Chapter 88 Date (5)
Date (5)
The imperial princess relayed the information to Abel in a composed voice.
"One of the Magic King's Legacies takes human form."
"Human form?"
"Yes. That's about as much of a hint as I can give you."
Having said that, she began shuffling the cards gathered in her hand.
Watching the princess shuffle the cards back and forth using magic, Abel sank deep into thought.
Him standing quietly with arms crossed, lost in contemplation, and the princess silently shuffling her cards.
Just as the awkward atmosphere between them was becoming suffocating, she turned her gaze toward me.
"What do you think of Abel, Adel?"
The voice didn't ring in my ears—it felt as though the sound resonated directly inside my skull. A shiver ran down my spine, and I looked at the princess with startled eyes.
Meeting my gaze, she didn't even part her lips, merely offering a knowing smile.
"Don't be so surprised. This is just an application of my Authority."
An application of Authority.
Come to think of it, hadn't the princess mentioned that her Authority allowed her to read others' minds? That voice just now must have been a form of telepathy using that power.
I briefly wondered why she didn't use Telepathy Magic instead. That would have been far more convenient for communication.
As if sensing my thoughts, the princess subtly gestured toward Abel with a sidelong glance.
'Ah, right. Abel was here.'
Using Telepathy Magic in front of Abel, an Archmage, would have been immediately detected. She must have decided to rely on her Authority instead.
'I like Abel.'
Moving only my lips without sound, I answered. Whether she understood through lip reading or not, the princess's eyes widened dramatically.
Her pupils dilated to their fullest, and the cards in her hands scattered to the floor with a clatter.
She looked utterly flustered, as though she'd received an answer completely beyond her expectations.
Even her golden irises trembled slightly—that alone spoke volumes.
"Isn't that a bit too honest?"
Honest, huh?
It certainly was an honesty that didn't suit my usual cowardly self. Just moments ago, I'd given up on confessing to him.
But in this situation, the thought struck me that if I wasn't honest now, I might lose Abel forever.
Right now, we're bound by an engagement and share the goal of defeating the Emperor as comrades. But who knows how long this fragile relationship will last?
After we defeat the Emperor together—what then?
Once we've each achieved our purposes, would we have to return to our original relationship? Everything else aside, that was the one outcome I absolutely couldn't accept.
Suddenly, the thought made me let out a hollow laugh without realizing it.
If the me who first met Abel could see my thoughts now, she'd probably call me insane.
She'd scold me, asking what kind of ridiculous thoughts I was entertaining.
'How did I end up falling for him like this?'
Was it because he saved me during the Hunting Festival? Or when he protected me on the train?
Or perhaps when he rescued me from the Emperor in Ark?
No—while those moments mattered, they weren't the sole reason I fell for him.
It was because after transmigrating into this world, Abel was the first person from whom I felt human warmth.
Clumsy and teasing as he might be, those hands extended toward me with nothing but genuine goodwill.
Through that touch, I felt my first true sense of security in this world.
That was why I'd been gradually drawn to him, like clothes slowly dampened by a drizzle. The very person I'd once been so wary of.
Who would have thought I'd ever want to grow closer to him?
"Understood. I'll do my best to support your romantic endeavors, Adel."
The princess's face, as she spoke those words through her Authority—her telepathy—had lost all traces of amusement.
This wasn't her usual playful expression, but one of complete sincerity.
'Why are you helping me?'
"Because I want to see some change in that stone-faced Duke's expression."
With those final words, the princess flashed another knowing smile. There was something oddly sinister about it that made me shiver involuntarily.
"In that case, I'll invite you separately later. We can continue our conversation then."
Having said that, she placed the shuffled deck back on the table.
Meanwhile, Abel seemed to have finished his thoughts and unfolded his arms.
Rising from his seat, he extended a hand toward me.
"Let's go for now."
"Alright."
Taking his hand, I stood up. Then, following his lead, I pushed aside the tent's curtain and stepped outside.
Just before exiting, I stole one last glance at the princess through the curtain. She gave me a slight wave.
Returning the gesture with a small wave of my own, I followed after Abel.
We walked quietly side by side for a long while. Suddenly curious about the conversation between the princess and Abel, I asked him:
"What did she mean by the Magic King's Legacy?"
"Indeed, this is information you should know."
After saying that, Abel flicked his fingers with a snap. Instantly, the noisy surroundings fell completely silent.
People's mouths were moving, but not a single voice reached my ears.
I couldn't help but marvel at this silent barrier—far more precise than the one Estelle had cast earlier.
"Simply put, it's a means to oppose the Emperor."
"The Emperor..."
"Correct. The Magic King was one of the very few existences who drove the Emperor to the brink of death."
"If he was that powerful... why did he die?"
The question slipped out before I could stop myself. Abel answered plainly.
"To protect his kingdom."
"...I see."
'The Magic King...'
It was definitely the first time I'd heard that name.
Yet somewhere deep in my chest, it felt oddly familiar.
A strange yet known name—a sensation so contradictory it made me exhale quietly.
"You said one of the Magic King's legacies takes human form?"
"Yes. Though I can't begin to fathom how."
A legacy in human form? Was it his descendant or something?
But if that were the case, they wouldn't call it a "legacy" rather than a "descendant."
Given it's a means to oppose the Emperor, it must be significant.
'I don't get it.'
The answer hovered just out of reach, making my head throb harder. Maybe Silpi would know something.
I should ask him when he returns. As a spirit who's lived for ages, he might have answers.
"Further conversation won't yield progress, so let's end it here."
"That's probably for the best."
Abel flicked his fingers again, and the surrounding noise rushed back in.
Unaware of the brief silence, people continued painting the lively festival scene with their voices.
"Anything else you'd like to eat?"
"I've already eaten more than enough."
"Oh? You have?"
Abel's eyes widened with exaggerated interest, his gaze fixed on me. The deliberate teasing made me inexplicably annoyed.
"...What's that supposed to mean?"
"Ahem. You'd know better than I. Ah, look over there."
When I pressed him in a low voice, he pointed elsewhere, clearly trying to divert the topic.
The move was so transparent I almost called him out—but I let it slide.
Playing along, I reluctantly turned my head where he indicated.
"Wait, is that—"
"Bead Ice Cream, was it? I've no idea what that refers to."
Bead Ice Cream? No way—had I stumbled upon another modern-era treat at this festival?
My steps quickened with excitement before I could stop myself.
Glancing back at Abel, I caught him wearing the pleased smile of a doting father.
'...I didn't know he could make that kind of expression.'
The cold-blooded demeanor I'd first seen in him was nowhere to be found now.
Not that I minded. Seeing his varied expressions was... nice.
"How much for one?"
"1 silver per bead."
"Give us two."
Abel bought them immediately, handing one to me without hesitation.
Examining the Bead Ice Cream, it looked nearly identical to its modern counterpart—except the portion was noticeably larger.
'...Then again, maybe modern servings were just criminally small.'
Overpriced and undersized, I'd never gotten to eat as much as I wanted back then.
Lost in thought, I scooped up a bite with the wooden spoon.
'It's good...'
Not that ice cream's exact flavor, but for the first time, I realized this world could evoke the same delight.
Enthralled, I took several more spoonfuls—and before I knew it, the ice cream was gone.
"Seemed delicious."
"It was. Extremely delicious."
"So it appeared."
Abel chuckled and stepped closer. Before I could react, his finger brushed the corner of my mouth.
Then—he licked it.
My face burned.
"Making a mess like this."
"Ugh..."
I had no retort. His point stood—I'd been too absorbed to notice.
"...It's about time."
"Time for what?"
"Anticipate it. You're about to witness something entertaining."
Abel stopped walking, as did the crowd around us. Then, almost in unison, everyone tilted their heads upward.
I followed their gaze.
Fwoosh!
A familiar firework sound, followed by flames soaring into the sky.
Boom!
Green sparks glittered midair before bursting apart. More followed—streaks of colored fire painting the darkness.
Bang! Bang! The explosions echoed in my ears as countless flames adorned the night.
Dazzled, I stared until Abel's soft voice pulled me back.
"...This is—"
"Didn't I say?"
You'd see something entertaining.
Pride seeped into his expression as he spoke.