Chapter 46 - Chapter 46

Chapter 46

My limp body drooped like a kale freshly blanched and taken out of water. As always, the culprit was Ruwellin Rashiane.

He slowly brushed my hair as I lay leaning against his chest. His face, smiling like a satisfied beast, was full of contentment. He seemed happy to have tormented me to his heartundefineds content.

I slapped his solid chest and grumbled.

"I told you, just once."

"But you allowed it twice."

"I must have been crazy……."

I muttered, rolling my eyes, and Ruwellin laughed softly. Seeing that very happy smile, I couldnundefinedt help but snicker along.

But then my expression naturally stiffened at Ruwellinundefineds next words.

"I wish you would allow me to do it differently next time."

"……undefinedDifferentlyundefined how?"

"Well, positions?"

What the hell!

I punched the shameless man, who only had a pretty face, with my small fists. Then Ruwellin pretended to be hurt, saying "Ouch, ouch." Honestly, it didnundefinedt hurt at all.

"From now on, if anyone calls you an ascetic person, you must deny it. Got it?"

"Understood. From now on, Iundefinedll introduce myself as a slave to instinct who loses all composure at the sight of Rosnia."

Whenever I said anything, he never lost, always retorting cheekily, which was both exasperating and made me laugh.

I glared at him and shook my head. Honestly, I couldnundefinedt win against him.

"By the way, Rosnia, about that spell of yours."

"Ah, yes. The one that traced the owner of the bone powder?"

"Yes. How did you do that spell? It was truly amazing and fascinating."

Ruwellin looked at me with eyes full of awe. Not feeling too bad about it, I shrugged and said.

"Itundefineds a bit complicated to explain. But do you still want to hear it?"

"Yes, please."

If you want to hear it, I have no choice. Iundefinedll have to explain it myself.

I turned over to face Ruwellin more directly and spoke with a bit of pride.

"So, to explain it as simply as possible…… This world we live in is made up of countless pieces of information. But that information is invisible, cannot be felt, and simply exists as an absolute truth. Do you understand so far?"

"Yes, teacher."

"Donundefinedt tease me. Anyway, reading that information, which humans cannot perceive, in human language is precisely what magic is. Itundefineds a bit difficult, right?"

"Hmm, I think I roughly understand."

Ruwellin nodded with a puzzled expression. But somehow, it felt like he was acting.

Suspicious. I narrowed my eyes and glared at him. Then Ruwellin avoided my gaze and pretended to be busy. Definitely suspicious!

Come to think of it, a direct descendant of the Rashiane family, even if they didnundefinedt practice magic, would have learned at least the theory as basic knowledge.

What I had just said was the most basic of basics of magic. I had used that foundation to read the information contained in the bone powder and trace its owner.

There was no way Ruwellin, the Duke of Rashiane, wouldnundefinedt know such a simple principle.

In other words, I had been completely fooled by him!

Dumbfounded, I pinched Ruwellinundefineds cheek hard, and he raised both hands with a pitiful expression. I demanded an explanation.

"Why did you ask when you already knew?"

Ruwellinundefineds answer that followed was utterly absurd.

"Because I wanted to see you acting proud. I thought it would be cute."

"Excuse me?"

Dumbfounded, I hit him wildly. But the impact was like hitting with a cotton ball. If I had known this would happen, I would have done some physical training like Adrian Hyll!

Feeling unfairly treated, I rolled around on the wide bed. Seeing me like that, Ruwellin burst out laughing.

"Rosnia, what are you doing?"

"Shut up!"

I was so embarrassed that I had acted proud without even realizing I had been tricked by Ruwellin that I wanted to hide.

Continuing to roll on the bed, I suddenly stopped. Come to think of it, I didnundefinedt like this bed either. It was unnecessarily wide, so Ruwellin could lay me this way and that…….

"Rosnia."

I was glaring at the bed with wide eyes when I heard Ruwellinundefineds voice right next to me.

Soon, his solid arms gently wrapped around me from behind.

A warm breath touched my ear. After nibbling at my nape, he lightly bit my earlobe, and I flinched greatly in surprise.

"Iundefinedm sorry for teasing you. But youundefinedre so lovely that I canundefinedt help it."

"Teasing me isnundefinedt the only thing you canundefinedt help, Ruwellin."

When I retorted primly, Ruwellin burst into loud laughter, hugged me tightly, and shamelessly agreed.

"I admit it. I canundefinedt help it right now either."

"……!"

What!

I was dumbfounded, my mouth agape.

"We already did it twice!"

"We only did it twice."

"How many times do you have to do it to be satisfied?!"

"Hmm, well……."

He deliberately drew out his words, then whispered in my ear in an insinuating voice.

"……times?"

"……."

My mouth fell open.

It was an unbelievable number.

Now, Ruwellin Rashiane looked like a beast wearing a pretty mask. Or perhaps an incubus. I trembled and muttered.

"Iundefinedm going to die……."

"Itundefineds okay, you wonundefinedt die. Iundefinedm a divine user, arenundefinedt I?"

"Where are you selling your drugs? Your divine power isnundefinedt the healing type."

"Well, I thought so too, but it turns out nothing is impossible with effort."

"……Pardon?"

Surely not?

Soon after, I learned that my suspicion was correct.

After being roughly tossed around on the bed, I was completely drained, and Ruwellin held me in his arms, patted me, and restored my stamina.

"I trained hard thinking of restoring Rosnia like this, and it became possible. Isnundefinedt that impressive?"

"……."

I nodded limply. Yes, indeed. Very impressive. To think that his obsession with me would even change the male leadundefineds setting.

undefinedOriginally, Ruwellinundefineds divine power was of the exorcism type…….undefined

As I stared blankly, Ruwellin laid me back down on the bed.

Thanks to him restoring my stamina, I wasnundefinedt tired, but I felt somehow wronged. It felt like no matter how much I ran or flew, I was still in the palm of Ruwellin Rashianeundefineds hand.

When I looked at him tearfully, Ruwellin whispered with an ecstatic expression.

"That expression is my favorite."

"……."

What a sadist…….

I was inevitably devoured by him again.

* * *

The Castell Marquessate, instead of obeying Ruwellinundefineds orders, used a plausible trick.

They said they would attend Ruwellinundefineds upcoming birthday banquet and talk then.

undefinedAnyone can see itundefineds a ploy to buy time.undefined

They definitely had something to hide. They seemed to be trying to secure time to destroy the evidence…… but I couldnundefinedt just sit still either.

I discussed it with Ruwellin and decided to secretly infiltrate a phantom beast into the Castell Marquessate. Of course, it wasnundefinedt that guy who had been with me at the villa.

That stupid puppy was too innocent and not sharp enough. Although he was clever.

undefinedSo this guy is the right one. Iundefinedm counting on you, take care.undefined

The phantom beast in the form of a bird, connected to my thoughts, chirped softly. It was a phantom beast I had created with my magic over half a day. ……Actually, half of Ruwellinundefineds magic was also in it, but letundefineds skip the detailed explanation of how that happened. Letundefineds just bury the memory of Ruwellin saying to this phantom beast, "Itundefineds our child, isnundefinedt it?" which made me lose my mind.

undefinedThen, go.undefined

The phantom beast, chirping high and clear, flew up into the air. I waved my hand until the phantom beast disappeared from sight.

* * *

The story that I had created a phantom beast in half a day soon reached Adrian Hyllundefineds ears.

I had told Father first, and Father must have told Adrian Hyll.

I could clearly picture Father, with his personality, excitedly telling him like a doting father. Saying how Rosnia can now even create phantom beasts, isnundefinedt that impressive?

undefinedBut still, Adrian Hyllundefineds reaction was probably indifferent…….undefined

"Impressive."

"……?"

Hearing something completely unexpected, I was quite flustered. What? Did Adrian Hyll eat something wrong? Or…… did something happen to his head?

I asked with a quite serious expression.

"Brother…… did you hurt your head?"

"……."

Then Adrian Hyllundefineds expression crumpled, and he suddenly put me in a headlock. I squirmed and fussed.

"Ah! What are you doing!"

"Grow up, Rosnia Hyll."

"What? Youundefinedre the one―."

I was about to say undefinedchuunibyouundefined but stopped, realizing that term didnundefinedt fit this world.

Instead, I was busily punching Adrian Hyllundefineds abdomen when the door burst open and someone entered.

"Rosnia, whatundefineds going―."

"……."

It was Ruwellin.

Sensing the commotion in the room and worried about me, he must have entered without knocking.

Ruwellin approached with long strides and reached out his hand as if to take me from Adrian Hyll.

Then Adrian Hyll quickly turned, preventing Ruwellinundefineds hand from reaching me.

Still trapped under Adrian Hyllundefineds arm, I blinked in bewilderment.

undefinedW, what is this crazy situation.undefined

In the cold silence, Ruwellin and Adrian Hyll quietly glared at each other. A heavy atmosphere, as if a war might break out, hung between them.

The first to break the silence and speak was Adrian Hyll.

"Get lost."

"Where to? This is my house."

Naturally, Ruwellin retorted without backing down. I thought he was right and nodded. Then Adrian Hyll glared at me sharply. What, what! Honestly, itundefineds true!

"Adrian Hyll. This is my house, and Rosnia is my fiancée. Please release her."

"Technically, sheundefineds your undefinedprospectiveundefined fiancée. You havenundefinedt had the engagement ceremony yet."

Adrian Hyll retorted mockingly and added.

"And engagements are fragile things that can be broken at any time, arenundefinedt they? Itundefineds not even marriage."

"……."

Adrian Hyll, you crazy bastard…… did he already forget that Ruwellin made the Oath of the Heart?

No, rather than forgetting, he was doing it on purpose. His temper just twisted whenever he saw Ruwellin, and he couldnundefinedt help it. What a bad-tempered man.

undefinedNo choice. I didnundefinedt want to use this, out of family affection, but…….undefined

I concentrated strength magic into my right fist. Then I punched Adrian Hyllundefineds abdomen with all my might.

"……!"

Adrian Hyll flinched greatly, then staggered and collapsed. Holding his stomach and trembling as he glared at me, it was quite a sight.

"Kuk, Rosnia, you……."

"Please donundefinedt fight with the host, brother. Do you want to get kicked out?"

Shaking my head, I lightly stepped past Adrian Hyll and approached Ruwellin.

Ruwellin reached out his hand to me and smiled brightly. Whether Adrian Hyll was glaring from behind or not, I took his hand as if to show off and stood side by side with Ruwellin.

Then Adrian Hyll let out a loud, incredulous scoff. Having recovered by then, he slowly raised his body and looked at us with an annoyed gaze.

I thought about sticking out my tongue to tease Adrian Hyll, but it seemed too childish, so I refrained.

undefinedCome to think of it, was that the first time I hit Adrian Hyll?undefined

Thinking about it, it seemed so. Until now, I had been cautious of Adrian Hyll, worried that he might become a villain.

But after the incident at the villa, I had become much bolder and was even rebelling against Adrian Hyll.

Comparing the past and present…… I much preferred the present. Because I could show my honest self.

I smiled brightly at Adrian Hyll and said.

"I know you donundefinedt like my engagement, brother."

"……."

"But will you help me choose? Iundefinedm going to choose my engagement ceremony dress now."

Before the words were even finished, maids entered through the side door, presenting dozens of dresses before us.

Adrian Hyll looked at the enormous number of dresses as if dumbfounded, then sighed and answered.

"……Alright."

"Thank you, brother!"

I smiled brightly.

* * *

However, about 30 minutes later, I regretted asking Adrian Hyll to help choose the dress.

"No."

"……."

"That oneundefineds no good either."

Was this bastard determined to sabotage his sisterundefineds engagement ceremony!

Adrian Hyll was giving negative opinions on every dress the maids held up to me, saying they were all no good.

On the other hand, Ruwellin was being positive…… no, not just positive, he was reacting like a fanatic, saying everything was pretty.

The two were polar opposites. I wish they would mix a bit.

"Brother, instead of just saying no, give me a specific opinion. Why is it no? Tell me in detail."

I thought Adrian Hyll would stop saying no to everything if I said this, but unexpectedly, he actually gave detailed opinions.

"That dress has too many decorations, no. It would suit a debutante of fourteen. And the dress you just tried on has shoddy lace. Trying to put something like that on my sister, do you want to die?"

At Adrian Hyllundefineds bloodthirsty comments, the maids trembled in fear.

Why was he intimidating the innocent maids? I shook my head, utterly dumbfounded. I was an idiot for asking Adrian Hyllundefineds opinion.

"Ruwellin, what do you think? You be specific too."

This time, when I asked Ruwellin, he smiled brightly, his eyes sparkling as he spoke.

"Rosnia is beautiful in anything. I already knew white and blue suited you well, but I didnundefinedt know other colors would suit you so well too. Itundefineds as if you yourself are a jewel, radiating light……."

"Stop, I get it."

I cut off Ruwellinundefineds nonsense and sighed deeply. I asked for his opinion, not a praise song. The way he looked at me was so fanatical that it was burdensome.

"Iundefinedll choose the dress myself, so you two keep your mouths shut from now on."

When I spoke firmly, Ruwellin obediently nodded, but Adrian Hyll looked indifferent.

I imagined messing up Adrian Hyllundefineds hair for the first time in a while and continued trying on the remaining dresses.

After about another hour, the finally selected dress was an elegant empire-style design made of deep blue silk with small sapphires and diamonds embedded in it.

Such a design could look plain, but my appearance was so flashy that it balanced out nicely.

Next, I had to choose shoes, gloves, jewelry, headpieces, perfume, and even the makeup for that day.

After that, over two hours had passed. It was a relief that I had already chosen the dress for the birthday banquet in advance; I couldnundefinedt do this twice in one day.

While I was busily choosing, the two men who didnundefinedt get along were sitting on a sofa, far apart from each other, just staring blankly at me.

When I turned around after finishing my tasks, the two almost simultaneously rose from their seats.

Seeming displeased by that, they glared at each other and crumpled their faces. Really…… I didnundefinedt know whether to laugh or cry. Would a day ever come when those two would get along?

undefinedEven if the world ended tomorrow, it seems impossible…….undefined

Thinking that, I slowly approached the two, and without either one going first, they both simultaneously reached out their hands to me.

"……."

I looked back and forth between them, feeling awkward. Both seemed to want me to take their hand.

If I took Ruwellinundefineds hand, Adrian Hyll would sulk, and if I took Adrian Hyllundefineds hand, Ruwellin would sulk.

It was an extremely difficult situation. After much deliberation, I grabbed both their hands.

Adrian Hyllundefineds hand in my left, Ruwellinundefineds in my right.

It looked utterly ridiculous, but it was the best I could do. I focused strength magic on both hands and dragged the two along, saying.

"Come on, letundefineds go for a walk."

This felt like walking two large hunting dogs.