I Give Up on Conquering the Heroines

38 – Episode 38. Cologne (8)

“I think my complexion has improved a bit. I guess it’s my mood.”

“No. I feel really energetic today.”

Is it because I didn’t drink poison for a day?

Or is it because so many good things happened one after another today?

Today’s Cornelia is completely different from yesterday.

“Haaah. The morning air felt so good. I had forgotten about it because the inside of my throat hurt every time I took a breath.”

Of course, yesterday, even though she was thin, her beauty was shining, but she looked like a pitiful flower about to wither.

Today, on the other hand, the colors have come back to life a lot.

The condition has not improved dramatically, but there are prospects that it will improve further in the future.

What is certain is that Cornelia is now over the threshold of death.

“I’m sorry for coming late.”

“Huh? You came early enough. Thanks to you, I saved your life.”

“······.”

Cornelia says, waving her hands.

No. Late.

That too for 12 years.

Cornelia died as many as 12 times in blind spots that I did not see, being abused by evil people who worship the devil.

She couldn’t even tell anyone about the injustice.

She was close by, but the fact that she didn’t notice at all keeps pricking my conscience.

“The mansion has become much quieter.”

“That’s right. I feel like I’m feeling a little more at ease now. Even though the mansion is bustling and noisy, I always felt like I was alone. Today, even though it’s just the two of us, it feels like the mansion is full.”

Walk through the quiet hall and listen to the sound of footsteps echoing throughout the mansion.

The sounds of the two people’s footsteps overlap and resonate.

It’s a strange feeling, like walking through an empty house after everyone has left.

I glanced to the side and saw Cornelia with her hands somewhat folded and her eyes fixed on my face.

“That… Eugene.”

“Yes.”

“You can speak comfortably.”

“I am a commoner, will it be okay?”

“Please…”

“Then shall we do that?”

“Yes. I am more comfortable here as expected.”

Did Lawrence stop talking?

Actually, I also feel comfortable speaking informally.

From now on, I will have to say cruel things to Cornelia.

“So what do you plan to do from now on, Deputy Count?”

“Hmm. First of all, I’m going to quit being the Count’s representative.”

Cornelia answers with a smile.

I guess so.

‘Count’.

Cornelia hates this word because it reminds her of Lawrence.

“Now, there is no one who can stop me. Of course, the people in the family will slander me and keep me in check… But unless I voluntarily give up my position, all authority as the head of the family belongs to me.”

Cornelia’s eyes shine as she says that.

Color returned to her eyes, which had been like a soulless puppet.

Like an adolescent girl talking about her dreams, she talks with great excitement.

“Sell this mansion, sell all the assets, and kick out all the people… The ultimate goal is to disband the Briam family. It is a family whose head worships the devil. That’s right. If you make it public, you can easily tear the family to pieces…”

“Cornelia. I’m sorry, but that’s not possible.”

“······Yes?”

But I have to destroy Cornelia’s dream.

When I cut her off, Cornelia’s expression becomes puzzled.

She has a face that seems to ask why she says that.

“You made a deal. I’ll kill Lawrence.”

“I empower you.”

“I remember it well.”

“hehehe, I’ll give you my strength. Hildegard is also from a very large family. Whatever help you want…”

“Actually, I mainly need financial support. I understand that Hildegard is still struggling with financial difficulties. Please tell me if I’m mistaken.”

“······.”

Cornelia’s mouth is closed, as if it is difficult to refute.

She was biting her reddish lips, unable to say anything.

In the meantime, his gaze is still directed towards my face and he gives me an earnest look.

The eyes are pleading to please don’t do that.

“I will not publicize the fact that Lawrence was a servant of the devil. I will not disband the House of Briam. Cornelia, I want you to take control of the House of Briam as the acting earl.”

“Ah…”

As if passing her final sentence, she makes cruel demands of Cornelia.

I gave up my dream once again.

She engraved the surname of Brigham, whom she hated so much, like a brand.

She orders him to lead the family of the man who tried to kill her.

I can’t bear to make eye contact with Cornelia.

I can’t look at her straight, afraid of the resentment she’ll pour out on me.

How does she feel when she receives the cruelest demands from the person she thought had come to save her?

It’s hard to imagine.

“I understand…”

After a long silence, Cornelia opened her mouth.

The answer is, of course, positive.

He couldn’t bear to refuse and agreed to my unreasonable request.

When she glances behind her, she sees Cornelia wriggling her fingers and lowering her head.

It looks like he was very heartbroken.

It is quite heartbreaking to betray the expectations of someone you meet for the first time, rather than the main heroines who have been betrayed many times.

As she slowly grabbed Cornelia’s chin and lifted her head, tear drops formed around her eyes.

Ignoring her, she puts her hand inside Cornelia’s throat.

Cornelia’s body twitches and trembles as her hand touches her collarbone, and a moan escapes her.

“Tsk…”

“Cornelia. Don’t feel too bad, but listen. Actually, I didn’t come here to save you.”

I tell you clearly in case there is any misunderstanding.

You are not a princess trapped in a castle, and I am not a warrior who came to save you.

I just came across it by chance while looking for treasure.

“It’s hard to explain, but I came for another purpose…”

Whispering quietly, he took out the pearl necklace hanging around Cornelia’s neck and caressed it.

One pill, another pill.

I trace the pearls one by one to find the ‘true goal’ that I came here for.

“Saving you was just an additional goal.”

Found it.

The real goal of coming here.

As I touched one of the pearls, a system window appeared before my eyes.

[Achievement achieved]

[Discover the legacy of a former warrior!]

[The characteristic ‘Weak Point’ is given as an achievement reward.]

[Attribute: Weak Point]

[You can see the monster’s weaknesses. It is effective against all types of monsters.]

Actually, I was so busy saving Cornelia that I almost forgot about it.

But no matter what, the biggest reason I came to Cologne was to focus on the special week points.

This is because it is an essential characteristic for conquering the final boss.

“I’m not a person who does charity work. If something goes, something has to come.”

“I understand… It’s cheap compared to the price of life…”

“Thank you for understanding.”

Swipe.

He puts the pearl necklace back inside her neck and takes a step away.

Tears are now falling down Cornelia’s cheeks.

Tuk. Fighting.

Tears fall endlessly and wet the carpet on the floor.

I thought I was used to women’s tears because I’ve seen them so many times.

In the end, I couldn’t bear it anymore and took another step forward.

“But don’t forget. I’m always on your side.”

“Ugh…”

“Even if it’s like this, the follow-up process is solid. If you have a problem at any time, you can call me. I’ll get back to you in a month.”

He wipes Cornelia’s eyes and gives her the words of oath.

I am not sure how seriously it will be received.

But since these are the words of the person who personally cut off Lawrence’s head, they must sound quite persuasive.

I plan to take responsibility until the end.

The human mind is treacherous in the first place, and even if they receive favor once, they tend to forget about it later.

If after-sales service is inadequate, Cornelia will soon betray me and disband the Briam family.

You can’t leave it like that.

Because the Briam family must remain forever and remain as my strong support.

So, Cornelia, who is her enemy on all sides, has no choice but to lure her by claiming to be her only ally.

“The scar on my face is still there.”

As I finished wiping her cheek and left, this time Cornelia came over and caressed my face.

Right before my finger touched my face.

Cornelia’s hand hesitates slightly.

“It’s okay. You’ll get better soon… Oh, it hurts.”

“It’s going to hurt…”

Then he caresses my wounds and sighs.

This is the place where I applied ointment with the utmost sincerity just now.

If I touch you like this, the wound will get worse.

When I grabbed Cornelia’s wrist and pulled it away, her lips fell and sobbed.

“Thank you… Thank you so much, Eugene…”

“······.”

“I said earlier that I could call you anytime. Can I call you when I can’t sleep at night?”

“That’s…”

“Ahahahaha. I’m just kidding. I don’t call her for trivial things like that. She doesn’t want to be a shepherd girl. She doesn’t want to be thought of as a troublesome woman…”

Cornelia shakes the corners of her eyes and forces a smile.

It was an awkward smile, but it seemed more sincere than any smile I’ve ever seen.

It is the smile of a strong and strong woman.

Cornelia can stand up again.

I feel reassured by that assurance.

“Are you leaving now?”

“Yes. Because the goal was achieved.”

“Don’t worry too much, just leave with peace of mind. I won’t return the favor with revenge. I won’t even tell anyone your name.”

“Can I trust you?”

“You can trust me. Don’t be a burden and if you need anything, just tell me. I’ll get it to you, no matter what it is and wherever you are.”

“I understand.”

“Literally anything, Eugene. I can accommodate any request?”

Sigh.

Cornelia puts her head in my ear and whispers secretly.

She was really trying to make me do all sorts of things.

I’m glad she seems motivated.

“Okay. Before I leave, I’d like to ask for about five blank checks.”

“hehehe. Where should I use it?”

“It’s a secret.”

“I guess so…”

With a slightly sad smile, Cornelia opens five blank checks.

Then he carefully signed each one and handed it to me.

There is no need to worry about money for the time being.

“Don’t worry. I won’t spend an absurd amount of money.”

“I’m not worried about that…”

“Then what are you worried about?”

“······No.”

I think I’ve given enough verbal greetings.

He brushed away Cornelia’s bangs for a while and cleaned up her messy eyes and eyebrows before bidding her farewell.

Soon, Cornelia’s mouth drops open as she removes her hand from her forehead and looks away, a look of regret in her eyes.

But she couldn’t say anything and just closed her mouth again.

“I’ll just leave.”

“Yes…”

“Mijung. It’s finished. Let’s stop looking and go.”

“······Yes.”

I waved my hand and left the mansion.

Soon, Mijeong, who was far away, runs up to me and joins me.

The moment I stepped out the front door.

“Eugene!”

I look back at the shout in a very hoarse voice.

Before we knew it, Cornelia had come to her door, dragging her unwell body, and was breathing heavily.

It looks like I still have something to say.

“I’ll be waiting for you. You can come and rest comfortably at any time. I’ll always be waiting here for you!”

“······.”

I didn’t reply at all, out of fear that someone might be listening.

I had to just wave and then turn around.

Nevertheless, the joyous expression could not be completely erased from her face.

There is a place to return to.

I have a strong ally who supports me.

Just thinking about that makes me feel more at ease.