Chapter 11
Chapter 11
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 11
Chapter Title: Fountain Pen (5)
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Pretina Apontuna.
Esili Hepild.
These two share deep ties with me.
Back in our academy days, they both latched onto me after I claimed first place in the first semester.
Hold on a second.
Doesn't that explanation sound a little off?
Anyway, with Esili, it started on the first day of enrollment when I helped her out after she got lost and wandered around.
We chatted now and then after that, building a bit of camaraderie.
But once I took top spot, she started burning with this weird competitive fire.
It got a tad annoying.
Next up, Pretina.
With her... well, what to say.
My memories of her are packed with annoyance right from the start.
She strode over confidently while I was talking to Esili.
The smile playing on her lips screamed absolute confidence that no one would dare ignore her.
And yeah, she was half right.
I just stared, but Esili frowned and asked what was going on.
They must've been rivals even before the academy.
No other way to explain the competitive sparks flying from their eyes.
Pretina pointed at me, saying Esili looked amusing.
I even remember her exact words.
"From now on, you're my servant. Got it?"
Wow, even now, that was straight-up audacious.
Still, she had every reason to act that way.
As I mentioned before, only the imperial family outranks House Apontuna.
So your average noble wouldn't have the guts to defy a ducal lady.
But I refused—for whatever reason.
Maybe because Esili was there, the daughter of a count's house with real pull in the capital?
Or as an Earthling, I just wasn't tuned into noble society?
Either way, even if I went back with these memories, I'd choose the same.
Anyway, why bring this up?
"Lady Apontuna, mind giving us some space? I'd like to chat with my fellow student."
"Ha! By that logic, I'm a fellow student too. Why should I move? You should."
Because these two are at it again.
A scene I saw way too much of at the academy.
I have no idea why.
Whenever I'm around, they end up bickering more often than not.
When I'm not there, they just ignore each other or exchange the bare minimum.
Could they both see me as a rival, sparking rivalry between them too?
Esili already had that vibe from the start, so it's not impossible.
Anyway, this kind of popularity isn't bad, but it's troublesome.
People are staring.
"Ahem. Let's move spots first. Both of you."
"...Fine."
"Hmph. Okay."
What the—why is she like this?
Pretina actually listening without a fuss?
She snaps open her fan to cover her mouth.
Still looks annoyed, but way more subdued than academy days.
It was so shocking, a flicker of bewilderment showed on my face.
Spotting it, Pretina furrows her brow at me.
"What?"
"Nothing. Let's go."
I turned and headed to a corner seat, thinking to myself.
Time really changes people, huh.
Pretina, who only cared about herself as a kid, now knew how to compromise a bit.
Even control her emotions.
"Mind not sticking so close?"
"Hmph. You're the one sticking. Don't block my way."
...If only she'd show Esili the same courtesy.
I nursed that futile wish as we reached the corner.
Grabbed a glass of wine on the way.
Looked too good not to.
Luckily, the stares died down once we hit the corner.
Some folks still glanced our way, ears perked, but easy to ignore.
"There, we're where you wanted. Now spill. Edn, why are you here?"
She's got a short fuse.
Pretina had folded her fan and was staring me down, already perked up with a pleased smile.
Or maybe thrilled at uncovering my whereabouts.
No reason to hide, so I laid it out straight.
The fountain pen I developed, and the story of Professor Herman pitching in.
Both lit up with interest.
"Fountain pen?"
"Yeah. Got tired of quills, so I brainstormed something better. Here to promote the prototype today."
Well, technically the professor's handling the hustle.
They reacted differently to my tale.
Pretina smirked like it amused her; Esili's mouth fell open in genuine wonder.
"Edn, you always bring something amazing. The mana engine, your theories—every time."
That impressive?
I asked, and she nodded.
"Eh, I just did what I wanted."
I shrugged, and Esili's expression turned subtle.
She seemed about to say something, lips twitching, but held back.
Pretina jumped in.
"So, can we see the prototype now? I'd love a look."
"Sure."
I pulled out the sample the professor gave me before I got roped into changing clothes earlier.
He said I didn't need to sell it myself.
But opportunities are for seizing—especially when prepared.
Pretina took it, turning it this way and that, inspecting closely.
Mouth slightly agape in fascination.
After a good look, she handed it back.
"Saw plenty."
"Cool."
Hmm, still not used to this.
Pretina being so meek? Unbelievable.
After all I'd seen at the academy.
Those memories kept surfacing, amplifying the disconnect.
Enough to make me wonder if it was even her in disguise.
"Edn, can I see it too?"
"Of course. Here."
Esili took her turn examining it.
Meanwhile, I asked what I'd been wondering.
"So, what brings you two here?"
Pretina shot back like it was obvious.
"To build connections, duh. Even one more tie elevates the house."
Her matter-of-fact smile was pure Pretina.
Everything links back to house glory with her.
Finally felt familiar; I nodded in satisfaction.
But her gaze on me stung.
"What's that look for?"
"Nothing."
"'Nothing'? That's what you say?"
She snaps open her fan, hiding her mouth as she glares.
Her sharp eyes drew an awkward smile; I looked away.
Man, she really has changed.
Still not used to this tame Pretina.
Academy Pretina would've exploded by now.
Then Esili handed back the prototype.
"I came with Father. Said I need to build my own network here."
"Nobles and their connections, huh."
"More like intel and allies, precisely."
Same difference.
I just nodded in agreement, no careless quips.
Pretina folded her fan with a click, tilting her head.
"Edn. Got a question."
"If it's about that look earlier—"
"Not that."
She cut me off firmly, sighing for the first time.
"It's what I've wanted to ask since seeing you. Have you been writing Sherlock lately—mmph?!"
"W-Wait! Hold on a sec!"
What the hell is she doing!
In my panic, I clapped a hand over her mouth.
Shouldn't touch a lady's face lightly, but desperate times.
Who expects Sherlock Holmes to pop up outta nowhere!
Pretina's eyes widened in rare surprise.
They blinked rapidly in confusion, then narrowed.
Sensing her irritation, I yanked my hand back.
"S-Sorry."
"Pfft, what was that? Why touch me?"
She exhaled sharply, glaring daggers.
I bowed my head in instant apology.
"Sorry for touching you. But hold off on that question, please."
Pretina frowned, utterly baffled.
One brow arched, arms crossed.
"Why? Hiding something?"
"Yeah, pretty much. Bear with me. Please."
Her lips twisted slightly.
Still looked lost.
Her head was probably swirling with: Why hide it? It's not like it's shameful.
Something like that.
As we stared silently, Esili piped up from the side.
"What are you two even talking about? Don't keep secrets from me."
She sounded a bit hurt, left out of our exchange.
Her voice carried a hint of moisture as she eyed me.
Pretina, meanwhile, was curt with Esili.
"Hmph, nothing for you. Edn, I'll keep it secret—just ask permission next time."
So if I ask, touching her face is fine?
Felt off, but no issue, so I nodded.
Thanks to that, no more Sherlock talk from Pretina.
Instead, she asked this.
"Why do you do it?"
In her now-familiar gentler mode.
Why?
Or rather, why write novels?
Simple answer.
My reason for writing was crystal clear.
"Boredom, basically. Figured if it's dull, I'd make it fun."
Another reason: advancing civilization.
But admitting that aloud felt cringey.
Like declaring world peace in public.
Mid-street, no less.
Pretina blinked, caught off-guard.
Her widened eyes soon crinkled in amusement.
"Ahaha! That's hilarious!"
She fanned her mouth open with a snap.
But I could tell she was still laughing.
"Just for that? You always exceed expectations."
"Uh, thanks?"
"So what were you talking about?"
And so the three of us chatted away.
These two, here for networking, stuck with me the whole time.
Even when dance time hit during the party.
No flaunting those stunning dresses.
A bit of a shame.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Deep within a dark, ancient castle.
Just before the second Sherlock Holmes book and the fountain pen hit the scene.
One being opened its eyes.
After eons of slumber, it stirred immediately.
Ventured out, kidnapped a passerby, and made him its servant.
The man trembled in terror, but had no choice.
It tossed him a few gold coins from a warehouse, ordering him to fetch whatever was trending.
"Y-Yes! Right away!"
Shaking with fear, he thrust a book forward.
Incredibly, it was Edn's Sherlock Holmes.
He'd bought it in Rlangbur territory to read at home.
His habit of collecting even obscure titles had saved his life.
The being took the book, smiling contentedly.
"I'll call on you now and then. Oh, and don't think of running."
"N-No, sir! Farewell."
As the man fled, she opened the book.
Page after page.
She flipped through in seconds, then closed it.
"Not bad. Full of things I never saw back then."
Pale skin, slender silhouette.
Hair like molten silver, eyes a deep, bewitching crimson.
Eyes that mocked the empire's royals curved softly.
"Maybe time for an outing soon?"
She bared sharp fangs in eager smile.
The progenitor, Katiranya.
The origin of all vampires had awakened.