Chapter 236

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‘I can clearly tell what he’s thinking.’

Frey observed Eugene, who was lost in thought.

Although Alice had control over the body, Frey could also see everything Alice saw since they shared all sensory perceptions.

Alice’s gaze briefly turned to Eugene. It was because of the heat she had felt for a moment.

Eugene’s control over his abilities was lacking compared to his talent.

It was a matter of personality. He was fine under normal circumstances, but whenever his emotions were slightly stirred, his supernatural abilities would leak out.

Frey had thought he had somewhat overcome this through the God of War’s training, but this time, the heat once again made the air uncomfortably warm.

Still, the fact that he quickly regained control suggested that his efforts hadn’t been entirely in vain.

‘He must be doubting the relationship between the God of War and Lucia.’

It was only natural for him to be troubled after witnessing such a scene.

Frey, too, was internally conflicted, though she didn’t show it.

No matter how much she thought about it, their relationship was far from ordinary.

‘Lucia’s reaction, the God of War’s response…’

In a way, it felt like a dramatic reunion of family. And it truly was a dramatic reunion—being kidnapped, having her body taken over, and being in a coma for over a month.

If the God of War was truly Lucia’s protector and their relationship was akin to family, then their actions wouldn’t be all that strange.

But with just a slight shift in perspective, the interpretation could change entirely.

That was likely why Eugene was making such a face.

Frey let out a deep sigh. Since Alice was the one controlling the body, Frey could only sigh internally. She had thought she knew Lucia well, but perhaps that confidence had been premature.

The person Lucia likes is Eugene.

Even if it wasn’t love, Frey believed there was at least some interest.

Considering the way Lucia had treated Eugene, Frey still held that belief.

However, Lucia’s actions this time were more direct than anything she had shown Eugene before.

‘Sigh, I don’t even know anymore.’

Does Lucia like Eugene, or does she like the God of War?

Did she see the God of War in Eugene, or did she simply have feelings for him?

There was room for interpretation either way, and now Frey was utterly confused.

‘Honestly, that innocent face of hers is a masterclass in complicating people’s hearts.’

The more she observed Lucia’s actions, the more she seemed like a fox.

Does she actually have a tail on her butt?

Ah, probably not. I’ve checked before.

For now, Frey set aside Lucia’s actions and recalled the God of War’s response.

His behavior was equally suspicious. Was he simply happy that the girl he had protected had returned safely, or was there something else?

Ah, no way. That couldn’t be, right? The age difference is too big. She’s not even close to being his child or grandchild.

Unless there’s some shocking twist that Lucia is actually from the same era as the God of War, this just makes him look like a creep.

He’s supposed to be a Hero of humanity, revered as the God of War. His personal life shouldn’t be this messy.

This is giving me a headache.

Thinking too much about it was starting to give Frey a headache.

She asked Alice to switch control of the body.

Wrapping her arms around Lucia’s waist, she buried her face in Lucia’s chest.

Ah, it’s gotten a bit bigger? It’s soft and elastic, feels nice.

“Hehe, that tickles.”

Listening to Lucia’s laughter, Frey closed her eyes.

It was a rare reunion, and she had been too caught up in her thoughts. The familiar scent of Lucia filled her heart.

For now, she decided to focus solely on Lucia. She would focus only on the warmth enveloping her body. No matter who Lucia likes or who holds her heart, their relationship wouldn’t change.

Alice (Frey) is Lucia’s closest friend.

She could always be by her side, no matter what.

For now, Frey decided to be content with that.

◈

As they chatted about this and that, time flew by quickly.

Both Eugene and Alice seemed to have a lot they wanted to talk about.

Well, it had been a month. No, actually, if you include the time I was kidnapped, it’s been over a month.

It’s been a while since we last met, so there’s a lot to catch up on. Thanks to that, I got to hear all sorts of news.

For example, Angelica had broken through the wall, Eugene had formed a connection with Karma, the 4th Division Captain, students from Class A had visited me in the hospital, and there were various other pieces of information.

No wonder there were so many flowers decorating the room. It seemed my friends had left them wishing for my speedy recovery.

Notably, students from Class D had also visited.

Carlos, for one, seemed like the type to do that.

That guy, despite his appearance, is deeply sentimental.

He was the reason I ended up in that situation.

He must have felt some guilt.

What was surprising was that not only Carlos but also Regina had come.

Eugene and Alice had only encountered her once, but they said they saw her sitting blankly in the hospital room.

When the two of them arrived, she left without a word…

For now, Yoo-seong and Lucille’s matters took priority, so Class D’s issues were pushed back, but they would need to be addressed eventually.

I remember everything now.

After the field training, when Regina and Seri from Class D came to see me, something happened.

It’s just a guess, but the voice apologizing that I heard while being tortured by Astaroth… Well, I’ll find out when I confront them later.

Lucia doesn’t forget grudges.

I won’t be satisfied until I return what I’ve received.

To deceive me, kidnap me, and even torture me…

Thanks to that, Lucia got to show off her organs.

I’ll spank your butt! I’ll tickle your sides!

But since I’m in a good mood, I’ll forgive you.

Might as well do it like last time… Ugh, just kidding.

Anyway, I ended up taking way more time than I expected.

I only asked Yoo-seong to give me a little space.

By the time I came to my senses, several hours had flown by.

When the hospital suggested a thorough check-up, I used that as an excuse to send the two of them away.

Of course, the results of the check-up were nothing significant. Lucia, after all, is a supernatural with the least connection to hospitals.

Even though she’s been hospitalized a few times. As time passed, the sun eventually began to set.

Yoo-seong had waited quietly until then. As the commander of the Celestial Corps, he must be busy. Is it really okay? According to Eugene, he had squeezed time out of his schedule to visit me.

But, well. Yoo-seong is the highest-ranking person here. Who’s going to say anything if he takes a break? In fact, it’s better if Yoo-seong rests a bit. He’s always been running around busily.

The long stretch of twilight left its mark.

The crimson light spilling through the window dyed the hospital room in deep hues.

Yoo-seong had taken the place of the two who had left.

I turned my back to the light and looked at Yoo-seong.

“Did you have a good talk with your friends?”

“Yes, thanks to you. I’m sorry. You waited a long time, didn’t you?”

“No, don’t apologize. It was actually nice to have some time to relax. Taking a break once in a while isn’t so bad.”

Yoo-seong smiled faintly as he spoke. I carefully placed a hand on my chest. Even as I faced his smile, the emotional surge I had felt earlier didn’t return.

In a way, it was only natural. The impulse that had driven me was an emotion that had been bottled up for so long. Now that it had overflowed, there was nothing left. Even if there was, it wouldn’t be enough to paralyze my reason like before.

It’s truly a relief. I was secretly worried about what would happen if I lost control again.

Still, Lucille’s influence remained. A smile naturally formed as I felt a sense of familiarity and longing toward Yoo-seong. It was a deeply familiar and nostalgic sensation. I couldn’t help but feel the urge to playfully tease him. It’s a bit hard to gauge the distance between us now.

“I couldn’t properly thank you earlier because I was so flustered.”

I bowed my head slightly toward Yoo-seong as I spoke.

“Thank you for saving me.”

Although Eugene had saved me, it was ultimately Yoo-seong who had made the decisive contribution to my rescue.

Part of me wanted to hug him tightly, just as I had done with Eugene. But I couldn’t disrupt the mood, as I was about to bring up a serious topic.

The last wish Lucille had entrusted to me.

She had asked me to take care of Yoo-seong.

She had told me to explain things to him carefully so he wouldn’t be too shocked.

I had racked my brain trying to figure out how to explain things in a way that would minimize the shock. The conclusion was that there was no way. No matter how I thought about it, there was no way to soften the blow. The truth was bound to hurt no matter what.

That’s why I decided to tell him right after waking up, rather than waiting until everything was resolved.

If he found out the truth after some time had passed, the shock would only double. To learn that the girl he had believed to be Lucille was actually someone else—it could even make him feel a deep sense of betrayal. It was better to be honest now, as it was the best way to prevent the shock from growing.

I slowly raised my head, which I had been bowing.

Then, I began to speak the words I had prepared in my heart.

“Yoo-seong, the truth is…”

“Lucille.”

But before I could finish my sentence, Yoo-seong interrupted me. This was extremely rare. Yoo-seong hardly ever interrupted Lucille’s words. He usually listened quietly until she finished speaking. I felt a sense of confusion, but that confusion soon turned into bewilderment.

Strong arms wrapped around me.

It wasn’t forceful, but a gentle embrace.

My mouth hung open. I couldn’t understand the current situation. Someone was hugging me. Since only Yoo-seong and I were in the room, there was no need to wonder who it was. My eyes darted around. Yoo-seong? I unconsciously called his name.

“I was scared.”

Yoo-seong whispered softly.

His voice trembled slightly at the end.

It seemed like he was trying to hold back, but it wasn’t working.

The arms holding me tightened slightly.

“I was so scared of losing you again.”

His voice, trembling with desperation, echoed in my ears.

You already lost me.

I almost blurted out the words but quickly clamped my mouth shut. All the sentences I had prepared earlier vanished in an instant, leaving my mind blank.

Even though I didn’t respond, Yoo-seong continued without waiting.

“I swore to protect you, but I always fail to keep that promise.”

“Yoo-seong, uh, I mean…”

“I’m sorry. My saintess.”

“…”

Uh…

I’m supposed to confess the truth in this situation?

Lucia’s a masochist, not a sadist, you know?

…This kind of ambush is unfair.

Author Note

A/N (Author’s note):
Your Lucille,

Replaced by Lucia.

Are you dissatisfied, Yoo-seong?

Translator Note

T/N (Translator’s note):
Oh hey, Lucia noticed the brainwashing. Some actual hope for those two!