31
“I thought I was mistaken—but no, I wasn’t.”
Sion spoke with a face that was a mix of anger and disbelief.
“Why is Lin here? I specifically said she needed to rest.”
As Sion looked to Elda and Genevia, clearly demanding an explanation, Genevia stepped forward and replied.
“As you can see, all external and internal injuries have been completely healed.”
“Even so, I was under the impression that a body healed by divine power tends to suffer from severe fatigue. Didn't you also say she needed rest?”
“That’s true for most cases. But since Ms. Lin is a fairy, it seems her body reacts differently. She was able to move around without any issues the moment she woke up.”
Genevia then quietly added, as if to make sure her part was clear.
“For the record, I did try to stop her.”
I then moved around in front of Sion, showing off my healthy limbs in all directions like some kind of display, trying to assert my innocence.
“See? I’m perfectly fine now, Sion!”
But Sion responded coldly.
“Really? And who was it last night who looked like their limbs had been burnt to a crisp, going on about dying and whatnot?”
‘…Right. That was me.’
I quietly shrank back.
Sure, when I was actually injured, it had hurt like hell—as if my whole body had caught fire. But thanks to Genevia’s healing, I was fine in no time. It all happened so fast that honestly, the details were a blur now.
‘Still…’
I subtly glanced at Sion and scanned him up and down.
‘Is this even real? He’s practically glowing with a divine aura.’
Seeing my favorite person wearing clothes I had made, looking absolutely stunning, I couldn’t help but break into a goofy smile.
Sion caught my look and his face hardened coldly.
“Are fairies the kind of species that have dozens of lives or something?”
“Huh? Well… probably not?”
I gave a vague answer.
At least I wasn’t. But I didn’t know about the other fairies in this world, so I couldn’t say for certain.
As I shrugged, Sion opened his mouth as if to speak—but closed it again.
Then, in a voice tinged with frustration, he said.
“…You really don’t get it, do you?”
“……”
It was clear that Sion was upset—probably because of how lightly I was treating the whole situation.
But thinking about it, it made sense that we had different perspectives.
From my point of view, “death” in this world didn’t actually mean real death. It just signified the end of this mindless possession event.
But for someone like Sion, a native of this world, it was simply reality.
‘Hmm… when I look at it that way, it kind of makes sense why Sion is treating this situation with a heavier heart.’
Even if we had only spent a few weeks together, I could tell from his personality that there’s no way he’d be okay with someone getting hurt—or dying—for his sake.
So, trying to ease his mood, I put on my brightest smile and said playfully.
“Alright, alright, Sion! I’m sorry. Don’t be mad. I promise I’ll be more careful next time!”
Of course, if something similar happened again, I’d probably act exactly the same way… but that was my little secret.
“But you have to understand—it’s your coming-of-age ceremony today! I was really looking forward to it, you know? Of course I had to come!”
As I cheerfully nodded and grinned at him, Sion stared at me with a stiff expression… before letting out a quiet sigh.
Then he muttered,
“…The Winter Coming-of-Age Ceremony is a routine tradition for Northerners. It’s not something that warrants risking your health over.”
“Oh, please. What are you talking about—risk? If I missed seeing you today all dressed up, that would’ve been way more traumatic for me! And besides…”
I leaned in a little, ready to bring up something I’d been keeping in mind for a while—ever since I realized this “Winter Coming-of-Age” was going to be an event.
“Sure, the ceremony is important… but let’s not forget the after-party. That banquet is going to be just as big of a deal, isn’t it?”
I recalled a tiny detail that was barely mentioned in the original novel.
“In the North, isn’t it tradition to find a romantic partner or fiancé during the year you come of age? Especially during the post-ceremony banquets and festivals?”
“…And where on earth did you even hear something like that?”
Sion asked with a baffled half-laugh.
“Oh, I have my sources.”
I said smugly, lifting my chin in mock pride.
Eventually, it looked like his irritation had worn off. When I sneakily climbed back onto his shoulders, Genevia—who had been carrying me—lit up like a slave freed from years of labor.
“Anyway! As of today, Sion, you are officially an adult! From now on, you’re going to be that cool Northern guy—cold to the world, but warm only to the one you love! You’re a Northern Man now!”
“…Northern man?”
Sion echoed with a puzzled frown.
Meanwhile, Genevia had a blank stare, eyes glazed over like she was witnessing something too strange to process. I glanced at her and continued talking, half amused.
“And hey, you never know—maybe Sion’s destined partner is actually closer than you think?”
“….”
At my teasing words, Sion momentarily froze—then seemed to fall into quiet contemplation.
“Okay, okay! So let’s forget about what happened and just enjoy the day together!”
I shouted like an overly excited department manager before a company dinner party, wearing a triumphant grin on my face.
‘Alright, this is my last shot. No matter what, today I’m going to break down that awkward wall and mutual dislike between Sion and Genevia!’
After all, the main storyline had finally started.
The appearance of the male lead could happen literally any day now.
Watching me bounce with excitement, Sion said.
“You really seem full of energy. I suppose that means your body’s truly healed.”
“Yup, yup! I’m totally fine!”
Seeing him clearly worried about me made my heart swell with affection.
‘Agh, what did I do to deserve this blessing?’
At that moment, Genevia, who had been standing off to the side like background decor, suddenly spoke up.
“Um… since you two have reunited safely, may I go now?”
“Eh? Go? Where to?”
Startled, I blurted the question. Genevia answered with a face utterly exhausted.
“I literally just arrived at the castle yesterday, you know? I haven’t even finished unpacking, and then I got dragged around by you two. I’d like to go get myself cleaned up and settled…”
“….”
Hearing that, I suddenly took a closer look at Genevia.
Sure enough, after being practically yanked into things against her will the day before, her current appearance… well, let’s just say it was not what you’d call “fresh.”
She hastily tried to smooth down her disheveled hair—the result of me having ruffled it earlier—and added.
“Besides, I don’t really enjoy these flashy, extravagant gatherings.”
“Agreed.”
Sion casually added.
“I hate these pointless, inefficient gatherings. Let’s just head back to the annex, Lin.”
“Wha—wait… huh?”
Sion turned to Genevia and spoke indifferently.
“You’re Genevia, right? I’ll make sure you're properly rewarded for treating Lin last night.”
“Oh no, it’s fine. I owe you both from before anyway.”
“Understood.”
“Yes.”
With that, the two turned their backs on each other like they were closing a business deal—cold and detached.
“Wait, wait, wait! That’s it? You’re just leaving like this?!”
I shouted in panic. Both Sion and Genevia looked back at me, confused.
“What? Did you need something else?”
“Is there a problem, Ms. Lin?”
All my years of romance novel experience screamed at me: If I let them leave now, these two would never work out!
‘Think, think! I need a dramatic move!’
And so—I pulled a stunt.
“Ugh! M-my body…!”
Right in front of them, I went limp and dramatically collapsed.
“Lin?”
“Ms. Lin!”
Sion rushed forward to catch me as I slumped down.
“What’s going on? Are you in pain?”
“Ugh, I think so… I might be having some weird aftereffects…”
“Which is why I told you to stay in the annex.”
“Move aside. I need to examine her condition!”
Peeking through half-closed eyes, I watched the two of them scrambling.
And then, I delivered the final blow.
“I don’t think I can manage on my own… Genevia will have to live in the annex with us… at least until I recover!”
“…What?”
Genevia blinked, her face clearly less than thrilled.
“Sion… you’re okay with that, right?”
Sion nodded with a grim, serious face.
“Alright. We’ll return immediately and reexamine Lin’s condition.”
“Wait a minute! That feels a little extreme—!”
“Owww, my poor limbs…”
I rubbed my arms and legs dramatically, cranking the act up another level.
Under my bowed head, I smirked.
‘Perfect. First we casually get them living together (sort of), then slowly, slowly… build the relationship.’
But just then—
Between Sion and Genevia, as they hovered over me, I saw a group of people approaching from across the hall.
Like Moses parting the Red Sea, the crowd split in two to make way.
At the center of it all—was the Grand Duchess Priscilla.
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1 Comments
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE UPDATEEEEE
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