ALL NOVEL Chapter 90
* * *
[No matter how much I think about it… Well, I have no clue.]
“Really?”
Hmm
… Rakrensius stroked his chin at his friend’s response. Knowing that Selleana had been exchanging cryptic messages using another world’s language, he had told his friend about it.
[She knew about that writing?]
“It wasn’t just that. The writing was in another language. I could read it, but I had no idea what it meant.”
[Hmm…]
“You said the stories you wrote under the name Wilshe were all about the world with that writing, right?”
[Yes. Considering how much that daughter of Elard liked Wilshe’s stories, it seems there’s some connection to that world.]
Though he couldn’t bring the letter he had read, Rakrensius managed to recall words like ‘To Lea’ and ‘From Doli.’
[Yes, that indicates the recipient and sender of the letter.]
“The lady said it was a letter from Lady Benichi.”
Since then, his friend had been deeply pondering how Selleana and Doloret could know such writing and language. They searched through myths and religious stories about the afterlife in that world but found nothing significant. Given the level of civilization in that world, dimensional travel seemed impossible without magic.
[This might sound a bit far-fetched, but I do have one plausible theory…]
“Tell me.”
[Do you remember when I told you that, statistically, black hair and red eyes were the most favored combination?]
“…How could I forget that?”
Rakrensius swallowed his sigh with difficulty. At Di’s encouragement, he had attended a masquerade at the Arnem Hotel, disguised with that very appearance, where he had met Selleana. He had a fling with Selleana in that form, continued to meet her while she searched for that face, and eventually…
[In fact, there are no humans with red eyes in that world.]
“What?”
[It’s just that… the statistics come from a specific literary genre.]
His friend’s words trailed off as if embarrassed.
[In that genre, there’s a cliché where someone who dies in an accident is reincarnated as a character in a book they read, or they’re reborn in a completely different world…]
“What?” Rakrensius’s face twisted in disbelief as Di’s explanation grew longer. “But that’s just a literary device, not reality, right?”
[Well, maybe someone experienced it, which is why those stories started.]
Of course, Di had never read anything like that, but it wasn’t impossible. If the person who wrote the novel based on their dimension-crossing experience hadn’t recorded it somewhere, even Di wouldn’t know about it.
Rakrensius’s face stiffened in an odd way. It was an absurd story. But knowing Di, who knew everything, had come up with this theory after days of pondering, it couldn’t be dismissed outright. Still…
“You know it’s my responsibility to ask the lady about this, right?”
It meant that he should be prepared to bear the embarrassment.
[It’s just my speculation. There’s no need to rush to find out.]
“That’s true…”
[Besides, if Elard’s daughter needs to tell you the truth, wouldn’t she eventually tell you?]
“Well, unless you’re in a hurry to know the reason…”
As much as Rakrensius wanted to know more about Selleana, he didn’t feel the need to pry into things she was trying to hide. After all, he had secrets he couldn’t reveal to her either.
[But I am curious. I wonder if it’s related to when I felt like Elard’s daughter could hear me.]
“Maybe you should try talking to her next time?”
[…Would that be alright?]
“Well… what do you think?”
[…]
The fact that his friend didn’t give an immediate answer meant it was complicated enough that even he couldn’t easily decide. While a few wizards from the magic tower, like Saendi, knew Rakrensius communicated with Di, it might be a different story with Selleana. And if Selleana could truly communicate with Di, who knows what complications might arise…
“For now… it’s been two weeks since I told that lady that you were the imperial sword of King Asmion, and nothing seems to have happened.”
[True. And it’s been a few days since you returned from Elard’s banquet. You even openly walked with her.]
“…”
Rakrensius’s face stiffened with displeasure at Di’s teasing words. He was clearly breaking the warning from his childhood. Having fallen for someone so precious, he now wished for a life together with her. Moreover, he had revealed a small part of Di’s true identity to Selleana. Though it was only a small fraction, and nothing had happened yet, unlike with Momo Penders, who had learned more.
“It’s okay. There hasn’t been any trouble so far, and nothing will happen in the future.”
Was it really fine? Or was it just that the danger wasn’t visible yet?
Not everyone was attacked immediately. I must stay vigilant…
Yet, despite knowing he shouldn’t, Rakrensius always let his guard down in the sweetness of being with Selleana. Then, he would regret his recklessness once again.
But… I really can’t give up anymore.
Rakrensius placed his hand quietly over his heart. He had a feeling he would have nightmares again tonight.
* * *
It was a few days later. Selleana and Michi hurried to the Benichi Salon after receiving an unexpected message from Doloret.
[Nesia is coming tonight. Since it’s been a while, it’d be nice if we could all see her together.]
When they arrived, Rosalli was already in the manager’s office of the Benichi Salon.
“Why are you here so early? The temple service isn’t over yet.”
“You’re not one to talk, being here first.”
“Well, I just didn’t feel like staying home.” Rosalli shrugged.
“Why? Is she doing something weird like in the original story?”
“No, just… I don’t want to get too attached.”
“
Eh
?” Michi grimaced at the unexpected response.
For over ten years, Rosalli had lived as Rosalli Glen, maintaining a good business relationship with the Glen family. And now she’s worried about forming an attachment to a newcomer?
“I don’t even know why I’m like this. Maybe it’s because she’s so clueless. I can kind of understand why the original Rosalli went soft on her.”
“Isn’t that all just an act to look pitiful?”
“Well, yes, but it’s also true that I took everything that should’ve been her…”
“
Ehh
. Lady, are you suddenly becoming enlightened or something?”
Maybe she was just feeling restless, thinking about leaving soon. Selleana and Michi exchanged uneasy glances and sat across from Rosalli.
“Three of you, go ahead and have fun. I have to prepare some documents because of a sudden order to enter the imperial palace tomorrow, probably because of the national debt issue. They say it’s dinner with Their Majesties, but…”
“Take your time. Nesia won’t be here for a while.”
The three friends enjoyed a light evening, chatting while nibbling on the afternoon tea set brought by the staff. It was only after some time had passed that Agnesia arrived, joining her friends after Doloret had finished her work.
Knock, knock, knock.
At the sound of the knock, the door opened.
“Nesia!”
“Why haven’t we heard from you?”
“We were worried! And why are you so late today?”
“Nothing happened, right?”
The friends jumped to their feet, excited to see the familiar face.
“Yeah, it’s been a while…”
But Agnesia simply sat quietly in the empty seat without responding to their enthusiastic welcome.
The friends exchanged bewildered glances. What’s going on? Is she really sick?
Agnesia’s usual greeting would have been something like, ‘
Ugh
, XXX, being a priestess is really XXX. I should just quit.’ It was strange enough that she was late when she usually showed up right after her temple duties were done. Even her sitting posture was more reserved than usual.
Noticing the tension, Michi broke the silence. “Did something happen? You’ve been so quiet…”
“…”
“Why didn’t you answer any of our messages?”
“Were you hiding somewhere to avoid Baron Merlin and the margrave?”
“Or maybe… you said you were going to settle things, but did you get captured and locked up?”
As Agnesia remained silent, the speculations grew more outrageous. Despite all the wild guesses, Agnesia stayed quiet, leaving her friends increasingly anxious. After a long silence, she finally spoke.
“Hey, guys… I’m not sure how to say this…” As if testing the words, Agnesia’s lips moved slowly, drawing the full attention of her friends.
Come on, just say it. We’ll help you with anything. With that kind of thought in their mind…
“I think we should stop meeting.”
“What?”
“I’m leaving the club.”