Chapter 212: Estelle is Smiling (3)[R-18]
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 212: Estelle is Smiling (3)[R-18]
“Young Lady! It’s alright. Just relax and try to be comfortable.”
“...Okay.”
At Frederica’s voice, Estelle nodded slightly and closed her eyes.
Swish—
Frederica took hold of Estelle’s ankle and carefully brushed a feather against it.
“Then... I’ll begin, alright? Can you feel this?”
“...Hng... Yes... It tickles.”
“Hehe, that’s a relief. Now, I’ll slowly move upward.”
Every time the feather fluttered against her skin, Estelle bit her lower lip and wiggled her toes cutely.
Sshhh— Sshhh—
Frederica moved the feather up bit by bit, checking the range where sensation had returned.
“Ugh... Ah...! Haha!... Th-there!... That tickles too much, Frederica!... Pwahaha!”
She seemed to be trying her best to endure it, but eventually, Estelle couldn't hold it back and burst into laughter.
“Heehee! You can feel everything up to the point where you recovered before without any issues! That’s great, Young Lady!”
Frederica laughed joyfully for a moment before carefully moving the feather a little higher...
Toward the area where Estelle’s sensation had not yet returned.
“Ngh! Ah... Phew... Ngh...! ...Haa... I think that’s as far as it goes. Phew... Yeah, above that... I can’t feel anything.”
“....”
Hearing Estelle’s answer, which was tinged with apology, my expression stiffened despite myself.
‘The recovered area is... much smaller than I expected.’
It wasn't that there was a problem with the Exorcism itself.
As the Spectators proved, the effect of the ‘Final Version’ was incredible.
[Spectators]
Maximum Climax Count per day: 197
A climax count of nearly 200.
If it hadn't been for Lady Yuris’s ‘Recovery,’ I would have poured pleasure into her until she reached the very brink of her physical limits—to the point where I wondered if she might actually die of exhaustion.
That was why I thought I would be able to restore a significant portion of Estelle’s sensation this time, just as I did when we first broke through the wall of 167 times...
‘...What on earth is the problem?’
I had barely managed to climb over a thick wall, only to feel as if I were blocked by a thin ‘membrane’ this time.
It felt much weaker and more fragile than the wall, so it seemed like I could pierce through it if I forced it...
But for some reason, I had a strong intuition that I shouldn't.
A dark premonition that if I tried to tear through that ‘membrane’ as I pleased, something precious to Estelle might disappear.
“Ayy! Ian! Why the serious face? Look, the Young Lady is getting better, isn't she? Right, Young Lady?”
Perhaps reading my stiffened expression, Frederica tried to change the atmosphere with her usual bright voice.
“...Yeah, that’s right. Ian. I’m okay, so I’d... prefer it if you didn't make a face like that.”
“See! Even the Young Lady says she’s fine! If you keep providing ‘Treatment’ by her side, Ian, she’ll be able to walk on her own two feet again! Don’t be so impatient!”
Frederica’s sincere encouragement made me feel a little better.
‘Right. Let’s not rush.’
Estelle was definitely getting better, albeit slowly.
Hadn't Elfriede said it herself?
That the very fact that ‘Exorcism’ was working in this manner was nothing short of a miracle.
“You’re right. I should be grateful that she’s improving even a little... I guess I got too greedy.”
“Right? I’m glad you think so, Ian! So... please stay by the Young Lady’s side for a very long time—ideally, for the rest of your life! Oh, of course! It would be even better if the Young Lady got healthy as soon as possible, though!”
“Don’t worry. I’ll stay with her until Estelle is completely cured. Right, Lady Yuris?”
“Yes! Of course! Yuris doesn't mind at all, even if it’s for a lifetime!”
The word ‘lifetime’ slipped naturally from everyone’s lips.
‘...A lifetime?... Ian, by my side for a lifetime?’
Estelle’s eyes wavered anxiously.
Thump— Thump—
Her heart began to beat uncontrollably fast.
The fact that Ian cherished her that much made her so happy and joyful.
It felt as if her entire being was being filled with Ian.
Her love for him grew beyond control.
But...
Grip—
How much longer could she remain purely happy like this?
Ian and Evelyn.
Those two, who suited each other better than anyone else in the world, would surely promise eternal love amidst everyone’s blessings, hold a wedding, and reach a happy ending like a fairy tale.
‘It’s okay.... Yes, for now... it’s okay.’
For now.
Still.
She felt she could sincerely and happily bless their happiness.
Because Evelyn was her precious friend, and Ian was the person she loved.
If they were happy, she could be happy too.
But how long could her weak and ugly heart endure?
One day, when their child was born and she witnessed the dazzling sight of that child growing up healthy...
Would I really be able to watch with a smile?
When Ian, with a happy smile, placed a child who looked just like Evelyn into my arms...
Would I be able to sincerely rejoice and congratulate them?
If... just if...
Some unfortunate accident were to happen to Evelyn and she had to leave Ian’s side...
Would I be able to purely grieve and comfort Ian?
Or would I, even for a fleeting moment, feel a dark and filthy ‘joy’ in a corner of my heart?
Throb— Throb—
She felt suffocated.
Her chest felt tight, and she felt like she might vomit.
Just the imagination of harboring such ugly emotions made nausea well up inside her.
‘...I, I don’t want to be that kind of person. Never.’
So...
There was only one way.
‘...I have to leave. For everyone’s sake. For my own.’
She would quietly leave their side.
To a place far away, so as not to interfere with their happiness.
To a place where her existence wouldn't become their shadow.
So that she wouldn't hurt the two people she held dear.
So that she could sincerely pray for their happiness.
So that I don’t despair at my own ugliness.
It would surely be unimaginably sad and lonely.
She might spend every night in tears, unable to sleep from the heart-wrenching pain.
‘...It’s okay. I can endure it.’
But if she could cherish the dazzlingly beautiful and warm memories Ian had left her so they wouldn't break...
She would surely be able to endure it somehow.
‘...What about Frederica? Would she come with me?’
Frederica, who had always stayed by her side...
It was a selfish thought, but she hoped that at least Frederica would follow her.
Because Frederica was the only person left in this world she could call ‘family.’
Uncle Ramsey had his own family, so he wouldn't come even if she asked, so she would have to hire a new chef.
‘...Frederica can’t cook, after all.’
The new house would be much smaller and cozier than this vast, empty mansion.
There, alone with Frederica...
No, perhaps even she wouldn't come, so she might end up living all alone.
‘That... is also fine.’
Everyone ends up alone eventually, after all.
She knew that better than anyone.
After a long time had passed, and her heart no longer ached when she called Ian’s name...
Then, she would gather the courage to visit their home.
Those two, kind and gentle as they were, would surely forgive her for leaving without a word.
Perhaps by then, Ian and Evelyn’s children would call her ‘Aunt Estelle.’
“Heh...”
Imagining such a future, her eyes grew hot, and a small laugh escaped her lips.
She knew it would be sad and painful, but it was a much better ending than staying by their side and hurting them.
So...
Just this once, for the last time.
I will reveal my true heart, which is helplessly selfish and ugly.
‘I’m sorry, Evelyn...’
I hope that you in the distant future, and Goddess Ellis, will forgive me...
For making a memory that I can cherish for the rest of my life after I leave this place.
Grip—
Suppressing her trembling heart, she reached out and lightly grabbed Ian’s sleeve, pretending to be nonchalant.
“...Ian.”
At her call, Ian turned to look at her with a puzzled expression.
“Yes, Estelle? What is it? Are you uncomfortable somewhere?”
“...No, I just have a favor to ask.”
“A favor? Sure. Tell me anything, as long as it’s something I can do.”
“....”
She was afraid, she hesitated, and her heart felt like it was going to explode, making her consider stopping countless times...
But she steadied her trembling heart and spoke.
“The... Summer Festival that’s happening soon. Will you go with me?”
“Huh? The Summer Festival? Ah, it’s already that time of year. Of course. Let’s go together.”
Her voice was cracked and trembling, but it reached Ian nonetheless.
However...
“Wow! The Summer Festival! That sounds great! Ian! I want to go too!”
“Sure, sure. Ah, since we’re at it, would you like to come along too, Frederica?”
At Yuris’s words, Ian smiled brightly and naturally invited Frederica as well.
It was a warm, friendly atmosphere, as if going all together was the most natural thing in the world from the start.
‘Ah... As I thought... I...’
Even if it wasn't the form she had hoped for, enjoying the Summer Festival together like this would surely become a fun and happy memory.
In fact, this might be for the better.
Because her ugly greed wouldn't be discovered by others.
Since the atmosphere has turned out like this anyway, I can no longer say I want to go with just the two of us—
Snap!
“No... Ian.”
This time, grabbing his hand instead of his sleeve, I looked straight into Ian’s eyes and spoke.
“I want to go with just you... with no one else there.”
My voice no longer trembled.