Chapter 176
“Is it okay for you to go with us?”
Illein asked Melias. While Class 1 was all going because Damon had set things up, Melias was different. He had joined simply because he was concerned about Illein.
“Yes, it’s fine.”.
However, he made no effort to emphasize this. He kept his tone calm and unchanged from usual.
It was a gesture of consideration for Illein. Illein too appreciated it.Â
Thanks to the potion, she didnât feel burdened by him, and spending time with him made her heart flutter. This allowed her to worry a little less about Edwin.
“By the way, Damon, is this really okay?”
With her mood lightened, Illein had the space to ask Damon a question she had wanted to ask earlier but hadnât had the chance to.
“Whatâs up?”
“Well, Iâm just wondering⌠if this could be seen as a political move.”
Despite being comfortable herself, she realized that Damonâs position was far from simple.
The weight of Duchy Candelariaâs name was second only to the imperial family in the empire.
So, Illein had started to worry about Damon stepping in after all.
“Whatâs the big deal? And both factions are mixed in, so it looks just right for being neutral. Itâs fine.”
Damon said casually, walking over to sit next to her, then ruffling her hair.
“Were you worried about that?”
“Ah! Yes.”Â
“You’re cute.”Â
Damon said, openly showing affection toward Illein, and just then, Melias sat down next to her with a frown.Â
Illein found herself squeezed between the two men, suddenly feeling cramped.
The carriage wasnât actually small, but now, with two men much larger than most knights sitting next to her, their shoulders were pressed together.
Illein didnât know how to react to this awkward situation. Her heart was with Melias, but logically, she just wanted both of them to get away.
Yet, exhausted from their silent rivalry, she couldnât say anything. She just hoped the carriage would reach its destination soon.
At the same time, she couldn’t understand why they were behaving this way. Why were they acting like children over something as trivial as the space next to her?
After a long, suffocating stretch of time, the carriage began to slow down. It felt like far more time had passed than it actually had.
Creak!
Finally, the carriage stopped, and Illein quickly maneuvered herself out from between the two.
Without looking back, Illein rushed out. She wanted to get out quickly.
“Illein!”
“…Illein.”
Both Damon and Melias quickly called her name, startled by her sudden action. In the midst of their silent competition, they had momentarily forgotten about Illein’s presence.
As Illein fled with her face flushed with embarrassment, they finally realized what they had missed and were unable to hide their confusion.
Melias even felt a wave of self-reproach. He couldnât believe he had forgotten to show consideration for Illein because of such childish behavior. He found himself feeling pathetic and wanted to apologize immediately.
But he couldnât.
Illein, standing outside the carriage, looked as if she was about to rush off, anxiously waiting for them.
“Letâs hurry to Edwin.”
And so, they followed her wordlessly. But Melias couldn’t shake off the strange feeling of disappointment. It bothered him that she was concerned about another man rather than him.
Melias soon brushed off the unpleasant feelings he’d had. Illeinâs childlike reaction after entering the palace made him smile without meaning to.
“Wow!”
She was in awe of the palaceâs grandeur and was continuously expressing her amazement.Â
Unlike the other students in the first year, Illein didnât have a palace pass. In fact, as a fallen noble, she didnât even know that such things existed. So, when she came, she had been quite nervous.
Even though Damon had assured her everything would be fine, she couldnât relax completely. But her worries were unfounded.
Somehow, Melias had already registered Illein as his assistant and secured a temporary permit for her.
Damon, seeing this, couldnât hide his disappointment. He had planned to do that himself but had been beaten to the punch.
Illein was grateful for Meliasâs meticulous attention to detail. His thoughtfulness made her smile, and when he saw her expression, the earlier unpleasant feelings vanished completely.
However, as they entered the palace, Melias couldnât help but frown slightly. Despite its grandeur, the palace seemed outdated to his keen eye, and he didnât quite feel at home.
Damon shared the same sentiment.Â
But neither of them showed their displeasure, especially since Illein was so delighted, constantly admiring everything she saw.
Having been to the palace many times before, Damon and Melias guided Illein to their destination without hesitation.
