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Translator: penny
Chapter: 60
Chapter Title: You Don't Have to Worry About Me
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"You don't have to worry about me."
Miserable.
"Will you join me, young lady?"
The vow to stand on my own strength. That resolve, forged countless times, was wavering at the sight of Adeline's outstretched hand.
I felt utterly pathetic and wretched as my heart gradually leaned toward the sweet offers she extended.
"...I'm sorry."
I carefully pushed away the invitation letter placed before me. Her blue eyes stared blankly at the paper, as if my refusal was utterly unexpected.
"Why refuse?"
Adeline tilted her head. Her expression was one of utter incomprehension, her eyes filled only with pure curiosity.
"There's no downside for you. Do you perhaps not realize how great this opportunity is?"
The words could have sounded accusatory. But because it was Adeline, I knew there was no malice in them. She was just brutally straightforward, never one to hide a dagger behind her words.
"I know."
"Then why?"
From her perspective, it must be completely incomprehensible. No, anyone might think I was the strange one.
"I just don't think I'm ready to join yet."
One of Adeline's eyebrows furrowed slightly.
"Of course, you're still lacking in some ways, but seizing an easy opportunity like this is a skill in itself."
Suddenly, her eyes widened as if something had occurred to her. She flashed a bright smile and extended one hand toward me.
"Ah, is the reward insufficient? Tell me if there's anything you need."
"...That's not it."
I knew this stubborn side of mine was obstinate. Adeline knew it too. That's why she wouldn't give up until I accepted her offer.
I clenched my fists and looked at Adeline. Her eyes still shone with bold compassion.
"You know, don't you, Lady Adeline? That I can't release mana from my body."
Even Camilla had noticed it immediately. Adeline would certainly know.
"I know."
"Not just magic—even when I hold a sword, strangely enough, all strength drains from my body."
I smiled. Perhaps it was because I didn't want my true feelings exposed, or maybe I just forced a laugh.
"That's why I started making scrolls. I can't use magic myself, but seeing it recreated through the scrolls I make... it's quite enjoyable."
At the word "scrolls," Adeline's eyes twitched faintly.
"Before joining the Rahel Tani family, I was an orphan. The words I heard most often were to give up."
It wasn't something I needed to bring up. But maybe because the person before me now was someone I admired so much, I wanted to be a little honest with her.
"The more I heard it, the more defiant I got. I wanted to become someone great somehow and prove them wrong. I still feel that way."
Adeline, I want to become someone as proud as you, no matter the situation.
"Fighting with scrolls... it must sound pathetic to you, Lady Adeline."
This time, her eyes clearly trembled. But Adeline didn't deny it.
"It's a natural view. Scrolls are something anyone can buy with enough money, so using them as a weapon... it must sound strange."
I smiled again. It was a smile for Adeline, but strangely, her face grew more rigid.
"Young lady, have you never considered another path besides scrolls?"
Adeline spoke. Her tone was gentle, but her gaze was firm.
"As you said, scrolls are just a means anyone can have with money."
"...My little sister said that. That scrolls are definite magic too."
Suddenly, Camilla's eyes came to mind. Eyes filled with emptiness, the complete opposite of Adeline's vibrant ones.
At first, those eyes terrified me. Now, strangely, I missed seeing Camilla's eyes.
"And it's fun. Drawing the circuits."
When did it start? It began as a way to refute Camilla's words.
But before I knew it, I was immersed in the world of scrolls. I'd lost track of time countless nights, staying up with bleary eyes.
I pushed the invitation letter a handspan farther from Adeline.
"I'll work hard with my scrolls until the day Duchess Silveniar acknowledges me."
Adeline looked at me silently. In her deep blue eyes, my reflection wore a smile that seemed a bit weary.
"If she invites me to the Blue Flame then... I'd be truly delighted."
With a short breath, I hopped down from the chair. Sharing the story from deep in my heart made me feel much lighter.
"Thank you so much for inviting me today, Duchess. I hope our paths cross again."
I clasped my hands below my navel and bowed politely to her. After a few steps, Sierra quietly approached my side.
I walked side by side with Sierra, whose face was quieter than usual.
"W-Wait a moment!"
Adeline's voice caught my steps. Her eyes seemed to waver slightly.
"I... I'm sorry!"
"Pardon?"
Her sudden apology made my eyes widen involuntarily.
"I didn't realize you were so serious about scrolls. I knew you were an orphan. So I thought what you wanted was practical wealth rather than honor..."
Adeline's expression hardened mid-sentence. As if realizing her slip, she shook her head hastily and approached me.
"Scrolls... right, scrolls! Um... young lady, scrolls have many drawbacks. For example, their performance drops immediately in bad weather."
Her words came faster than usual. The flustered Adeline pouring out words in haste was somehow different from the one I knew.
"No control over power, no way to train... and above all, without scrolls, you're utterly helpless! It's naturally pathetic—"
Adeline's eyes widened again as she vigorously shook her head. She seemed flustered by her own mutterings. It was a far cry from her usual majestic demeanor.
"Sorry. I have a habit of blurting out whatever I think. This is the first time I've said something and gotten flustered like this."
"No, it's fine."
But did Adeline realize? That her words just now had revealed she saw me as pathetic.
"Haha, I didn't know you had such noble spirit! How about trying the path of the sword instead? I'll teach you myself. No matter how clumsy you are, swinging a sword thousands of times will get you a feel for it eventually."
This time, my eyes widened. Even in the game, there was never a setting where Adeline personally taught anyone.
"...Lady Adeline."
"Yes! So, how about joining the Blue Flame this time?"
"You don't have to do that."
"Huh?"
I took a step back.
"I think it's natural how you see me, Lady Adeline. Surely others do too."
"Ah, no... young lady, I think there's a misunderstanding."
"Even if I became skilled in swordsmanship with your help, it wouldn't be because of my own ability—it'd be because you're so great."
Suddenly, I missed Roselia. Childish as it was, if she gently patted my head, this mood might lift a little.
"I can do it on my own. So really, it's okay. I'll talk to Camilla about the Blue Flame myself. You don't need to go this far."
"...No, I—"
"And Lady Adeline is someone I truly respect. Just meeting you like this makes me happy and grateful."
"..."
"So, really, you don't have to worry about me."
I bowed once more to the stunned Adeline.
"Then, I'll really be going now."
I turned my back to her and walked away with Sierra.
This time, Adeline didn't stop me.
※
Adeline was left alone in the sunny garden.
She stared blankly at the spot where the small girl had vanished moments ago. A faint but clear sense of guilt rippled in her blue eyes.
[And it's fun. Drawing the circuits.]
The girl's sky-blue eyes had sparkled with vibrant life as she said that. As if that moment of drawing circuits was truly her happiness.
Adeline still didn't look kindly on circuits.
For instance, if someone with the world's greatest wealth collected the finest scrolls, could they truly be called one of the world's top mages?
That wasn't strength in Adeline's view.
True human power was the fruit of grueling effort earned through blood and sweat. She believed relying on paper scraps bought with money could never reach real strength.
What needed to grow strong was an indomitable spirit, a tempered body, and for mages, solidly honed mana circles.
Thus, Adeline could never accept scrolls purely. She saw them merely as a tool to protect oneself in emergencies.
But even so, was it right to say such things in front of that girl?
In front of a child who smiled so brightly, pouring her heart into something. She had uttered words that belittled that sincerity.
It was undoubtedly a clear mistake.
"I've inadvertently caused trouble for the Rahel Tani family."
Adeline was as decisive in making decisions as her personality.
The guilt flickering in her eyes vanished, replaced by calm resolve to move forward.
"Mm! I need to apologize."
Her snowy white hair fluttered. Adeline rose from her seat with unwavering steps.
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