Chapter 53: Chapter 53 – Extra: The Melancholy of a Young Lady (1)
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"My goodness…is that really true?"
"…Yes. I was dubious when I first felt it, but as I watched the power grow stronger, I became convinced. When I look at flowers, butterflies land on my fingers. When I walk in the forest, deer and rabbits gather around me. Every morning, sparrows gather outside my window and chirp. When I put my feet in the lake, dozens of colorful fish gather around and tickle my toes. I think it's probably an ability."
"My goodness, my goodness."
In a late afternoon, in the principal's office at the top of the western tower, two women sat facing each other, engrossed in conversation. Though they appeared to be of similar age, for some reason, one spoke with the utmost respect, while the other maintained a casual tone.
"It is truly the blessing of the empire and your family. It seems that Robinette's ability is 'the tamer.' The powerful force that had been dormant for a while has finally come back to your line. It's really good, right? Congratulations, child."
"But the last time such ability manifested in my family was so long ago. The last user was Lady Hildegard, the younger sister of the fifth generation head, so all the related knowledge and how to handle it have been lost. In fact, that's why I came to see you, Miss Evangeline. I don't know why my ability manifested in my generation."
"Don't be too frightened. That's how abilities work. The inherent factor is always present in the bloodline of the lineage through which the power is passed down. When it receives a certain stimulus, it awakens on its own and evolves its capabilities. There's nothing strange about it, and there's no need to be overly concerned."
"Um… when you say it's a certain stimulus…?"
"Well…there are still opinions, but it is currently the most plausible hypothesis that the incidence rate is highest when the stimulus is mental, especially when it is a very strong pain and sadness that is felt continuously. Iris, are you…no, I'm sorry. I was wrong…?"
"…No…"
As soon as the principal's mouth uttered the words "pain and sadness," the expression on Iris's face, who was sitting across from her, began to darken noticeably.
The pain and sorrow that Iris currently carries, intertwined with Edwin, were undoubtedly something Evangeline was well aware of, and she accidentally brought it up.
Evangeline cleared her throat a few times and tried to change the subject to turn the atmosphere, "…Cough, cough. Anyway, as I said before, don't be too frightened. Once you have awakened your ability, you will naturally learn the power and use of it without anyone telling you. It seems that the power is running wild in the early stages of manifestation, but it will soon stabilize in the near future. So, just wait calmly, and if anything happens, let's talk about it then. Okay?"
"…Yes…"
However, despite Evangeline's attempts, Iris was still exuding a gloomy atmosphere. Evangeline desperately searched for another way, and finally found one topic that Iris might like.
"…Cough, cough. By the way, how are you doing these days? I heard that you are teaching a child named Eugene various cultural aspects."
"…Yes."
When the principal mentioned Eugene, Iris's expression slightly brightened with a hint of a smile. The principal inwardly sighed deeply, trying not to reveal Iris's reaction.
"…He's a very good person. He is also very intelligent. He absorbs the knowledge I teach him as soon as I teach it, so I think he might be able to move up to a higher level in the next class promotion."
"Yes, yes. I'm grateful for your hard work in taking on the work of the professors. As the principal of this academy, I am very grateful for your help. I wonder how a child like you came to our academy. Please continue to treat others without prejudice in the future."
"…Don't worry, Miss Evangeline. But I'm sorry, but I have an appointment later…"
"Ah, yes. I must have kept the busy child too long. Go ahead. And the door to the principal's office is always open, so if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to come and see me. I will also tell you the stories of you guys from time to time."
"…I understand. Then I will take my leave. Have a good evening…"
Iris bowed to the principal as a sign of courtesy and, keeping her posture, exited the office. The door closed with a thud, and the sound of footsteps descending the stone staircase followed.
Evangeline, having sat for a moment, suddenly stretched out her limbs, letting out a sigh and sprawling on the sofa in the room.
"Good grief… getting old makes your mouth run wild…"
* * * * *
After leaving the principal's office, Iris wandered aimlessly, feeling unsettled.
While she had lied about having other commitments to excuse herself from the counseling session, her mental state had not been right from the start, making it impossible to continue the conversation.
She had somewhat relieved her worries about her ability that had been bothering her for the past few days, but her heart was still not at peace and was swaying in confusion.
And the reason, needless to say, was her ex-fiancé, Edwin Reed.
"Edwin…"
The image from the garden a few days ago was still vivid in Iris's mind. The shock was profound. Edwin, the arrogant man who considered himself the best in the world, was kneeling, hands clasped in supplication. And to a commoner girl, someone Iris had never particularly despised…?
Even more absurd was the girl's words after that.
What?
Do you like hugging so much?
The moment she heard those words, Iris doubted her ears, and from the reaction, it seemed that Edwin also did not expect that situation at all.
And it seemed that she was embarrassed to bring up the subject she had mentioned, so the girl bowed her head deeply again and fell silent.
Her face, not just her cheeks but even her ears, turned crimson enough to be visible even where Iris was.
A while later, the student regained composure, helped Edwin up, and the two left. But Iris remained frozen in place.
There's something… there's definitely something.
It doesn't make sense to kneel down and beg a girl who was said to be forced to drag around, and it is also impossible for a normal person to say something like 'Do you like hugging?'
Even more bizarre was what happened next.
After helping Edwin up, as the girl reached a path where people were passing by, she started looking around nervously. And then, she pressed herself close to Edwin's back with her head bowed, and she re-enacted the usual image of being dragged around by force that people saw.
Although Iris was relatively ignorant about matters between men and women compared to her peers, she is not that insensitive.
She had a hunch.
There must be something more that was not revealed on the surface.
* * * * *
"Still… when I see…"
"…I don't know…Edwin…stupid…"
Lost in her thoughts, Iris walked on endlessly, and in the distance, a voice that seemed strangely familiar echoed in her ears. Unconsciously, Iris hid behind a tree.
Peeking out slightly to where the voice was coming from, she saw Edwin and the girl walking together. As Edwin looked around and said something to the student, she puffed her cheeks and made a sulky expression. Then, resigned, she turned around and walked behind Edwin, bowing her head again and adjusting her pace.
Iris's heart pounded with fear that Edwin might see her when he looked around, but luckily, it was getting dark and the trees were thick enough to block her view.
There was absolutely no reason to hide, but if they were to meet in such a situation, it would be quite awkward to address the ongoing thoughts about Edwin.
The girl, as if determined, pinched Edwin's elbow as they walked. Edwin awkwardly shook his head, but eventually seemed to resign himself to letting the student continue.
The two of them left the academy through the main gate, and Iris sat down on the ground behind the tree and thought for a moment.
What on earth is the relationship between the two?
It seemed that if she couldn't solve her current curiosity, she would be constantly tormented by the thoughts of Edwin that kept popping into her head.
But how… But I can't follow them all the time…
—CHIRP!!!
Suddenly, she heard a bird chirping and looked up to see several birds sitting on a branch over her head; her ability had leaked out again, and animals seemed to be drawn to her regardless of her will.
A bird leaped down, landed lightly on Iris' finger, and met her gaze.
She stroked the bird's head lightly, then suddenly stood up as if she had thought of something.
Wait a minute…
An idea flashed through her mind for an instant.
If it had been the usual Iris, who was always dignified and polite to everyone, always keeping her line and displaying the dignity of an aristocrat, she would have scolded herself for even thinking of such a thing, but unfortunately, she didn't have that much peace of mind at the moment.
I have to find a way to confirm their true relationship, even if I have to resort to some method.
Only then can I move forward.
After closing her eyes briefly and taking a deep breath, she opened her eyes and looked at the birds perched on the branches.
"I have to confirm… just confirming…"
The birds, not knowing what she was thinking, just stared at her with innocent eyes.
—— End of chapter —–
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