Chapter 21

“Ugh…” 

I opened my eyes to the familiar ceiling. Thankfully, it was a dream. Since returning from the dance party, I kept dreaming that the adult Ian was obsessed with me. I don’t know why I couldn’t get used to the dream, even though the content was always similar.

‘This dream seems to have severe aftereffects.’ 

I was clearly awake, but I still felt the stifling feeling from the dream. I sighed and tried to get up, only belatedly realizing the source of the discomfort.

“Wake up.” 

I gently tapped Ian’s arm resting on my waist, but he ignored it and snuggled closer to me. Seeing him tighten his arm, he must have been awake.

“I know you’re awake. We have to go to the Hunting Competition.”

“Morning.” 

He had only opened his eyes and didn’t seem to intend to move away.

“You’re too close. Can you move away a little?”

“What’s the big deal? It’s just how it is sometimes.”

“If you act like this, I’m really going to use separate rooms.”

“Don’t say things like that.” 

Ian shot up and glared at me resentfully, but I got up anyway.

“What’s the big deal? It’s comfortable to have the bed all to myself. We have to sleep alone when we become adults anyway.”

“Are you really planning to divorce me?” 

Ian’s voice lowered.

“You keep forgetting, but you agreed to this too. I remember you liked the idea more back then.”

“We’re different now from who we were then. Do you really want to go through such a bothersome process?” 

Ian is probably the only crazy person in this world who refuses to divorce because the thought of remarrying is too bothersome.

“Can you kiss me after you become an adult?”

“What?” 

I felt a little hurt by Ian’s expression, as if he had never imagined such a thing and was asking why I would ask such a question.

“Is it only kissing? When you become an adult, you do more than that. Can you do that with me? You know how to make a baby, right?” 

Thankfully, he seemed to have understood properly, as his face, ears, and even his neck turned red. I left the room first, leaving him behind.

The Ian in the original story did incredible things with Ethel after becoming an adult… But the current Ian was too innocent. Thanks to this, I knew one thing: Ian was utterly unprepared. When he becomes a Duke, he has to prepare for an heir. To do that, he would have to do intimate things with me, who is just a friend, but it was clear he hadn’t thought that far.

‘Now he’ll surely agree to the divorce.’ 

He must have realized a lot from the conversation just now. I felt a sense of pride that Ian seemed to have matured a little. That’s what I thought.

“…”

“…” 

But Ian must have realized too much. He was silent during breakfast and even in the carriage heading to the Hunting Competition venue.

‘Why isn’t your father here when I need him?’ 

Duke Bellocchio, of all people, had said he wouldn’t attend the Hunting Competition today due to personal matters. It was obvious. He was probably writing a lengthy letter to Adria. A letter that the person concerned wouldn’t even read.

Since Ian was quiet, I couldn’t bring myself to speak to him. Moreover, he even got startled when our arms occasionally touched, making it awkward to interact with him.

‘Why is he so extreme?’ 

I was at least relieved it was the Hunting Competition. If it were the current Ian, he definitely wouldn’t have danced at the dance party, and the nobles would have spread rumors of our discord.

The carriage quietly arrived at the Hunting Competition venue.

“Good luck.” 

When I handed him the embroidered handkerchief, as was the tradition of the Hunting Competition, Ian grabbed the edge of the handkerchief to avoid touching my hand. I was slowly starting to feel offended, as he was treating me like a patient with a contagious disease.

It was getting hard for me to pretend we were getting along, and I worried about someone spreading rumors of discord. Fortunately, no one but Angelo noticed our change.

“Did you fight with Erlian?” 

Angelo asked quizzically as I sat in a chair, glaring at Ian in the distance.

“No.”

“I see. Miss Ethel is selling bread over there. Shall we go take a look?” 

Angelo asked, handing me a bag containing financiers. I took a financier in my mouth, left the bag on the seat, and stood up.

Ian was hunting in the dangerous zone, which was further inside than the safe zone, so he wasn’t visible from here anyway.

‘I guess I can come back when it’s about to end.’ 

I walked toward Ethel without regret.

“We meet again after a week!” 

Ethel, who was selling bread, smiled brightly when our eyes met and handed me and Angelo some bread.

“I made the Red Dragon bread into a bungeoppang shape.”

“Bungeoppang… Red bean bungeoppang is the best.” 

Ethel, who had made a fortune with the Red Dragon bread, was now blatantly selling fish-shaped bread. Perhaps because her skill was well-known, the line of servants was long.

‘What am I seeing right now?’ 

Ethel’s sibling, who had such a terrible relationship with her in the original story, was standing next to her, completely disregarding the Hunting Competition. I had heard they were on good terms now, but I didn’t expect it to be this much.

“My brother must have been worried that some strange person might do something bad to me.”

“Your friends are here, so why don’t you take a short break?” 

As Ethel’s sibling suggested, we sat on a nearby bench and watched the bungeoppang being sold. Ethel’s sibling, who spoke as if he would help her, didn’t lift a finger. Only his servant was diligently selling them. Fortunately, they had prepared a large amount of bungeoppang in advance, so the customers were quickly dwindling.

“You have a lot of customers.”

“I’m happy with the good reaction, but… it’s tiring to make them without a break.” 

Ethel sighed, stretching widely.

“But it’s fun. I realized I had a talent for baking only after coming here.” 

She clapped her hand over her mouth and rolled her eyes, as if she had said something wrong. She had spoken casually, completely forgetting Angelo was nearby.

“Ah, so you realized your talent for baking while selling bread at the Hunting Competition?”

“Y-yes! That’s right!” 

She tried her best to recover, but whether it worked was questionable. I sneaked a sidelong glance at Angelo.

‘He doesn’t seem to know, thankfully.’ 

The person concerned was just smiling foolishly, saying the sun was warm. Only then could I breathe a sigh of relief. Just then.

“I will tell your fortune.” 

She wasn’t nearby a moment ago, when did she arrive? An old woman wearing a black cloak spoke to us. Her face was barely visible because she was wearing the large hood attached to the cloak.

“There are more nobles over there.” 

I kindly pointed to where my table was located. I wasn’t particularly interested in fortune-telling, tarot, or divination. I had gone a few times for fun with friends, but most of them were wrong. Since I couldn’t confirm the experience or reviews of the old woman who spoke to us out of the blue, I didn’t want to waste time and money unnecessarily.

“I don’t tell just anyone’s fortune.”

“There are high-ranking nobles over there.”

“…I will tell your fortune for free this time, especially.” 

Why is she doing this to us? I disliked her even more because she was so pushy.

‘If the other person won’t leave, I will.’ 

I was about to get up but felt awkward and sat back down. I seemed to be the only one who wasn’t curious. Ethel was already looking at the old woman with sparkling eyes.

“What is my fortune?” Angelo even actively questioned the old woman. The old woman, who closed her eyes and stroked a crystal ball for a moment, slowly opened her eyes and spoke.

“If you earnestly strive, you will get what you want.” 

It was exactly as I had predicted. It was a predictable statement that anyone could say.

‘He won’t believe that, right?’ 

Unlike me, who was looking with dead fish eyes, Angelo genuinely rejoiced and offered her a gold coin. The old woman, who politely accepted the offering with both hands, now turned her face toward Ethel.

“You will soon be able to go to the place you desire.”

What? Was she saying Ethel would return to reality when she became an adult? Ethel, seemingly interpreting it the same way I did, thanked her and offered a gold coin. …She said she would do it for free, so why were they paying? But seeing the situation unfold like this, I was secretly looking forward to it.

‘Does this person really have an ability?’ 

She was saying something positive that the person wanted to hear. Maybe she would tell me the same thing as Ethel. The old woman’s hat moved toward me this time. I changed my attitude and looked at the black cloak with my hands clasped respectfully. However, unlike before, when she immediately told the fortune, she was now only fiddling with the crystal ball and was silent.

‘Is it because I showed too much of a negative reaction at first?’ 

She couldn’t see since her eyes were closed, but I smiled as kindly as possible. The hand stroking the crystal ball stopped. She frowned momentarily, as if the content was unexpected, and then started fiddling with the crystal ball again.

‘What’s wrong with her.’ 

Just as I was starting to feel uneasy, the old woman’s voice was heard.

“Give up.”

“Excuse me?” 

I was flustered, as it sounded like she was telling me to give up returning to reality.

“Your fate has changed. Run away. If you stay, harm will befall you.”

“This sounds like a curse.” 

Why is she doing this to me? It felt like she was saying I wouldn’t be able to return to reality and would stay here, and that I should run away from the Duchy before something even worse happened. I felt unnecessarily upset. I vowed never to believe in divination again.

“Run away when you become an adult. Your precious friend will help you.” 

The old woman’s face turned toward Angelo. This level seems skilled, though. If I were to run away, Angelo would actively help me because he’s a pushover.

“What will happen then? What if I don’t run away?” 

I didn’t exactly believe it, but I felt vaguely unsettled. So, I asked for details, but the old woman didn’t say anything more.

“Where did she go?” 

And she disappeared from sight, as if she had instantly teleported.

‘What the… not even a ghost.’ 

I wish I hadn’t listened. It bothered me immensely.

“Don’t worry too much about it.” 

Angelo patted my shoulder and said. I felt the composure of someone who had received a good prediction.

“But it would be a bit unsettling to completely ignore it. Right?” 

Looking at Angelo’s face, he seemed to be more entertained than worried about me… It must be my imagination.

“Brother, did you see her?” 

Ethel had already approached her sibling and asked. She told him there was an old woman who was amazingly skilled at divination, but her sibling looked perplexed.

“An old woman? I was watching you the whole time, and no one approached you.”

“Maybe it’s because she was wearing a black cloak.”

“The distance between us wasn’t so far that I couldn’t distinguish between a black cloak and a shadow.” 

That meant that only we saw the old woman. That fact made me even more unsettled.

“I should head back now.” 

I had been here for too long because of the strange old woman. The Hunting Competition would probably end soon. I had to hurry back to my seat and pretend I had been waiting for Ian to return after finishing the Hunting Competition.

Just as I turned to leave.

“You were here after all.” 

I ran into Ian, who had apparently finished the Hunting Competition already.

“It’s over already?”

“Yes.”

“What place did you get?”

“…Third.”

“Well done!” 

To achieve third place competing with formidable adults. I sincerely clapped my hands to congratulate him, but Ian’s expression was sullen.

“I could have done better, but something was bothering me.”

“What was it?”

“…You don’t need to know.” 

Ian quickly turned his head and walked away. Looking at his direction, he was heading toward the carriage. It’s been a while since he just left me and went ahead.

“I’ll go ahead. See you later.” 

I quickly greeted Angelo and Ethel and chased after Ian. Fortunately, he was walking slowly, so I could quickly catch up and walk alongside him.

‘Oh really?’ 

But when I stood next to him, he walked faster, as if he didn’t want to walk with me. The kissing comment this morning must have shocked him.

‘Do you hate kissing me that much?’ 

I was a little hurt too.

On the carriage ride back, during dinner, and when we went to sleep, we were distant. Ian, who had loved sleeping close to me for some time, now lay on the edge of the bed, as if he didn’t want to approach me. I was also annoyed by his behavior and lay on the opposite end.

The room was dark. I only blinked my eyes, waiting for Ian to fall asleep. Today was the day the status window would appear after a year.

‘But will it be okay…’ 

Anxiety washed over me as I was about to check the status window. It was because, according to Adria, Ian was the one who blew up the dormitory. If that was true, Ian’s Temperament would have dropped tremendously.

‘His Temperament drops significantly just by breaking a window, but blowing up a dormitory…’ 

I didn’t even want to imagine how much his Temperament would drop. Maybe the curse-like divination the old woman spoke of was true. Because of a drastic drop in Temperament, instead of a happy ending, I might not be able to return to reality, and my life might be in danger because of Ian, whose character was even worse than in the original story.

‘Should I get closer to him so he doesn’t kill me? Why on earth did he blow up the dormitory?’ 

I wish it was Adria’s misunderstanding, but what was the probability of a woman who had spent her entire life focused on magic being wrong?

‘No way…’ 

The uneasy scenarios kept swirling in my head. I clearly told Ian when he was returning to the Academy that I would use separate rooms if he returned to the mansion before the vacation.

‘Did he blow up the dormitory because he didn’t want separate rooms?’ 

It was an absurd situation. But the Ian in the original story might have been capable of it. Judging by his obsession with Ethel, he seemed like the type who would stubbornly cling to something once he fixated on it. Perhaps because he wasn’t interested in Ethel, he was clinging to our friendship.

Fortunately, no one was injured because the dormitory exploded while everyone was in class. Unlike the original Ian, he might have committed a crazy act while trying his best not to harm others because of his high Temperament. Just as my worries about the dormitory explosion were spiraling.

[Would you like to check the status window?]

 

▷ Yes

 

▷ No

 

Finally, the window asking if I wanted to check the status window appeared.

‘Yes.’

[Name: Erlian Bellocchio (18 years old)

 

Temperament: 99

 

Affinity: 97

 

XX: 68

 

Relationship with Ethel: No interest]

I, who usually checked the Temperament first, checked XX first this time. XX, which was 42, had increased by 26.

‘Could XX be obsession?’ 

Maybe it was showing the level of Ian’s obsession with our friendship. It must be his obsession with me, not with Ethel, in whom he had no interest. Since the obsession was high, he must vehemently dislike divorce.

‘Is that why Lala said XX shouldn’t increase?’ 

He even advised me to keep my distance from Ian. It was probably because she wanted me to achieve a happy ending after a smooth divorce.

‘It’s a crime to be charming, seriously.’ 

I had to safely divorce and reach a happy ending to return to reality, but it felt like my fatal charm was holding me back. The proof was that the Affinity had risen to 97, wasn’t it?

‘But why is Temperament so high?’ 

Temperament, which was 84, had risen to 99. I naturally expected his Temperament to drop since Ian had caused a major incident in secret, but it had actually increased.

‘Lala.’ 

As expected, he didn’t appear after only calling once. I kept calling Lala.

‘Lala, do you want all your hair plucked out?’ 

Only after calling him ten times did Lala make an appearance.

– Long time no see, my beloved Elicia♬

‘You know I call you every time the status window appears, so why can’t you be on standby beforehand?’

– Lala is too busy♪

‘That’s your problem. Is this Temperament correct?’

– Surprisingly, yes. It hasn’t increased much because there were no quests.

‘Okay, go.’ 

Lala waved at me, did a somersault in the air, and disappeared. It seems he’s performing tricks now that we’ve known each other for quite a while. Judging by his reaction, Lala seemed completely unaware that Ian had blown up the dormitory.

‘Did Adria get it wrong?’ 

However, Adria said she found Ian’s trace at the scene.

‘Is Lala unaware of this fact?’ 

This also doesn’t make sense. The GM is completely unaware of the male lead’s actions. No, there is one possibility.

‘Is this really not a game?’ 

If it’s reality, Lala might not notice. But it was strange. Even if I was transmigrated into Elicia’s body, of all the people, why is Lala acting as if this is a game? And who was Lala?

‘It’s too complicated.’ 

The only thing I could be sure of was that whether this was a game or reality, I would probably only find out the truth after reaching the ending as an adult. It was a confusing night.

***

Even a month later, as the time approached for Ian to return to the Academy, we remained distant. This was because Ian’s schedule was packed with classes, making it difficult for him to spend time with me. Of course, we had small talks before going to sleep, but that was all. Since the kissing comment, Ian still kept his distance from me.

“It feels a little awkward for the three of us to play like this.”

“I really like it.” 

Even when Angelo and Ethel came to visit, Ian didn’t participate. Before, when he couldn’t join, he would call us to the swordsmanship training ground so we could at least be in the same space. However, this time, he stopped us from heading to the swordsmanship training ground. Thanks to him, we enjoyed a leisurely tea time in the garden.

“Sia, the gardener seems to have paid extra attention today. The garden looks exceptionally beautiful.”

“It’s just your feeling.” 

Angelo looked very happy, but I just moderately ignored him. The chef took extra care to make desserts because guests were coming today, but it was useless. Angelo brought financiers as always, and Ethel also brought the bungeoppang and salt bread she had made. Instead, I told Ethel I would pack the desserts made by the chef for them to take home, and she smiled brightly. It felt like the first time I had seen her smile so brightly in front of me.

‘Ian must be doing well.’ 

I took a bite of the financier. I’ve been eating them consistently for years, but I never get tired of them. That’s why I can never cut ties with Angelo. Because I still have no idea where they are sold.

“I’m truly curious. Where are these financiers sold? Isn’t it about time you tell us?” 

Even with Ethel urging him, Angelo only smiled awkwardly, refusing to tell. Last year, Ethel, who boasted she would recreate the exact same financier, still hasn’t succeeded. That’s why she occasionally asked about the selling location, seemingly with lingering regret. But seeing that he was still keeping it a secret, even though he’s a pushover, he must dislike sharing his favorite spot.

Our conversation was trivial. We exchanged small talk that wouldn’t be missed if forgotten.

‘We always had conversations like this…’ 

Today, the gathering felt particularly boring. The empty chair seemed to bother me constantly. How much time passed like that?

“Young Madam. The Duke is looking for you.” 

The butler spoke to me cautiously. It must be that time already. I nodded slightly and wore a regretful expression.

“I’m so sorry. I have something to do with Father.”

“Sia is still busy.”

“I hope the four of us can meet next time.” 

In fact, I wasn’t that busy, but Angelo greatly misunderstood due to Duke Bellocchio’s summons, and Ethel, who used to be so uncomfortable around Ian, now missed him, feeling his absence. Ethel now knew that I could achieve a happy ending even if she and Ian didn’t end up together. Seeing her still asking for Ian, she must fortunately consider him a friend.

I tried to walk the two of them to their carriage as a matter of courtesy, but they left, urging me to quickly take care of my busy affairs. Thanks to them, I could head straight to the main building.

“Father, did you call?” 

As I entered Duke Bellocchio’s office, he was pressing his temples with his eyes closed, looking mentally exhausted.

‘Is it really that difficult?’ 

I smirked and sat down on the chair opposite him.

“Did you finish writing it?” 

This morning, I gave him homework: to write a letter to Adria. He wrote letters to Adria every day. After being shocked by her true feelings at the dance party, he didn’t send letters for three days, but after that, he seemed to have recovered and was sending letters daily again. There was still no reply. Just in case, I snatched the letter he wrote yesterday morning and checked it. And I realized he was crazy.

「My heart tore when I heard what you said. To think our married life was so suffocating. Is it wrong to want the person I love to only look at me? I would have been happy if you had done that for me. You probably loved me less. But it’s okay. I can keep trying.」

Writing such lengthy details to the woman who left because of his obsession. I could see why Adria was reluctant to even read his letters. So, I told him outright.

“Father, I don’t know if I should say this, but it seems she’s avoiding even the letters because you keep trying to control her like this.”

“This contains my feelings, not control.”

“It is control.”

Seeing his expression that showed he didn’t understand at all, I felt frustrated.

“Normally, a partner doesn’t stop their lover from meeting friends.”

“That means they don’t love them.”

“Is it okay with you if your partner feels that way about you?”

“I don’t mind.”

Since he was a voluntary loner, he must have wanted his partner to be the same. I held his hand and preached to him about how problematic his behavior was. If he truly hated his loved one socializing with others, he should join that socializing too.

After a long sermon, he seemed to have understood a little. So, I told him I hoped he would write a different letter based on what he had realized, and he finally diligently wrote a letter today. There were several crumpled letters around him, indicating he had spent a long time thinking and writing.

「The weather is very warm these days. You really liked warm days. That’s why I think of you more.

 

(~~~~)

 

Someone told me that if you truly love someone, you wish for their happiness.」

It was quite serious, and I could sense a little realization. I definitely thought so, but…

「But I don’t know about things like that. Was it really so unhappy for you to be by my side? Still, I can try. Now, you can invite your friends to the mansion. But I have to be with you.」

I take it back. He still has a long way to go. Who would want to come back here when he says things like this?

“You can’t send the letter today either.”

“What on earth is the problem?” 

Duke Bellocchio frowned as I tore the letter to shreds.

“You haven’t realized enough yet, Father.”

“What more am I supposed to realize? And you’re telling me not to send the letter today too.”

“Anyway, even if you send a letter like this, Mother won’t read it.” 

He couldn’t refute that. I started my exclusive lecture for Duke Bellocchio again. However, shortly after starting, I felt a moment of self-mockery seeing him barely understand most of what I was saying.

‘Why do I have to do this?’

 It’s someone else’s problem, after all. Whether the game ends or we divorce, he’s someone I won’t have to face once I become an adult. Yet, the reason I’m doing this is probably because of the affection that has accumulated from spending a long time with him. Furthermore, Adria’s expression when she saw Duke Bellocchio eavesdropping on our conversation at the dance party bothered me.

‘She looked disappointed.’ 

To the extent that Adria might be the one who wants him to change the most. Thus, a new schedule was added to my daily routine. Perhaps because of this, I ended up spending much more time with Duke Bellocchio than with Ian.

Still, perhaps because of the sermon, which made my throat sore, Duke Bellocchio’s obsession slightly improved. Although he still can’t write a letter yet. Of course, I could write the content of the letter for him. However, I didn’t want to do that because it wouldn’t be Duke Bellocchio’s true feelings. He has to realize it himself. He must know my feelings because he didn’t get angry even when I spoke frankly. Hoping he could write a normal letter soon, I continued the lecture even after finishing dinner. Thanks to that, I could only leave his office late at night.

‘I want to lie down…’ 

I entered the room, covered in fatigue, and saw Ian sitting on the edge of the bed.

“You came early.” 

He usually studied until later, but he was back earlier than expected today.

“Because I have to go back to the Academy tomorrow.”

“Time flies.” 

My heart sank at his emotionless tone.

‘It should be a good thing, though…’ 

At least it means his obsession with our friendship has lessened, and I can successfully divorce him. Nevertheless, Ian’s behavior felt a little hurtful.

“I’ve thought about it for a long time. I know I shouldn’t avoid it anymore.” 

He finally realized it after three weeks, I guess. Does that mean he agrees to divorce me when we become adults? I calmly waited for his next words.

“You said I was obsessed with our friendship. I needed time to wonder if my actions were wrong. But I don’t know. Why that’s a problem.” 

Indeed, Ian resembled his father, Duke Bellocchio. He didn’t see any problem with being obsessed with a relationship with one person.

“And I don’t want to divorce you. Although I know I have to do that kind of thing with you after becoming an adult.” 

He was embarrassed to even utter the word “kiss,” so he referred to it as “that kind of thing.” Even in this situation, I almost burst out laughing because of how cute he was.

“It will be hard, but I’ll try. Then I can do it. Both you and I.” 

Yes, yes. It will be hard. So, try…

“…What? What do you mean by that?” 

I felt a chill run through my very core. What did I just hear?