Chapter 115
“Wait, I was inviting you to my houseâŚ.”
“That sounds good too.”
Illein felt a unique thrill at the thought of Melias coming to her home for the first time.
“Well then, see you later.”
“Yes, Illein.”
With that, their conversation came to an end. Melias turned to leave, his steps light and cheerful. He felt as if he had offered comfort but ended up receiving it instead.
On the other hand, Edwinâs mood soured. As he listened to their exchange, a strange irritation bubbled up within him. He couldnât quite define this feeling, but it was undeniably unpleasant.
Turning away, Edwinâs expression hardened.
Sigh. He deliberately kept silent. If he was to open his mouth, it felt like Illein would notice his annoyance.
He simply gestured ahead with a subtle nod.
The tension in the air made Illeinâs earlier ease vanish. She wanted to explain herself to Edwin but decided against it.
Words escaped her, and she fell silent as they walked toward the rooftop.
An odd quiet settled between them.
Once they reached the rooftop, Illein cautiously laid down the cloth covering her lunchbox. With a flick of her wand, the cloth expanded, growing large enough for them both to sit comfortably.
Illein climbed onto the cloth and took a seat at one side. Edwin watched her for a moment before shaking his head slightly. The sight of them sitting directly on the ground felt lacking somehow.
Feeling a sense of responsibility, Edwin decided to take charge. With a wave of his wand, the cloth transformed before Illeinâs astonished eyes.
“No way!”
The cloth morphed into a table and two chairs, adorned with intricate patterns thanks to Edwinâs vast magical power.
Surprised, Illein couldn’t help but think that because it was Edwin.
Edwin, indifferent to her reaction, immediately cast a Silence spell to ensure their conversation remained private.
Illein felt slightly nervous. Why was he using the Silence spell?
Edwin plopped down onto the chair opposite her, exhaling heavily as he began to speak.
“Ha, whereâs Illein? Why are you here again?”
Illein had anticipated this question to some extent. There was no way heâd realize she was both Illein and Illenas. After all, legally, both were real people.
So, even while answering, Illein felt no confusion at all. Instead, she responded comfortably.
“My brother couldnât make it because of something.”
“Is he okay?”
“Of course. My parents are with him. In fact, Iâve often come in his place.”
Since she often spun tales, her excuses came easily.
“When was that?”
“Last time, because of the ring?”
“Anything else?”
“Not really, just today.”
Edwin sighed as he watched her dip a small fork into a green apple and spread peanut butter on it.
“How do you eat that?”
“It tastes good this way.”
Remembering the last time Illein offered it, when he had accidentally spilled the lunch, he accepted the treat this time without hesitation.
“Is that why you came here?”
“Isnât it? Am I not allowed to have lunch?”
“No, thatâs not it.”
“Then are you going to scold me? I might choke if Iâm being lectured while eating⌔
At Illeinâs playful words, Edwin had a confused face.
“Somehow, you seem more cunning than your brother.”
“Really? How can you say that? Iâm more like a gentle rabbit, and I donât think Iâm cunning at all.”
“Who said that?”
“Lord Damon said so. He thinks I look like a rabbit, just like my brother.”
As Edwin considered this, he had to admit she did have a rabbit-like quality. But that wasnât what mattered right now. He maintained a stern expression and replied,
“You. Iâm warning you, donât be so forward from now on.”
“Just take a bite and say that. If you donât eat what I offered, Iâll be too upset to listen.”
“âŚ.”
He frowned at her words but ultimately fell silent, taking a bite of the green apple. The crisp texture combined with the peanut butter created a surprisingly delightful flavor in his mouth.
“I was just really worried.”
“Still, donât do that. If people find out you were with me late at night, they might misunderstand.”
“What kind of misunderstanding? Do you think theyâll assume Iâm involved with you? Is learning Lightning magic a scandal? Or do they think Iâm just your puppet?”
“âŚYouâve been talking a lot more than you used to lately.”
