episode_0054

With the arrival of a certain man, everyone present here holds their breath.

The man exudes an overwhelming aura with just his presence.

Jerome Flame, the figure I must defeat.

Why is such a man here?

Holding a cane in his left hand, he slowly approaches me.

Wearing a top hat and a sophisticated coat, he might seem like an ordinary gentleman at first glance.

However, looking at him with his steel-like cold expression,

Even though I tried not to tense up,

I felt my body stiffen in an instant.

*Taptap*

With that sound, the man who entered the sickroom spoke.

“Bern, it seems your injuries aren’t severe, which is fortunate.”

Having said that, Jerome glanced around before continuing.

“It seems you’ve made good friends. Yes, it’s about time to stop wandering.”

Then, he glanced at Elisha beside me and continued.

“I heard you and Elisha broke up. It doesn’t seem so bad between you two. Have you had a change of heart?”

Unable to remain silent any longer, I reluctantly spoke up.

“No, there’s no turning back. Elisha and I are now apart.”

Upon hearing this, Jerome stroked his chin and began to look around.

He first looked at Ellen with her striking pink hair.

Then he glanced at Lucy with her rose-like red hair, and Sylvia with her jet-black hair.

He swiftly scanned Ron, Lloyd, and Ian beside me and said,

It almost seemed like he was assessing them.

Their eyes, seemingly critical and stern, as if scrutinizing people.

Truly, he was a man of steel, devoid of any warmth.

When I actually met him, my expectations were not wrong— I thought.

“By the way, I’m late with my introduction. I am Jerome Flame, Bern’s father.”

As if mocking my thoughts, Jerome relaxed his demeanor, flashed a very affectionate smile, and introduced himself.

Contrary to the image I had in mind, he was exuding an unexpectedly warm smile.

Seeing his amiable face, I was momentarily taken aback.

In the game, his image was depicted as a cold, steel-like man who would ruthlessly eliminate obstacles for his goals.

Although I hadn’t met him in the game, the information from NPCs or news articles was reliable.

To think he could make such an expression.

Indeed, judging people solely by appearances was my arrogant notion.

Anyway, why did he come here?

Surely, it wasn’t just for a condolence visit.

Was it because of something he couldn’t acquire at the academy?

Or perhaps because I got involved in too many things.

Could it be that an unknown variable has emerged even to me?

Well, there’s no way to know right now.

Jerome himself is the only one who knows.

So, I have no choice but to somehow navigate this situation positively.

As I observed him,

The individuals who were initially tense due to Jerome’s sudden appearance started to relax and timidly began to speak up.

“Ah, hello.. I’m Ellen.”

“It’s truly an honor to meet a war hero in person. I’m Lucy.”

“…Luna.”

“As rumored, you possess immense magic power. To become a hero, one must reach this level. I am Lloyd Fowler. It’s an honor to meet you.”

“I-I’m Ron Kais, pleased to meet you..”

“I’m Ian. Nice to meet you.”

“It’s fortunate to see everyone getting along with Bern,” Jerome said with a friendly smile.

I asked him, “Why did you come here?”

Approaching me closely, he placed his hand on my shoulder and said,

“Why have you come? You still haven’t fixed that habit of yours. By the way, I heard you’re addicted to poison? Doctor, please check on my son’s condition,” he said, as a white-coated doctor and nurses appeared behind him.

I was wondering why no nurses or doctors were coming, but were they with Jeron?

Looking at him, with his bouncy hair and an older appearance, he seemed to be the director of this hospital.

However, sweating profusely, he didn’t seem well.

What did he talk about with Jeron to look so pale?

Well, the Flame family holds significant influence even in the mainland.

If the head of the family suddenly visits, it’s natural to feel flustered.

“Sir, I will check the patient’s condition for a moment. Please step back. Dr. Roderic…! Quickly!”

Anyway.

The doctor who approached me placed his hand on my right wrist and began checking my pulse.

“You’ve improved a lot. At this rate, you could be discharged today without any issues.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, yes… After checking with magic detection as well, your body is very healthy. No, it’s too healthy, surprisingly.”

“I see.”

“Yes, it was a mix of various poisons, so initially it wasn’t good at all. But now, your recovery is remarkable.”

“Hmm… I see.”

“I haven’t been a doctor for long, but I’ve never seen a patient like you. Your body is incredibly healthy, even for someone with magical abilities… Above-average recovery.”

“Well, that’s good then. Since you say it’s fine, that’s a relief. Bern—”

“Enough with the nonsense, Jeron. Everyone, leave this place. We need to talk alone.”

“….”

Due to my words, the already tense atmosphere became even more strained.

Elisha looked at me with worried eyes.

Ellin either didn’t understand the situation or was nervous, showing signs of tension.

Perhaps it’s because we’re in front of nobility.

Lucy quietly observed the situation.

Celia alternated her gaze between me and Jeron, looking slightly bewildered.

Seeing the usually sharp Celia flustered must be related to a problem involving her father.

Ron and Lloyd remained silent.

Ian raised his right eyebrow, staring intently at Jeron.

As everyone sat in silence, a loud clap echoed.

– Clap!

“No need to be tense, everyone. You’ve pampered the boy too much, that’s why he’s losing his mind. Understand that we need to talk with our son, so please leave for a while.”

“Alright. It’s nothing special, just wait outside for a bit.”

With that, one by one, everyone started leaving the room.

Even as everyone was exiting, Elisha couldn’t easily leave my side.

“….”

“Elisha, why are you lingering instead of leaving? This isn’t your place to interfere.”

“Bern…”

“….”

It’s okay, Elisha.

It’s nothing.

They haven’t come here to kill me.

They must have come to deliver a message.

This is a city with an academy.

This hospital is the only one in the city, and even the medical expenses were covered by the academy.

He can’t touch me.

So, I’m fine.

But I couldn’t say those sentences to her.

All I could do was look into her eyes.

Fortunately, perhaps Elisha understood my intentions.

She nodded slightly and began speaking to Jeron.

“I apologize for taking up your valuable time, sir. Please, have a conversation with the young master.”

With those words, Elisha quickly exited the room.

And so, other doctors and nurses left as well.

Now, the only ones left in this place are Jerome and me.

“Jerome, so what do you have to say?”

“Hmm… It’s probably better if you don’t listen.”

Right after saying that, he slightly lowered the cane he was holding in one hand.

A thin barrier made of magic appeared in the room.

Not clearly visible, but a magical boundary that can be confirmed upon closer inspection.

It’s a temporary barrier that allows people to enter but blocks sound, right?

“A temporary barrier.”

“Oh, you noticed the barrier? Your skills have improved since then.”

“So, what’s the matter?”

“Well, the matter is… Do you think I would have any business with you?”

“….”

“I just came to inform you. Since you keep interfering, I had no choice but to come in person. Fixing a son’s stubbornness is a father’s duty.”

“Interfering? What nonsense is that?”

“Sigh, truly disgraceful. Bern. By playing such a foolish role, you’ve lost your honor, trust, family, and friends. Even going as far as rejecting your engagement partner.”

“….”

“You’re labeled a fool by everyone, and they all reject you. Well, I don’t know what you did. You may have befriended those despicable fellows. But it doesn’t matter. In the end, you will be alone.”

“….”

“You can’t stop me. No matter how much you know or prepare. You can’t stop me, and you will be alone.”

“I know.”

I understand.

Because I want to change things.

Even if Bern’s fate is predetermined.

Because I want to change the outcome.

Because I want to live.

Because I want to see them smile.

I will stop you.

“Bern, I won’t stop you. If you can stop me once, go ahead and try. This is a story you started, so shouldn’t you see it through to the end? Drifting away from your brothers, your fiancée, and the world. It’s a story you initiated.”

“….”

“Ah, nevertheless. There seem to be some useful folks among the vultures. Yes, that amusing pink-haired girl, the one with black hair and a pathetic expression. Including Isis, of course.”

…That bastard?

Listening to those words from him somehow makes me angry.

I’m not sure if this emotion is solely mine or mixed with Bern’s.

As my friends are being insulted, my heart feels suffocated.

My head starts to feel hotter.

I removed the ring on my arm and approached him.

Approaching him, I grabbed his collar and stared into his eyes piercingly.

It’s fine if he insults me.

It’s okay if he mocks me or ignores me.

I’m fine.

But the connections I’ve made here.

Seeing my friends being insulted, it felt like a fire ignited in my head.

I let out the boiling anger inside me.

“Jerome, don’t speak ill of those people with your filthy mouth. And retract what you said about them being vultures! They have nothing to do with me..!! If you lay a finger on them, I won’t stand by quietly..!!”

However, Jerome casually ignored my words and continued with what he wanted to say.

“And, Bern. My support for you ends today. It’s a warning. Judging by your eyes, that seems to be the best course for you. Bern Flame. Or just Bern. Well, if you want to use your name as is, that’s fine too. My words end here. So, watch closely. Bern.”

With those words, Jerome effortlessly released my hand gripping his collar.

Releasing the barrier surrounding the hospital room, she disappeared effortlessly outside the room.

Soon after, as if hinting that things to come wouldn’t be as smooth as they seemed.

Rain began to fall slowly from the dry sky.