Chapter 383
“I knew it! You just went ahead and caused chaos in the trial, didn’t you?”
The day after returning from the trial, Michaela predictably exploded in anger, yelling at me. Meanwhile, I calmly sipped my tea.
“Chaos? That’s so undignified.”
“Dignity, my foot! Ignoring the rules of the trial and doing whatever you wanted—that’s chaos, isn’t it?”
Michaela had every right to be angry. Honestly, I’m not even sure what I was thinking at the end.
I just couldn’t leave her there. Lina, dying alone in the flames. The Demon Lord, who had to face death in solitude. The cruel fate that had brought her to that point.
My body moved before my mind could catch up. Like a firefighter rushing into the flames to save a life, I jumped in and held Lina in my arms. I couldn’t stop the Demon Lord’s death itself, but I could at least ensure she didn’t die alone. I could be there for her final moments.
“Everything has rules and laws! You can’t just ignore them!”
“Is that so?”
“What if your actions mess up the future again?”
According to Michaela, Isaac was just an extra who was supposed to bring Lina to the castle under the lord’s orders—nothing more, nothing less. Originally, he should’ve shared the same fate as Conwell or Serhan, but for some reason, Isaac survived. Whether he was lucky enough to be in the underground interrogation room and avoid the flames or Lina spared him, I don’t know.
But thanks to his survival, I was able to fight alongside Hero Alonso and ensure Lina didn’t die alone.
Could the future really have changed this much? The world I returned to didn’t seem any different.
“Nothing seems particularly different.”
“You wouldn’t know now! Ugh, this is so frustrating! Why does it feel like you’re the one giving me a trial instead of the other way around?”
“Don’t overthink it. As long as everyone’s safe, that’s what matters.”
“Such shameless words… Fine. I kept my promise, so you better keep yours. Got it?”
“Yeah.”
Now I need to figure out how to bring Michaela into the outside world. Honestly, I’m not thrilled about it, but it’s a problem I’ll have to solve eventually. If I can bring her, who’s part of the system, out, maybe I can also wake up my sister Sora, who’s trapped within the system.
“By the way… how long are you two going to keep flirting like that?”
“W-we’re not flirting!”
That response came from Wendy, who was sitting on my lap.
“Then what do you call this? Clinging to me like this?”
“T-this is just… l-love between us!”
“Enough.”
If she keeps saying things like that in public, it’s only going to make things awkward for me.
“Alright. I’ll leave you two lovebirds alone.”
Without giving me a chance to stop her, Michaela shook her head and walked away.
I quietly tried to reason with Wendy.
“Wendy, get off now.”
“Just a little longer… Can’t we stay together a bit more…?”
“You’ve been begging to stay with me since yesterday. I’ve already given you special treatment by staying with you this long.”
Ever since waking up from the trial, Wendy had been glued to me like gum. At first, she was crying her eyes out over the sadness she experienced in the trial. Technically, since I was the one who gave her the trial, I had an obligation to comfort her. So, I stayed by her side to soothe her pain.
Wendy sniffled and whined at me. Considering what she went through in the trial, I could understand her feelings. But I’m a busy person. I can’t keep comforting her forever.
At my firm tone, Wendy hesitated and spoke.
“T-then… can’t you give me a tight hug…?”
“…Haven’t you been in my arms this whole time?”
“That wasn’t a tight hug…”
“…….”
I don’t know what the difference is between a hug and a tight hug, but…
Reluctantly, I tried to give her a light hug. But then…
“H-here’s a gift…!”
*Mwah.*
Wendy suddenly planted a surprise kiss on my cheek.
“…You.”
“Hehe…”
Wendy, her face bright red, nuzzled her cheek against my chest. Ever since she awakened to a new personality trait, it seems like she’s been expressing affection more often.
+
Personality Trait: Love
Rank: ???
Details: A heart that remained unchanged even in the flames of despair, misfortune, and hatred. A heart that even harsh fate couldn’t separate. Love knows no impossibility. It holds infinite possibilities and potential.
No matter what adversity or trials come your way, you will never be broken. Your love makes it possible.
This personality trait also cheers for and blesses your love. It fills your surroundings with love and happiness.
+
I had hoped Wendy would gain a personality trait that could overcome “Misfortune,” like “Fortune.” But what Wendy gained wasn’t fortune—it was happiness.
It might be a slightly disappointing result, but seeing Wendy’s innocent smile made me think happiness might be better after all. After all, this was all for her happiness.
But out of all the personality traits, “Love”? It’s a bit embarrassing. And Wendy, who used to be too shy to even look me in the eye, is now staring straight at me. With a gaze full of admiration, no less. I had no idea how to handle those sparkling eyes.
In the end, I couldn’t take it anymore and set Wendy down from my lap.
“…I’m getting up.”
“Okay…”
Though she clearly looked disappointed, Wendy obediently got up, probably realizing she shouldn’t disturb me any further. Thank goodness. If anyone else had seen this…
“Ah! H-hello…!”
I froze. Turning around, I saw Helga, Bella, and Blanshe standing there. It was as if they had planned the timing.
“Hehe… What a good girl. Did something good happen?”
“Y-yes! The Count gave me a tight hug…”
“…A tight hug?”
The three women’s gazes were anything but ordinary.
“Yes! The Count gave me a tight hug, so I gave him a little kiss in return.”
“Ah…?”
“…A little kiss?”
“Hehe…”
Oh, please.
“Hmm… I see. Wendy must’ve been so happy, getting a tight hug and a little kiss from the Count.”
“Yes. Hehe…”
Bella smiled unnaturally as she glanced between me and Wendy. Whatever misunderstanding she’s having… I’m too scared to think about it.
“Must’ve been nice, getting tight hugs and little kisses with Wendy, Loristan.”
“…You’re early for our appointment.”
“Well, I’m always punctual. Mr. Pervert.”
Her expression was terrifying, but her voice was so sweet it was scary.
“So, you’ve gone from tight hugs to little kisses, huh? Mr. Criminal.”
“…A little kiss isn’t a kiss. It’s just a peck.”
“Same difference. Did it feel good, doing that with a clueless girl? You trash.”
“…….”
The titles they’re giving me keep changing. Is it just my imagination?
In this situation, there’s no point in making excuses. I could only stay silent.
“Blanshe, could you contact the security bureau right now? We’ve got a criminal here.”
“If the lady wishes, I can execute him on the spot.”
“Heehee… Why are you all making such a fuss?”
“Helga?”
Helga, looking triumphant, gave Bella and Blanshe some advice.
“Liking a woman even a year younger is a man’s instinct. I’ve always known the Count had that instinct, so it’s no problem.”
“What are you…”
“Now, everyone, just watch.”
Helga rummaged through her pocket and pulled something out. A pacifier and a baby bib.
“Goo goo! Now I’m the youngest woman here!”
“…Are you kidding me?”
“Hehe… The Princess seems to have trouble accepting reality. Maybe because you’re the oldest here—ack?!”
“I’m only one year older than you! And Tristan!”
“P-Princess!”
Before Blanshe could stop her, Bella poked Helga’s side with her finger.
“Ow! Stop! That hurts! You old maid…”
“You’re asking for it. Seriously.”
“Goodness! How could you hit such a sexy baby?”
“Don’t call poking with a finger hitting. And it’s not sexy—it’s creepy.”
“Calling a baby creepy.”
“You’re the one calling a baby sexy.”
“And you think you’d make a good mother? Princess.”
“W-what’s that supposed to mean?! I’m more confident than you, at least!”
“Goo goo! Count! I want a little kiss too!”
“Helga… When are you going to grow up?”
Helga whined while Bella scolded her, and Blanshe watched in disbelief.
Seeing this scene again after so long was… not exactly heartwarming. My head was pounding.
After barely managing to calm the situation, I followed Bella to Izakhel Mansion as planned.
Today, I was supposed to meet Duke Fred Izakhel to discuss the marriage issue with Bella.
“Father will faint if he hears you’re engaged to Wendy.”
“…….”
“Honestly… Why are you chasing after every girl when you have me? Maybe castration is the only solution for a man like you. I helped you break the curse, and now you’re just…”
“…….”
“Hey. If you have a mouth, at least try to defend yourself.”
“Bella…”
“Yes? Loristan.”
“…Was this here before?”
“Huh?”
My gaze fell on the tombstone in the center of the Izakhel Mansion’s garden. Though weathered, the stone was well-maintained and polished.
It was a gravestone.
“First time seeing it? This is the grave of someone who fought the Demon Lord alongside our founder, Alonso.”
It was Isaac’s grave.
“Lord Alonso personally erected the tombstone and inscribed the epitaph.”
“Here lies a man, the greatest mentor and an irreplaceable friend.”
The epitaph went on for quite a while, detailing Alonso and Isaac’s exploits. Some of the stories were a bit embarrassing, so I skimmed through them. Still, I was particularly pleased that Alisa’s contribution was only mentioned in one line.
I almost laughed out loud, but then I froze in place.
“Huh? Tristan? Are you crying?”
It was because of the last line.
“I won’t forget you either, Isaac.”
