......
My eyelids felt heavy, and I could only manage to open them halfway, but I could tell that I was in a hospital:
Because as my vision started to clear, I caught a faint whiff of the hospitals distinctive antiseptic and dicinal scent.
Gradually, the sensation returned to my fingers, and I felt the ambiguous texture of the hospital bed, not knowing whether it was soft or hard.
Phew.
As the sensations slowly returned, like inserting batteries one by one, I propped myself up.
The IV needle that had been stuck in the back of my hand had already been roughly removed, and just as I stood up, the door to the hospital room opened, and-
But, its true! Illuania was really his lover!
Stop telling lies! Even my family said Deus isnt a bad person.
Well, I guess your family must have lied...
-Finden Ai and Erica entered while chatting animatedly.
I raised my hand, signaling them to be quiet.
This is a hospital room; keep your voices down.
I-Ill go and call the doctor.
Erica t my gaze, looking flustered as she hurriedly left the room, and Finden Ai approached with a sly smile.
Can you tell what just happened?
...I just saw him off, thats all.
Saw him off? Who? Ugh, I cant make sense of what these necromancers say.
Of course, besides myself, Finden Ai had never t any other necromancer, however, she still grumbled as she said that.
Though not minding her words, I began to prepare for my discharge from the hospital.
* * *
I was not in the hospital for a long ti; in fact, it was just a brief mont for , but stepping outside the hospital, I felt a sense of relief inhaling the fresh night air.
The stuffy feeling in my chest was instantly blown away, and I felt invigorated with each step.
Are you going to discharge right away? I was using masters room; where should I stay now?
Finden Ai stretched and walked past . I couldnt hide my displeasure and asked, Did you use my room?
Yeah, I cant sleep outside, now can I?
Tell the dean to arrange a separate room for you.
I prefer high floors.
While Finden Ai grumbled, Erica, who was behind her, made a strange expression.
She couldnt have imagined that Finden Ai would treat even her master, , so nonchalantly.
Well then, Finden Ai. Go clean up my room. If even a single strand of your hair is left behind, youll be punished.
Are you serious?
Pouting, Finden Ai looked incredulous, but she didnt argue anymore.
Ill wait for about an hour before going in, now go.
Ah! If I had known, I wouldnt have unpacked my things!
With a determined stride, Finden Ai ran towards the academy at a transcendental speed.
The aftermath of her sprint was so powerful that Erica and I staggered in its wake.
Watching Finden Ai as she stepped on the roof and moved further away, Erica muttered, She still listens though.
Then, she and I turned our heads slightly, and I made a suggestion.
How about having so coffee for a mont?
Huh? ? ?
Surprised, Erica pointed to herself, and I nodded lightly. She hesitated before agreeing.
I had no intention of sitting in a coffee shop and hanging around; I just wanted to feel the outside air a little more, so we got our coffee and sat on a bench in the nearby park.
Maybe because it was night, there were many people taking walks in the park.
In the center of the park, there was a sculpture made up of blue stars, emitting a faint blue light from within, illuminating the entire park with a serene glow.
Sitting on the bench, I held the handle of my coffee cup and pulled away a little kid who was grabbing onto my sleeve.
After gently patting the kids head, I took another sip of my coffee.
...Whats over there?
Nothing special.
Erica looked as if she was trying to see what I was looking at, but since she couldnt see the kid, she cleared her throat and leaned back against the backrest.
A mont of silence passed.
The natural sounds of the city were floating around us, but they didnt bother us much.
In fact, they gave us a sense of comfort, allowing us to be at ease with each other.
After taking one more sip of coffee, I spoke up.
Not all the evil spirits incidents in the academy have been resolved. However, those who had the power to cause such events or were dangerous are no longer here.
...I see.
Perhaps Erica hadnt expected to bring this topic up; she seed a little disappointed.
Our eyes were still directed towards the sculpture of the blue stars, but the conversation continued.
Has the spirit that tried to kill you disappeared too?
Yeah, hes gone as well.
...I see.
Another silence.
Erica seed to be feeling a bit frustrated and massaged her forehead as if sothing was bothering her.
Everything I did was utterly useless.
I didnt bother to reply.
I had no intention of comforting her about that. It was her choice, after all.
To be honest, Im sorry. But... what I did was to save you.
I know.
I answered calmly and took another sip of my coffee. Although I had taken a few sips already, for so reason, this sip tasted more bitter.
But because of that, there wont be any relation between us again. I did hurt you, after all.
Ericas grip on the paper cup tightened, causing it to crumple slightly. However, her expression remained unchanged.
Youre probably better off without , right? I heard there was soone else you truly loved. I suppose you were not fond of the engagent arranged by your family either.
...
Breaking off an engagent might be a blemish for a woman, but its not a big deal for a man. Besides...
Stop it.
Suddenly, my gaze focused on her face.
Her voice and expression remained steady, but a single tear had already started to trickle down Ericas cheek.
Why did you end up like this, Erica Bright?
What?
She t my eyes as if asking what I ant, but quickly diverted her gaze as if trying to escape.
Ill be honest with you; I dont feel emotions as much as others do... Its sothing I developed later in life.
...
Erica pressed her lips together and waited for to continue speaking.
Thats why I dont really understand love or any of those emotions that are vague and hard to define.
But...
However, I was able to sense that emotion sohow Although it wasnt mine, I experienced what genuine love truly feels like for a brief mont.
As I recalled Deus, who truly loved Illuania, I continued speaking.
That's why, I can tell you this.
...
Her pupils trembled. She seed to be praying that my words wouldnt continue.
However, without hesitation, I uttered the truth.
I did not love you, Erica Bright.
Ah...
Her cup crumpled completely. If it had been filled with coffee, it would have spilled over, soaking her hand and the ground.
Not even for a mont I never felt any emotion called love for you.
That Yes, of course.
The ti I spent at the academy before getting expelled was three months.
The ti I spent with Erica Bright amounted to around two months.
The remaining month was spent separately as she treated with hostility.
But for two months, we were together quite diligently. She put in so much effort, and I didnt avoid her either.
mories of that ti flashed through my mind, but unfortunately, there were no fluctuations in my emotions.
I didnt want to hide the truth from you.
Erica lowered her head. Unnoticed, a tear rolled down her cheek.
Undeterred, I continued speaking.
However, you are worth loving. You are a woman deserving of love.
Ericas body stiffened.
Slowly, very slowly, she turned her head to look at , but I returned my gaze to the star sculpture.
Thats why I spent ti with you and hoped to see you smile. I wanted to love you.
Ah...
But Erica, look at yourself now.
Personally, I found her quite pitiful.
Your current self is different from the Erica Bright I first t.
She stared at blankly, but I couldn't offer comfort.
Blinded by the emotion of love, you couldnt make a proper judgnt. You thought your decision was right, but in the end, it didnt lead to any positive outco.
...
And now, youve given up on everything.
Once again, I t Ericas eyes. This ti, she didnt shy away and t my gaze, shedding tears.
I reached into my coat and took out a folded paper. It was the divorce letter I received from the Bright familys servant whom I encountered on my way to Robern Academy.
Its the divorce letter. I havent signed it yet.
!
Our divorce hasnt been finalized yet, so no one can demand your hand in marriage, especially soone you do not love.
Finden Ai had already told the story about Gideon.
It was the only consideration I could give Erica.
Stand up again, Erica Bright. Dont bury yourself in failure and rember who you are. Dont lose everything swayed by the emotion of love.
Slowly standing up from my seat, I smiled gently as I held out the divorce letter to Erica.
It was my blessing for her future.
Claim yourself. Beco the incredibly beautiful woman you were when we first t.
Ah.
When you find your own certainty When no one will be able to sway you anymore.
Pat.
I placed my hand on her head.
When you beco the radiant and beautiful Erica Bright once again.
Erica closed her eyes slightly, feeling my touch.
"Co to , and we'll finalize our divorce."
--- End of The Chapter --
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