focused on my steak.

“If we go to the night market, I will definitely go to eat Miss Ethel’s bungeop—no, Red Dragon bread first.”

“Thank you, Miss Sia.”

“But does that bread contain Red Dragon meat? You shouldn’t cook with meat that has been dead for a long time.” 

Ethel clearly explained that it would be filled with red bean paste or custard, but he must not have listened properly. Still, the fortunate thing was that Ian finally spoke to Ethel first.

“It doesn’t contain Red Dragon meat.”

“Then it’s not Red Dragon bread.”

“Ian, just eat it and assume it is.”

“It still sounds strange no matter how I think about it.” 

Our conversation topic flowed into Red Dragon bread. Ian and Ethel didn’t seem willing to compromise their opinions, and Angelo, looking troubled, couldn’t look at either of them and just smiled at me. 

I also supported Ethel at first but then quietly stayed silent. After all, the fact that the two of them were talking for so long without anyone’s intervention was a positive sign. The two, who were unwilling to accept each other’s opinions, eventually declared a truce, and the gathering ended anticlimactically.

And that evening.

[★Lala★’s Quest]

 

{Maintain Distance from Ian}

 

Don’t forget you are playing a game.

 

(Duration: Until the ending)

 

The quest Lala gave me seemed to be a warning that my strange feelings should not continue.

‘Lala.’ 

I called his name multiple times, but there was no response. Before, he would appear if I called several times, but since a year ago, he wouldn’t appear even if I called and swore hundreds of times.

‘Damn Lala. Let’s never meet again.’ 

The moment I muttered that last line.

— Hello again, my beloved Elicia♪ 

Lala appeared after a very long time. I wanted to punch his smiling face for saying hello, but I held back.

‘Have you been busy lately?’

— I’ve been a little busy. I’m touched that you sought me out first after not meeting for a long time!

‘Enough of that, I have a question. What happens to me if I don’t get the happy ending?’ 

I was anxious and curious. Would I die like this, or would I start the game over from the beginning?

— Well… You’ll know when that time comes, won’t you? 

The jerk was pretending not to know because he didn’t want to tell me. I unconsciously clenched my fist at his ambiguous answer.

‘What if his Temperament is high, but he doesn’t end up with Ethel?’ 

Honestly, the more I played, the more I felt I had failed. Even putting aside his Temperament, his relationship with Ethel seemed hopeless.

— I’ll give you a tip for the anxious Elicia. Just fill up his Temperament to over 90% and divorce him on the day Erlian becomes an adult.

‘Will it really work if I do that?’ 

If so, I could achieve the happy ending I wanted. Since Ian hadn’t done anything to lower his Temperament so far, I had hope that I could clear the game.

— But you shouldn’t neglect Erlian and Ethel’s relationship!

‘I’m trying. It’s just not going the way I want.’

— Please play with a more rational judgment! Lala will also work harder for Elicia’s happy ending♬ 

With those words, Lala disappeared.

He probably meant to play rationally, not to forget that it was a game. Lala seemed worried that I might not be able to sort out my feelings for Ian.

‘I can do it if I set my mind to it, you know?’ 

I unnecessarily fumed and closed my eyes.

***

A month had already passed since then.

[★Lala★’s Quest]

 

{Maintain Distance from Ian}

 

Don’t forget you are playing a game.

 

(Duration: Until the ending)

The same quest window appeared every morning. As if warning me never to forget.

‘Why didn’t you do this before, when you could have?’ 

The game was so realistic that for a while, I lived under the illusion that I was the real Elicia. If Lala had displayed the quest window like this every day, I wouldn’t have been so mistaken.

‘It came again today.’ 

After finishing breakfast and returning to my room, a letter was on the table. The same content had arrived once a week for three weeks. I couldn’t tell who wrote it because of the unfamiliar handwriting and lack of a name, but I had a good guess.

「Be careful of that child.

 

Don’t get involved anymore.

 

This is a warning for you.」

It must be Lala. The evidence was that the letter was on my table without passing through the butler’s hands, as if it had been magically teleported. If the butler had received it first, he would have immediately destroyed it without giving it to me, given the lack of a sender’s name and the unsettling content. Moreover, this letter vanished after I read it, as if I had merely seen a hallucination.

‘I’m almost thankful.’ 

I felt like Lala was desperately trying to make me clear the happy ending. I was also making efforts for Lala. While it was true that I liked Ian, I cherished myself more. So, I tried my best to look at Ian with emotionless eyes and kept myself even busier to maintain distance from him. Of course, I wouldn’t be able to avoid Ian today.

Having finished dressing by the hands of the maids who had entered the room, I headed for the carriage. I had to go to the dance party. As I exited the entrance, my eyes met Ian’s, who was waiting in front of the carriage. I couldn’t help but sigh when I saw Ian smiling the moment he saw me.

‘Why is Ian the male lead…’ 

Blessed with the male lead buff, he was excessively handsome. How could I not fall for that face smiling at me? I deliberately looked at the carriage we were about to ride instead of Ian’s face. Fortunately, Duke Bellocchio was already inside.

After the subjugation, Ian occasionally acted childishly toward me, but he behaved maturely in front of his father. That was because Duke Bellocchio still wanted Ian to be perfect. I tried to keep my gaze fixed outside the window to avoid paying attention to Ian. Thanks to that, the carriage traveled silently to the Imperial Palace.

After arriving at the Imperial Palace, we immediately danced. Even while dancing, I felt the eyes of the nobles glancing at Ian and me. It was understandable. A rumor was tacitly circulating that Ian and I were the main characters of this dance party.

‘I killed the baby dragon, and Ian killed the adult one.’ 

The brooch on Ian’s chest glittered. It was the brooch the Emperor gifted only to those who participated in the subjugation, but checking it today, the jewel was slightly larger than the brooches others had received. Because of that, everyone who participated in the subjugation wore the same brooch as if they had promised, but Ian’s brooch attracted the most attention. And that wasn’t all.

‘I feel like everyone is just staring at my neck.’ 

The necklace I received from the Emperor for cracking the Red Dragon’s egg was around my neck. Since only I had this necklace, it was even more noticeable than the brooch. Enduring the gazes of the surrounding nobles, we continued to dance, but then,

“That’s too much.” 

Ian suddenly expressed disappointment.

“What’s too much?”

“You seem indifferent to me.” 

Ian glared at me as if he resented me.

“How can you talk about that while dancing?” 

We were dancing the first dance of the ball. It was a conversation unsuited to the sacred atmosphere.

“You haven’t been talking to me much lately, using the excuse of being busy.”

“I really am busy. You’re the one who’s acting strange.”

“Why me?”

“Your neediness has increased. Act like an adult.”

“I have to, so you’ll pay attention to me.” 

A pleasant low voice tickled my ear.

“I’m looking at you anyway.” 

After answering curtly on purpose, I looked over Ian’s shoulder. Angelo and Ethel were looking at us. They weren’t even dancing; they were just standing still. I naturally thought they would dance together, but it seemed they had promised to wait for us until the first dance was over. And as if to show they were really waiting, the moment my eyes met theirs, the two smiled at me as if on cue.

“What are you looking at?”

“I just saw Angelo and Miss Ethel.”

“Why are you looking away while dancing with me?” 

In response, I leaned in and quietly continued my advice to Ian—words that would be beneficial to him. That he shouldn’t cling to only one friend. That he should make diverse friends.

‘How many times do I have to say this before Ian understands?’ 

Ian occasionally countered, saying he didn’t see the benefit of having many friends, but I ignored him and only stated my points.

“What are you going to do when we divorce later?”

“Ah, we did make that promise.” 

Ian muttered, as if he had only just remembered.

“It’s too early to confirm the divorce yet.”

“We’re going to be adults soon, you know.”

“Because one of us might change our mind before becoming an adult.”

“I hope you change your mind.”

“I don’t think I will.” 

He seemed to be lightly dismissing my opinion… I felt unnecessarily annoyed watching Ian smile leisurely. I tried to step on Ian’s foot, pretending it was a mistake, but he easily dodged it. I tried for a second attack, but the music ended, so it failed.

“The one who changes must be you. I don’t know how many times I’ve told you, but look at the world broadly. I’m not the only good friend you have.” 

My advice continued even as we greeted each other after the first dance and as we approached Angelo and Ethel.

“I’m not telling you to be friends with everyone in the world. I just hope you acknowledge the reality that you are close with Angelo and Miss Ethel.”

“Why bother?”

“If you don’t know, think about it while dancing with Miss Ethel.” 

I strongly warned him, pushing Ian’s back toward Ethel.

“If you keep refusing, I’ll avoid you.”

“That’s a bit much…”

“It seems I need to raise you sternly. Miss Ethel, I’m sorry, but please take Ian away.” 

Ethel chuckled quietly and whispered to me.

“As it happens, a certain four-letter word asked me to dance with Ian. Thank you.” 

Ethel approached Ian, but Ian’s gaze remained fixed on me. When I glared at him with my hands on my hips, he ran his hand through his bangs in frustration and held out his hand to Ethel. His expression was so serious that anyone would think he was heading to a battlefield, not asking for a dance.

“You’ll regret this.” 

Ian said that and moved to the center with Ethel.

“Sia, shall we dance too?”

“No. I need to monitor if Ian dances properly.” 

Ignoring Angelo’s suggestion, I crossed my arms and watched the two, as if I were a judge who had transmigrated. The two just danced mechanically without much conversation. Then Ethel spoke, and their conversation continued. Ian was smiling brightly about something.

‘What are they talking about?’ 

As I watched with interest, my heart seemed to drop.

“Sia, they really seem to have become close. Don’t they?” 

Had Ian ever smiled while talking to Ethel? I think this might be the first time. It was clearly a good thing, but I didn’t feel good about it. No, I’d rather those two get along quickly. That way, my feelings could be sorted out faster. Even as they approached us after the music ended, their conversation didn’t stop.

“That’s a scam.”

“But the shape is a Red Dragon, so it’s Red Dragon bread, right?”

“It doesn’t contain Red Dragon meat, though.” 

Didn’t they fight about this before? Anyway, it was a relief that they seemed to be getting along.

“Sia, you’re here.” As I watched the two of them having their small argument, someone called out to me.

“Sister?”

“You’ve been well?” 

She was smiling brightly with her arm linked with the man beside her.

“Who is next to you…?”

“It’s been a while. I’m Massimo.” 

So who is that? I looked at the person with emotionless eyes.

“I remember. Sia, when you were little, you introduced him to us, saying the youngest knight joined your family’s knighthood.”

“Oh, right.” 

I nodded, pretending to remember belatedly after Angelo’s explanation.

“You said so in your letter before. Not to worry about you anymore and to meet the man my heart leads me to.” 

I had gone to Celine’s house before and saw Liam, who was still in love with my sister. I sent her a letter with that content, meaning for her not to worry if she couldn’t meet Liam because of me. In response, my sister replied that my letter gave her strength, and she would be brave, so I naturally thought she would meet Liam.

“I’m getting engaged to Massimo next month.”

“What? So suddenly?”

“Actually, I’ve liked him for a long time. He comforted me whenever I was going through a tough time because of Father.” 

My sister smiled as if she was very happy.

“I need to prepare an engagement gift.” 

Ian muttered quietly, and Angelo and Ethel looked at the couple with delight, congratulating them. As the warm atmosphere continued, I quickly looked around.

“Congratulations, Sister. Something urgent came up.” 

Perhaps because we were too secluded, the person I was looking for wasn’t clearly visible. As I quickly started walking, Ian, Angelo, and Ethel followed me closely.

“Where are you going?”

“I need to find Liam quickly!”

“Why that jerk?”

“I have to go watch him cry!” 

If my sister had loved Liam, I would have reluctantly allowed the marriage, but that didn’t mean I would forgive all the hopeless things he had done since childhood. I wanted to see Liam’s look of devastation right now, so I went out to the terrace, but Liam wasn’t there.

‘He probably wouldn’t be in the hall, as he wouldn’t want to show others his sadness after failing in love.’ 

I quickly walked, almost running, into the garden. With the three people trailing behind me. As I walked to the center of the garden, I saw two people in the corner.

‘There you are.’ 

Liam was looking up at the moon, and Celine was patting his back beside him.

“Ian, do you see? Liam looks like he’s crying, doesn’t he? Want to see closer if you’re curious?”

“No, it’s fine. You look especially happy.”

“…I came because I thought you would like it.” 

It seems I was the only one excited. I cleared my throat awkwardly out of embarrassment. On the other hand, I was happy. He wasn’t even rejoicing, let alone teasing his grieving enemy. That meant Ian’s Temperament had increased significantly. Although, he seemed uninterested because Liam wasn’t picking fights anymore.

“It is somewhat entertaining. To cry like that over useless love. I don’t understand it.”

“That’s a pity. I understand that feeling.” 

Ian and Angelo showed contrasting reactions. How great of a love has Angelo experienced to empathize with Liam so intensely? Ethel quietly chuckled at Ian’s comment. It was understandable. In the original game, Ian didn’t cry over Ethel, but didn’t he do something crazy like imprisoning her?

‘Of course, the current Ian is someone I can reason with, so he wouldn’t do that.’ 

Having quickly lost interest in Liam, we returned to the hall. We no longer danced but enjoyed refreshments and conversed. The nobles gave us curious glances, but fortunately, they didn’t approach directly, so I felt at ease.

As the dance party was nearing its end.

“I will now announce the Best Couple of this dance party.” 

It was the time for the last event, selecting the Best Couple. I wasn’t curious at all, but I tried to act interested. The Best Young Couple was awarded to the Count family couple who had married under a contract at a young age last year. The two blushed and gave their thanks, and I mechanically clapped. And now it was time to announce the Best Couple.

“This year’s Best Couple is… the Bellocchio couple.” 

I mechanically clapped at the Emperor’s words, then belatedly realized it was us when I saw the nobles’ gazes focused on us.

“Surely not us?” 

At my question, Ian extended his hand to me.

“Since Adria is not in attendance, it must be you two.” 

At Duke Bellocchio’s words, I realized it was real. As I took Ian’s hand and stepped onto the stage, the Emperor smiled benevolently. A servant next to her opened a luxurious box, revealing a small sculpture of a man and woman embracing.

“It is a piece wishing for the couple’s eternal love.” 

…The prize didn’t suit us at all, and it was genuinely overwhelming. And that sculpture was naturally displayed right in the center of the display cabinet in our room that very night.

That night. A very welcome window appeared before my eyes.

[Would you like to check the Status Window?]

 

▷ Yes

 

▷ No

When I answered ‘Yes,’ I could check Ian’s status window for the first time in two years.

[Name: Erlian Bellocchio (Age 17)

 

Temperament: 84

 

Affinity: 82

 

XX: 42

 

Relationship with Ethel: Annoying Presence]

‘Wow!’ Ian’s Temperament, which was 36 two years ago, had increased by 48.

‘At this rate, his Temperament will be fully maxed out before he becomes an adult.’ 

I wondered why XX had increased so much. Still, I was satisfied. His Temperament had increased significantly, and although he considered Ethel an annoying presence, it still meant he was conscious of her existence.

And so the night deepened.

***

“What a shame.”

“It’s fine. It would just be crowded anyway.” 

Ultimately, I couldn’t go to the night market. Both Ian and Duke Bellocchio worried I might get lost and dissuaded me. That incident happened when I was a child, though…

I was disappointed. Ian and Ethel kept arguing about the Red Dragon bread, didn’t they? So, I had hoped they would try the Red Dragon bread Ethel was selling in person. I was also hoping that eating it might give them more opportunities to converse.

“Want to take a walk in the garden if you’re bored?”

“No, thanks.”

“Let’s go out after the night market ends. It won’t be crowded then.” 

I wasn’t disappointed about not going to the night market. I just hated that it reduced the moments Ian and Ethel could create. Of course, I knew now that Ian and Ethel didn’t have to end up together. But I still hoped they would at least have a friendly relationship, if not a romantic one.

And for another reason, I thought it would be easier for me to sort out my feelings if Ian, who was unnecessarily kind to me, loved someone else. However, Ian, unaware of my internal thoughts, seemed to be trying to cheer me up in any way he could. Perhaps because of this, today, the last day of the night market, Ian canceled all his classes except for morning swordsmanship and followed me around. He would stare intently at me while I calculated money next to Dario, the financial manager, or smile when he saw me silently cursing the swordsmanship instructor during training.

“I think I know why you kept following me around.” 

Ian said, looking down at me as I headed to the dining room after training.

“I don’t know why, but it’s just kind of fun. Fun enough to want to skip class tomorrow too.”

“Please don’t blame me for you not wanting to attend class.” 

His neediness increased, and now he seemed to find attending class annoying too. Was it because I was walking with Ian, not alone? I arrived at the dining room faster than usual.

Ian had certainly changed. Before, we used to eat separately, but since some time ago, when steak was served, he would cut it for me or dish out my favorite dessert onto my plate first.

“Wait a minute.” 

I couldn’t hold back and asked, staring at Ian, who was naturally cutting my meat again.

“Have you ever nearly died during the subjugation?”

“No.”

“Then why are you doing things you never did before?”

“Just because. I wanted to do things Angelo couldn’t do for you.” 

Could it be… that he was still holding onto the fact that I only sent a letter to Angelo?

“You’re already closer to me than Angelo is, even without doing things like this. Just act like you usually do.”

“Why? Do you dislike me doing this?”

“It feels like you’re courting me.” 

Ian’s hand, which was cutting the steak into bite-sized pieces, paused. Could it be that I hit the nail on the head? But we couldn’t be together.

“I’ll have to demand a change of etiquette tutor right away. It was a tip he gave me, and you call it courting.” 

He was still listening closely to the etiquette tutor. I opened my mouth with a bitter smile.

“You shouldn’t forget that we are colleagues and friends.”

“I will never forget.” 

We then enjoyed our meal quietly. The steak was unusually tough today, so I ended up leaving half of it. The maid, who saw that we had finished eating, placed the dessert plate in the center.

“This is…” 

It was Red Dragon-shaped bread.

“Your friend, the young lady, sent it through a servant earlier.” 

Since I couldn’t come to the night market, Ethel must have sent the bread. I picked one up and took a big bite. It was a little soggy because of the time it took for delivery, but it tasted like a delicious red bean paste bungeoppang.

“Ian, try it. It’s delicious.”

“Selling it as Red Dragon bread when it doesn’t contain Red Dragon meat is deceiving…” 

I observed Ian as he slowly took a bite. He didn’t frown, indicating it tasted good to him too.

“How is it? Isn’t it delicious?”

“I can tell that young lady’s skill isn’t bad.”

“That’s a relief.” It truly was a relief. I could feel that Ian’s wariness toward Ethel had significantly decreased.

‘I’d rather Ian like Ethel.’ 

So I could remain an ordinary otaku. I felt embarrassed that I had once worried about whether I had transmigrated instead of being in a game, and if this was a complete world, perhaps I could approach Ian.

***

Before I knew it, we were eighteen, and Ian had returned to the Academy. The last half-year had been uneventful. The mysterious letters only came for exactly one month, then stopped entirely. And the quest window that used to pop up every morning, urging me to sort out my feelings for Ian, no longer appeared.

But oddly, even without the quest window or Ethel sending me letters reminding me that this was a game, I no longer over-immersed myself in the game. I didn’t know why, but it was a good thing.

Of course, there was a change: Ian’s childishness disappeared, and he became mature again. With Ian no longer flirting, I could look at him with a more comfortable, emotionless gaze. The only thing that was slightly bothersome was…

“You’re here again?”

“You haven’t even been sending letters lately. Are you not even happy to see me now?” 

Ian returned to the Duchy every weekend.

“Why would I send a letter when you come so often? And before, you used to stay at the Academy all the time to maintain your top rank.”

“I realized I could still maintain my top rank even if I rested on weekends.”

“Wow, you’re so annoying!” 

At my reaction, Ian smiled faintly and headed to the dining room. I glared at his back and started walking too, but Ian’s gait seemed awkward.

“Did you get hurt again?”

“It just happened…” 

The swordsmanship department conducted practical subjugation training one day a week. Even though Ian possessed outstanding swordsmanship skills enough to maintain his top rank, he still returned home with injuries like this.

“You seem to be going to overly dangerous places for subjugation.”

“But something even more dangerous might happen later. I’m just preparing in advance.”

“I think you should see a physician before eating.”

“Are you worried about me?” 

Ian’s palm covered the top of my head. His voice seemed cheerful, which was unlike someone who was injured.

“No, I’m not. You’ll heal quickly, anyway.” 

I was actually worried, but I said it dismissively on purpose. Still, if he was smiling like this, it probably wasn’t too painful. But since he hurt his leg, I figured he couldn’t manage to go up to his room, so I sat him down on the nearest drawing-room sofa and waited for the physician.

I quietly watched the physician, who rushed over, treat Ian’s leg. There were two scraped lines on Ian’s right leg.

“It’s fortunate that it’s just a simple injury.” 

The treatment was very simple, only involving applying medicine to the wound. So, I was speechless. After the physician’s brief treatment, Ian walked perfectly fine, as if he had completely recovered.

“But why were you limping earlier? It doesn’t seem that serious.”

“Just because.” 

I couldn’t understand why he was doing this. Was it a new form of neediness?

Ian’s strange behavior continued even after the meal.

“What about your classes?”

“I’m resting because I hurt my leg.”

“I saw you weren’t badly hurt. And you sit down for classes other than swordsmanship.”

“Anyway, I’m a patient.” 

Ian followed me around with his healthy legs even when I was calculating money or taking swordsmanship lessons. Sometimes he would sit quietly and read a book, or sometimes he would just stare intently at me. And when he was bored, he kept poking me.

‘This is troublesome…’ 

It seems like Ian is becoming dependent on me. Is this right? What is he going to do after I disappear when he becomes an adult? Of course, I knew that since this was a game, the world itself would end the moment he became an adult. But I kept worrying about what would happen after the ending. I hoped Ian and Angelo would get along well even after I was gone.

‘Both of them only want to be close to me.’ 

Just recently, Angelo offered to visit the Duchy, but Ian flatly refused. I decided to speak to Ian firmly. And the next day, I grabbed Ian, who was about to return to the Academy in the evening, and said, “Don’t come next week.”

“Why?” 

Ian’s already low voice dropped even lower.

“Spend next weekend with other friends, not me. With Angelo or Miss Ethel.”

“It’s not fun, I told you.”

“If you play with them, you might discover their unique fun, right? So please, just play with them.”

“I don’t know. If I feel like it.”

“Just you try coming home next week without playing with those friends.”

“Wow, I wonder what will happen.” 

Unlike me, who was fuming, Ian smiled broadly, looking excited, and then raised his hand again.

“I’m serious!” 

I shouted, gently batting away Ian’s hand on the top of my head, but the large hand showed no intention of leaving.

“Take care until then.” 

Ian ultimately ruffled my hair and got into the carriage.

“Don’t forget! This week, you’re playing with other friends, not me!” 

Ian didn’t even reply, just waved his hand and left.

‘I feel uneasy somehow…’ 

And that uneasiness became reality. When the weekend approached again, Ian came to the Duchy.

“You!”

“I’m hurt.” 

He smiled brightly with his right arm bandaged.

“You, this…” 

Looking at Ian’s bright face, I knew.

“You hurt yourself on purpose, didn’t you?”

“I made a mistake during the subjugation because of the pressure to spend time with them instead of you, you know?” 

My heart softened just a little seeing Ian wince as if he was quite pained.

“Why are you so extreme? So how badly are you hurt?”

“It’s nothing much. Just a monster’s claw went through my arm, sort of?”

“How is that nothing much?” 

I felt guilty looking at the bandage wrapped around Ian’s right arm. He must have disliked spending time with others so much that he preferred getting seriously hurt.

“You use your right hand for your sword, don’t you?”

“Are you worried?” 

I stared intently at Ian’s right arm instead of answering.

‘I’ll have to create opportunities for them again, like before.’ 

I shouldn’t force him to spend time with other friends anymore. It would be better if the four of us just met as usual. At least then, he wouldn’t get hurt like this. Perhaps because I didn’t answer his question and only stared at his arm.

“Are you worried?”

“Ah, you startled me.” 

Ian suddenly leaned his face in and asked.

“Your eyes got really wide.”

“Just eat your dinner!” 

Being close to Ian really is dangerous. I quickly turned my head away and headed to the dining room.

After lunch until bedtime, Ian followed me around. Even if he followed me, there was nothing interesting to see. My daily life was always the same. I was starting to feel burdened, and even when I told him to rest in his room, Ian pretended not to hear and stayed by my side the whole time.

Perhaps because I had been bothered by Ian all this time, I woke up earlier than usual. In the dim pre-dawn light, I blinked, staring at the dark ceiling, and then felt a sense of emptiness. The warm feeling I usually felt on my arm every weekend was gone. Ian now openly slept right next to me. Still only touching my arm.

But now, nothing was touching my arm, and when I turned my head, I only saw a pillow.

‘Where did he go?’ 

Just as I was wondering, I heard a rustling sound nearby. Following the sound, I looked down and saw Ian’s back sitting on the edge of the bed.

‘What is he doing?’ 

I just stared at his back, not wanting to disturb him. His left arm moved busily, and then he stretched as if he felt refreshed.

‘That jerk?’ 

Ian clearly said a monster’s claw had gone through his right arm. But when Ian took off the bandage, his right arm was clean without a single scratch.

“You don’t look hurt at all?” When I muttered, sitting up, Ian flinched as if startled.

“Why are you up at this hour?”

“My intuition woke me up.” 

I quickly moved toward Ian and grabbed his right arm. Sure enough, all I could see on his arm were clear veins.

“I shouldn’t have removed the bandage, even if it was uncomfortable.”

“Why did you lie?”

“Because you kept pushing me away. You only pay attention to me if I say I’m hurt, you know.” 

He said, tossing the bandage with his left hand onto the floor. Honestly, I didn’t understand. Ian’s actions right now…

“Do you perhaps like me?” 

Even if we were close, a friend wouldn’t pretend to be hurt just to get attention, would they? And as if to confirm my suspicion, Ian placed his right hand on top of mine and smiled faintly. This is dangerous. My heart was pounding too fast.

‘It’s a relief he only smiled.’ 

If he said he liked me, I might die from excitement. I might even beg Lala to let me stay here forever, putting aside the happy ending and reality. Lala even gave me a quest to keep distance from Ian because of my unnecessary feelings for him. Unfortunately, I might fail this quest.

Unable to meet his purple eyes anymore, I bowed my head and looked at Ian’s hand placed on mine. Then Ian used his hand to lift my chin. The moment my eyes met Ian’s again.

“I like you.” 

My heart felt like it was dropping at the low voice resonating in my ear.

‘What am I going to do about this?’ 

Is it possible to die from a heart attack while playing a game? Wait, is this even a real game? How can this be a game? Ian’s hand covering mine is so warm.

Ian opened his mouth again. What words was he going to use to crush my heart this time? I calmly waited for his next words.

“You truly are the best friend in the world.”

“Ah.” 

You bastard. Who says something so meaningful like that? My heart calmed down again.

“Stop joking and tell me quickly. Why did you lie about being hurt?”

“You said it, didn’t you? That when we become adults, we’ll divorce as promised. I don’t want that.”

“What does that have to do with pretending to be hurt?”

“So you won’t avoid me. And you worrying about me isn’t so bad either.” 

Am I the only one who doesn’t understand right now? I just blinked and stared at Ian.

“If we spend time together often like this, you’ll also feel an emptiness when I’m not around, right? Just like I did at the Academy.”

“What does that have to do with our divorce next year?”

“When we are separated because of the divorce, you might feel an emptiness and come back to me.” 

Seeing how much he didn’t want to divorce, perhaps Ian really did like me. Maybe he just hadn’t realized his own feelings. That expectation suddenly arose.

“Think about it. I told you before, if we divorce, we each have to marry someone else. There’s no guarantee that the new person will give you a satisfying married life like this.”

…No. He’s just very wary of others and doesn’t have the confidence to remarry.

“Honestly, look at my father. He’s still wrapped around my mother’s finger because of that pathetic emotion called love. Even though the other person won’t even meet him.” 

That was true. Duke Bellocchio still sent her letters. Now she didn’t return them, but she had never replied to him. He was clearly elated at first that she was reading his letters instead of returning them, but as time passed, he looked depressed.

“We nobles usually marry into similar families, so we can’t afford to harp on about love even more. So, instead of getting worried about marrying some strange person, let’s just continue as we are now.” 

I calmly organized my thoughts.

‘Ian doesn’t love me. He’s just annoyed and doesn’t want the hassle of a new marriage. There was no room for misunderstanding.’ 

I remembered his expression of disgust and hatred when he realized I had mistaken his feelings for love when we were children. We toasted with milk at the children’s tea house and swore eternal friendship… I guess I was the only one who had completely forgotten the oath.

I pulled away Ian’s hand on mine and said, “Ian, there are many good people in the world. Someone who suits you better than I do might appear.”

“They might not appear.”

“Because you haven’t even thought about looking around.”

“That’s a useless effort. I thought meeting your friends reluctantly was an effort on my part.”

“No, that doesn’t look like effort. Try playing with new friends on the weekend now. Please, don’t come home.” 

How many times had I said this? Yet, Ian had never listened to my request. It must be because he had me as a friend, even if he wasn’t close to them. It was time to stop this recurring cycle. I, who had only ever made verbal suggestions to Ian, decided to take a more forceful approach this time.

“If you come home next weekend, I’m going to use separate rooms from you.”

“You…” 

While we were talking, sunlight had begun to stream through the window. Thanks to that, I could clearly see Ian’s eyes wavering. Was using separate rooms really that shocking?

‘It’s a good thing.’ 

I got too stressed every time Ian clung to me.

“Your perspective is too narrow. You don’t even try to make other friends because you have me as a friend. This is to help you become independent.”

“I hadn’t considered separate rooms.”

“Just know that the excuse of being injured won’t work anymore either.” 

I lay back down in bed and placed the remaining pillow next to me. To prevent Ian from approaching any further.

***

 

「Sia, how have you been?

 

I contacted you because I was worried that you might have fought with Erlian.

 

Erlian seemed down the whole time.

 

He even didn’t return to the Duchy last weekend.

 

I was so surprised when I suggested going to the lake behind the Academy, and he accepted right away.

 

So, Erlian, Miss Ethel, and I had a pleasant time together.」

Ian must have taken my warning seriously because he didn’t return to the mansion last weekend.

“I can’t believe he even went on a picnic with those two.” 

If I had known it would go this smoothly, I would have been more firm earlier.

‘He seemed really disappointed though…’ 

I recalled Ian’s last expression while reading Angelo’s letter.

“Take back what you said this morning.”

“No.”

“I really won’t come, you know?”

”Fine. This time, please be faithful to your Academy life.”

After declaring separate rooms, I completely ignored Ian the next day. Still, Ian grumbled and followed me around. And before returning to the Academy, he cornered me and asked me to cancel the separate rooms declaration, but I dealt with him very firmly. Perhaps that hurt him, because he not only didn’t come to the mansion on the weekend but also didn’t send a single letter.

「Fortunately, Erlian and Miss Ethel have become quite close.

 

Miss Ethel mainly leads the conversation, but Erlian seems to respond well.

 

You wanted them to become close, too, Sia.

 

I hope the two of them become even closer in the future.

 

If you’re ever bored, just tell me. I’ll rush over to the Duchy.」

Since Ian isn’t coming to the Duchy, now Angelo is trying to come. I replied that I had a lot of work piled up and didn’t have time to meet, telling him not to make a pointless trip. I also added a request in the letter asking him to help with Ian’s grand strategy to make friends.

And so, peaceful and boring days continued. No, I thought they would continue.

“I wonder how he’s been…” I was so curious about how Ian enjoyed his weekend outing with his friends without me. So, I was desperately waiting for letters from Angelo and Ethel, but the news from the Academy was completely different from what I expected.

“The dormitory… exploded?”

“Yeah. I came back because the men’s dormitory exploded, of all things.” Ian said, shrugging his shoulders. He added that he was forced to commute while the dormitory was being rebuilt.

“Having to travel to and from the Academy every day. That’s a real nuisance.”

“You…”

“For your information, I tried to spend time with the Academy students last weekend, even though I didn’t want to, just like you told me. But now, I can’t help it.” 

A chilling feeling came over me when I saw his seemingly cheerful reaction.

“Surely you didn’t…” 

I almost accused him, but then shook my head. Look at Ian’s Temperament. He is different from the Ian in the original story. He’s not crazy enough to blow up the dormitory just because I told him not to come home. No, even the Ian in the original story wouldn’t do something this crazy.

“But it still wasn’t fun, though. I don’t understand why you want me to be close to them.” 

His palm touched the top of my head. My heart started pounding fast again, meeting his purple eyes. More in an ominous way than an excited one.

“Who do they think exploded the dormitory?”

“I don’t know. They say they’re searching now.” 

The fact that he was speaking so openly made me think that Ian, at least, hadn’t set off the explosion. Only then did I let out a big sigh of relief and remove Ian’s hand.

“So, you have to commute to the Academy like this every day?”

“Yes. But they said they would install a magic circle so I could instantly teleport to the front gate of the Academy.”

“That’s a slight relief.”

“Actually, I thought I might have to stay somewhere else since you told me not to come… But even so, I’m the heir to the Bellocchio family. I can’t sleep on the streets, right? So, I had no choice but to come home.” 

Ian, who had been smiling just a moment ago, spoke with quite a pitiful expression. Seeing him like that, I sighed softly and spoke.

“Right, you did well. When will the dormitory rebuilding be finished?”

“Wow, shouldn’t you worry about me first?”

“You look healthy now.”

“You’re right. Thankfully, it exploded while classes were in session. I probably won’t be able to return to the dormitory until next semester.” 

Come to think of it, the vacation was less than three weeks away. During that time, the Academy would be busy trying to find the culprit and restore the dormitory.

“Well. Welcome back.” 

After offering a customary welcome, I headed to the dining room, but I felt a warm touch on my right hand.

“What is it?”

“I observed people at the Academy, and those who got married quickly like us walk around holding hands.” 

I told him to go make friends, not to observe people. Still, Ian must have tried. Maybe he wanted to be close to others but was too shy, so he just watched and returned to the Duchy.

“Are they the same as us?”

“It’s the same contract marriage.”

“They must have a very good relationship then.”

“We have a good relationship too.”

“Friends don’t do this.” 

I advised in a reasonably low voice and pulled my hand away. Fortunately, his hand obediently released mine.

“But…” 

Ian muttered, his gaze fixed on my hand.

“We’re the same age and grew up eating similar things, so why is your hand underdeveloped?”

“Are you crazy?” 

My genuine thought slipped out without realizing it. Unlike me, who covered my mouth in embarrassment, Ian burst out laughing. Even then, Ian’s gaze was fixed on the hand covering my mouth.

***

Contrary to my prediction that Ian would follow me around when he returned from the Academy, he focused on his studies even at home. I was initially puzzled but quickly realized why. The fact that the vacation was approaching meant the exams were even closer. His goal was to maintain his top rank, so he focused on studying until he went to sleep. I wanted to help Ian with this.

‘How about we sleep in separate rooms until the exams are over?’ 

Ian lightly dismissed my suggestion.

And Ian secured the top rank for this semester as well. The only disappointing thing was that they couldn’t find the culprit who blew up the dormitory even by the time vacation started. Well, it didn’t matter now that the exams were over and it was vacation time.

“Ian, you seem to be overdoing it lately.” 

Ian, who had safely entered vacation, had an increased number of classes to an extent that seemed excessive.

“I tried to reduce my classes this time, but Father’s thoughts were different from mine.” 

Duke Bellocchio was probably anxious. Ian would graduate from the Academy after the next semester. But even though Ian had maintained his top rank and even eliminated the Red Dragon, displaying the perfect image he wanted, Adria showed no reaction.

Perhaps on some level, he knew. The fact that no matter how much Ian tried, she wouldn’t be interested at all. Yet, he must be pressuring Ian like this because he didn’t want to give up.

‘It would be better to just talk to Adria directly…’ 

He couldn’t bring himself to use the most certain method. I understood. How could one talk to a person who only accepts letters but never replies?

“Shall I talk to Father?”

“It’s fine. He never gives up on anything related to Mother.”

“Still, tell me if it gets too hard. Let’s go complain to Father together.” 

Of course, Duke Bellocchio wouldn’t listen to us. Still, if we kept appealing that it was too hard, he might reduce the number of classes even slightly.

Unlike the serious me, Ian chuckled lightly and rubbed his head on my shoulder. It’s inconvenient when he clings to me right before sleep…

But perhaps because it was his last vacation, Ian quietly endured the tight schedule, just as Duke Bellocchio wished. The shocking fact was that Ian, who used to skip classes to join Angelo when he visited, couldn’t do that anymore. The teachers had become very firm, perhaps because Duke Bellocchio had warned them severely. So the method I came up with was:

“So, we have to watch him take classes here?”

“Sia, I’m happy anywhere as long as I’m with you.” 

I brought Angelo and Ethel, who had come to the Duchy to visit, to the training ground. And we all watched Ian, who was undergoing swordsmanship training. While savoring the financiers that Angelo had brought.

“How is it? Hasn’t Ian’s swordsmanship skill improved?”

“Yes, well. I suppose so.” 

Ethel nodded with a lackluster expression.

“Being at the training ground together reminds me of when we were in the swordsmanship club.” 

Angelo recalled a memory instead of answering.

“Honestly, back then, I thought Miss Sia suggested something pointless, but the result was good anyway. We eliminated the Red Dragon’s egg, after all.”

“Pointless? I forcefully carried it out, despite the hassle, hoping you would all become closer.”

“You’re right, Sia. It wasn’t pointless. Thanks to your effort, Erlian and Miss Ethel have become a little closer, haven’t they?” 

Angelo tried to console me, but I wasn’t happy at all.

We enjoyed small talk, watching Ian, who was sweating and undergoing intense training far away. Every time we laughed out loud, our eyes met with Ian’s. His actions made it seem like he wanted to join us, but we couldn’t call him over. It was Duke Bellocchio’s order, and he was the superior of the Duchy.

“By the way, the Founding Festival is soon. I hope there will be new refreshments at the dance party.”

“They really are delicious. Enough to make me want to see the chef’s face.”

“I’ve been trying hard to research at home, but I can’t replicate that taste.” 

Ethel continued, clicking her tongue regretfully.

“I really wanted to perfectly recreate that taste and sell it at the night market this time…”

“It will probably be difficult. The Imperial Palace uses the highest quality ingredients, you know. Sourcing the ingredients will be difficult, and since the price will be high, commoners won’t be able to buy it. How about just selling the Red Dragon bread from last year instead?” 

In fact, the Red Dragon bread Ethel sold at the night market last year was a huge hit. There were even many people fighting in the streets over whether the custard cream flavor or the red bean paste flavor was the best.

“No. There’s another reason I want to recreate the Imperial Palace’s dessert. Honestly, since we are nobles, we can enjoy it anytime, right? But I feel it’s a shame that commoners can’t eat such delicious bread.” 

Was Ethel’s real job a social worker? I was momentarily stunned by her unexpectedly warm remark.

However, I quickly realized the hidden intention in Ethel’s next words.

“I go to the temple often these days, and a holy knight I know feels sorry about it. Of course, I sympathize too.”

“Are you talking about that holy knight you mentioned before? You must have gotten quite close?”

“Just greeting each other when we occasionally meet at the temple and giving him bread as a gift.” 

She must be so obsessed with love that she’s even offering bread tributes now.

‘Still, that’s a relief.’ 

I felt much more at ease knowing that I could still achieve the happy ending even if Ian didn’t fall in love with Ethel, who was infatuated with a holy knight.

We continued our small talk while watching Ian. Then I realized something that had changed from the original story: the original Ethel had a terrible relationship with her older brother, almost to the point of being killed by him. However, the current Ethel had even become close to her brother thanks to her excellent baking skills. She hadn’t offered him the bread to gain his favor. Rather, she had intentionally made the sugar content high to slowly damage his health, but it just happened to suit his taste. Currently, Ethel’s family was very harmonious.

“What were you talking about?” 

While we were having a small talk, Ian, who had finished his training, approached us.

“Wow. You really worked hard, Sir Ian.” 

Ethel smiled brightly and handed him a handkerchief. Judging by her tone, which sounded like she was reading from a textbook, she was clearly someone forcibly executing a quest.

“Erlian.”

“Yes, Sir Erlian.” 

Seeing Ian correct her name instead of accepting the handkerchief, Ethel looked exasperated. Ian took a handkerchief from his inner pocket, handed it to me, and then leaned his face toward me.

“Wipe it for me.”

“Don’t rely on others; live an independent life.” 

I didn’t wipe his sweat; instead, I placed the handkerchief back in Ian’s hand. It might seem stingy, but it couldn’t be helped. This was all to foster Ian’s independence. However, someone acted rashly without realizing my intention.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I rushed to wipe it for you.” 

Angelo was patting and wiping the sweat from Ian’s forehead with his sleeve. Ian momentarily twitched his eyebrows, seemingly not wanting it, then straightened his back, avoiding Angelo’s touch.

“Go back before it gets any later.” 

Ian didn’t wave or even look at the guests. He just wrapped his arm around my shoulder and walked toward the main building. Feeling sorry, I turned my head to look at the two of them. Ethel was smiling and waving, as if she had expected this, but Angelo looked displeased, as if he thought Ian’s actions were rude.

“Ian, stop for a moment. They’re our friends who came all this way to see us, we should see them off.”

“They should also live independently without relying on others and find their way to the carriage themselves. They’ve been here a few times, so they know where the carriage is waiting.” 

Was he protesting because I didn’t wipe his sweat? I reluctantly waved at Angelo and Ethel and entered the main building.