episode_0065

The prince of Elbrent, who entered the Academy, was murdered.

The rumor spread across the continent as if it had wings.

It was only natural that a member of the most noble clan on the continent had died.

The fact that the culprit behind the hot rumor was a commoner also contributed to the spread of the rumor.

Many people were curious about the truth and details of the incident.

How on earth did the prince get murdered by a commoner?

However, the details were not known.

It was only known that the culprit, Wade Heblon, had killed the prince within the Academy and then fled.

Anyway, the continent was noisy with shocking rumors, and it was no different inside the Academy.

The incident was an incident, and Wade, a vicious beast, was also quite famous within the academy, so it was natural for the academy to be in turmoil.

And because Wade, who should have received so much attention and attention, disappeared, the lost attention went somewhere else.

Right away, to the people around Wade.

Among them, the person who especially received a lot of attention was Mary Bluenoa.

***

“Hey, over there… … .”

“Ah… .”

Mary walked quietly, pretending not to notice the stares and whispers directed at her.

“Ah, Miss Mary… Good morning.”

Meanwhile, someone recognized her and spoke to her.

Mary immediately turned her gaze to understand the other person and greeted them with a soft smile.

“Yes. Good morning, Miss Lina.”

To Mary, it was a familiar face and someone she was quite close to.

They had something in common, being nobles from the same Kingdom of Levelon, and their family’s location was close, so he was one of the people I quickly became close to at the Academy.

“Your complexion is very bad… Are you okay?”

Lina asked, looking at Mary’s face with concern.

“Oh, I’m fine. Thank you for your concern.”

In response to Lina’s worried question, Mary shook her head lightly with a soft smile.

“… If so, I’m glad. Still, if you want to share any concerns, please let me know. It’s possible to listen to what’s being said.”

“Yes. Thank you always.”

Afterwards, Lina and Mary exchanged a few words and then parted ways.

And the smile that was on Mary’s face the whole time.

“… … .”

The moment I was left alone, it disappeared.

It’s always been like this these days.

Everyone was watching her, whispering about her, and paying attention to her.

If it was natural, it was natural.

Because she was the person closest to Wade.

To be specific, he is Wade’s friend and is Wade’s childhood friend.

There was no way all eyes wouldn’t focus on her like that.

At least it’s calmed down now, but the atmosphere was even worse right after the incident.

Because they were filled with suspicion, wondering if she might have something to do with the crime Wade committed.

No, it didn’t end with just a glance.

The academy actually called her in and thoroughly investigated and interrogated her.

This is an incident where the prince of the Elbrent Empire died.

Elbrent had no choice but to put pressure on the Academy, and a very thorough investigation was conducted.

As a result, people around Wade came under close scrutiny, especially Mary.

As a result, it was revealed that there were no charges, but that did not mean that all suspicions were lifted.

However, it was not those gazes that really disturbed Mary, the person in charge.

No, to be more precise, I didn’t even care about other people’s whispers.

There was another reason why her complexion was not good, and it looked emaciated at first glance.

‘Wade… .’

It was because she was worried about the whereabouts of her childhood friend, Wade.

Mary was well aware by now that Wade’s power was at an unusual level, but she couldn’t help but worry.

Because we were in a situation where we were being chased by the empire.

No matter how much Wade has the strength of the Ten Swords, there are limits as he is a human.

Because I can’t take on the entire might of the empire alone.

Just looking at it, there are only two of the Ten Swordsmen who belong to Elbrent, and there are several more warriors who have reached a similar level.

There was no way Wade could handle the total power of such an empire on his own.

Wade probably knew that, so he quickly chose to run away, but that doesn’t change the fact that a significant force is chasing after him.

Therefore, there was no way Mary would feel at ease.

As for Wade’s accusation itself, Mary did not believe it.

Even if it was true that Wade killed the prince, I thought there must have been a good reason.

Because Mary knew better than anyone else that Wade was not the kind of person who would kill innocent people for no reason.

“… Haha.”

Mary sighed softly, wondering what Wade was doing right now.

Lately, I’ve been unable to sleep well due to worrying about Wade.

Moreover, there was no way I could show such concerns outside, so I had no choice but to wear a mask, pretending that nothing had happened or that I was a person who did not expect Wade’s behavior at all.

As the days continued, Mary became increasingly gaunt.

“─That’s it for today.”

Today too, while her mind was busy with many thoughts, the class ended with the professor’s low voice, and Mary left the lecture hall with heavy steps.

Many people pass by her, and many eyes are focused on her again.

Mary just ignored those gazes and walked quietly.

I walked, walked, arrived at the platform, and got on the tram.

After letting the tram shake for a while, I get off.

And then start walking again.

Mary’s steps stopped in front of an old building.

The old club building is no longer in use.

It was a place I had never been to until recently, but now it felt quite familiar.

Leaving behind the face of someone that suddenly appeared, Mary stepped inside.

After walking quietly indoors for a while, she reached the place.

It was in front of a door that had ‘Historical Research Society’ written on it.

After taking a deep breath, Mary opened the door.

Squeak─

With the sound of old hinges ringing, the sight inside came into view.

And, now familiar faces.

Inside the clubroom, Rachel, Ira, and Estelle were sitting with expressionless faces.

“… Everyone is here.”

Looking at them, Mary greeted them in a bright voice.

“… Miss Mary, welcome.”

“Ah, hello… do… … .”

“You’re here.”

The three women welcomed Mary in their own way.

They also did not seem awkward about the visit of Mary, who was not a member of the club.

After exchanging greetings with the three women, Mary sat down on a chair.

“Have you heard any special news?”

“Okay.”

“… I see.”

It was an expected answer.

But after hearing it in person, I couldn’t help but feel depressed.

“… … .”

“… … .”

Just like that, silence fell in the club room.

The Historical Research Group always had this kind of atmosphere.

To be exact, it has always been like this ever since Mary showed up at the Historical Research Club.

Considering that the reason Mary stopped by here in the first place was Wade’s escape, it was only natural.

After the incident occurred and the investigation was roughly completed, Mary frequently stopped by the historical research group.

The intention was to relieve some of the anxiety by talking with people in similar situations, but the main purpose was information and news.

Rumors about Wade’s whereabouts and condition.

Although Mary was a noblewoman, in fact she had no special foundation, so it was as if she had no information power to obtain such news.

On the other hand, all the women here have a superior foundation than her. In particular, Estelle is one of the people with the greatest intelligence on the continent.

Therefore, rather than running around on her own, Mary decided that it would be better to stop by here to get information about Wade.

In fact, Estelle used her information skills to retrieve Wade’s information every time.

Where is it currently found, what is its approximate condition, and where is it headed?

That in itself meant that Wade was safe, so I felt reassured every time I heard that information, but it didn’t make me feel at ease.

Because it also meant that Wade was constantly being chased.

Perhaps because of that, the atmosphere of the club was not bright from beginning to end.

‘Wade… .’

Trying to soothe her aching heart with worry for Wade, Mary recalled the memories of that day.

Memories of the day Wade disappeared.

***

“Wade, can you spare some time tonight?”

That day, Mary went to Wade and asked him that.

With an uncharacteristically serious expression.

Wade looked at Mary with puzzled eyes.

“Okay.”

I nodded willingly.

It was the answer she wanted, but Mary was not happy.

Because tension, nervousness, and anxiety filled her heart.

For Mary, Wade is a precious childhood friend.

Ever since I was young, it was always by my side.

However, they were not just childhood friends.

Mary had a rational crush on Wade.

However, for some reason, they were unable to convey their feelings, and the two spent a long time together as just childhood friends.

That kind of relationship wasn’t all bad.

It was clear that Wade did not see her as the opposite sex, but Mary was confident that she was the closest person to Wade.

That confidence began to waver after I entered the academy.

One by one, women began to appear around Wade.

Also, women who clearly had feelings for Wade.

In fact, that itself has been happening since ancient times.

Wade often bewitched people with unintentional actions.

But things were a little different back then.

The women who started hanging around Wade at the academy were beautiful and outstanding people to Mary’s standards.

Especially when it comes to background, Mary was such a great person that no one could compete with her.

That fact stimulated Mary’s anxiety.

If it were people like that, wouldn’t Wade’s heart be shaken?

It’s okay for now, but if someone confesses their feelings to Wade.

And if Wade accepts it.

Then Wade would leave her side.

When I graduate from the academy, I’ll probably even leave Lakenwood.

Mary never wanted to imagine such a future.

However, it was difficult to convey my feelings to Wade.

Honestly, I was afraid.

I’m afraid of being rejected.

So I hesitated.

Meanwhile, time passed, the second semester passed, and I became a second grader.

Wade became more famous within the academy, and more people expressed interest in him.

At that fact, Mary felt nervous.

If you postpone it any longer.

If you don’t do anything like this.

I really thought that Wade would go away without me having to do anything about it.

So, I decided to take action.

Mary knew well that the chances of Wade accepting her feelings were not high.

Probably more than anyone else.

But that didn’t mean it could stop.

Therefore, even if he failed, he decided to confirm Wade’s intentions and confess his feelings.

I thought that if Wade could become even a little conscious of her, that would be enough.

With that mindset, she spoke to Wade.

Although I was afraid and hesitant, I succeeded in summoning Wade.

However, as the appointment time got closer, my heart started pounding and negative thoughts began to creep in.

If you get rejected… No, beyond that, what if Wade becomes disillusioned with himself?

Caught up in those negative thoughts, Mary waited with a heavy heart for Wade to show up.

However, Wade did not show up even when the appointed time arrived.

Ten minutes passed, thirty minutes passed, an hour passed, two hours passed, and Wade did not appear.

It was the next day that I heard that Wade had become the prince’s killer and escaped.

***

When I look at it that way, I think it’s very unique.

Because it happened on the day I made up my mind.

It even felt as if heaven was preventing her from sharing her feelings.

I was more worried about Wade’s safety, so those thoughts quickly subsided.

Anyway, time passed while I was lost in thought, and before I knew it, it was time for the sun to begin to disappear behind the mountains.

It looks like there won’t be any more information today, thought Mary as she opened her mouth.

“… That’s enough for today─”

Jump up!

Mary’s voice was cut off by the hastily opened door.

Let’s look at that direction with surprised eyes.

A face that Mary had never seen before was standing there.

He was a man who did not appear to be a person inside the academy.

Before I even questioned who that person was.

Excited, Excited─

Mary suddenly felt her heart pounding.

A thick feeling of anxiety suddenly ate away at her heart.

“What’s going on?”

Estelle asked the man.

The man noticed Estelle and immediately tried to bow down.

It was “. Rather, tell me the business.”

Hearing Estelle’s cold voice, he immediately stopped his movements and raised his head again.

Then he hesitated for a moment and then opened his mouth.

“… Wade Heblon is said to be missing.”

““… … !””

The air in the room was turbulent.

“What is that─”

“Calm down.”

Estelle sharply interrupted Rachel, who was urgently trying to ask for details.

“No news at all is not such a bad thing. There’s no way Elbrent would take Wade’s new recruits and make a fuss about it. Wade’s disappearance is highly likely to mean that Elbrent also missed Wade.”

“… … .”

At those words, Rachel immediately closed her mouth.

Because I thought what Estelle said made sense.

At the same time, anticipation for positive information appeared on her and Ira’s faces.

However.

Mary couldn’t be happy easily.

My heart, which had been pounding a little while ago, was still pulsating anxiously.

Explain even “.”

After Estelle’s name was spoken, the man began to explain.

“… As you said, it seems that Elbrent has not been able to secure Wade Heblon’s safety. but… … .”

“Just?”

“… … .”

The man looked at Estel with extreme hesitation and was unable to open his mouth right away.

Instead, I broke into a cold sweat and even swallowed dry saliva.

As if he doesn’t want to say any more.

“What are you doing? Hurry up and don’t say anything.”

However, there was no way Estelle would grant such a wish.

Estelle urged the man, and the man looked hesitant and reluctantly opened his mouth.

“… A large amount of blood, believed to be Wade Heblon’s, was sprinkled at the scene of the disappearance. The amount is unusual, and judging from the traces left at the scene, it seems certain that it fell into the cliff afterwards… … .”

Gulp, the man swallowed, then closed his eyes tightly and spoke.

“… Wade Heblon is presumed dead.”

thud.

Mary’s heart plummeted to the floor.