Chapter 146
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 146
Chapter Title: What Could She Be Thinking?
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What could she be thinking?
"
That concludes the explanation."
"Hah..."
A lifetime of study, wrinkles etched from years of devotion, and theories that had seemed immutable—now utterly disregarded.
The copy of the [Dimensional Magic Experiment Report] book that Robert Bolt had prepared for Isaac, along with the fragment that had materialized from thin air.
Upon seeing them, Count Maloy's brow furrowed deeply at the content that brazenly shattered the established framework of magic.
Even if it came from his own son, trust was a separate matter entirely.
The moment he returned to the territory, he had summoned Isaac, bound him with a mana contract, and heard the unvarnished truth—which only made it all the more absurd.
"A magic circle that reacts to personal mana. And not some security spell or magic tool, you say...?"
They had investigated whether Isaac had been hit by an illusion or hallucination spell from the assailant, or perhaps a magic tool trace, but nothing of the sort.
"That's correct."
"Setting aside the book's contents, the idea that all this is mere coincidence is ridiculous... A Knight Department student showing interest in a library book about dimensions, of all things—not even a sword—and that Bolt kid fitting some inexplicable condition?"
"Exactly as you said."
Out of habit, the count continued jotting notes in thick ink, even as he scratched the bridge of his nose in disbelief at the absurdity.
It defied all probability.
Count Maloy felt certain he was standing at a pivotal moment in history.
"So, to proceed with the experiment, Robert Bolt—the firstborn son of the Bolt family—is inevitably required."
Isaac nodded at the count's words.
"That's why it's a bit tricky. To increase the fragments and samples, we'll need to try again, but with Robert in that state, he might not return to the academy..."
Scrape—
Perhaps annoyed by the interference with his note-taking, the count removed the magic tool from his arm and kept writing while continuing the conversation with Isaac.
"The heir of a knight family, unable to use one arm... If he has the mental fortitude to turn crisis into opportunity, he might rigorously train that single arm and reach a new realm."
"..."
Isaac knew the count wasn't finished and kept silent, waiting for more.
"I don't recall any among successful knights, but among adventurers and mercenaries, one-armed fighters aren't rare, and some do overcome it. A guy who relentlessly hones one arm can be scarier than some half-hearted two-handed hack."
"As you know, Robert wasn't known for any innate talent."
The count, once bombarded with endless boasts about it, didn't know the exact extent but figured it was above average.
"Physical talent and iron will are separate matters... If he's the type to become a dragon, he'll endure and rise somehow."
"That's why I plan to return to the academy as soon as possible to check on Robert. I think the girls around him will have the information, so I won't even need to go to his territory myself."
"Hmm..."
"When Philip returns, if I'm not there, all our preparations might go to waste."
"Tch—no sense wasting it. Handle your preparations and go. I won't stint on support for this experiment, so report any new findings immediately."
The promise of unlimited backing was proof of his interest—and a sign that hiring disposable meat shields in droves posed no issue.
Isaac inwardly cheered while keeping his expression resolute and impassive.
"Of course."
He couldn't show emotional wavering from the despair of losing one eye.
Even if his mentality shook, before his father, he had to appear ready to throw himself into the family's interests and magic without hesitation.
In truth, surviving that ordeal was a miracle, and while he felt sorry for Robert, the fact that his own injury wasn't outwardly obvious was the greatest comfort.
The sensory range and gaze weren't familiar yet, but in time, his movements would normalize.
...Back in the safe zone now.
Isaac exhaled in relief, sensing his position as heir remained secure.
"Could something like that happen with Chloe? Maybe she's just curious about her sister's opinion."
"..."
A long silence began with a single remark from the girl with violet eyes.
Unlike Rike, who leisurely finished her tea, Eclair showed no movement, lost in deep thought.
"I know it's worrying about something that hasn't even happened yet—might be overreacting."
Eclair now knew those were empty words without substance.
If Chloe harbors feelings for Roman...
Looking at Chloe's current devotion to Roman, it wasn't an impossibility.
Shunning other men while calling Roman "big brother" and proactively suggesting meals as "repayment" for his company.
It meant Chloe had an eye for men, but from Eclair's perspective, that stirred unease.
She might feel at ease because he was her lover, but she knew it wasn't a barrier against all emotions.
After all, even she hadn't been able to suppress her changing feelings despite knowing Roman and Rike were lovers.
"...I don't know."
That was the answer she gave.
"You can't just keep Chloe from seeing her big brother out of fear it might happen. And you wouldn't anyway."
"Ridiculous... I wouldn't do something so foolish."
Eclair grimaced at Rike's words.
"I know. That's why I like you, sis."
"Don't say things out of context."
The silence was shorter this time, but her thoughts multiplied, weighing heavily on Eclair's mind.
"You want Chloe to be happier than anyone, right?"
"Naturally."
No need to think—it was an immediate response.
"You understand the happiness of being in a loving relationship... But can the empire's patriarchal men, steeped in that system, give Chloe this sense of stability and joy?"
"That's..."
She wanted to say you couldn't know without meeting them.
But Eclair couldn't irresponsibly dismiss it when Chloe's life was involved.
"Of course, I can't say it's impossible. But how likely is it that a man will treasure Chloe more than himself and make her smile?"
"..."
"Someone who won't ignore or exploit her introverted side but gently hears her out—"
Unable to bear the dizzying torrent, Eclair raised a hand to cut Rike off.
"Rike... Sorry for interrupting. Enough, just stop. I get what you're trying to say."
"Hm~"
The sensation of being endlessly drawn into Rike's fluent words.
Regulating her disrupted breathing, Eclair downed the cooled black tea in one go and exhaled tepidly.
"Hoo..."
"I got a bit chatty."
Eclair refilled her empty cup with black tea and mixed in milk like Rike had.
Stirring the teaspoon to create a small whirlpool, she sought an end to the conversation.
"No matter how much we talk like this, we can't know people's hearts."
"Exactly. You're right."
Her crisp agreement made Eclair's eyebrow twitch.
She agreed, but did she truly understand and consent? Eclair elaborated to prevent vague deflection.
"Setting aside whatever feelings Chloe might have, Roman might not even consider it. Our headache-inducing assumptions mean nothing yet."
"I think Chloe has plenty of charm to be loved by big brother."
Ting—!
The teaspoon in Eclair's hand bent like taffy and snapped.
"Same here! But...! No, never mind... Sorry for raising my voice."
Unwittingly letting her tone sharpen, Eclair closed her eyes and pressed her temples.
Rike smiled purely, unperturbed by Eclair's unconscious aura.
"No need to apologize. Feeling your sisterly love for Chloe moved me. Genuine family bonds convey so much just by watching."
"..."
Had Rike ever been this talkative?
Eclair thought she knew her a bit from their regular meetings.
But what she'd learned was surface-level, like food preferences; inferring true motives from actions remained impossible.
What on earth was Rike thinking?
The thoughts harbored by the girl with mysterious purple eyes were like a forest or river at midnight—immeasurable in breadth and depth.
"Sis. Even if Chloe develops feelings, do you think she'd confess to big brother?"
"...She wouldn't."
As a sister, Eclair could answer instantly—Chloe would absolutely hold it in.
She would do the same in that position.
"You've felt it briefly yourself. No need to explain how painful suppressing it is, right?"
Just recalling made Eclair's hand clench involuntarily.
Those dizzying times that ground her mind to dust contrasted sharply with her current infinite happiness.
Imagining Chloe enduring it irked her slightly, and Eclair glared at Rike with fierce eyes.
"I just don't get it... Is putting Chloe in this the goal? More women might mean less alone time with Roman?"
Despite lacking control, the conversation's momentum tilted toward Rike, making Eclair seem desperate.
"Sis, I'm aware of that and not recklessly adding women. Big brother's will comes first, and I have my own standards. But also..."
"Also?"
Clink—
Setting down her teacup, Rike met Eclair's eyes directly for a moment.
Her formerly blank expression bloomed into a smile, as if she'd grab Eclair's hand if she were closer.
"The reason I brought this up today... As Chloe's friend who wants her happy, I noticed you might not have considered this case amid your endless busyness."
"..."
"Even you need mental preparation for things involving big brother or Chloe, right? If something unexpected hits you and you struggle, it'll worry him."
Hearing Rike, Eclair gave a wry smile.
"I want to thank you for the profound advice... But to my ears, it sounds like preparing my heart for what's coming. Is my personality just twisted?"
"Who knows~"
Rike stood, saying it was time to return to the academy, but Eclair said she'd stay longer and sent her off first.
Finally alone, Eclair crossed her arms and closed her eyes.
"Haa..."
Sitting in the private room, she let out a deep sigh, finished the rest of the black tea, and only then rose from her seat.