Chapter 552: The Stamp(1)
Chapter 552: The Stamp(1)
Mari Hausen Rekilis.
A woman widely known to the world as Isaac’s fiancée.
To her, the man she loved, Isaac, was a peculiar person. To be clear, he wasn't just 'special'; he was 'peculiar.'
When they first met, she had thought of him only as a truly cute boy with red hair and golden eyes.
‘Even back then, I could see the sprout that would bloom into a magnificent flower.’
He was a man who loved history and seemed fragile, yet he was deeply considerate and incapable of lying. He was so innocent that she often wondered if he was truly a noble.
Perhaps that was why she liked him. While other nobles were busy fawning over her beauty and her family, Isaac was different.
Oh, of course, being a man, he did show interest. But there wasn't a trace of insidious desire within him.
Even when he stared blankly at her face from time to time, it was simply because he found her snow-white hair fascinating.
Furthermore, he was so bad at lying that his thoughts were plain to see even without using mind reading.
"Isaac."
"Y-yes?"
"You're not hiding anything, are they?"
"Can't you just pretend you don't know?"
Look at him now. Because he couldn't lie, he just came right out and confessed. Judging by his dazed expression, it seemed he had some kind of plan.
Mari watched Isaac’s reaction with an inscrutable gaze before giving him a light smile. She had expected as much when he, for once, asked her out on a date first.
Though she couldn't read his inner thoughts as perfectly as Ariel could, she had discerned that he was trying to put on an 'event' for her.
She was curious to see what that event would be. He wouldn't be this nervous otherwise.
‘This guy is a world-famous author?’
Mari glanced at Isaac as he took her hand and began to walk. Because they were outside, birds were perched on his shoulders and head, chirping away.
She hadn't started dating him knowing he was Xenon, but honestly, she had been shocked enough to faint when he revealed it.
At the time, Xenon was presumed to be an elderly, experienced sage. No one imagined him to be a young boy like Isaac.
She had initially thought he wrote based on his father’s experiences. However, she soon realized that wasn't the case.
While Isaac’s father, Hawk Ducard Maishal, was highly renowned as the Red Lion, he was a knight, not an adventurer.
He might have offered advice regarding combat, but the Xenon Biography was a tale of adventure.
Even if Hawk had the depth, he lacked the sheer variety of experiences.
‘It was only possible because he’s a soul from another world.’
That mystery had only recently been solved. The truth was that Isaac was a soul who had crossed over from another world.
Due to a summoning error by demon worshippers, Isaac’s soul had been brought here, and because it was something even the gods hadn't anticipated, he remembered everything from his previous life.
Hearing that made her realize he was a being of a different caliber, and she also learned about Isaac’s unfortunate past.
Of course, Isaac had desperately tried to explain that the Republic of Korea wasn't that kind of country, but it was a fact that he had lost his parents at a young age.
Above all, his girlfriend had even cheated on him during his military service. Subjectivity aside, even by objective standards, it was a miserable life.
‘That’s probably why he can’t push away people who approach him.’
Though he might not realize it himself, he had a side that unconsciously craved affection.
He couldn't say a single harsh word to anyone he was even slightly close to, and he never exploded unless his anger reached an extreme.
In particular, if someone showed him affection, he would reciprocate it somehow. The problem was that each of those actions synergized to charm women.
Even without that, his distinct beauty and characteristic thoughtfulness attracted all sorts of women.
Starting with Cecile, and most recently, even Leona.
‘Lina won’t be long... and Kate and Cherry will follow soon.’
Since Isaac’s background was what it was, she tried to comfort herself by saying it couldn't be helped, but her pride as a woman couldn't help but take a hit.
It would be one thing if they were unattractive, but they were all uniquely beautiful women.
The same went for their figures. While she wasn't lacking at all, the others (especially Cecile) were simply overwhelming.
In the past, her pride as a woman would have plummeted to rock bottom.
However, as time passed, her perspective gradually changed. She realized that monopolizing Isaac was practically impossible.
There were also realistic issues. For one, she could never survive a night with him on her own.
This was thanks to the various blessings he received from the gods and the late blooming of the physical talent he inherited from his father.
Furthermore, though it was a mistake, he had recently consumed divinity, which must have increased his stamina—his virility—several times over.
It would take at least two people to bring Isaac down.
‘It’s better to do it with people I’ve permitted than to have him cheat in secret.’
It was a common rumor: a story of a wife who couldn't handle her overly vigorous husband and brought in another woman.
Normally, one might feel jealous, but surprisingly, it was very rare for such situations to turn into a romantic feud.
Rather, it was said that husbands cheated when their wives refused to bring in another woman until the very end.
In other words, as long as it was manageable, it was fine. And it was enough as long as he took 'responsibility.'
‘And it’s not like Isaac would ever look elsewhere.’
Everyone probably knew by now. The incident where Mari had revealed Isaac’s magnificent virility.
Because of that one article, an enormous number of letters had been sent to the Maishal Territory. Most were letters asking him to take their daughters, even as concubines.
Naturally, Isaac’s mother, Anna, had rejected them flatly. She even told the press that she would never accept such greedy proposals.
In the first place, there were no offers that would make him look away. Isaac and the Maishal Territory already had everything they could want.
In a situation where they lacked for nothing, there was no need to go looking for trouble.
"Hmm..."
"...What is it?"
After a moment of thought, Mari stared intently at Isaac. Isaac wore a hesitant expression.
Regardless, she was busy examining him. He had always been on the tall side, but he had grown even taller since consuming divinity.
His appearance had become even more beautiful than before. He was handsome enough that one could live just by looking at his face for a lifetime.
"Isaac."
"Yeah."
"Lower your head for a second."
"Like this?"
"Nom!"
"Agh!"
So, she bit his cheek. She couldn't help it when that handsome face was combined with such a dazed expression.
How could this be the hero who saved the world? He was just a giant penguin.
Usually, when one thought of a hero, they imagined a noble being revered by all, but Isaac wasn't like that at all.
He was still full of flaws, incapable of lying—a lovely, handsome penguin.
She wanted to devour him all by herself, but he had grown far too large. So large that she would get indigestion if she ate him alone.
"Ouch. You startled me."
"I feel like your cheeks have gotten even softer. Is it because you ate divinity?"
"I wonder."
"Then one more bite! Nom!"
"Ack!"
Therefore, she would have to eat him with other predators.
But since today was a rare date, she intended to monopolize him.
She had no intention of yielding to anyone. Today, Isaac belonged to Mari, and her alone.
"Chirp! Chirp chirp!"
"Coo coo coo!"
Flutter—
As Mari bit Isaac’s cheek, the birds perched on his shoulders and head were startled and flew away.
She didn't know if they were truly suppressed by a predator’s aura or if it was for some other reason.
Isaac pouted while touching his cheek, which had been bitten twice. His eyes pleaded for her to bite gently next time.
At his childish, grumbling reaction, Mari chuckled and pressed herself close to him.
"Isaac."
"Yeah. Go ahead."
"No matter what kind of event you’ve prepared, I’ll be happy. Because I just like being with you."
"..."
At Mari’s sincere words, Isaac’s eyes widened before he broke into a soft smile.
He then tightened his arm around Mari’s as they walked side by side.
The place where they were currently enjoying their date was a famous street even within the Academy.
It was also the street where, in the past, Isaac had been attacked by demon worshippers.
‘He must have a reason for choosing this as a date course, right?’
Mari also knew about that incident. The event that revealed Isaac’s safety insensitivity.
But seeing him out so boldly today likely meant he was confident.
Or perhaps he had heard about the future from the gods. He probably knew through his own future.
Regardless, it seemed today would be a very fulfilling date. She had even prepared thoroughly, anticipating this.
She wore a white sleeveless dress, perfectly capturing the refreshing feel of summer.
‘He prepared quite a bit too.’
Mari closely examined Isaac’s outfit while walking arm-in-arm.
A white summer dress shirt paired with black cotton pants.
The sleeves of the shirt were rolled up slightly, and the pants ended near his ankles, giving off a cool, breezy image.
In Mari’s eyes, it was a revolutionary fashion. It was likely influenced by his past life as well.
That didn't mean it didn't suit him. As they say, the face completes the fashion, and there was no style that wouldn't look good on that face.
‘I really feel like I could live just by looking at his face for the rest of my life.’
Just walking arm-in-arm made her happy; how wonderful would it be if they got married?
But given the circumstances, she was keeping those feelings suppressed.
It would be at least after graduation from the Academy, which was about a year and a half away.
Until then, she just had to be careful to use contraception and ensure no unexpected situations occurred.
‘And keep Cecile in check while I’m at it.’
Occasionally, Cecile would say she was going to steal the position of the primary wife. Of course, it was always half-joking, so Mari just laughed it off.
However, she couldn't let her guard down. Objectively speaking, Cecile was ahead in many areas.
From her status to her charm as a woman, and finally, her devotion.
If Cecile had confessed to Isaac first, she would have undoubtedly claimed the first spot.
"Isaac."
"Hmm?"
"I just had a thought. When are you going to announce your relationship with Cecile?"
Right now, it didn't mean much. Cecile was a rival, but at the same time, she was her most reliable ally.
So, they were being considerate and yielding to each other. Just as Cecile had willingly yielded the first position.
Thus, Mari was curious. When would Isaac officially announce his relationship with Cecile?
The whole world knew he was a philanderer, and rumors of a scandal with Cecile spread from time to time.
It wasn't just Cecile; it was the same for others. The ones with the highest frequency were Cecile and Arwen.
"Why so suddenly?"
"Just curious. Rumors might be flying, but there’s a difference between that and an official announcement. It wouldn't matter if you revealed it now anyway..."
"Hmm... I don't think now is the time. At least, not yet."
"Really?"
If Isaac said so, then that was that. She nodded before offering a piece of advice.
"Just so you know, you absolutely can't keep putting it off forever. Cecile and Queen Arwen will both get frustrated. Didn't Sister Nicole say? If you're going to be a piece of trash, you might as well be a ruffian."
"Haven't I already become one?"
"That’s true, but I’m saying don't keep them hanging. Since they’re both long-lived species, they might have a lot of patience, but they’ll still be anxious. Got it?"
"I’ll take it to heart. But not right now. I have a plan of my own."
At Mari’s advice, Isaac smiled softly and met her eyes.
His golden eyes, glowing gently, were filled with deep affection. It was a gaze so intense she felt like she could be sucked into it just by looking.
Mari met his eyes for a long moment before looking away. She could feel her face turning bright red in real-time.
Isaac was usually dazed, but those occasional actions of his made her heart ache. He wasn't an incubus, yet he was shaking her heart.
"A-alright. If you have a plan, I’ll follow it. But can I ask what that plan is?"
"You’ll find out soon."
"Soon?"
"Yeah. Before that..."
Isaac stopped mid-sentence and looked up at the sky. It was around noon when they started their date, but now the sun had set and darkness had settled in.
Even without demon worshippers, the evening was dangerous. That was why most people tended to stay indoors.
But today was fine. Hadn't Luminous said that nothing would happen today?
Even if someone was preparing an ambush, it didn't matter.
‘Come to think of it, it’s been a long time since I met Mr. Gartz.’
It was a fact he hadn't known until recently. That Reaper, the secret organization of Helium, was protecting him from the shadows.
But after consuming divinity and becoming able to converse with animals, he was able to notice.
Earlier, when the birds sat on Isaac’s head and shoulders, they had informed him of Reaper’s presence.
‘Yeah. It’ll be fine.’
He comforted himself. Today, it wasn't demon worshippers he was afraid of, but something else.
It wasn't that Mari would reject him, but he was afraid he might say the wrong thing.
"Before that? Do you have something to say?"
"Um... do you know what day it is today?"
"Today?"
At Isaac’s question, Mari tilted her head. After thinking for a long while, she spoke.
"I don't know?"
"Hmm. Is it because the concept of an anniversary doesn't exist here?"
"What did you say?"
"It’s nothing. Let’s just walk for now."
They were still a little way from their destination. Whether Mari was puzzled or not, Isaac kept walking.
The place he had chosen for the date course was a kind of tree-lined path. A path lined with large trees on both sides.
And at the end of it stood a giant tree, far larger than the others, which had been firmly rooted there since the day the Academy was founded.
As soon as Isaac reached his intended destination, he came to a halt. Mari, who was walking arm-in-arm with him, stopped as well.
"Chirp! Chirp chirp!"
When Isaac held out his hand, a bird flew down and landed lightly on it.
While Mari watched the scene with curious eyes, Isaac received the message from the bird.
[No one’s around! Everyone’s gone!]
‘Right. Thanks.’
After receiving the message, he raised his hand and let the bird fly away. Perhaps because he had come out with a serious heart today, the animals were listening to him faithfully.
There was no one around. In other words, there were only two people in front of the giant tree: Isaac and Mari.
In the silence, only the faint sound of insects reached their ears, and despite the humid summer temperature, they could vividly feel each other’s body heat.
Isaac stared at the giant tree in silence before wordlessly letting go of Mari’s arm and facing her.
When Isaac released her arm, Mari looked at him with a puzzled expression.
Thanks to a lantern placed in front of the giant tree, they could see each other’s expressions.
"Mari. You said earlier you didn't know what day it is today, right?"
"Uh... yeah. What day is it?"
At that question, Isaac answered with a grin.
"The day we first started dating."
*
"Huh?"
At my answer, Mari’s eyes widened. Unless it was a birthday or a death anniversary, the concept of an anniversary was thin in this world.
Maybe a wedding anniversary, but things like 100 days or yearly anniversaries weren't typically counted.
I chuckled at the surprised Mari before speaking quietly.
"Why? Is it strange that I’m counting things like that one by one?"
"Uh... well... a little? But I understand why you prepared so thoroughly now. Is that also a culture from your world?"
"Something like that. I don't know if it’s only in my country, but anyway, we celebrated anniversaries where I lived."
"I see. You gave me a ring a year ago, didn't you? What kind of gift are you going to give me today?"
Mari wore an expression full of anticipation. My heart began to pound fiercely.
At the same time, I toyed with the ring I had carefully tucked away in my back pocket. Now I had to build up to taking this out.
The first proposal of my life, across both my past and present lives. Since I had never experienced this before, my heart was racing as if it might explode.
"...It’ll be the most special gift for you. I can guarantee that."
"I feel bad because I only ever receive things from you..."
"No. Not at all. If anything, I’m the one who’s sorry."
I meant it. I always thought that Mari was a woman far too good for me.
Furthermore, hadn't I upset her every time I accepted other women? Despite that, she had stayed steadfastly by my side.
A woman to whom a lifetime of devotion wouldn't be enough. I would do anything for her happiness.
Also, if anyone ever touched Mari, I would retaliate using any means necessary.
"Mari."
"Yeah."
"Are you happy being with me?"
"I’m happy right now. Should I give you a kiss?"
At my question, Mari asked back playfully with a bright smile. How could she be so lovely?
Perhaps because of that, my heart, which had been racing like crazy, began to calm down. It seemed I had worried for nothing.
Yes. Mari was a woman who would love me no matter who I was. That would never change.
And so, I made a vow. That I would be with her for the rest of my life. That I would never leave her side.
Slide—
"...Isaac?"
As I knelt on one knee along with that vow, Mari called my name in a flustered voice.
Then, I pulled out the ring—specifically, the ring case—that I had been keeping safely in my back pocket.
"Uh... uh-huh...?"
Mari began to stutter as the ring case was illuminated under the lantern light.
No matter how slow she might be, she must know what this meant. After all, this culture was no different from my previous life.
I looked up at her, whose mouth was hanging open, and carefully opened the ring case resting on my palm.
What shyly revealed itself was a ring set with a blue gemstone.
I had commissioned a famous jeweler to use a gem that was the exact same color as Mari’s eyes.
"The second son of the Maishal family, Isaac Ducard Maishal, dares to ask this beautiful lady."
"..."
Was it because she found it hard to control her surging emotions?
Mari’s eyes began to fill with moisture, and soon tears began to well up.
Her open mouth was now tightly shut, expressing her inner feelings that seemed ready to explode at any moment.
Finally, I released all the pent-up emotions in her heart.
"Will you marry me?"
The step taken with courage...
"...Yes."
...gave us an unforgettable memory.
A memory that, even as time passed, would never fade or disappear.
*
"...!"
About an hour after Isaac proposed to Mari.
Ariel, who was reading a book in the dormitory, suddenly snapped her head up as if she had sensed something.
The sprout on top of her head was standing straight up, showing at once that something unusual was happening.
"What is it, Ariel?"
"Hmm..."
Adelia called out to Ariel, but she pondered for a while before shaking her head.
Then, she spoke words that were impossible to understand.
"I think something appeared between Mom and Dad."
"Appeared? What?"
At first, Adelia wondered if it was an attacker. But that wasn't it either.
"A soul."
"A soul?"
"Yeah. But it got small right away."
"?"
She had no idea what that meant.