episode_0109

“Are you okay?”

People approached Sylvia, who was sitting down, and then hesitated.

Because ice and snow crystals rose around her.

Even though it was a small decision, I felt a chill.

“What the hell is this… .”

“Isn’t it Sylvia? Is this also magic?”

“It’s not dangerous… ?”

Sylvia quickly got up from her seat.

This was not the time to just cry.

If you make a mistake, you may cause irreparable harm to Ian.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry… .”

Sylvia looked around and repeatedly bowed.

“I’m really sorry… .”

That sight once again became funny.

Holy apple.

I wish I had done this to Ian a long time ago.

Would it have been better if that had been the case?

No decision was made once Sylvia came to her senses.

The small crystals quickly melted and dispersed into the air.

While Sylvia apologizes.

Ian, who was returning to his seat with Vivian, glanced in the direction where Sylvia was.

Because there were so many people, Sylvia in the middle couldn’t be seen.

‘… ‘Why is it so cold over there?’

Judging by the atmosphere, the problem seemed to be resolved.

“Ian?”

Vivian gently pulled her crossed arms.

“What’s wrong?”

“No.”

***

The music was over and the auction was about to begin.

As we came off the stage, Lucia, who had been waiting with her arms crossed, grinned.

“Even though it’s your first time dancing today, you’re enjoying it to the fullest?”

“… Please be quiet.”

“Your arms are folded very affectionately.”

“Ugh!”

Vivian, startled, walked away at a lazy pace.

“I’m sorry… .”

“What are you sorry for?”

All invited guests were assigned separate seats.

I was in number 2.

It is one of the best places closest to the stage where the auction items will be displayed.

“Ian. Did you enjoy the prom?”

Seat number 1, right next to the host, Grace.

Grace was already sitting in front of her table.

“Well, in my own way… .”

Grace looked strangely at Vivian and Lucia next to me, then smiled at me.

“Because today is that kind of occasion, hmm.”

He mutters something incomprehensible and gets up from his seat.

“I have to prepare a celebratory speech. See you later.”

It seems like he was waiting to say hello to me.

Grace left and sat down with Lucia and Vivian.

“That’s right. We were here for the auction, right?”

Lucia said slyly.

“I didn’t come to dance.”

“I think I liked that better.”

“That too… .”

“If you know the artifact you will take today, you won’t say that.”

“What is it?”

I pointed to a spot on the list of auction items lying around.

[Automatically removable engraved ring]

A brief explanation is also written below.

-The ring and engraved armor can be equipped/undressed automatically.

-There is a limit to the number, but you can freely use it by engraving it on the armor you want.

“Oh… .”

Vivian and Lucia were both amazed after reading the explanation.

“So you just stretched out your arm and the armor flew out and put you on it?”

“That’s right. Conversely, it is also possible to take it off like that.”

“Wow… .”

Vivian’s eyes lit up as if she was curious.

As I look at it, I feel sorry for no reason.

I came here to give you Lucia.

… Let’s not talk about it now.

“You can also use the removal function to fire the gloves at the opponent.”

After hearing the simple application method, Lucia moved her eyes a few times, pondered, and then nodded.

“Is it good?”

It seems like something comes to mind.

Knowing this would happen, he tried to give it to Lucia.

I felt like I could use it well with its unique technique.

“For some reason, I think it would suit Lucia well.”

Fortunately, Vivian seemed to think so too.

“Still, it’s something we all need to discuss together later.”

While Lucia argues for fairness.

“I… .”

Someone approached our side of the table.

When we all turned our heads, what was there was… .

“Hello… ?”

It was Sylvia.

‘Why is he here… ?’

Did you even get an invitation?

If you were Sylvia, you would somehow be able to get through the entrance even without an invitation.

“… See, no, um. well… How have you been?”

I keep stroking the back of my neck, as if this situation is unbearably awkward.

His eyes are shaking and even the smile he makes is awkward.

By the way, where did you come from and what did you do that makes your eyes so red?

Did you even cry?

The situation of the first party has changed a lot from before, so it will be difficult.

“What’s going on?”

“Huh? Oh, just… . There’s nothing wrong… . I stopped by while passing by and saw that you were there… .”

“Ah, yes… .”

Lucia narrowed her eyes and glared at Silvia disapprovingly.

On the other hand, one corner of Vivian’s mouth stiffened awkwardly, as if she was embarrassed.

… I find it absurd too.

Aren’t you saying you came without any business?

Aren’t they busy these days?

Sylvia looked at Vivian and Lucia in turn and swallowed her saliva.

I even slightly moistened my lips with my tongue to see if they were dry.

“You know… . Because the auction hasn’t started yet… .”

Sylvia wriggled with her hands holding the bag together.

“Dance with me, even briefly, just once… . Won’t you dance… ?”

There was actually a short period of time left before the auction began.

There were only a few nobles dancing on stage.

Aside from that, why on earth did I…? .

“No.”

Before I could answer, Vivian spoke.

“Ian will soon participate in an important auction. You have to stay here with us.”

After saying that, he comes close to me and wraps his arms around me.

Something touched my arm, but I pretended not to notice.

This time Lucia gently placed her hand on my shoulder.

“More than that, I have two partners who are so attractive and beautiful. Would you look anywhere else?”

“… … .”

Sylvia pursed her lips in exasperation.

My tightly clenched fist trembled slightly.

Then, he looked straight at me with eyes that looked like they were about to cry.

It seems as if my answer is important… I’m so embarrassed.

Why on earth is this happening?

“Ah-. Ah.”

I didn’t even have time to answer.

“The auction will start soon. All participants, please remain seated.”

The host came out and announced loudly.

Now the dancing time is over.

I turned my eyes from the host to Sylvia and shrugged my shoulders.

“It’s over.”

“… ah. Uh, uh… . That’s right.”

She laughed as if she was embarrassed, then hesitated and backed away.

“Okay, then I’ll go. Oh, hello… . Take care, uh, make sure to buy what you want… And, see you again, again… .”

I didn’t bother to answer.

If something happened to me, I might actually see it, so there was no reason to say I wouldn’t see it.

Sylvia left the banquet hall at a fast pace, as if running away.

I think it’s true that I came in without an invitation.

“Silvia? Right?”

Lucia asked, glancing at the door Sylvia left out.

“That’s right.”

“Why is it like that?”

“Well… .”

It’s not that there aren’t reasons that come to mind.

The first party currently needs my help.

Just like the time I visited with Aria when I was at McDerlin Abbey.

However, if that’s really the goal, there’s no reason not to say it, so I don’t think that’s the case.

… I’m not sure either.

“Honestly, I don’t know.”

“Okay… . He’s a strange person.”

“Rather. You both can take your hands off me now.”

Vivian still had her arms crossed tightly, and Lucia also had her hand on my shoulder.

“Ah. That’s right.”

Lucia lowered her hand, but Vivian still did not release it.

“Vivian?”

When I look at him while singing, his eyes are sunken as if he is in deep trouble.

“… Ah.”

She responded a beat late.

“Yes?”

“Arms crossed, that… .”

“Ah! I’m sorry… . I was thinking about something else for a moment… .”

“No, you have to be sorry.”

Before we knew it, the stage was empty and the band’s music had ended.

Only the lights that illuminate the stage were left.

“Nice to meet all the ladies and gentlemen who participated. Before the auction begins, the host, Her Majesty the Princess, Grace Sophia Humil, will deliver a congratulatory message.”

Grace appeared on stage with a haughty gait.

Lucia laughed at that.

“Princess, you look like an arrogant chick and it’s cute.”

It sure looks like a chick.

Anyway, just like that, the auction began.

***

After Princess Grace’s congratulatory speech, the auction proceeded, but Vivian could not concentrate.

She was thinking of Sylvia, who had just visited Ian.

I couldn’t see Ian, but Sylvia was leaving, pressing her lips with her fist.

As if trying to hold back crying.

The sight of her running away in a hurry remained in my senses like the strong scent of a flower.

The scent is so strong that it is rather uncomfortable.

It’s not just that Sylvia’s appearance is so unexpected.

-There was.

When asked if there was someone he liked dancing with Ian, he answered in the past tense.

Although he was calm, there was a bitterness and sadness in his eyes that could not be washed away.

And, the look in Sylvia’s eyes that looked at the indifferent Ian earlier was a little similar to the sadness, but it was much deeper and more heartbreaking.

I even felt an indescribable affection.

‘No way, Sylvia and Ian…’ .’

Vivian turned her head and looked at Ian.

Since the item he wanted had not yet been found, he watched the auction as if he were bored.

The neatly pulled up hair looked great as it showed off his thick facial features.

The scar around his eyebrows was ungentlemanly, but it was also Ian’s unique characteristic.

I glance at his face and Sylvia’s.

Although they are completely different, they are strangely similar.

Habits such as eyebrow movement when making facial expressions.

Even the habit of brushing up one’s bangs in a frustrating situation.

‘I think that’s right… .’

Ian noticed my gaze and made eye contact.

Still, Vivian did not avoid her eyes.

Ian raised his eyebrows once and grinned.

A person who appears to be fierce and indifferent, but is also able to joke around slyly at times and takes full responsibility for any task he is assigned to.

Sylvia was saved by this man.

It was the same for me too.

‘Did Ian also like Sylvia…? ?’

It may be speculation.

However, I have already solidified my own conviction.

‘The two of you… What kind of relationship was it like?’

You don’t need to know that yourself.

It’s probably not an important truth.

However, Vivian kept worrying about that.

*

“Ahhhh-!”

Sylvia ran out of the banquet hall and into a deserted alley.

She fell to the floor, clutched her chest and moaned.

“Keuuu… .”

A corner of my chest hurt as if it was being torn from side to side.

My head was pounding.

“Ugh-!”

I don’t want to cry, but I cry regardless of my will.

The more I tried to hold back, the more the suppressed crying broke out, as if in defiance.

“No! Ugh… !”

Why does my heart hurt so much?

I wasn’t hit by anyone, and the injury was to my side.

But my side no longer hurts.

It just felt like my chest bone was going to collapse.

“Ahh… . Ugh… !”

I didn’t know it was this painful to see you doing so well without me.

I was hoping for that.

Because one person is enough to suffer.

Because it’s only right for me to suffer because I made a mistake.

I just hoped you wouldn’t do that.

I really meant it.

However, my selfish true self felt pain as soon as I saw you doing well.

complained of injustice.

I just want to step into your place.

I find myself unbearably disgusting like that.

“Black… ! Ugh… ! Ugh… .”

Sylvia couldn’t stand it anymore and sat down and cried.

In the middle of the stage, the image of Vivian and Ian lovingly embracing each other in their own world, separate from others, comes to mind.

Even if I try to erase it or wash it off, it won’t work.

It sticks stickily like rotten oil seeping through the folds of the brain.

“Aaaah! Ugh… ! Ugh… !”

I missed you.

It’s so hard to bear.

However, this is not what I wanted to see.

‘then… ! Then what did you want to see… . ‘It’s good to see you’re doing well!’

Is he serious?

Someone speaks to me.

It was his own voice.

Are you satisfied with that?

‘Satisfaction… I should be satisfied. I must be satisfied.’

That means you’re not satisfied.

‘… Still, you have to endure it. This is a punishment. I’m being punished.’

Why should I endure it?

I’m different.

Even with Kylie, who lost her dominant right arm.

Even with Beatrice, whose limbs were cut off one by one.

Aria also developed an obsessive fear of harming others.

Even if his skills are low, he still has enough strength to kill the two girls next to him and subdue Ian.

I know that very well.

‘shut up… ‘Please shut up!’

I am your true feelings.

No matter how much you ignore it, your unconscious will eventually come out.

You know what you want.

take him away

Create a paradise where just the two of you can live and imprison him.

Whisper love every night.

‘I don’t want to hurt Ian again… .’

wound?

People become dull and resigned to repetition.

He will be like that too.

‘I hope Ian can be happy on his own, without me… .’

Then why did you come here?

You didn’t have to come find me.

Don’t you know how you feel too?

‘No, I’m not…’ . I just, I miss Ian… .’

It wasn’t the purpose of meeting in the first place.

You just tried to watch it from afar.

It could have been so.

But you couldn’t resist and even suggested dancing.

Maybe I just couldn’t bear it.

You even offered him a dance in hopes that he would recognize your hurt.

‘shut up… .’

When you dance, his big hands will hold your waist.

That’s how I wanted you to know the hurt.

Even if he didn’t know, I was hoping that he would pay attention if I made it known.

am i wrong?

‘shut up! Shut up! Please be quiet and get out!’

Sylvia hugged her head and shook it wildly.

It tormented my consciousness as if my own voice was someone else’s voice.

What woke her up.

-Multilateral.

It was the sound of footsteps.

“Ha, ha… .”

Sylvia lifted up her tear-filled eyes and looked around.

It was a dark and dirty alley.

Like the back alley in Superbia where I first saw Ian.

I didn’t have time to appreciate it.

‘That sound just now…’ . It was the sound of horses’ hooves.’

It was not the footsteps of an ordinary person.

There is no road big enough for conversation around this alley.

-Multilateral.

Although small, I heard it clearly.

Sylvia got up after dusting herself off and walked in that direction.

Let the wind blow, erasing the smell and sound.

And beyond the winding alley.

A suspicious group was seen.

It didn’t seem human.

The lower body of a certain shadow was a horse.

Some shadows had horns on their heads.

‘… Mine?’

A group of demons were moving secretly.

***

About halfway through the auction, the item I wanted came out.

“Now, the next item is a very special ring! If you have this item, you will be free when putting on or taking off your armor in the future!”

What came out along with the host’s cheerful announcement was a small jewelry box.

A ring was enshrined in a wooden jewelry box.

That is the artifact I was aiming for.

“From warriors to soldiers to knights! This is something useful for everyone! Okay, so the minimum bid starts at 100 gold!”

100 gold.

Converted into Korean won, it is equivalent to 1 billion won.

Compared to the previous products, the minimum bid unit has changed.

“Hiik… .”

Vivian sucked in a breath as if she was surprised.

“100 gold per artifact? Are you okay?”

Lucia asked worriedly.

“You should try it.”

Honestly, I’m not sure either.

100 gold is definitely okay.

The problem is that that is the minimum bid.

Although there is a lot of money, that is only a standard that an individual can manage.

Compared to the nobles who participated here, it is bound to be insufficient.

Where is the country’s royal family?

The top stock of which top.

The unit of money I touch is bound to be different.

“Bidding begins!”

All I can do is hope that they don’t get too excited about that product.

After a while.

My wish became trash.

“300 gold has arrived!”

These rich crazy guys… .

Has it already increased three times?

How many buildings can there be in Supervia for 300 gold?

Even if the ‘gold’ unit goes up just a little, the amount jumps significantly… .

“310 gold has been obtained!”

I watched it first and tried to go in when it was slowly cleared up, but there was no sign of it being cleared up.

“350 Gold!”

When it went up to 350, the number of competitors decreased significantly.

There are approximately three people currently targeting the items.

“360 Gold!”

… I guess I’ll have to step in soon.

I don’t know how far it will go.

I held up sign number 2 and said.

“400.”

“Ah, I got 400 gold!”

The three people competing glared at me as a new challenger appeared.

I just shrugged my shoulders.

Bids continued to rise.

It easily surpassed the 500 mark and reached the 600 mark.

“650 gold has arrived!”

… Ah, these crazy people.

The girl who had just ordered 650 gold grinned as she looked at me hesitating while holding the sign.

It was a smile of victory.

It’s already more than I can afford.

I was overdoing it, but I couldn’t do it anymore.

“Ian… .”

Vivian called out worriedly.

“That’s a lot of money. Tsk.”

“Don’t worry too much. Is there any big problem if there are no artifacts?”

Lucia comforted him as if it was no big deal.

It’s not entirely wrong, but it’s also true that it’s good to have it.

It’s a shame.

“700 gold! It’s 700 gold!”

They competed without me, and before I knew it, the score had risen to 700.

“Do you have any more! 700 gold! 700 gold!”

The moment the host shouts for the third time to win the bid.

To my left, someone held up a sign.

That was where Grace was.

Before I could even turn my head.

“7,000.”

Grace spat briefly.

“Ah, ah… ! Chi, I got seven thousand gold!”

Suddenly, the expected final winning bid was 10 times higher.

Everyone’s eyes were focused on her, and no one could intervene while the host shouted the amount three times.

I realize it again.

Grace is the beloved youngest daughter of Emperor Julian, who was at the height of his empire.

Also, the imperial family has a lot of rotten money.

“Participant number 1 wins!”

Grace nodded with satisfaction and slowly leaned towards me.

Her smiling face looked at me smugly.

“I told you, right? You will get what you want.”

At the end of the dance with Grace, she did say that.

… no way?