Chapter 62
Chapter 62
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 62
Chapter Title: 12. The Shrewd Fool (5)
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Kati hadn't slept a wink after accidentally overhearing the conversation the night before.
It was ridiculous, but she couldn't help it—her own situation was just that laughable.
Before she knew it, dawn had broken, and morning had arrived.
As she lay there motionless, Vivian returned.
Even then, she took great care opening the door to avoid waking her sleeping companions.
No one stirred except for Kati, who was already awake.
Vivian calmly—and hurriedly—flopped onto her bed.
Kati sensed her presence while lying still.
Was she trying to go back to sleep?
Why had she come back in such a rush?
She didn't know the reason, but Vivian's voice kept echoing in her mind.
'I'm smitten.'
Vivian's voice and Ian's non-denial had tormented her all through the early hours.
She knew what those words meant.
It was about Vivian's first impression.
Ian's impression of her as a mage who would become his hero.
No Casting was talent enough to make anyone swoon.
Still, no matter how impressive it was...
The word "smitten"...
Would Kati ever hear something like that in her lifetime?
But even hoping for it was impossible.
The insurmountable wall of being born a demonkin was an unchangeable reality.
Kati was simply envious of Vivian.
Whatever Ian and Vivian felt for each other, at least that wall didn't exist between them.
They could face each other whenever they wanted, unlike her—they were fundamentally different beings.
'Sylvia...'
All she could do was pray.
Pray that no matter what happened between Vivian and Ian, nothing like what occurred with Sylvia would repeat.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Since they'd cleared two dungeons yesterday, they only did light training in the morning today.
Right after lunch, I asked Mercy to send letters to the Holy Flame Church headquarters and the churches under Superbia's jurisdiction.
To the headquarters: a report that we'd hand over the holy relic we'd found.
To the churches: a request for them to come pick it up.
There was a risk of damage during transport, and a holy relic was justification enough to ask Ogara for help.
After sending off the two letters, I went to find Amos.
"Well, if it isn't Mr. Ian! Long time no see—good to see you."
He still seemed a bit intimidated, but Amos was thrilled to see me.
Apparently, his standing had risen thanks to Vivian and Felix's knighting last time.
He seemed to think it was thanks to me.
I didn't plan to chat long, so I got straight to the point.
"Not as big as last time, but I've got some news today that your readers will love."
"Heavens, anything from you is gold to me."
Amos immediately prepared to take notes.
His eyes sparkled with anticipation, which made me a little embarrassed since this wasn't as sensational as before.
"Well... My party cleared a dungeon, and we found an artifact and a holy relic there."
"Ah, yes. An artif—wait, a holy relic too?"
An artifact alone was newsworthy enough.
But a holy relic on top? No wonder he was shocked.
"To be precise, we cleared two dungeons. One regular, one emergency. The holy relic came from the latter."
"Wow, that's... And the holy relic—any details?"
"Our priest verified it, and we're planning to transfer it straight to headquarters."
"You've added personnel. Who might that be?"
"Her name's Helena..."
No reason to hide it, so I told him about the public exam at Macdullin Abbey.
I conveniently omitted my involvement.
"From 30th place to 1st, and then recruited by Ian with a holy relic..."
Amos muttered key phrases, a bright smile spreading across his face.
Was it bias, or did he just look a bit sinister?
The word combo didn't scream negativity.
He was probably thinking of some rags-to-riches growth story to hook readers.
"I always seem to be in your debt, Mr. Ian."
"Always? Isn't this just twice?"
"Those two times mean more to me than dozens before. Heh."
He'd probably spin the story just fine on his own.
Before leaving, I dropped the most important line.
More important than what I'd said before.
"You can use my name this time."
"Pardon...?"
"Last time, I asked you to keep it secret. Not this time. Go ahead and print it—that's what I want."
"......"
"And Felix, who hid his activities, is currently in the military prison."
"Y-Yes...?"
Amos stared at me in shock, then his eyes darted around as he thought deeply.
I waited without getting up, sensing he was pondering something.
Finally, he asked cautiously.
"...Can I use as much as I want?"
Lots he wanted to ask, but he stuck to the core, knowing he couldn't pry.
The military prison was rife with bad rumors and imaginations.
But why ask that?
"What exactly are you planning to do with my name?"
"Oh, no, nothing to worry about."
"As long as it's not harmful to me or my party..."
"Understood. Ah, better yet—I'll show you the draft before publishing."
"No need to go that far..."
"No! I'll do that!"
"...Alright, suit yourself."
Now I was starting to worry about something else.
How glowingly was he planning to package this...?
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ *
The church replied quickly.
They were on their way to pick it up now.
I'd planned to hand it over with Helena, but someone came to see me first.
"Ian."
It was Marie.
We had time for a brief chat.
"Marie. Long time no see."
"Tell me about it. We're in the same place, but we keep missing each other."
"Lots of people around here."
"True that."
She started with small talk, cautiously building up to something important.
She seemed hesitant to get to the point.
It was oddly amusing to see the bold Marie acting so careful.
"Oh, by the way, I heard. You handled that E-rank dungeon spectacularly?"
"Vivian's finisher was pretty flashy."
"That Helena seems like a diamond in the rough too. Got an artifact, huh?"
"Word spread that fast?"
"Not so much spread as... One of the guys there is my junior. Daniel."
Daniel?
Oh, the manager for Brian's group.
Relatively normal and sensible compared to the others.
"Don't worry—he didn't say anything weird. He's got good instincts."
"Seemed that way."
"So, about that—can I tag along with you?"
"...Pardon?"
This seemed like the main point, but it came out of nowhere.
I couldn't even guess what she meant.
"Nothing big. When I'm training my kids, I wanna copy what you do. Oh, not asking for anything—just observing and mimicking from the sidelines. I've got that much shame."
"...You don't need permission for that."
After Vivian got famous, a few people had mimicked our training.
None stuck with it consistently.
And none could adjust volume systematically like we did.
If someone wanted to watch and copy, I wouldn't stop them.
Couldn't, really.
"Still feels weird without asking."
"Do as you like. Can't stop you anyway."
"Yay! Thanks!"
With that, Marie rummaged in her pocket.
"Ahem. Not much, just a little thank-you. Take it."
"...?"
It was a rolled-up parchment.
I unrolled it.
[SS-Rank Hero Lorenzo di Fiorene's Ship Battle Tournament.]
Ah, I knew the name.
I recalled it happened around this time.
It had in my second run too.
I'd gone as a spectator, not participant.
I remembered most of the notable talents, so not super useful info.
None met my current expectations anyway.
But I couldn't ignore it entirely.
Things had changed a lot from the second run.
New variables might appear.
"Remembered you still had a warrior spot open."
She said it casually, but I got her intent.
She didn't want to come empty-handed for a simple favor.
'Why is she so upright...'
I genuinely liked that about Marie, human to human.
"Was thinking warrior for the next member anyway. Perfect. Thanks."
"Heh. Thought so?"
Marie grinned proudly.
"In return, one more tip: feed them a lot."
"Pardon?"
"Train them, and feed them as much as possible. Varied diet."
Understanding, Marie repeated it back.
Like she was committing it to memory.
"A lot, varied... Got it. Exam soon—if good results, I'll send a gift."
"No need..."
"Ehe, take it! I'll be upset if you don't!"
She playfully punched my arm, so I agreed.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ *
"Helena."
"Yes?"
"Let's head out together."
"Yes!"
"Ho ho."
Mercy smirked slyly as Vivian stared at me and asked.
"...Where to?"
"Ah, they're coming for the holy relic. Figured it'd be best if you handed it over."
"Aha..."
"...Huh?!"
Helena yelped like she'd choked.
"Just come on."
For reference, the relic was in my room.
Started in Vivian's and Helena's, but Helena couldn't leave it alone, so I moved it.
Back in my room, I asked once.
"Hate touching it? Or handing it over personally? If you're forcing it because of me, no need."
"N-No!"
"Be honest."
"It's true! I'm deeply honored and grateful! Just... so nervous..."
"That's fine then."
I carried her like last time to avoid dropping, then handed it over at the entrance.
She just had to stand there, so no fumbles.
Soon, a modest carriage with the Holy Flame Church emblem arrived.
First out were two holy knights in far-from-modest attire.
Then an elderly man in simple priest robes like the carriage.
I'd seen him a few times at Agnes Abbey and with Aria.
District head of the central-southern region, Esdel.
"Sister Helena, a pleasure. I am the feeble flame, Esdel."
From the greeting, Helena clocked his status.
"F-Frail kindling...! Helena...!"
"Truly grateful you found the grace of fire. Is there any greater honor?"
"There... isn't...!"
Esdel warmly gazed at the praying girl statue Helena held.
His eyes shifted to me.
"Ian. Clearly, the searing guidance of the light walks with you."
He didn't know I was Philip.
So he showered me with blessings each time I found relics.
He'd done it often when I managed the 1st party too.
But "searing"...
Holy Flame Church was great, but the phrasing was sometimes much.
"Just lucky."
"That luck too is fire's design, how much the flames..."
I nodded politely through the blessings.
Finished, he wrapped the statue lovingly in golden cloth.
"Sister Helena."
"Yes...!"
"I'll remember this day. Looking forward to more good news."
Superbia was under Esdel's jurisdiction.
In the church, he was top-tier power after the Holy Emperor and seven cardinals.
Him remembering Helena implied many good things.
"Thank you...!"
"Then, walk only the path of flames. Farewell."
"Y-Yes...! Flame path, walk...!"
Helena bit her tongue mid-reply.
Esdel chuckled at her flustered state and left.
"Ow, it hurts...!"
Helena kneaded her cheek, self-healing.
...What a mess.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Since the day Vivian's impulse fell short...
Ian had been nonstop busy.
Not just meeting Amos, Marie, Esdel to handle business.
He needed time to inform Iris of what he knew and answer her questions vaguely.
Debating whether to scout the tournament for the next member.
Even consulting urgently visiting Amos on the article.
When Vivian went to Ian for grammar study, his spot was empty.
Seeing him gone, Vivian felt a sudden dread.
'Why... why does it feel like he's drifting away from me...?'
It wasn't just his absence now.
Outside training and meals, she barely saw him.
And some strange wall seemed to grow.
Hadn't he gone to Helena first because of "prior business"?
Vivian felt hurt by that.
'Why... why? Did I do something wrong?'
It was purely her imagination.
But without knowing Ian's circumstances, she couldn't help dark thoughts.
Then, abruptly, the past resurfaced.
People pushed her away for one reason only.
When she became useless.
'Because I failed at magic...'
Ian said no, but who knew if he was disappointed inside.
A mage who couldn't use magic—how pathetic.
Too scared to confirm the truth, she sank into self-made fantasies.
Finally snapping out of it.
'No, it can't be... He said he was smitten with me...'
Recalling that, Vivian sought Ian's room when he returned.
Whatever, they needed to talk.
As her trembling hand grasped the doorknob, Ian's mutter came from inside.
-Reducing members... Next member...
It felt aimed at her.
Without time to think, Vivian flung the door open.
"Huh? Vivian? What's up?"
"......"
Seeing her pale, lips quivering, Ian sensed something wrong.
"What hap—"
Before he could ask.
"Waaah..."
Vivian burst into childlike sobs.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ *
Ian was too flustered to speak.
'What the hell is going on?'
He racked his brain for any mistake with Vivian.
Nothing came up, driving him mad.
Cold sweat beaded.
"V-Vivian...? What's wrong...?"
"I-I, I'm here, but... I really wanna do better... Sniff, really... Waa..."
Finally soothing her whimpers, he heard the story.
Ian understood Vivian's misunderstanding at last.
With so much on his plate, he had no private time for her.
She mistook it for him pushing her away.
Like before, treating her as a useless mage.
Fear of replacement.
"Sniff, hng... Sorry, I'll, I'll do so much better... So don't hate me... Ung...?"
"No, Vivian. It's not that. I, uh, well..."
Her pitiful crying left Ian at a loss.
Still, he slowly explained how busy he'd been lately, all his worries.
And clarified what she'd overheard at the door.
It meant running a basic party of 4 minus 1: 3 members.
Next member was just planning a new addition.
"...I had no idea you felt that way. Sorry."
"......"
Vivian clamped her mouth shut.
Realizing how childishly she'd acted—mortifying.
Her face burned.
Sure she wouldn't sleep from shame.
Ian gave a wry smile at her bowed head, like a sinner.
Pitying her, knowing her past somewhat.
Never expected her to think that far, but it wasn't incomprehensible.
He vowed to prevent it, somehow.
"S-Sorry... from me..."
"No, misunderstandings happen. Talking clears it up."
And since it came to this.
Ian decided to spill that morning's event now.
"Vivian, uh... Don't freak out, okay?"
"...Hng?"
Ian explained that morning slowly, carefully, to avoid shocking her too much.
Of course, telling her not to be shocked didn't stop it.
Vivian was stunned, heart nearly stopping.
'He was... awake? From the start...?'
From start to just before leaving.
Ian had known all along.
"So... yeah. Tried to open my eyes, but you left suddenly... Lots going on, needed time to process."
Vivian's mind reeled.
Ian seemed similarly conflicted, words trailing.
'Oh no...'
He hadn't scolded, but he couldn't miss her intent.
What to do.
Confess everything?
Was it okay to say?
Won't it ruin their relationship?
Head throbbing, she thought, then resigned.
'Just say it. Tell the truth, apologize... That's right.'
She hadn't aligned her feelings and actions yet.
But the key was she needed to apologize.
'Think reverse. If Ian tried that while I slept, how'd I feel...'
......
'Bad. Yeah, bad. So apologize.'
Hard to explain why, but talking and apologizing was right.
It was just impulse.
Like boldly asking his first impression that night.
That morning too—impulsive action.
Better said than hidden.
After, an unbridgeable distance would form between them.
'Still, apologizing is right. And maybe later...'
Vivian shut down the naughty fantasies, regaining reason.
To confess all, apologize, promise no more.
"Um..."
As Ian spoke, Vivian blurted first, candidly.
"The truth is..."
That instant.
'...Wait.'
Recalling that morning quickly, Vivian glanced at Ian.
He awaited her words.
'This could work...'
An excuse came to mind.
"Well..."
Vivian's lips moved again.