Chapter 85

Chapter 85

Translator: Yonnee

—

While there were some books available at the tower, the selection we had was limited. Among the ones there, not one book interested me.

But it’s different now.

I recalled the conversation I had with Albert yesterday. Besides black magic, there were some other things I wanted to ask him.

I might be bothersome, but Albert had to explain it to me step by step. Like when he told me about dragons before.

Because of this, I’m sure Greten was mistaken earlier.

Still though, at the core of it all, what I asked Albert yesterday was about ‘magic’.

I do feel sorry and it’s a bit burdensome that I’m always at the receiving end with Albert all the time. Here I am trying to turn down his feelings but I still keep getting his help. I know I’m just leading him on this way.

Even throughout yesterday’s conversation, another burden was added as Albert found out about Rosé’s identity as a dark mage and proceeded to hide it. This enough was quite serious.

I recalled the conversation I had with Albert yesterday.

“I wonder if I can wield magic though?”

Rosé Artius’s original status remained unchanged. Just because Albert had guaranteed a pension and some plot of land for me didn’t mean that the blood flowing in this body had changed.

Once I’m living alone later, it would be nice if I could protect myself through magic.

And I also wanted to pay off my debt to Albert if I could.

Since this body I possessed was originally a dark mage, that’s why I could see Blanc’s true form. Because of this, maybe it really is possible for me to learn a few spells.

When I said this to Albert, his eyes widened in response.

“Why magic?”

I answered his indirect question calmly.

“If I can learn, I’ll be able to protect myself, and I do think it’ll be useful down the line. And I’ll also be able to help you, Prince.”

“…Dark mages have gained mana, so maybe you can try. However, it won’t be the same as a regular mage who’s born with it, and it’ll be different when it comes to capabilities and variation. I hesitate to recommend it.”

Then, with his arms folded, Albert stared at me for a moment.

“There must be another reason why you suddenly want to learn.”

“Because I’m always just on the receiving end. I want to help you later, too, Prince.”

“You seem to be helping enough now.”

I don’t remember ever doing anything for him. Sure, I cooked food for him, but that’s only because I needed to eat too and we’re eating together anyway.

Albert uttered a whisper in response to my words.

“Peaceful everyday life.”

Then after that, he told me to go to bed.

I vaguely acknowledged that a mundane, sometimes frustrating daily life felt completely different to Albert.

…I know that’s the case, but I still want to learn magic. But then again, I’m still not sure whether Albert would teach me or not because he sent me out without even telling me more about magic.

I can’t always rely on Albert. I’d better search for a way myself.

The attendant led me to the eastern wing of the castle. The path was complicated, but it was strangely familiar.

“Isn’t this the way to the kitchen?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Ahh…”

That’s great. I can stop by the kitchen later and make some refreshments. I can’t stay beside Albert, but I can at least give him some food. I’m sure Greten wouldn’t stop me from doing so, too.

I was then left with a guilty conscience. I wonder if I should have argued with Greten more and insisted that I stayed.

It felt strange. It’s the first time that I’m away from Albert for this long of a time. Unless I decide to accept his feelings, I know that I shouldn’t take the time we have left together for granted.

It seemed like I had gotten too used to the world where only him, Blanc and I existed.

“Would you like me to assist you in finding the books you’d like to read?”

“Umm, is it okay if I try and look for them by myself first?”

I was curious about what kind of place the library was, and I thought it’s a good place where I can kill some time.

“Alright. Please have a pleasant day.”

After escorting me to the study, the attendant bowed and left. Except for the windows everywhere, all the walls in this room were covered with bookshelves so high up that it felt like I walked right into a tree.

Walls covered in a reddish-brown hue. The smell of books that would soothe you in an instant.

“This place oddly reminds me of the tower…”

The books on the shelves were all neatly organized with a system just like a library. I’m sure there’s a book about magic here somewhere…

I decided to look around one shelf at a time. As I crouched there, I had to raise my head again as I heard a questioning tone.

“What are you doing here?”

When I looked up, I saw Liam staring at me, sleeking back his black hair, which was very apt for a grand duke of the north like him.

“I’m here to find some books about mages and dragons.”

“But didn’t His Highness call for you?”

“Ahh, his nanny was so stubborn that she kicked me out.”

Liam folded his arms as I said this, then he let out a sigh. ‘Greten again,’ he muttered under his breath, as if it really wasn’t the first time she’d shown this type of behavior.

She might have played a key role in defeating all the women who flocked around Albert. Of course, Albert didn’t seem to want them around him either.

As he leaned slightly against a bookshelf, Liam looked quite picturesque. Similar to Schubert, he looked like a lost puppy with drooping eyes, but he had a bit of a sharper countenance.

Just standing there, this guy was like the personification of an icy breeze, like he’s really a grand duke of the… Wait, he really is a duke of the north though.

“Yes, that’s why I’ll try to see him again this evening. Since that’s what His Highness ordered.”

Liam widened his eyes faintly. Looking at his reaction, it seemed like he’s here to talk about something else with me.

“…What do you plan to do with your life once you leave the tower?”