Chapter 259
Chapter 259
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: uly
Chapter: 259
Chapter Title: Surviving as the Second Son of a Magical Noble House
-----------------------------------------------------------------
What about me?
The light reflecting off the lake surface stabbed into my eyes with each ripple, then vanished, over and over. My vision flickered white, making it feel like I was trapped in a dream. I had anticipated hearing those words from him and pushed anyway. It was true. Still, I couldn’t help the haze settling over my mind.
“I’m sorry.”
I can’t accept that.
I said it while deliberately meeting his gaze.
“Right now, I can go along with what you want. Like attending the engagement ceremony together. But I can’t promise I’ll stay with you forever.”
He must wonder what that even means.
But he didn’t question my words. His eyes wavered as he forced his mouth open.
“…I see.”
“I’m sorry.”
“No, I just need to try harder. It’s fine.”
A chill ran down my spine at those words. My stomach turned to ice.
I barely managed to speak.
“…What do you mean by trying harder?”
“Winning your heart.”
“That’s why I’m asking—how?”
“It’s a secret.”
He beamed as if he’d never been rejected at all. He had a real talent for sending my mind to another world. He continued softly, smiling.
“So… you can be with me for now, right? That much is certain.”
“…For now, yes.”
“If only a day here lasted just a minute out there.”
“……”
“Then I could truly capture your heart.”
I shook my head. Putting aside his creepy idea, I had to play my part.
“This is enough as it is.”
“It’s not. I haven’t won all of your heart.”
“You said time would tell. I agree.”
“We don’t have much time. Once the bishop dies, you’ll go back to your original world, won’t you?”
“……”
“I wish we could become one.”
I looked down at him silently. He stared at my hand, then slowly lifted his head.
“I dragged this out too long. Let’s go eat breakfast.”
* * *
“The whole house is flowers.”
“Isn’t it amazing? You wouldn’t believe how much mana went into this.”
Outside looked just like spring.
The inside was papered in flowers too, but the outside had the whole season rewritten, which felt even fresher.
He’d decorated the mansion like spring for the engagement ceremony. After breakfast and reading a bit, I stepped out to find the world like this.
The archbishop looked around and said,
“I’m not really into plants, but symbolism is king.”
“Yeah, do whatever you want.”
It’s not even my house.
I muttered without much thought.
“It’s peaceful.”
Right now, we were on a sculpted boat floating on the lake.
He closed the book he’d been reading and stared at me. I’d been looking at him too, so an awkward silence stretched out. I broke it first.
“What?”
“You look good in everything, so I can’t decide. Down makes you seem my age, which is nice. Up is neat and good too.”
Suddenly?
He must be talking about how to do my hair for the engagement day.
He really springs these out of nowhere.
“Then just leave it down. It suits the vibe you have.”
As I said it, I realized I’d casually lumped him in with Luca’s age group.
“Come to think of it, how old are you?”
“About your age~ Guess the old-fashioned clothes threw you off?”
“…….”
He pointed at the purple cockade on his hat and laughed.
So this ‘body’ he’s using is around eighteen.
Not the one inside, though?
Of course, I was in no position to talk.
If anything, it was a relief his inner and outer ages didn’t match. If he were really younger than Luca, I wouldn’t be playing along like this—I’d have to teacher-mode immediately.
Thinking of that near-reality that would’ve doubled my regret sent another chill down my spine, so I changed the subject.
“I haven’t seen your attendant for days.”
“Oh, don’t worry about him. He can’t go back to where he lived, so he’s stuck here.”
I just looked around silently, and he asked with a face like he got none of it.
“I’ve never heard you mention locals before. Do you like him or something? I thought old humans were your type?”
“It’s not exactly a type.”
Sure enough, ‘Lu Var’ was a new human. His voice was too high and smooth for an old human—either a former actor or new human.
I pushed the thought aside, tilted my head, and smiled.
“Shouldn’t I be the one hating it? You say you like me, but you keep another new human around. How am I supposed to take that?”
“Ah.”
The archbishop looked like he’d just realized something.
He was more flustered than I expected.
He fumbled with his expression, closed his book, and said,
“I never thought you’d misunderstand like that… I was just hiding a fugitive.”
“Yeah, sure.”
“I only love you.”
The straight ball was so heavy I nearly failed to keep my face neutral.
Then mischief lit up his face again.
“Even if it takes forever, I hope we can be together someday. You becoming me and me becoming you. How much longer do we need together for love like that?”
“Poetic.”
The sunlight reflecting off the water made it hot. It still stabbed my eyes, blurring my vision like an illusion.
I hope this peace lasts.
Not because I love him—it’s because I know what’s coming at the end. I know everything but want to blind myself and forget. No, that’s exactly why I think it, knowing it all. Who in this world hopes for the storm they know will sweep them away?
But I can’t ignore what I must do.
I just think it. If he’d chosen a normal way, this relationship would look different by now.
Of course, he’s not the type who could. We’re water and oil. We share some views on the world, but most parts will never mix. His ‘normal’ and mine are worlds apart.
Opportunism without a shred of shame, ethics in extreme deficit, egoism that’s narcissism incarnate—it’s beyond my grasp. If I told him my analysis now, he wouldn’t get why I concluded that.
“You look pretty tired, by the way.”
I said, looking at his smile.
After vanishing for two days and coming back, he seemed far more worn out than before.
“Too much happened in that short time. …Healing will take ages.”
“You’re hurt. How?”
“During recon.”
He answered and stood, approaching me. The boat rocked hard.
“…?! No, why are you coming over?! It’ll tip!”
“It’s fine~ Won’t flip.”
He pressed mana into one side of the boat and sat beside me. He muttered softly.
“Falling in together wouldn’t be so bad…”
“Is the water clean at least?”
“Of course. But doesn’t it ever strike you that your questions hit weird points?”
“Don’t want to hear that from you.”
He chuckled lightly and leaned on my shoulder.
“I hope this peace lasts.”
“…….”
“Even after attacking Ainsidel…. I mean, after our engagement.”
Even after I basically dumped him, he still plans the ceremony.
His plans have gone off the rails countless times. Impressive he hasn’t quit.
“Just three hours from now. Hope I come back alive.”
“…….”
I looked at his eyes staring into space. Even facing death, they were calm. No matter what madness he showed, he was still the archbishop.
* * *
Time passed like that.
He exceeded my request to stay twelve hours, sticking around for nearly two and a half days. Yeah. Two and a half days. The coordinate system was crumbling. My day was now one hour outside.
We spent it reciting poetry we barely cared for, debating a few books, eating, going back to the lake, watching theater when bored… playing poker, chess, dancing to music, asking questions about each other.
And now, engagement right around the corner.
I was in my guest room, getting dressed by the servants.
Two full hours. No cameras rolling, and they spend two hours on one person? How do you justify that inefficiency? Clear waste of resources.
Of course, it’s all to make that one person happy. I could stomach it since he’s probably wasting time the same way on himself.
“All done.”
One servant retied my crooked tie while I was dressing.
I picked up the wristwatch artifact and pendant I’d set aside. The servant handling my outfit seemed displeased, probably thinking they clashed with the suit.
“Ah, the watch…”
“I’ll handle it.”
Before—the cross terror incident, before rewinding time—in the hospital, opening my belongings box, there were artifacts commissioned to Wittelsbach and elixirs. With Pie’s stone.
This wristwatch matched the one I made right after arriving here, but when I had Wittelsbach remake it back then, its functions changed.
I poured about 500 million won into modding it. Leo once said your four artifacts invented several new techs during mods—says it all about the overhaul.
Not new inventions exactly—raw techs unused till now, finally polished. Same difference.
Anyway, artifacts stay on me always. Can’t leave them.
Servants finished adjustments after I tucked the necklace under my shirt and put on the watch.
Then, noon bells rang outside the window.
Time.
Once this event ends, the archbishop won’t be with me.
‘The end is near.’
The end, one way or another.
Servants’ faces tensed. Why are they nervous when I’m the one going?
At the door, a waiting servant opened it.
“……..”
Space magic again, obviously.
Not the mansion hallway anymore. Door closed behind, but no trace left.
A massive Renaissance cathedral unfolded. Sunlight poured through tall windows, tinting marble and limestone a soft cream. Ceiling angels in relief and sculpture seemed alive, descending from heaven. Nearby, lapis walls added vibrancy. The pipe organ played itself without a musician.
And…
“Impressive.”
A low voice came.
I looked at the flower-decked altar before the crucifix. The archbishop stood there in royal blue vestments.
Shouldn’t he enter after me? Not a wedding, and who knows customs across eras—didn’t point it out. What mattered now?
He’d spent time on his look too. Most beautiful I’d seen in this world.
Maybe the effect.
He gazed at me warmly, eyes shining.
I walked slowly toward him.
No priest to bless us. Why need one with the archbishop here?
He turned to me and continued.
“…Even more than I thought.”
“You too.”
I replied, meeting his sparkling eyes.
He smiled back at mine. Organ melody swirled softly in my ears. His calm voice echoed through the cathedral.
“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
“…….”
“You said you still don’t know my place in the Pleroma.”
He took my hand and opened his mouth.
“I’m a bishop.”
“…….”
“Diocesan bishop of the Freiburg Archdiocese in the south. Did Sir Nikolaus Ernst know already?”
Instead of answering, I said something else.
“What if His Excellency the Archbishop wants to get married?”
“Exactly.”
He parried my words with a playful smile, then quoted scripture again.
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.”
“…….”
He fell silent, looking at me. My turn. I smiled and recited another.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.”
“It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
The archbishop followed right up.
“I respect your will. So today’s less our promise, more my courtship.”
“…….”
“I know you don’t like me that much yet. But I never thought you’d be easy, so this is enough. For me.”
I just looked at him. Nothing I could say. This was basically his solo announcement.
He stroked my hand with his fingers.
“I’ll wrap everything up and come back.”
“…….”
“Will you wait for me?”
I didn’t answer.
Because for me, this isn’t a start—it’s the end. I won’t wait.
Instead, I took his hand and kissed the ring.
He smiled, expression unreadable—did he get it or not?
I lowered his hand, met his eyes. Silence lingered. He smiled at me, snapped his fingers. Something new appeared in his hand.
I looked from the ring case matching his dress color to his face.
He already gave a ring—another?
Before the question finished, he opened it toward me.
I went silent at the two glowing sapphires.
Earring artifacts.
“Change them with your hands.”
Change them.
Yeah, knew he’d pull this. When he insisted on the ceremony after already giving the ring, I figured another plan. Guessed something symbolic would slot in.
Not hard to swap. He’d think so superficially. After all, the one who gave my current artifacts was just a friend.
Problem isn’t who gave them. It’s that they’re my only link to the outside.
‘Of course, with this much time…’
I’d trust my friend’s abilities. As my superior, he needs that speed and skill.
I smiled and asked,
“Did my artifacts bother you?”
“I just want one last promise. Will you leave the old world for me?”
Old world.
To him, Wittelsbach artifacts link me to my home. He definitely noticed. Not now—long ago.
No clue what this new artifact does. But the symbolism hit hard.
“You know how this feels? Like a pomegranate right in my face.”
“Ah, so I’m Hades then. That’s harsh~”
I laughed and closed the box’s lid.
Then removed one earring artifact from my ear.
Mana around my heart thinned. This tool let me stay fearless in enemy territory. Now fear crept in, heart racing. I pocketed the artifact in my jacket, returned the box to his chest.
“For now, this is it.”
“…….”
“Before your gift, there’s someone I want to see right now.”
His eyes went to my bare ear. He looked back at my eyes slowly, voice slightly guarded.
“Who?”
“I want to see Lu Scheller. Right now.”
“Why him…?”
I didn’t answer, so he frowned, smiled, and shook his head.
“No. Why drag a servant into this moment?”
“There’s our last conversation. I have more questions about it.”
“…….”
“Please let me see him. Or I can’t accept your gift.”
The archbishop stared silently for a long time.
Then nodded.
“Just a moment. Exactly five minutes.”
“Good.”
I pulled his waist into a hug.
“Thanks.”
“…….”
He looked at me blankly, then smiled faintly. Hard-to-name emotion in his eyes.
Then stomped hard.
Boom—!
Another space magic around me now.
I slowly looked around. Room like the cathedral earlier. Just a table and a couple chairs.
Breaking this magic returns to the cathedral.
As I turned to the door, footsteps behind.
“I heard you called.”
I turned. The attendant from days ago had warped to the table. Pretty flustered face. Sudden summon, probably.
I spoke, looking at him.
“I’ve been thinking.”
“About what, Your Excellency?”
“Clearly the same person, yet ‘other me’ doesn’t know me, ‘another me’ does…. Curious why.”
Not what he expected—odd doubt crossed Lu Var’s stiff face.
“What do you mean? Didn’t you want to talk about our last conversation?”
Right. That too. But not now.
I continued, approaching Lu Var.
“Something like a limiter switch, right? Somehow restrict info from each body auto-flowing to one soul. Especially for high-ups like your master—need to guard against divine power theft, so block body info exchange.”
“I don’t know what you discussed with my master. Seems not for me.”
“Problem is, no such tech exists here.”
“…….”
“Makes sense. People usually have one body. Limiter artifacts to block memories or selective transfer—pointless idea. But you lot use excess time to achieve anything.”
“Anything?”
Lu Var grimaced slightly. As I stepped closer, he backed up till his body hit the table.
“Anything.”
I grabbed his left hand.
Then pulled his waist like with the archbishop.
He stared at me like I was the craziest bastard alive—more shock than anything. He was panicking.
I whispered to the new human at eye level.
“Now, the trick is finding where it is.”
Click—Boom—!
I shoved Lu Var hard, slamming his head on the table.
“…! What are you…?!”
He turned to me flustered, then panicked realizing one hand free. I looked at the wrist. My watch artifact had turned into mana cuffs, linking our wrists.
Heart squeezed tight. Strongest cuffs I’d used.
Wittelsbach tech delivers. Even the archbishop didn’t clock my watch as this type. Though I ordered it so.
He probably thought it my semester-start mana stabilizer.
“No, what the hell are you…!”
Lu Var was filthy strong. New human, expected. I checked his ears first. None. Too conspicuous? Public setting, could’ve worn anyway. My hand went to his wrist. Nothing. No faint mana.
One spot left.
I yanked the necklace chain inside his collar.
Snap—
“…!”
I tossed the broken chain to the floor.
His body jerked. Eyes glazed briefly, then refocused.
“This it is.”
“…….”
“Right? Say it yourself.”
I swept back his forehead hair with my right hand, pressing his head down. His black pupils fixed on me. Brows furrowed, lips twisted. I’d look the same. I pressed my knee harder and asked.
“Good. Recognize me now?”
“What delusion…”
I shook my head.
Not the answer I wanted. Can’t be.
My deductions wasted otherwise.
I brought my face to his nose. My hair touched his forehead. His breath hit me. Noon light filtered through shadows. Iris pattern clear. Pupil dilating. Not a face I knew. Clearly.
But with limiter gone, his face muscles moved like the one I knew…
Pouring emotions only he’d have into my ear.
Heartbeat loud. I pressed the pulse under my palm.
“Sorry I can’t return the favor. You like me this much, but nothing I can give.”
“Ha…”
Lu Var turned his flushed face aside, exhaling.
“…Hahaha… hahahahaha!”
Now he burst into mad laughter.
Then exhaled deeply, staring into space.
“…Me.”
“Yes, go on.”
“I said I wanted to show you only my best side.”
“You did. It’s fine.”
His eyes moved to me at my words. I shook my head at him.
“Sorry to say in this situation, but let’s call off the engagement.”
Lu Var’s eyes now gleamed with the archbishop’s authority.
To those eyes, that soul ready to devour me, I said,
“I don’t have a hobby of getting engaged to terrorists.”