Chapter 45
A warm morning sunlight.
Silvias hair, soaked in sunlight, glowed with a subtle golden hue.
There was something special about the sunlight one received at a caf on a weekday morning.
Hmm. This is indeed a charming tea house. I like the quiet atmosphere.
Silvia closed her eyes, savoring the taste of black tea.
The surroundings were as peaceful as she described.
Has it been a while since it became famous?
In the distance, the maid covering her chest with a tray, expressing awe. She might have been the owner.
Ian, your taste is quite good for a commoner.
Thanks, but
Ian, about to reply, sensed something strange.
Hey, Im a noble too.
Oh!
Silvia covered her lips with her long hand.
Her surprised expression was both repulsive and fascinating.
Im sorry. I recently realized that teasing you is quite fun.
Luckily, Ian had a broad mind. If the opportunity arose, he would pay her back. With that determination, he took a bite of a cookie.
Hmm, it really melts softly.
Raising his thumb towards the inquisitive owner, whose face flushed.
Anyway!
Silvia interrupted between the glances of the boss and Ian.
Getting back to the point, Sharon Pierce was the most active in this incident.
What are we talking about?
How to boost your reputation, Ian! Even though you dont care. Really.
Silvia puffed her cheeks slightly.
Ian wondered if she really needed to boost his reputation.
Pongpong was gradually getting used to it. frёeweɓηovel.coɱ
The disdainful glances (mostly from women) that came back even with just a glance had become familiar.
Most importantly, it was comfortable in public places like trams or libraries where no one dared to sit around him.
While thinking about this, Silvia, with her narrow eyes, asked,
Are you having useless thoughts?
No. But I have concerns.
What?
It might be troublesome if I became too famous.
Huh?
Silvia, with a confused expression, suddenly grabbed her stomach and started laughing.
Splendid. Hahahahaha! Hoho!
Tears flowed as she laughed.
Who would believe that she was a prestigious young lady?
Hey, maintain some dignity.
Phew! Ah! S-sorry Hahaha!
She barely held back her laughter, hiding her tears.
Hoho Ian, sir. How can you be so confident? Do you think becoming famous is that easy? Even I invest a lot in reputation management Hoho.
An undeniable logic.
Ian silently sipped his tea.
The aftertaste was bitter.
Well, at least the confidence is good. Anyway, lets get to the real point.
Silvia, back to her elegant self, continued speaking.
Actually, regardless of what others say, the hero of this incident is Sharon Pierce. Everyone is cheering for her achievements. She defeated four Bloodstone Cultists.
Ian nodded.
Preventing Lina Rosewell was more of a precaution. After all, the only victim would have been the girl lying on the bed with a blissful expression.
On the other hand, Sharon eliminated the Bloodstone Cultists.
Her contributions were outstanding.
But I think you were no less than her. Some professors also think so.
Silvia passionately continued.
You appropriately prevented Lina, and most importantly, you proposed the research on the cure for the blue mushroom. That contribution is not small. Thanks to it, some infected students returned to normal. Anyway.
Silvias face approached the table.
Beyond her translucent, light blond hair, she whispered.
How did you happen to know and ask the professor for research on the cure? Did you have some kind of informant?
Just a coincidence. It looked like a toxic mushroom.
Thats not the point Heh. Its a secret, right? Okay. Its the law not to dig into someone elses trade secrets recklessly.
Silvia, who was licking her lips, continued.
Anyway, try to focus more on skill evaluation. If you give a good impression a few times, peoples perception of you, Ian, will change quickly. Im sure you wont be ignored like now, at least.
Indeed, Ians reputation was currently so bad that he was drawing unnecessary attention. If he found the right balance, observing quietly from the sidelines outside the story might become easier.
Even if your image is still not good, theres a big difference between someone without skills and someone with skills.
To be active in skill evaluation wasnt something he lacked confidence in.
Through this scenario, he felt he had grown considerably. Not only in abilities but also in magical power.
In short, there was no harm in heeding Silvias advice.
It felt like learning strategies from an experienced player.
Well, Silvia is an expert in reputation-making.
Sometimes showing a clumsy side, Silvia was a character with a unique aristocratic arrogance and sophistication, making her quite popular.
A sudden question crossed his mind.
Why are you being so kind to me?
Silvia, as if glitching, froze for a moment and then continued.
Investment. Ian, you seem to have quite a potential.
Despite her words, her eyes were filled with embarrassment.
When their eyes met, she shyly averted her gaze.
For a moment, Ian recalled information about her.
Silvia grew up alone, thanks to her busy parents.
Moreover, she had been attending succession classes since she started learning to speak.
She had subordinates even before she had friends.
Hmm. Do you have any other thoughts?
Thats why he wondered if she might be feeling lonely now.
Or did he misunderstand her intentions?
Silvias face turned red.
W-what ridiculous thoughts are you having! Do you think I want to welcome you as a son-in-law to the Laurents!? Ive never thought that even once! For a hundred years! Hmph!
Misinterpreting and pretending to be offended, Silvia, in her own way, showed a funny but interesting reaction.
Still, it was also funny to see her blushing as she glanced at him and then avoided his gaze.
I was going to ask if you needed a friend, you know?
Hmpf!
You seem like youre only working without having any friends.
I-Im busy, thats why I dont have any!
Is that so?
Fiercely nodding, she looked at him with determination.
Well it might be good to have one, I guess?
Saying so, she tried to calm herself by bringing the teacup to her lips.
After lightly savoring it, she placed it on the saucer with a small sigh of admiration, and there was not even a clinking sound.
Truly elegant and aristocratic manners.
If the lack of friends was a characteristic of her human side, another aspect of Silvia Laurent was that she wasnt simply moved by emotions.
She was a top successor and the vice-head of the Laurent family on the continent.
Even though she sometimes showed a clumsy side, it was more accurate to say that her actions were calculated.
Pulling out Lena Rosewell from the disciplinary committee was also such an example.
Right now, taking care of Ian himself was another.
She was undoubtedly trying to gather people.
Wondering why she would do that.
One fairly plausible conclusion could be drawn.
Are you going to fight? With Emilias Raymond family.
The movement of Silvias hand, which was heading towards the teacup, halted abruptly. Her expression looking this way was incredibly serious.
You have a good eye.
Thats how it is.
Well, not now, but it seems a big name will enroll in the academy Oh.
She stopped herself from saying more, covering her mouth.
Please forget about this. Its confidential.
Ian shrugged.
He roughly guessed whom she was talking about.
Ill probably need a lot of support. I also have the feeling that when that time comes, Ian, you might stand by my side.
Its a bit expensive if you want to hire me.
I know. I already have a lot of debts. So if theres any problem, please let me know. Like the Elixir last time. I owe you a lot.
Ian smiled at Silvias words.
Dont you dislike it?
What? In such a situation, its obvious to say its fine!
No.
Ians mouth curled up with a grin.
Silvia, who had been teasing Ian enthusiastically just a while ago, suddenly felt like she was shivering.
Ill wait until you beg me, Silvia, saying, Please, please let me repay my debt.'
What?
Youll become a debtor to me, living each day with the obligation. In other words, youll become a debtor head of the family.
Debtor.
At that word, Silvias shoulders trembled.
I dislike it.
As Silvias breathing became rougher, Ian gently wrapped his arms around her shoulders.
Calm down, Silvia. Take a deep breath and listen to me.
Uh-huh
Now, close your eyes and imagine.
Yes
Imagine a pile of debts growing every day like a snowball rolling downhill. The sound of the interest you owe me increasing day by day.
Ah, ah
Rumble, rumble.
Silvias gaze, trembling all over her body, gradually became blurred.
Ian chuckled and lightly tapped her shoulder.
Its just a joke. Why are you making such a distressed expression?
Ian, you!!
Successful revenge.
A satisfying smile spread across Ians face.
Well, small revenge like this was enough.
After the possession, its the first time someone had taken care of Ian like this.
Ian, who straightened his neck, spoke solemnly.
Thanks for caring.
Hmph!
Silvia, who pouted her lips, turned her head away abruptly. Her expression seemed to say, As if I care, but her slightly twitching tail couldnt hide her amusement.
Perhaps realizing the fact, she hurriedly took out her Kiritos terminal, covering her face. Then she stared intently at the screen for a while.
What are you looking at?
Turning her head to the side, she replied.
Theres a popular prophet on the Kiritos bulletin board these days. Rumor has it that they accurately predicted the Median House incident. Theyre said to be the successor of a great astrologer. Theres a rumor that theyll respond if you leave a message at this hour.
Then Silvia buried her face in the terminal again.
By the way.
Hmm.
Wasnt that a familiar catchphrase?
Even without checking the bulletin board, it was easy to imagine what happened.
Ian rested his chin on his hand, lost in thought.
Now, should I start preparing for the investment?
If Silvia was so immersed, there must be a considerable accumulation of prophecy requests. Extra funds should be available soon.
Silvia, do you happen to know a trustworthy exchange guild?
Ians smirked as he asked.
Meanwhile.
Temporary dormitory set up for Median House students.
In one of the rooms, a girl was staring blankly at the mirror.
Somewhat disheveled red hair that hadnt been properly combed. Dark eye bags on skin so pale it looked almost white.
It was Lina Rosewell, who had been subjected to disciplinary measures.
Staring at herself in the mirror, she brought her hand to her neck.
A pitch-black choker.
More precisely, a handkerchief that Ian handed her to cover the handprint.
Even though the handprint was already gone, Lina couldnt bring herself to remove it for days.
Because this was the only trace Ian left behind.
Ian
Standing in front of her mirror, Lina was endlessly fiddling with the handkerchief.
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