Kays Translations

Chapter 28: Two Years

Celia and I went to the dungeon almost every day after that. There were times when I went into the dungeon alone if Celia couldn’t come.

Our progress in clearing the dungeon continued rapidly, and we grew stronger and earned more and more money.

We had earned enough that it wouldn’t be a problem even if we were forced to leave the house.

However, since then, there has been no word from Arthur.

On the contrary, Arthur, Benedicta, and Edgar moved to a villa outside the territory, seemingly to avoid me.

Even I, who am usually dense, can tell I’m being avoided with such actions.

I can’t help but think that it’s a bit much. I’m someone who can understand things, you know?

Well, it’s fine since they’re already gone.

Even with Arthur and the others gone, Celia’s and my life hasn’t changed. We continued to delve into the dungeon every day.

With Ifrit gone, the revival of the evil god in this world seems inevitable. What will happen then is unknown. Celia might be with the game’s protagonist as in the game, or she might stay with me.

But it’s better to be strong in a world where the evil god is revived and the movements of monsters become more active.

With that in mind, I focused on strengthening Celia.

These days continued for two years.

“Hm…”

In my room in the marquis’s mansion, I was looking at a single letter.

It’s an admission letter to the Royal Magic Academy.

The time has finally come.

It’s the start of the game. By now, the game’s protagonist is probably reading this letter too.

Game protagonist, I won’t lose to you!

“Leonhart-sama, the tea is ready.”

“Alright. What’s the snack for today?”

“We have strawberry tart, mille-feuille, and chiffon cake.”

“That sounds delicious!”

I moved from the desk to the sofa as Celia arranged the cakes on the table. They all looked delicious. The strawberries on the tart were shiny and looked incredibly appetizing.

“What would you like to start with?”

“Hmmm. I think I’ll go with the chiffon cake.”

“Understood. What would you like for the side?”

“Whipped cream and rumtopf!”

“Very well.”

I absolutely love rumtopf. It’s a mix of seasonal fruits soaked in rum, and as someone who adores rum raisins, it’s a huge hit for me. When paired with whipped cream, it creates a taste that is nothing short of sublime.

“Here you go, Leonhart-sama.”

“Thank you, Celia. Now, please sit down and join me. Let’s eat together.”

“Yes. Excuse me.”

Celia sat on the opposite sofa, and I piled whipped cream and rumtopf onto the chiffon cake and took a big bite.

“It’s so good…”

The taste is so delightful that it sends chills down my spine. I feel an irresistible urge to flail my arms and legs to express my excitement.

Well, I won’t do that since it looks childish.

Celia was preparing her chiffon cake with strawberry jam and whipped cream on the opposite seat. Even though Celia often shares cakes with me, she remains slim. It’s enviable. Though, given the difference in how much we eat, it’s to be expected.

Celia, tucking her silver hair behind her ear with one hand, took a small bite of the chiffon cake. I was captivated by her casual, graceful actions.

Maybe because she was once royalty, Celia’s movements are elegant. It makes my heart race.

“It’s delicious, Leonhart-sama. The chef from the Clarvain’s Marquis family is amazing.”

“Y-yeah, it is.”

I tried to mask my nervousness by stuffing my mouth with chiffon cake.

“Celia, I need to talk to you about something.”

Afterward, having eaten most of the cake and drinking tea, I brought up the topic to Celia.

“Yes. What is it?”

“Well, um…”

I want to take Celia to the academy with me.

But I’m scared to bring it up.

That’s because, according to the game’s storyline, Celia might go to the protagonist instead.

I looked down at my protruding belly.

I’m overweight, and I’m just a background character who only serves to highlight the protagonist.

If you were to ask anyone whether I or the game’s protagonist is cooler, all ten out of ten would choose the protagonist. I have no charm as a man.

Honestly, I even considered not taking Celia to the academy.

But that would be taking away Celia’s choice.

I don’t want to do that. It’s scary. But I don’t want to take away her options.

I have to admit, I have a troublesome personality…

Besides, I can’t leave Celia where I can’t keep an eye on her.

“Celia, I’ve decided to enroll in the magic academy in the capital. Will you come with me?”

“Is it alright for me to go? Camilla is also available…”

“I want you to come, Celia.”

Celia blinked in surprise at my words, then smiled.

“Understood.”

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