Chapter 73


    Ian


    The room was dimly lit, with the curtains half-drawn.


    Lina, wrapped in disheveled sleepwear and a thin ck handkerchief loosely tied around her neck,y motionless on the bed.


    For those who knew Linas usually vibrant self, this sight would be astonishing.


    Lina was well aware of how pathetic she must appear.


    But by now, any rational judgment regarding Ian had dulled, yet she couldnt bring herself to let go.


    Just once. Just apologize properly once, and then I can


    She wished he could hold her tight like that again.


    Truth be told, Linas judgment was clouded at this point.


    Obsession with someone only deepens the more one indulges in it.


    Since she regained her senses, Lina had been wearing the ck handkerchief Ian gave her around her neck, tightening it whenever she felt anxious.


    At every opportunity, she would secretly approach him, stealing nces unnoticed.


    The sight of him with Danya, Silvia, or, more recently, the Princess made her feet tingle, but there was a reason she couldnt approach him.


    I need to know my ce


    Lina was aware of how much trouble she had caused Ian. She even rejected him when he brought lunch. It was foolish, incredibly foolish.


    At that time, she happily rejected him, and now she was fixated on him. In terms of wisdom, wasnt she at the level of a worm or a snail?


    Surely, Ian thinks the same


    If Ian viewed her the way she viewed him, then she was like a snail. So, she decided to be careful not to harm Ian. Just observing from a distance should be satisfying enough.


    Thats how she resolved.


    But Ian, snails arent that clever


    She kept imagining herself as a snail.


    Apologizing to Ian and seeking forgiveness  the image of Lina herself. Ian punishing Linas soul. So, so diligently serving him to wash away her sins


    Lets go down to my hometown together


    They would descend to her hometown located in a beautiful area in the Grand Forest. Introduce Ian to her siblings, take walks basking in the sunlight beyond therge trees. Wake up early and share a lunch made from fresh fruits and vegetables,ughing happily Those images kepting to mind.


    Its truly an absurd thought


    When she thought about Ian, she found herself immersed in such fantasies before she knew it. In fact, this was considered an improvement.


    She was of no help to Ian at the disciplinarymittee, and until she got a chance to talk to him once it was pure hell.


    It might be better to indulge in such flower-filled fantasies in her mind.


    What an shameless imagination I have. Get a grip on yourself.


    Such daydreams were better suited for after Ian epted her apology.


    Lying down with her face buried in the pillow, Lina heard the Kirtos Terminal notification.


    Please, let there be more posts rted to Ian!


    The only ce where Lina could findfort was the Kirtos Network bulletin board. Thanks to the constant influx of posts about Ian after the grading event, it helped fill the Ian void in her deprived heart a little.


    She found joy in reading the posts and leavingments, feeling like she was helping Ian in some way.


    Tap, tap, tap.


    However, that joy was short-lived.


    No new posts.


    Ah


    Linas face darkened rapidly.


    Just as she was about to lose hope, an rm sounded on her terminal.


    [Kirtalk!]


    [Message from Ian ckangers has arrived.]


    I-Ian?! Ouch!


    Thud.


    Her forehead and nose hit the fallen Kirtos terminal.


    Suppressing the pain with a few strokes, Lina quickly opened the Kirtalk.


    [Ian]: Theres something I want to check. Can youe to this cafe?


    [Lina]: Yeah. Yeah. Ill be right there! Thanks!!


    It had to be a confirmation.


    Whether Im a v*rgin or not


    Lina took down her pajama top for no reason.


    He even asked me directlyst time.


    Are you asking because you like women like that?


    Lina has heard that there are many men who are obsessed with the chastity of their partner.


    Could it be Ian was interested in her romantically?


    Linas ears turned red.


    W-Well, of course not.


    Thump, thump.


    Regardless, the fact that Ian wants to talk to her made her heart beat wildly.


    Lina rushed straight to her wardrobe.


    Choosing the outfit was easy.


    The problem was the underwear.


    Uh, maybe something modest is better?


    But if she wore something like this, wouldnt it make her look too childish?


    She didnt want to miss the chance she had worked so hard to get.


    Thud, thud, thud.


    Linas heart raced as if it was about to burst.


    Not bad for a growth trend.


    No matter how you look at it, its a bit intimidating, right?


    No. Its actually quite good.


    While waiting for Lina, Ian checked his condition.


    Finally, the utilization of Transformation had be quite proficient.


    Even with lower- to mid-grade materials slightlycking, he could easily transform them into simple shapes like shields.


    For higher-grade materials like Lunar, assuming they stick to the body, he could freely transform them into shapes like gauntlets.


    Moreover.


    Once he transformed Lunar covered over his fist into a gauntlet shape.


    Swish.


    After that, he could even transform it into a dagger-like point.


    In appearance, it looked as if a dagger was extending from the back of his hand.


    It can be used quite flexibly as a variable.


    Ian was satisfied as he released Transformation.


    Even though it was a private room where privacy was guaranteed, someone might be surprised if they saw it unexpectedly.


    Ugh! I-Ian! Ah, hello!


    Just like someone who conveyed a surprised voice, Ian wanted to calm her down. Relieved to hear a familiar voice, he turned his head, and sure enough, it was Lina.


    The white blouse she wore contrasted nicely with the ck choker, and the neat yet slightly flowing long skirt subtly highlighted her figure.


    In a moment of trying to calm down the somewhat frightened girl.


    Ah-uh! N-No, I mean, its not that Im scared, I just, just got startled, you know? I know Ian, youre a good person!


    Lina poured out words as if she was sorry for being surprised.


    Then she seemed to be embarrassed by the words she spat out.


    N-No! Good person doesnt mean like, foolishly kind. Handsome? Yeah! Handsome.


    What on earth did she want to talk about?


    For some reason,tely, Lina seemed to be in a hurry every time they met.


    Its okay, just sit down and have some water.


    Uh, okay.


    For the drink, would herbal tea be okay since you seem a bit tense?


    Seeing that Ian thought she needed to calm down a bit, he ordered herbal tea.


    Y-Yes! Uh, thank you!


    Bowing her head as if greeting, Lina sat still, staring at the table.


    Ian was momentarily surprised, but since it had turned out this way, he carefully observed Lina.


    Come to think of it, this calm face-to-face encounter with Lina was the first time since the Blue Mushroom incident.


    They did meet before the disciplinarymittee, but Lina was so excited, pouring out words, and it was the day before the disciplinarymittee, so it wasnt that noticeable.


    Since then, Lina has been acting as if her self-esteem has dropped significantly.


    Anyway, she seems to have a lot she wants to talk about.


    Ian nced at the clock.


    Considering the circumstances, the important preparations would likely be made by the princess. There probably wouldnt be anything more important to doter.


    If Lina can be put to good use, she will undoubtedly be quite helpful during this Northern expedition


    Should I listen to her story a bit?


    As soon as Ian made that decision


    Lina, clenching her fist as if making a pledge, raised her head.


    I-I, well! I wont ramble likest time, and Ill speak properly now! Uhm, I practiced a lot at home. So, 15 minutes should be enough! I-If its convenient for Ian, that is.


    Yeah.


    T-Thank you!


    Linas eyes sparkled brightly.


    Like a person who, after wandering through a mountain path, discovers light, Linas eyes were filled with hopeful anticipation.


    So, what is it that you want to say?


    W-Wait a moment!


    With deep breaths, Lina, with closed eyes, took two breaths and then opened her mouth.


    During this time, Ive thought a lot about you. Your actions, the asional words of encouragement, the confession you made to me before, and the way you looked at me coldly and warned me after that. All of that.


    Though there seemed to be a slight misunderstanding, Ian nodded once.


    So, Ivee to this conclusion. The incident where you fell from the rooftop and left a note. I think someone framed you for that. Misunderstandings about you started from there.


    So, thats why you helped me at the disciplinarymittee.


    Yeah! What I said at that time was all sincere! So, I want to say this for sure


    Lina, with a subtle smile, struggled to open her mouth.


    Sorry.


    With a once-trembling mouth, Lina continued her words.


    Im sorry for not firmly rejecting your confession when you needed my help because I was thirsty for assistance. Im sorry for seeing you, who treated me kindly, as somewhat trivial. And Im sorry for feeling jealous when you suddenly changed and started doing well. I couldnt handle those emotions properly, and in the end, I attacked you using the power of the Blue Mushroom. I  was wrong.


    Thud.


    Tears poured from Linas eyes.


    Despite closing her eyes and wiping away the tears, she spoke again.


    Youve taken care of me, and afterward, youve looked at me with a calm gaze. So, in the end, I gained courage. I wanted to break free from the mold of being the kind Lina who had to live like a fool. So, Ian, youre my savior. Im the fool who betrayed my savior. So, if, if someday


    Sob, hup-


    Even as tears were swallowed, and emotions burst out, Lina desperately opened her mouth.


    If you ever feel like it, um, someday, I hope youll punish me. Insult me, hit me whatever it is, since I was the one who was wrong. So, please, just dont treat me like I dont exist.


    With tightly closed eyes, Lina bowed her head.


    As she stopped speaking, the surroundings became eerily quiet.


    The warm yellow light gently illuminated the surroundings, and the subtle scent of herbs calmly settled the air.


    Drip, drop.


    In the midst of this, the sound of falling water droplets began, starting from Linas eyes and trickling down her back of the hand.


    Ian silently looked at Lina.


    Thump.


    Like waiting for a verdict, Linas hand, clenched into a fist, trembled.