Ch.217217. Welcome! (3)

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“…Master.”

Bella interjected with a small cough.

Certainly, even to her, threatening to kill someone you’ve just met must have seemed rather strange.

I thought that even in the Tristan Dukedom, justice and common sense would surely prevail—

“What is it, Bella?”

“While I completely understand how you feel, the young lady clearly…”

The two of them began whispering at a volume just low enough that I couldn’t hear.

“…”

She completely understands how he feels.

Being close to Elnore must be such a serious crime to these two that they’d find it perfectly reasonable to kill me on the spot.

“…Hmm.”

As I pondered how the world had become such a harsh place, Leonid, who had been whispering with Bella for quite some time, looked at me with a sigh.

Though his face was full of displeasure, he seemed to accept that as the head of the family, he had certain duties toward a guest.

I could tell by the way he opened a drawer and took something out.

“Take it.”

A room key.

“I’ll be honest. I cannot bring myself to like you.”

“…”

The straightforward declaration of his dislike hit me right in the face.

He had been showing it clearly from the moment he saw me, but hearing it stated so directly made me feel I couldn’t leave without asking.

“…May I ask why?”

Leonid snorted vehemently at my question.

“Try reducing the number of women following you around by half before asking that question.”

“…”

“I didn’t even need to investigate personally. Your reputation at Elphante Academy precedes you.”

“…”

“Imagine how I feel when my only granddaughter brings home a notorious womanizer like you. How would that look from a family member’s perspective?”

[I can’t argue with that…]

“…”

Calivan.

Whose side are you on?

‘…Well.’

At least it’s a reason I can understand.

I thought I might have earned his hatred for some bizarre reason I wasn’t aware of.

‘…This man is seriously obsessed with his granddaughter.’

For various reasons, this is a man who cherishes Elnore more than anything.

The story goes that despite being constantly dismissed by Gideon since childhood, Elnore grew up relatively well-adjusted because this man cared for her with utmost devotion.

Being that kind of person, I was worried when he called for me.

You know, what if he was planning to mess with me in some outlandish way? But this level of concern for his granddaughter is quite reasonable.

While I was thinking this, Leonid jingled the key in front of me, as if telling me to take it already.

“This is where you’ll be staying. It won’t be as comfortable as your own home, but try to make yourself at home as much as possible.”

I agree that it won’t be comfortable.

The atmosphere has felt rather unwelcoming since I first entered the Tristan Dukedom.

“…Thank you.”

As I reached out to accept the key without further comment—

The office door burst open.

It was someone familiar. So familiar that I unconsciously let out a dazed voice.

“…Elnore?”

I almost didn’t recognize her in her unfamiliar attire. The Elnore I remembered always wore a tight uniform complete with a hat.

An off-shoulder dress with black frills everywhere. Long hair elegantly styled with ornate accessories. From head to toe, she was the epitome of a noble lady. Everything about her screamed luxury.

And what prevented all this from seeming like mere extravagance was—

The person wearing these things exuded an aura that reduced such finery to mere “decorations.”

As if such items were necessary to adorn the most “noble” being. The gap in class that made such expensive items seem merely “fitting” for her.

To the point where it sent chills down my spine. To the point where it made my backbone shiver.

She was beautiful.

I found myself staring blankly at Elnore.

[…Are you in a daze right now?]

“…”

Calivan’s voice, almost frightening in its intensity, snapped me back to reality.

What now?

Anyone would lose focus for a moment when faced with such beauty.

[No, I’m just surprised you could feel such emotions toward a woman…?]

“…”

[So you’re not sexually dysfunctional after all, our Darwood…!]

This person must have some disease that requires him to spout nonsense periodically.

As I was scratching my cheek with that thought, Elnore approached me with heavy steps and grabbed my wrist.

The moment she did, both Bella and Leonid flinched simultaneously. Like people caught doing something they shouldn’t.

Elnore’s eyes gleamed coldly.

She was clearly furious.

“Grandfather.”

Then, a voice as sharp as frost emerged.

A tone cold enough to bring frost even in midsummer.

“This is clearly the key to the annex, isn’t it?”

“…Child.”

“The building near the knights’ garrison within the domain.”

“…”

“A perfect place to isolate someone and prevent them from contacting anyone else. Isn’t that right, Grandfather?”

“…”

Leonid and Bella fell silent simultaneously.

Meanwhile, Elnore snatched the key from my hand, walked firmly to Leonid’s desk, and placed it down with a thud.

The coldness emanating from her entire body was alarming.

“Grandfather.”

Her eyes fixed on Leonid. Her red irises flashed with a dangerous light, almost like the color of blood.

“You’re free to do as you please, but how many times have I asked you not to interfere with Darwood and me being together?”

“…Elnore. About that man, I have things to—”

“I won’t listen.”

Leonid tried to say something, but Elnore cut him off.

Her demeanor suggested she saw no reason even to hear any objections.

“Grandfather, Bella.”

Then.

Elnore declared in a solemn voice.

“I hate you.”

“…”

“I won’t see you for a while.”

“…”

Somehow, I feel like adding a “hmph!” at the end would have suited her perfectly.

[…Is this for real?]

Calivan’s voice was filled with disbelief, as the declaration seemed childishly cute compared to her previous serious demeanor.

But the reaction was dramatic.

Leonid and Bella’s faces remained unchanged, but with my expertise in reading expressionless faces—developed from spending time with Elnore—I could see it clearly.

The twitching muscles in their cheeks from extreme shock, the uncontrollable trembling of their hands and arms.

Somehow, Leonid’s beard seemed to droop even more than before.

“…Child. What on earth—”

“I mean exactly what I said, Grandfather.”

Her tone had become much lighter compared to her formal speech earlier.

But at this change, the color drained from Bella and Leonid’s faces.

As if they knew that when Elnore spoke in this manner, there was absolutely no room for negotiation.

“This is punishment for trying to take Darwood away from me.”

Indeed.

Elnore’s expression as she said these words was so resolute that there was no room for argument.

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“…I apologize for that, sir.”

Once we were in the hallway, Elnore cleared her throat and spoke.

“My grandfather tends to be overly protective when it comes to matters concerning me.”

“…No, it’s fine.”

I scratch my cheek awkwardly as I reply.

I already knew what kind of person Leonid was. I don’t have any particular feelings about being treated this way.

But seemingly unsatisfied with my response, Elnore sighed and offered what sounded like an excuse.

“Especially lately, the Council of Elders has been picking fights with the Tristan Dukedom at every turn. With the current Duke absent, my grandfather has been trying to handle things and is on edge—”

Elnore suddenly stopped mid-sentence.

Then, tilting her head, she took a few steps toward me.

“Isn’t your face a bit flushed? Are you feeling unwell?”

“Ah, no, it’s nothing. I’m perfectly fine.”

I wave my hands dismissively and take a few steps back.

It was to hide the blood rushing even more to my face.

“…If you say so.”

Elnore tilted her head again and stepped back.

I breathe a sigh of relief in response.

‘Seriously, what’s wrong with me?’

It’s not like this is the first or second time I’ve seen Elnore. Getting my heart racing like a teenager just because she’s dressed up nicely seems a bit much.

‘…Really, why?’

I don’t understand my own state.

As I stood there puzzled by my reaction, Elnore, who had been walking ahead, stopped.

“We’ve arrived. This is where you’ll be staying.”

At those words, I snap back to attention and look ahead.

A massive annex. It’s as enormous as if an entire academic building from Elphante had been transported here.

To give you an idea of its scale, imagine a 60-story building laid on its side.

It’s not just big—it’s so incredibly luxurious that I would believe it if someone told me it was inside the imperial palace.

It definitely looks like one of the most expensive buildings in the Tristan Dukedom.

“…I’d prefer a smaller room, please.”

I say with a bitter smile.

Judging by how luxurious this building is, someone with common sensibilities like me would probably be too uncomfortable to sleep.

But Elnore tilted her head in confusion at my words.

“What do you mean?”

“Pardon?”

“This entire building is yours.”

“…”

I look at the building, then at Elnore.

Then back at the building, then at Elnore again.

“Pardon?”

“I’ve already spoken with the staff. Consider it yours and use it as you please. As long as you don’t mistreat the female staff, I’ll overlook anything.”

“…”

“Get used to it. It’s likely to be yours in the future as well.”

As I stood there speechless, Calivan snickered inside the Soul Linker.

[How generous. Already preparing the dowry.]

‘…’

[Congratulations, man. Just be a kept husband and you’ll never have to worry about—]

‘Shut up, please.’

I follow Elnore, who has started walking again, while silencing Calivan.

When we reach what appears to be the entrance to the annex, there’s a large portrait of what seems to be the previous owner of the building.

“…”

Elnore paused for a moment to look up at the portrait.

Longing. Affection. Regret. Remorse.

Her gaze could be described by any of these emotions—it was that tender.

‘…This.’

I silently look up at the portrait as well.

Though for a slightly different reason.

‘It looks quite familiar.’

Grey Demon.

The woman in the portrait resembled her so closely that I couldn’t help but think of that term.

The common point would be that both looked like more mature versions of Elnore.

“…Iris Linea La Tristan.”

Elnore read the name written below the portrait and spoke with a slightly husky voice.

“My mother. This was her building.”

“…Is it really alright to let me stay in your mother’s home?”

When I asked this question seriously, Elnore turned her body toward me.

Then, an immediate answer flowed out.

“Of course.”

Elnore said, curling up the corners of her lips slightly.

“You are that precious to me.”

“…”

Her words hit me right in the chest.

This person really has some nerve.

How can she say such embarrassing things so casually?

“And you’re about to become even more precious.”

“…Pardon?”

“Darwood.”

Elnore approached me again and poked the tip of my nose with her finger.

Then.

She giggled.

It was an innocent laugh, like that of a child.

“Change your clothes and come out. Let’s have dinner together.”

“…”

“Just the two of us.”

“…”

Before I could even respond.

Elnore winked and continued.

“We have much to talk about, don’t we? The night is long, after all.”

Following those words.

A scream-like shout immediately erupted from within the Soul Linker.

[Let’s gooooooo!!!]

“…”

I don’t even know how many times I’ve said this.

Old man.

Shut up, please.

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