Chapter 35
Chapter 35
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 35
Chapter Title: I Am His Perfect Ideal Type
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The fact that Rodwell's necklace showed no reaction to Laura came as quite a shock to me.
I had considered the possibility that nothing would happen—
but deep down, I was fairly certain it would.
And with good reason. That necklace was suspicious as hell.
It radiated mana, yet even the Magic Tower couldn't identify it, and it was presumed to react to Laura?
Obviously, the odds of it being a story progression item were 140 percent.
But my prediction missed the mark spectacularly, leading me to this realization.
'What if... this isn't actually inside the novel?'
It's just one possibility, but a profoundly serious one.
Every action I've taken so far has been based on the premise that 'this is the world of the novel.'
Of course, even if it is the novel world, it's no longer fiction since I'm living here and real people exist—
but I've been operating under the certainty that events unfold toward some 'goal.'
If that foundation crumbles, I need to reconsider my entire approach.
Of course, as I said, it's just one possibility.
I don't have enough evidence right now to judge if it's right or wrong.
For all I know, maybe only Rodwell handing over the heirloom would trigger a reaction—something like that.
But the emergence of such a major doubt is undeniable.
So, I proceeded with something I'd been putting off.
"Rita, investigate the Clarins Family and report back. Prioritize information on Laura."
"How extensive should the scope be, Young Master?"
"Don't leave anything out. Everything."
"Understood, Young Master."
Rita bowed politely at my command and left the room without a sound.
I watched her retreating figure and let out a soft sigh.
In truth, this was something I should have done long ago.
Regardless of whether this is the novel world or not, Laura is my fiancée.
It's the Dominica way to deal with any potential obstacles in advance, just in case.
No exceptions, even for family—and for an outsider fiancée, it's all the more obvious procedure.
So, this is perfectly reasonable.
Aside from the fact that it soured my mood.
'I didn't want to background-check Laura.'
Until now, I'd treated her with the added title of 'novel protagonist'—
but even stripping that away, she was still someone important to me.
The first person I'd grown close to since arriving in this world.
That alone put her above everyone else in my priorities.
And, somewhat superficially—
'Her face is insanely pretty.'
She was ridiculously beautiful.
Honestly, even I was surprised by these thoughts.
I'd always prided myself on not caring much about appearances when dealing with people.
But Laura's beauty shattered that pride completely.
I couldn't even imagine anyone more beautiful than her.
That's why I was a bit thrilled that she was my fiancée.
If I didn't have to break it off eventually, I'd probably have devoted all my efforts to winning her heart.
Applying the 'Dominica method' to such a Laura felt utterly distasteful.
But resolving this doubt took priority now.
I suppressed the discomfort and, as usual, went to meet Laura.
And those feelings vanished with the question she tossed at me.
"Leonardo, do I look any different today?"
What.
Her question hit me like a bolt, and I quickly scanned her from head to toe.
I'd mostly forgotten about my past life, but the ingrained knowledge that I had to answer spot-on to such questions burned in my soul.
But even with superhuman dynamic vision, I was soon forced to despair.
'...What the hell is different?'
Nothing... had changed?
I checked everything from accessories to hair and nails, just in case, but Laura was the same as always.
Just impossibly beautiful.
As I rolled my eyes frantically in hellish silence, I suddenly noticed one change.
'The scent's different? This is... rose.'
The familiar fragrance wafting from Laura.
Dominica's rose scent.
Having found the answer, I gave it.
"You changed perfumes."
"...How is it?"
"Dominica rose scent—I didn't even know we had such a thing, but—"
I tried my best to muster something resembling a smile.
"It suits you. Perfectly."
"Then I'm relieved."
Only then did Laura break into a bright smile.
I inwardly sighed in relief at the sight.
'Lost ten years off my life.'
She wouldn't trigger past-life PTSD over a wrong answer, but it'd definitely get awkward.
Imagining her thinking 'Leonardo doesn't notice me' made my heart queasy.
I'd already done something shady to her; piling on those feelings would've made facing her impossible.
Having proudly passed Laura's test, I chatted with her more comfortably.
The topic turned to the academy's first official event: the upcoming dance.
"I heard the dance is coming up soon. You hear?"
"A dance? At the academy?"
"Yeah. It's for students from all departments to mingle. Apparently an annual academy event."
"I've never been to a dance before... Do I have to go?"
"No need. The academy doesn't force students into any schedules."
Laura nodded, murmuring "I see."
Truth be told, the academy's 'dance' felt a bit off the mark for the term.
The purpose was different.
Real dances were venues for job placements or matchmaking.
Invitations required passing strict criteria, ensuring an elegant affair.
But the academy's was just for bonding.
In other words, a dance in name only—a glorified dance salon.
Just drinking, dancing, and getting friendly.
When I explained it that way, Laura perked up.
"A dance salon...! Are you going, Leonardo?"
"Not really my scene. I'd probably kill the vibe."
"No way! Everyone must want to get to know you!"
Doubtful, considering the classroom atmosphere.
As I made a vaguely negative face, Laura drew closer and said,
"Come on, let's go together. I'll introduce you to my friends. Okay?"
With her words came a heady wave of rose scent.
Dazed by the intoxicating aura, I nodded before I knew it.
"...Yeah, sure."
"For real? I'm looking forward to the dance now!"
Laura beamed radiantly at my acceptance.
Watching her, I murmured inwardly.
'As long as Laura's happy.'
Guess I'd better practice some dancing before then.
I sipped my tea, thinking about the schedule ahead.
After her meeting with Leonardo ended,
Laura returned to her dorm and locked the door as usual.
Then she asked the air,
"Teacher, did I fail the enchantment?"
"Yes. I did."
"The olfactory enchantment worked. But the visual one failed. Does that even happen?"
"Then why..."
Laura recalled when she'd cast the enchantment on Leonardo.
It had clearly seeped into him.
Yet his demeanor showed no change, and when she'd asked if anything was different, he'd panicked oddly.
Wondering if he was immune entirely, she'd tried scent—and it worked.
Laura thought back to Leonardo's inner voice.
'Dominica's rose scent.'
That was the fragrance that got to him most.
She hadn't been drinking much Dominica tea lately, but she'd start again in earnest.
As Laura resolved this inwardly, Francesca shared her theory.
"Which are?"
"A blessing..."
True enough.
Laura had never seen him pray.
Dismissing the first possibility, Francesca continued.
"What? He is?"
But Leonardo hadn't changed at all?
To Laura's doubt, Francesca replied calmly.
".........!"
Laura's eyes widened at Francesca's words.
Perfect ideal type? Me?
Meaning Leonardo liked her so much that even enchantment made no difference?
Laura glanced unthinkingly at her reflection in the vanity.
A face even she found quite beautiful.
But that beauty wasn't perfect now.
Her lips kept twitching involuntarily, ruining the expression.
Then, rethinking it, the mirror showed a different face.
'I am his perfect ideal type.'
A smile overflowing with satisfaction and joy.
Unable to bear watching herself, Laura flung herself onto the bed and buried her face in the pillow.
She flailed wildly, emitting an incomprehensible noise.
"Eeeeeeee!!"
After a while of that, Francesca, tired of watching, spoke to her.
"Yeees......"
Laura slowly rose from the bed at those words.
But despite her words, the goofy grin never left her face.