Ch.152Chapter 152. Date?

After finishing my daily tasks, I return to check on Irie’s condition before preparing for the next day…

For the past two months, I’ve maintained this routine, though I occasionally have to travel away for extended stays.

What allowed me to be somewhat free from the anxiety this caused was the presence of a reliable assistant who remained by her side in my absence.

“So, you’re saying you’ll be on an extermination mission for the next six months?”

“Yes, so I won’t be able to return to the territory for quite a while.”

In the workshop located in the basement of the mansion.

There, Tashian Pailoi, who was busy crafting equipment, began running her finger along a newly completed sword.

The surface gradually developed grooves from the mana in her fingernails.

The inscriptions carefully etched by her delicate touch were a type of magical characters known as “runes.”

Weren’t they said to be expressions of concepts that have existed in this world since humans first created writing?

Once inscribed, they possess power on their own, which is why they’re mainly used in equipment crafting. However, I’ve heard that for humans, not only interpreting them but also acquiring the sense needed to inscribe them is difficult to master.

“…If you’re going on an expedition for six months, you’ll need to prepare thoroughly.”

Not only was Tashian remarkably skilled with this incredible technique, but she was also casually handing me the finished product as if it were nothing special.

She always apologizes for not being able to do more, but having served as a porter myself, I’ve seen many weapons.

I understand how valuable the weapons she creates are, but at this point, I’m too tired to be surprised, so I simply gather mana into the sword I’m holding.

-Whoosh!

As soon as I gather magical power, the sword ignites.

When I swing the flaming blade at a target, it leaves both a gash and burn marks on the metal surface.

As expected of a weapon made by a dragon, even a fallen one. If I put this on the market, I could name my price.

“But that would be around when the baby is due. Will you be able to return by then?”

“Well, yes, that does worry me a bit. Extermination missions sometimes can’t be completed within the scheduled timeframe.”

After testing the sword’s performance, I set it down on the floor and concentrated power in my hand.

With a humming sound, mana connected with the sword.

As I felt the elemental remnants in the mana memorizing the sword’s form and naturally gathering to me, I reached out into the air, attempting to manifest a weapon.

“…Still, I have to try. To return by then.”

-Whoosh!

Fierce flames erupted from the mana-formed sword in my hand.

This wasn’t the result of me using mana to cast a spell, but rather a perfect replication of the runes inscribed on Tashian’s sword.

While runes are said to only work when meticulously crafted down to the finest detail, using the elemental spirits’ precise control abilities can somewhat alleviate this difficulty.

Though as a copy, its power is somewhat inferior to the original, the versatility of being able to manifest it from thin air without having to carry it around makes it far more practical.

“I’ll need to put more care into making your equipment.”

Seemingly agreeing with this point, Tashian resumed her work, preparing equipment that I could replicate and use.

After spending some time getting familiar with the weapons she provided, I sat down in a chair to rest when someone quietly approached me.

It was a cluster of semi-transparent elemental spirits, holding a water bottle.

“Ah, thank you.”

-Woooong.

After I expressed my gratitude, the cluster of spirits responded immediately, then moved away from me and began tidying up the scattered training equipment one by one.

They started doing what I needed without any specific instructions from me.

Considering that initially they only mimicked my actions, the current cluster had developed remarkably fast.

I still can’t control a perfect avatar like Prince Seis does, but… having come this far in just two months, there’s plenty of room for further growth.

-Woong.

As I was feeling satisfied with this growth, the cluster of spirits approached me and made a crying sound.

The reason they often behave this way after work lately is because they’ve developed not only independent judgment but also emotional aspects like desires and reward psychology.

And if I’ve noticed that, what I should do is clear.

“Yes, you did well.”

-Woooong~

The blue form trembled as I patted its head.

Though it resembles a human in appearance, it follows me so diligently that it sometimes looks as cute as a pet showing affection.

In reality, it should be considered a partner rather than an avatar since it’s a separate entity reflecting me, but… wait a minute.

Why does this one’s body look like this? It should be reflecting me, so why does the chest area…

“You seem quite accustomed to handling the spirits now.”

Tashian approached me as I was pondering this, startling me and breaking my concentration.

The spirit that had been staring at me intently dissipated and vanished as my focus broke.

When concentration breaks, the connection breaks too—a natural result.

“Oh my, did I interrupt something?”

“Ahaha, no, it’s fine. I can summon it again anytime.”

Right, unlike with normal people, the cluster I control forms exactly the same as before.

I decided to put aside my questions for later and looked down at the hand that had patted the spirit, saying wistfully:

“Still, I have a long way to go. Compared to the person who passed this power to me…”

Had Tachia lived, she surely would have achieved even greater results than I have—she just never had the chance to grow.

That’s something I know best, having inherited her memories.

Nevertheless, Tashian dismissed my words and gave me a gentle smile.

“Well, from what I can see, you’re growing faster than that child.”

“…Do you really think so?”

“Hehe, of course. Not just in handling spirits—if you train your physical aspects a bit more, you’ll have more than enough to catch up to her.”

She’s a dragon who has lived for ten thousand years, even if fallen.

I truly appreciate that such a dragon genuinely acknowledges me, not out of mere pretense.

Yet I can’t find complete comfort in her words because the reality I face demands that I shouldn’t be satisfied with just this much.

“The fact that you feel inadequate isn’t because you’re inferior to that child, but because you feel this isn’t enough.”

Yes, exactly as she just perceived.

Ever since meeting the Prince, I’ve strongly felt that this isn’t enough.

Whatever comes next, I need to become strong enough to prepare for it.

“…Can I do it?”

As I felt a thirst arising from the unsatisfying reality, Tashian gently embraced me and whispered:

“I can’t say with absolute certainty that you can, but remember one thing: everyone around you, including me, is here for you.”

The warmth from her embrace gradually eased my burden.

That meant I was relying on her quite a lot.

Realizing this, I smiled bitterly and buried my face deeper into her embrace.

“Thank you, mo…”

A word that almost reflexively escaped, drawn by that warmth.

“Mo?”

Tashian lifted herself up and stared at me with wide eyes.

“…Uh.”

“Quickly now. What comes after ‘mo’?”

My throat clogged up at the sight of those bright, expectant eyes.

After hesitating, I finally turned my gaze away from her and said with a strained voice:

“Um, mo, junshik…”

“……..”

“…Um. Was that too much after all?”

-Slap!

****

“…It’s unfair.”

After leaving the workshop, I expressed my resentment toward Tashian as my back stung.

Certainly, it was partly my fault for unconsciously raising expectations, but wouldn’t anyone feel pressured when stared at with such wide eyes?

“…I hope I can say it properly next time.”

Next time would be six months later, but well, by then I might find the opportunity to say it directly. As I was thinking this while walking through the mansion’s corridor…

“What are you hoping to say properly?”

Startled by the voice, I stopped and slowly turned my gaze to the side.

There was Merilyn Sutherland, peering at me through a crack in the door.

“…Ms. Merilyn?”

“Mr. Hyoseong.”

Right, I was slow to realize because the mansion is so large, but this is where Merilyn’s room is located.

As I became aware of this and tried to face her properly, Merilyn just poked her head through the door crack and glared at me.

“Don’t you have something to say to me?”

“Something to say?”

“It seems like there should be something very important…”

Something important… that’s right.

I need to tell her about the upcoming expedition and that we’ll be apart for a while.

“Actually, I have an expedition coming up, and I wanted to discuss—”

-Thud!

“…Um, Ms. Merilyn?”

“I don’t care.”

A sharp voice.

The disappointment I felt from it immediately made me realize I had misspoken.

“I don’t care about someone like Mr. Hyoseong. Always taking care of Ms. Irie and neglecting me.”

“N-no, neglecting? I never thought of it that way—”

“Oh really~ So for Mr. Hyoseong, only Ms. Irie matters, right? I’m just a side character, a concubine, a toy to play with for a while? Thank you so much~ For treating me like this after I left my homeland to come here~!”

“I… I’m sorry. It’s just that Ms. Irie needs a lot of care right now…”

“Then keep taking care of her! And keep neglecting me like you have been!”

Her voice gradually rose while mine lowered under the pressure.

I admit I’ve been negligent in my treatment of Merilyn over these two months, but it was unavoidable from my perspective.

With limited time, it’s impossible to devote myself to everyone, and given Irie’s condition, I can only ask others for understanding.

…Though I’m also aware that I became trash the moment I got involved with two women.

[Read this when you’re in trouble with Ms. Merilyn.]

Fortunately, this situation was somewhat anticipated.

I took out the note I had received earlier from Irie and recited the words written on it verbatim.

“Ms. Merilyn.”

“What?”

“Let’s go on a date.”

-Creak.

“…A date?”

“Y-yes. Let’s go into town together today.”

There’s no need to go out until the expedition day, and I have plenty of time.

Until then, I can make time not just for Irie but for Merilyn as well, so there’s nothing to worry about.

Moreover, since it was Irie’s instruction to go on a date with Merilyn to improve her mood, it must be fine if she gave permission.

“…Have you eaten?”

Fortunately, Merilyn didn’t close the door again and seemed willing to engage in conversation.

Feeling relieved that things were proceeding according to the note, I immediately responded to her.

“Ah, no. We should eat together. Is there anything you’d like to eat?”

“Let’s go eat eel.”

“Eel?”

“Yes, they say eel is good for stamina.”

“…Um, Ms. Merilyn.”

“I have a lot built up over these two months. And I just overheard that you’ll be gone for six months…”

Hehehe, a faint laugh came from behind the door.

As a chill ran down my spine, I carefully recalled the contents of the note I had read earlier.

[If you go along with the date appropriately, she’ll be satisfied on her own. For meals, choose foods that are good for replenishing energy…]

Ah, yes, that’s right. Since Ms. Irie gave permission, it should be fine.

…Is this really okay?