Chapter 96
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 96
Chapter Title: Events in the Capital
-----------------------------------------------------------------
(4)
7.
Today was a special day for Ivela.
She had gone out on an intimate date with Ullan, just the two of them, without any interruptions.
Thanks to that, from the moment she left the academy and climbed into the carriage, a bright smile never left her lips.
'I'm so happy.'
Ivela grinned from ear to ear.
Time spent with Ullan felt like a dream. Maybe that's why it seemed to pass even faster than usual.
'If only...'
She wanted to hold onto the flowing time.
Of course, knowing that was impossible, she decided to savor the moment rather than dwell on regret.
After watching the play and coming to the café.
Her mood lifted even more.
Part of it was the dessert in front of her being perfectly to her taste, but more than that, it was because Ullan had readily accepted her suggestion.
'I didn't expect him to agree so easily.'
Late June, after final exams ended.
Arsen Academy would have about two weeks of summer vacation. With no other plans, she had suggested visiting Deorg County together.
It could have been a burdensome proposal depending on the situation, but Ullan accepted without hesitation. Ivela was thrilled by that.
'I was a little anxious, to be honest.'
Istan El Deorg.
After leaving the academy, he had stayed in the county and completely dismantled the accumulated corruption.
She knew this from letters from her mother, Edelin Elead, but a lingering unease still lingered in a corner of her heart.
'Can't be helped.'
For Ivela, Deorg County was a collection of bad memories.
It was the place where, as an ignorant child, she had been dragged in and suffered all sorts of discrimination, humiliation, and persecution.
Even if it had changed, an uncomfortable feeling remained. Like a trauma rooted in her instincts, it wouldn't fade easily.
'But if I go with Ullan...'
It wouldn't feel anxious at all.
To her, Ullan was a sturdy pillar of support, an object of admiration, a trustworthy friend, and the only man she had given her heart to.
So when he gladly accepted her proposal, she was over the moon.
But that joy was short-lived.
"...Pertisha?"
Suddenly, Ullan muttered something.
She had been lost in thought the whole time, so she didn't catch the exact words. Ivela tilted her head and asked again.
"Huh? What did you say?"
But no answer came.
Because right now, Ullan wasn't looking at her—he was gazing elsewhere. At the group of guests who had just entered the back garden.
Among them, his eyes were fixed on a girl with snow-white hair. Her bright red eyes made her somehow resemble a rabbit.
Up to that point, it was fine.
But the problem was that even to Ivela, the girl's face was strikingly beautiful. The moment she noticed that, the girl turned to look at Ullan as well.
"..."
The two stared intently at each other.
It wasn't a mere glance in passing—they were openly locking eyes.
At the sight, Ivela's eyebrow twitched.
'My chest feels tight.'
For some reason, her heart throbbed.
At the same time, a bubbling mix of emotions surged within her. Ivela had felt something similar before.
Whenever she saw Ullan with Dilia. It had felt just like this.
Though she didn't know what this emotion was—
'...I don't like seeing this.'
One thing was clear: she didn't like the situation in front of her.
Maybe that's why. Normally, she would think things through before acting, but this time, her body moved first.
"I don't like it when you look away."
Ivela reached out with both hands and cupped Ullan's cheeks. She turned his head to face her, forcing their eyes to meet.
"Look at me properly."
With words straight from the heart.
Ivela gazed deeply into Ullan's crimson eyes. As if recreating the moment he had just shared with the girl.
A short time passed like that.
'Gasp!'
Suddenly, Ivela's eyes widened.
Her reason had finally caught up.
Becoming aware of reality, she realized she was staring into Ullan's eyes.
The boiling emotions quickly subsided. Then, with a startled face, she pulled her hands away from his cheeks.
'W-what did I just...'
She realized it was rude.
But she didn't regret the action itself.
Her desire to make Ullan look at her, even like this, had been genuine.
Meanwhile, Ullan simply gazed at Ivela.
'Come to think of it...'
In his past life, Ivela had said something similar. Looking away during a meal alone was rude to the other person.
Recalling that.
Ullan nodded straightforwardly.
"My apologies. Understood."
"Uh, y-yeah?"
"I won't look away from now on."
After his low reply.
Ullan stared fixedly at Ivela.
She stared back at first, but soon couldn't help averting her eyes.
His eyes burned like fierce flames.
The intensely serious gaze felt overwhelming.
"Y-you don't have to stare so intensely."
"I'm not doing it on purpose."
"What? Then why..."
"I'm just looking because you're beautiful."
"..."
Her face flushed bright red.
Knowing his words weren't flattery, Ivela's cheeks burned even hotter.
'Ugh, this is the limit.'
This won't do. If she stayed like this, her face would stay hot, and she wouldn't be able to say a word.
So she quickly changed the subject.
"B-by the way."
"...?"
"Do you know that girl by any chance?"
The white-haired girl Ullan had looked at earlier.
It was Pertisha. Ullan shook his head.
"Not yet."
"Huh?"
Not yet? What did that mean?
Ivela tilted her head.
As if she couldn't understand the answer.
Seeing her puzzled expression, Ullan chuckled softly.
"You'll find out in time."
Once the heroes completed their respective trials, they would inevitably gather in one place.
But since Pertisha was the last to join, it was normal not to know her yet. That's why he answered that way.
Of course, Ivela, unaware of the details, just tilted her head again. As she pondered his words.
"Ivela."
Ullan suddenly called her name.
She tried to respond immediately, but couldn't. Ullan had stood up and suddenly leaned in close.
"...?!"
His teal eyes loomed large.
Ivela was startled.
Not just by the sudden action, but because they were so close.
She reflexively tried to pull back, but couldn't. As she leaned away, Ullan grabbed her shoulders.
'H-his palm...!'
The moment their bare skin touched.
Realizing it, her composure returned color rushed back to her cheeks.
"Stay still."
Ullan's voice came from very close.
With serious eyes fixed on her, he slowly tilted his face closer.
What? What's happening?
Her mind went blank, her heart pounding wildly.
As if it might burst out.
Unable to calm down, she squeezed her eyes shut. In that time, Ullan drew even closer. Close enough to feel each other's breath.
An inexplicable tension mixed with strange anticipation. Unknowingly, Ivela gripped the hem of her skirt tightly.
Just as tension seized her whole body.
"All done."
Ullan's voice rang out.
A tone of relief.
She cautiously opened her eyes to see him pulling away. Staring at him in confusion.
The answer came again.
"There was a bee on your head."
"...A bee?"
"Don't worry. It's flown off now."
He had probably approached to chase away the bee caught in her hair. The tension released, and strength drained from her body.
'That scared me.'
At the same time, an inexplicable sense of regret washed over her.
But only for a moment.
Ivela shook her head vigorously.
To cool the lingering heat and the still-racing heart.
After a not-so-short time passed.
Once she regained her composure, the desserts on the table had vanished.
Ullan had eaten them all.
"How was it? To your taste?"
"Very satisfying."
Ullan grinned, flashing white teeth.
His genuine smile made Ivela burst into laughter too.
Yeah, as long as Ullan was satisfied.
"All done? Shall we get going?"
"Let's."
They had a next schedule.
The two rose and left the café.
But just before leaving the back garden, Ullan glanced at Pertisha once more.
He didn't know why she was here, but it wasn't important. It wasn't time to meet her yet.
'If things follow the same path as my past life...'
Their proper reunion would probably happen after the Ruben Empire fell. With that, Ullan turned his attention away from Pertisha.
Meanwhile, around that time.
After Ullan and Ivela left.
Pertisha glanced at Ullan's retreating back far away. Only after he fully disappeared did she let out a short gasp.
"Wow, that startled me."
"Pardon?"
Rimer asked puzzledly at the sudden remark. Pertisha replied with wide eyes, as if she'd seen a wondrous creature.
"He was much bigger than I heard."
"What do you mean...?"
"Hehe, it's nothing."
Pertisha let out a mysterious laugh.
Rimer was curious but didn't press further.
Their ordered food had just arrived.
A feast of dishes and desserts covered the table. Pertisha started eating happily, making a fuss.
As if she'd completely forgotten the intense stare she'd fixed on Ullan's back moments ago.
8.
Time flew by.
The clear blue sky had turned red with sunset, and the sun, scattering brilliant light, sank slowly beyond the mountains.
And at that moment.
Ullan was suddenly alone.
"..."
South district square of the capital.
Sitting on a bench by the fountain, Ullan quietly recalled why he was alone.
"Actually, I have some personal business in the capital. So, how about we meet back here in about an hour? I'm really sorry."
About ten minutes ago.
Right after finishing dinner.
Ivela had suddenly said she had something to do and left. Of course, he didn't feel disappointed. He was used to being alone.
"Boring."
Just a bit tedious.
Gazing blankly at the sky, Ullan reached into his pants pocket. Then he found a small object inside.
"This is..."
A single gleaming silver coin.
Noa had given it to him late last night when she visited unexpectedly. Seeing it reminded him of what she said.
"If you end up alone while out tomorrow, buy something with this and give it to Ivela as a gift. You can't just keep mooching off her, right?"
He'd brushed it off at the time, but now it felt prophetic.
She'd predicted he'd be alone.
"A gift, huh."
Not a bad idea.
He wouldn't have enjoyed this time without Ivela. Ullan stood with a decided expression.
She wouldn't return for a while, so he'd buy something in the meantime. He headed to the market he'd seen earlier.
"Come one, last fabrics from the East!"
"Freshly baked bread, just two coppers!"
"Basket of apples harvested today, just one silver!"
Listening to the merchants' calls.
Ullan wandered the market. He hadn't decided on a gift yet.
He'd never given gifts even in his past life, so he had no idea what to choose.
After roaming for a while.
Near a small alley, something caught his eye.
"Bracelets?"
Bracelets made by stringing beads.
The moment he saw them.
A memory from his past life resurfaced. Ivela and Dilia often exchanged bracelets or necklaces as gifts.
Ullan didn't understand why they wore such things, but he clearly remembered how happy they were.
"Hehe, take your time looking."
The girl selling them approached quickly. After a quick scan, Ullan asked the price.
"How much each?"
"One silver each, but three for two silvers!"
One large silver equaled ten coppers.
A bit pricey for crudely made bracelets, but Ullan didn't care. He had little sense of money even in his past life.
He even smiled, thinking it was perfect.
'I can give one to each.'
To Ivela, Noa, and Dilia.
Memories of their help flooded back.
Decision made, Ullan picked bracelets matching the girls' hair colors.
"Thank you for your purchase!"
Leaving the girl's polite bow behind.
Ullan pocketed the bracelets and turned.
Now he had eight large silvers left.
Nothing else to buy, so he headed back to the square. But then, something entered his view.
"That is..."
A leather wrist guard.
Seeing it reminded him of Ivela often complaining of wrist pain in his past life.
Her swordsmanship styles overworked her wrists.
'I should get that as a gift too.'
No point saving money if he had no use for it.
He approached immediately.
"I'd like to buy this."
"Sorry, but this isn't for sale."
"What?"
"These are prizes from that game over there."
The man pointed one way.
There, merchants were hyping a game under bright mana lamps attached to a makeshift wall.
"So win the game if you want one. Or if you really want it, two silvers."
Two silvers.
Way more than he had.
To get the wrist guard, he'd have to play the game. As he looked toward the lamps.
"This is totally a scam!"
A clear voice rang out amid commotion.
Someone was upset, refusing to accept the game result. The hosting merchant raised his voice too.
"Hey, you failed, so just go quietly. Why start trouble?"
"Because there's anti-magic reagent sprayed behind the mana lamps!"
A flushed, fuming girl.
Ullan's eyes slowly widened at the sight.
"That girl is..."
The comrade from his past life he'd met at the café earlier.
Pertisha, one of the seven heroes he thought he wouldn't see for a while.
24. Events in the Capital