episode_0032

Even though a huge incident such as the attack on the princess occurred, the academy did not become an uproar.

The reason is that Estelle, the person involved, did not want the incident to become public.

Due to various reasons, I had no choice but to report the attack to the academy, but that happened after the crime scene had been cleaned up.

Estelle calmly told the academy that an attack had occurred, hiding the details.

Naturally, the Academy was curious about the details, but they were the other party, and above all, they had no choice but to take a step back due to Estelle’s threat to announce the fact of the attack if they delved further.

The academy also wanted to avoid having the world reveal that an attack had occurred within the academy, especially against the next emperor of the empire.

However, questions remained about the details of the incident and why Estelle went out of her way to prevent it from spreading.

The higher-ups at the academy assumed that this was because the incident was linked to problems within the empire.

They said they were hiding the incident to avoid damaging Reinberg’s reputation.

No one could guess that the reason was to hide the existence of a man from the public.

In any case, Ferdion Academy was just quietly immersed in the afterglow of the festival, unaware of the fact that an incident that could change the course of the continent had occurred.

***

A busy few days passed without a moment’s notice.

Estelle, who had sorted out the incident to some extent during that period, was finally able to catch her breath a little.

However, there was no time to slowly savor that long break. She left the room immediately.

And there were people who naturally followed in Estelle’s footsteps.

These were newly recruited escorts.

They were stationed in Perdion, a city outside the academy, in case something happened.

Although they were reserves, they were elites on the same level as previous dark guards.

However, if the scale becomes too large, various difficulties may arise, so we just placed it on standby outside the academy.

Therefore, the level of escort was not much different from before, but Estelle planned to expand the number of personnel in the future.

In addition, I planned to review and strengthen preparations for artifacts, magic tools, and other areas.

Because there is no guarantee that something that happened once will not happen twice.

Under strict guard, the place Estelle headed to was none other than the academy’s medical wing.

Normally, visiting was prohibited during times, but she was someone who did not need to follow such rules.

In fact, no one stopped her, and she gently entered the medical wing and opened the door to a hospital room.

A dark interior.

The moonlight seeping in from the window dimly illuminated the place.

And on a bed placed inside, a man was lying with a comfortable face.

Estelle approached the bed with cautious steps.

Then, I closed my eyes and looked down at the man’s motionless face.

The man was so quiet that I doubted whether he was actually alive. However, the regular rise and fall of his chest passively proved that he was definitely alive.

“… You’re sleeping well.”

Estelle muttered softly, looking at the man’s calm face.

At first glance, it may have sounded like a complaint to anyone, but Estelle’s face showed no signs of dissatisfaction.

Instead, there was only a soft smile, a ray of worry, and a faint feeling.

Several days have passed since he lost consciousness.

According to the priest and the doctor, there was no need to worry too much since the wounds were completely healed, but I couldn’t help but worry when I saw that he couldn’t regain consciousness even after several days.

The injuries Wade suffered at the time were serious.

So much so that the priest whom Estelle had hurriedly called was astonished upon seeing the condition in person.

Even though it had already been initially treated with the potions and medicine that Estelle had.

The priest said it was amazing to be alive.

Also, it will be difficult to treat all at once.

Indeed, as he said, the priest was not able to cure him in an instant.

It was only after pouring out all of my divine power that I was able to put out the urgent fire.

Since then, Estelle has sought out more famous priests and skilled doctors.

Only after going through that process, Wade’s body was truly recovered.

Wade, who had escaped the danger of his life, had been sleeping like this the whole time.

“… … .”

Estelle, who had been looking at his sleeping face for quite a long time, finally turned elsewhere.

That place was none other than Wade’s left arm, especially the hand sticking out from the patient’s gown.

His hands, illuminated by the faint moonlight, were clearly visible even in the gloom.

Because the color was clearly different from the other parts.

Estelle stretched out her hand.

And then, I gently stroked his hand.

This was a wound caused by Estelle.

To be exact, the burns he got from sticking his arm into the fire to save her.

Estel himself tried to treat him, but no matter what medicine he used or what priests or doctors he called, the burns on his arms could not be completely cured.

They added that it seemed like the wound was caused by a special flame.

Estelle knew.

That spark was caused by his own abilities.

After the incident, as she looked back on her memories, she realized that she had gained a new ability.

It was the ability to control fire.

Ironically, it’s the same as Reinberg’s arcane magic that she originally used.

However, its nature seemed to be completely different.

At least the burns caused by Reinberg’s arcane magic aren’t this bad.

Additionally, its power was at a level that surpassed her magic.

Estelle knew what these abilities were called.

It is a power that is also called a ‘gift’ or a blessing.

Most people would be happy if a gift, especially a gift with extraordinary power, suddenly appeared, but Estelle did not feel any joy at that fact.

“… … .”

Estelle felt a tingling pain in her chest as she looked at Wade’s discolored skin.

It was all because of me.

Because of him, a scar that could never be erased was left on his body.

If he hadn’t helped, he would have been the one to get burned.

At that time, she had no control over the fire and was in a state of insanity.

If it had been like that, I would have had these terrible burns all over my body.

That’s why Estelle was grateful to Wade and at the same time felt deep regret.

You have to repay the favor.

That’s what I thought.

It is not simply a reward for saving his life.

It’s not just a reward for helping you avoid getting burned.

He saved her heart.

It prevented me from closing my heart, despairing at the world, and blaming the world.

I saved you.

For that fact, Estelle felt more grateful than anything else.

That’s why I wanted to repay you.

He wanted to give everything he wanted, everything he could give.

I’m willing to take responsibility for his entire life if he wants to…

─ “Because I will stop it.”

“Ugh… !”

At that time, what Wade had said that day replayed in her mind.

It wasn’t specifically said, but what it meant was clear.

Don’t let that happen, don’t let her fall into a bad direction.

I will stop it myself.

Obviously, that was what it meant.

And for that, I need to continue to be by his side… .

that… .

‘Isn’t it actually something close to a marriage proposal?’

Estelle’s attitude, which had been at a loss as she thought about that, soon returned to its original state.

‘… That can’t be possible.’

Although she hasn’t spent much time with Wade yet, she now knows a bit about him as a person.

At least I knew he wasn’t the type of person to say things like that.

He probably said that really purely and without any selflessness.

“… He really is a sinful man.”

This man has probably shown this to other women several times in his life.

Without having to go far, there were two examples nearby.

Rachel Eldred and Ira Librion.

These are people who became involved with Wade through rumor, and later transferred their affiliation to the historical research club, the club to which Wade belonged, as if to follow him.

Estelle knew immediately what kind of feelings the two had toward Wade, not long after meeting them.

That they have feelings for Wade.

One didn’t want to show it to the outside, and the other felt like he wasn’t even aware of it, but it was clear to see from the outside.

It’s not that they weren’t, they had rushed to the hospital room as soon as they heard that Wade was injured.

And he even asked me the whole story. To Estelle.

In the past, Estelle had enjoyed watching the girls approach Wade and their efforts to approach him in a sense that was almost like entertainment.

Rather, there was even a desire to go beyond that and cheer.

But now the story is different.

─ “Because I will stop it.”

─ “Because I won’t let that happen.”

Estelle looked down at his face again, playing Wade’s voice in her head again.

“I thought about you so much that I tried to give up.”

It was true that I was attracted to him.

However, I tried to give up without being greedy.

To not ruin his life.

However, that line was crossed from the other side first.

And that too with all my might.

“It’s too late to turn back now.”

In the dark hospital room, with the faint moonlight passing by, the princess had an unmistakable smile on her face.

***

“… … .”

It’s a familiar ceiling.

How many times has this been the first time I opened my eyes and faced this ceiling?

… Well, now that I think about it, I don’t think there are that many.

In that case, wouldn’t it be okay to call a ceiling that is still unfamiliar to you?

With such trivial thoughts in mind, I got up from the bed.

‘I’m in good shape.’

I assumed it would be like that when I woke up fine, but I checked my body with magic just to be sure, and it was fine, as expected.

In fact, I even feel better than usual.

‘Long live the divine power.’

A priest with outstanding divine power can heal most wounds.

A person like a saint or a pope would probably be able to heal any wound as long as he didn’t die.

Every time something like this happens, I wish I had divine powers.

There is nothing better than first aid when you get hurt.

However, those who do not believe in God do not have divine power.

It seems that there are no exceptions, but unfortunately, I don’t seem to fall into that exception.

I was just trying to clear my mind and look around, when my hand caught my eye.

The hands are definitely different parts and colors.

It was easy to guess what the cause was.

It was a burn caused by Estelle’s flame.

I had some expectations.

At least this kind of burn will remain.

There must be a reason why Estelle in the original wore that outfit.

Perhaps the burns caused by Estelle’s gift cannot be easily cured even with divine power.

“Hmm.”

Well, it would be a lie if I said it didn’t bother me at all, but it doesn’t bother me too much.

It’s just that the color has changed a bit.

If you look at the price of changing Estelle’s future, it is rather cheap.

“… … .”

As I face this peaceful time again, I have a lot to think about.

Finally, I ended up changing the future.

There is no turning back now.

However, it was something I was prepared to do.

This was all done with determination.

I can’t predict how the future will change because of this.

Because the villain at the core of the story virtually ceased to exist.

It may go surprisingly smoothly, but the story may progress in a completely unexpected direction.

However, even if something happens, I am the one who created this situation, and therefore, I am ultimately the one responsible.

So, it might be a good idea to prepare yourself.

… Well, there’s no need to think about it that seriously anymore.

After gathering my thoughts, I was about to get off the bed.

Grumbling─

I made eye contact with Mary as she opened the door to the hospital room and came in.

“Ah.”

“… … .”

Mary’s eyes widened.

I could see many emotions passing through those eyes that resembled the blue sky.

How much time has passed in that state?

Mary’s eyes returned to normal, and a smile soon appeared on her face.

That smile was the brightest I’ve ever seen.

“Wade?”

… Also, it was the scariest.

***

Just like that, I ended my stay in the hospital again.

I’m back to my daily routine.

Honestly, I was a little worried.

This incident was one that would have significant repercussions once it was revealed.

The thought of what would happen if I became more famous always remained in the back of my mind.

But in the end, it was a pointless worry.

Because no one knew that there was an attack.

I don’t know the details, but it seemed like Estelle chose to cover up the incident.

Although I was somewhat curious as to why that choice was made, I could not immediately resolve the question.

Because I never had to meet Estelle.

It’s not that I was avoiding Estelle.

In fact, I even went to visit Estelle right after I was discharged.

Unlike previous incidents, Estelle still needed care in many ways.

But actually, Estelle.

“I’m a bit busy right now, so it might be better to postpone the conversation until later.”

… He said and gave a gentle congratulatory command.

Although the reaction was somewhat surprising, it was not a bad thing.

Because it meant that her condition wasn’t as bad as I thought.

Considering her position and the magnitude of the incident that had occurred, it was understandable that she was busy.

He’s probably too busy dealing with various things to a degree I can’t even imagine.

I decided that it would be better to talk to her later when I had some free time, and went back to my daily routine.

And today was the day of my first club activity since being discharged from the hospital.

I headed to the club building to go to the club room.

And just as buildings began to appear in the distance.

“… … .”

I felt an unknown sense of anxiety.

Should I say that I feel like I have experienced this situation somewhere before?

The déjà vu was so vivid that I stopped in my tracks for a moment.

It was then.

“Huh? Wade junior?”

A familiar voice came from behind.

It was Runia senior.

“I heard you weren’t feeling well, but I’m glad to see you look healthy. … But what are you doing here?”

“… Long time no see. Thanks to your concern, my body has completely recovered.”

After saying hello to Senior Runia, I swallowed dry saliva as the tension rose up my back.

“… By any chance, is there any news?”

“What’s the news?”

“For example, a new person came in… … .”

“No? There are no new recruits.”

“… Phew. I see.”

I breathed a sigh of relief at Senior Runia’s answer.

It seemed that the nightmare would not become reality.

A nightmare about Estelle joining the club.

Actually, I have no intention of avoiding Estelle at all.

Rather, I plan to create exchanges in my own way in the future.

However, the fact that she joined the club… I want to avoid it at all costs.

Well, the reason is simple.

‘I can’t handle it if Estelle joins the club.’

Should I say that if she joins the club, I feel like the atmosphere in the club will become even heavier.

I was already suffocating, but I had a feeling it would become even more difficult.

So, I wanted to avoid that.

Well, from the looks of it, it doesn’t seem like that will happen.

In the first place. She is the student council president.

Being a student council president doesn’t mean you can’t join a club, but most student council presidents don’t join a club.

The position of student council president is just that, a busy position.

There is no room for separate club activities.

So, it must be considered difficult for Estelle to join the Historical Research Club.

“Now, let’s go in!”

“… … ? That’s right.”

Because my anxiety disappeared, my tension increased unexpectedly, and Senior Runia looked at me with puzzled eyes.

However, without even paying attention to those looks, I entered the building and eventually opened the door to the dormitory.

Then what you see is.

“You’re late.”

It was a familiar face.

“… … .”

My body stiffened for a moment, but soon relaxed.

It was still a frequent occurrence for her to come to the club.

So, there is nothing to be nervous about.

Thinking like that, I was about to sit down naturally.

“Oh, by the way, I have some new news!”

Senior Runia’s voice coming from behind made my body stiffen again.

The anxiety that had disappeared slowly showed its head.

I looked at Senior Runia with earnest eyes.

And Senior Runia with her unique soft smile.

“Chairman Estelle was dispatched from the student council to audit the historical research committee!”

They sentenced me to death.

“… … .”

With a shaky movement, I barely managed to turn my head and look at Estelle.

“Please take care of me in the future.”

Estelle looked at me and smiled brightly.

***

Inside a dark room.

In a place where only a few faint rays of light came in, a figure was sitting quietly, leaning on a chair.

Perhaps because it was dark inside, Inyoung could not be seen clearly.

I could tell it was an adult, but I couldn’t recognize anything else.

Whether it’s a man, a woman, or even what age it is.

Inyoung sat motionless in her chair, as if time had stopped.

It was in the meantime.

For the first time, Inyoung moved.

Inyoung looked out the window with a lazy gaze.

Soon, a strange voice came out of his mouth.

“The flow has changed.”

Bad luck stirred.