Chapter 11
Chapter 11
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 11
Chapter Title: Darsi's Solitude
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I really couldn't understand it. What kind of life, in what place, would allow someone like him to go through life without ever falling in love once?
"...Where the hell do you even live? People would be all over you just from walking down the street."
"I don't like meeting people much. It's similar to you. Actually, more than you...."
Darsi trailed off with a snicker.
"No, closer to a slave."
His self-deprecating tone left me speechless. It was a comparison that didn't fit the image I had of him at all.
A slave. Not something to toss around lightly. Was he belittling himself? But his expression was utterly serious, different from usual.
"I hole up in my room, come out occasionally, then hole up again. It's hard enough to meet people, let alone have friends or first loves."
If he were truly just a merchant, these words would be an unbelievable contradiction.
Darsi had to know that. His gaze was dark and deep, like an abyss. Even as he talked to me, he was lost in thoughts of his own past.
That's why I couldn't ask why he was lying. His life as a mage probably hadn't been smooth sailing.
His decision to contract with me, to keep others at bay, his sometimes inhuman demeanor and strange aura—it all seemed connected to this.
"The reason I was especially prickly with you was probably because you reminded me of myself."
"...."
"I'm the kind of person with no drive to live a proper life either."
"...."
"I'll let it all go now... but that's how I've lived."
He let out a short laugh. His upturned lips felt particularly strained. Though he smiled, a spark of sincerity lingered in the shadows.
His words about letting it all go fit perfectly with the puzzle of not seeing each other for a while, like pieces clicking into place. Even the glimpse of truth he'd shown today.
'Ah.'
It hit me then.
The realization that our next meeting would be the last.
He didn't need to tell me he was leaving, so he hadn't.
He was making me two magic tools because it was the last time.
Because it was the end. That's why he'd shared a bit about himself.
"Oh, right. Next time, it might have to be in the evening. That okay?"
He added it like an afterthought. I stared at Darsi steadily.
Yeah, it was just a contract, after all. I'd decided not to get attached, and I hadn't.
"I'm fine with it. But won't it be tough for you? Making two magic tools and all."
"Nah, it's okay. It's something I've made before, and the one you commissioned this time seems simpler in principle than I thought."
"You don't have to rush it."
It wasn't like Darsi at all. I didn't know him that well, but I worried he was pushing himself.
"Then let's meet at 10."
I refused politely, but Darsi wouldn't back down.
After setting the time for our next meeting, we headed to the theater room. To test the performance of this new magic tool together.
"Wow...."
The small screen I'd had before now filled the entire wall with the magic tool he'd brought. It was like the lens was acting as a magnifier.
Seeing it cover the wall of the darkened room with curtains drawn made me feel good.
I approached Darsi, who was half-reclining on the bed. Even lying down, there wasn't an ounce of flab on his face. Humiliation probably didn't exist in Darsi's life.
"What."
He asked with a bored expression, and I gave an awkward smile.
"Thanks for making such an amazing magic tool."
"It's my job. No need for thanks."
Darsi fell silent at my words before finally responding. Like he hadn't expected to hear that from me. He seemed a little flustered.
It was intriguing—someone so proud of his work acting like praise was foreign to him.
To the point where I wondered what kind of person he really was.
Of course, I knew that curiosity would never be satisfied.
I lay down on the bed and started the play.
What we watched was Pitol's ambitious work: a love story between a mage and a girl.
The girl gets captured by the villain, and the mage sets out to save her—a classic tale of virtue triumphant.
It was clichéd, but the point was portraying the mage positively. Mages were usually set up as villains.
Surprisingly, Darsi watched the play quietly, fully focused. I'd thought he'd leave after the opening.
Being alone was nice, but watching with someone like this wasn't bad either.
'Is he enjoying it?'
I sat up on the bed and looked over at where Darsi was sitting.
It was unexpected.
His figure was faint in the darkness, but I could tell he was staring intently at the screen.
Like someone seeing it for the first time, he was completely absorbed.
In this room, he didn't need to worry about others' gazes or hide himself.
His face, stripped of playfulness. The sharp jawline visible between his slightly raised head. His firmly set lips. Everything about him felt unreal.
He suited the silence perfectly.
As the mage wielding magic clashed with soldiers wielding swords, Darsi muttered,
"The magic's too verbose. Fighting with swords is the same. I prefer something more concise and fast-paced."
"...You talk like you've fought a lot."
Darsi chuckled lowly in response.
"You're imagining things."
...I couldn't let that slide easily, but I stayed quiet.
Was the reason for our last meeting something like battle?
The thought flashed that someone like him not appearing in the original story could only mean death.
I didn't want Darsi to die.
But I knew nothing about him.
Telling him the original plot wouldn't help him at all.
What else could I tell him?
A powerful weapon that could keep him from losing his life.
Something as strong as magic, but unfamiliar to the people here....
"That's it. I thought of something."
"What?"
I thought of a gun.
The gun that had rendered swords obsolete and forced knights into early retirement didn't exist in this world yet.
It was still an era where mages and knights coexisted.
Change was coming fast, but magic tools weren't even commercialized yet.
"Yeah, a weapon... You hold it in your hand and shoot tiny arrows at high speed. Using really strong pressure."
He wouldn't know about compressed air or what a pistol looked like.
Darsi went quiet. Without seeing his face, I couldn't tell what he was thinking.
...But I could keep going, right? I cautiously continued.
"I've only thought about it, so I'm not sure... but using something like beads. Like shooting magic crystals...? Loading multiple would be more convenient."
"You're talking about a small portable cannon."
I nodded. There were cannons here. My explanation felt too simplistic, and I felt embarrassed.
"If it uses magic crystals, it might be possible... Though nothing like that's been commercialized yet."
Darsi trailed off.
"It was just a random thought. Just an idea. I'm not making it."
I casually changed the subject. But my heart was pounding.
Could Darsi create a gun based on my hint?
Magic tools were the manifestation of his magic and imagination. How refined he could make it was entirely up to him.
Would my advice really help save his life?
After that, we watched the play in silence. But my nerves were fixed on Darsi. When it ended, he stood up.
"Well, time for me to go."
"Did you like the play?"
"Not bad."
What was with acting nonchalant after enjoying it? He really seemed unused to compliments.
"Too bad. If you'd liked it, I was going to make you prepare a new script draft for next time."
"Trying to coax me now? Do what you want. I don't mind."
Darsi lowered his eyes and chuckled at my words. His lashes fluttered elegantly like butterfly wings.
He seemed ready to leave right away but paused.
"Oh, read this letter."
"Huh?"
"You said you don't listen to rumors. I've got good instincts. Read it in front of me. If you do, I'll make the recorder for free."
"What? No, it's fine. It's not like I can't afford it."
"Oh? Then I won't make it."
"...Saying it like that makes me have to open it."
"You can just read it to me. I'm curious what that guy wrote."
...He gets so persistent when he's hooked.
I sighed and pulled out the letter. There was nothing much inside.
"Just thanks for complimenting his acting last time and gratitude for letting him use the recorder. Nothing like what you're implying."
"That's weird...."
But he still wouldn't let it go. He almost looked jealous.
And I really hated mixed signals.
I carefully folded the letter back up and said calmly,
"Don't say confusing things like that, Darsi."
"Why?"
"Someone might think you're interested in me."
His eyes widened round at my words.
"Oh dear, regretful that my words caused such a misunderstanding."
"I know that's not how you really feel, so don't make me misunderstand."
But instead of answering, he threw a question back.
"So, would you like it if I was? I'm pretty much your type, right?"
"...How do you know?"
"You stare at me like you're mesmerized every time. Only an idiot wouldn't notice. I know I'm good-looking too. So, would you like me to be interested in you?"
Darsi's eyes curved gently. It felt like he was pressing for an answer. Like he already knew what it would be.
The corners of his eyes crinkled noticeably.
His gaze on me was unusually gentle.
Both Darsi and I were different from usual. It was like a night under a spell.
I took a deep breath and clamped my mouth shut.
Otherwise, I might have said yes for real.