(EP-221.2) #1

221 – Discovery #1

Throughout the many hardships and trials I had endured, I felt a kind of boldness within me. An indomitable spirit was strongly stirred.

This crisis. It was pointing out that the desperation right now would be the perfect moment to break through the problem head-on.

“Then, grant me a month’s vacation at least.”

“… A vacation?”

“Yes. I heard that after the summer festival, Ark will go on vacation. During that vacation, I would like to take a month off.”

“Hmm….”

Seureureu-.

Aira folded her arms with narrowed eyes. It was an attitude that seemed to say, “Go on, continue.” Since things had come to this, I decided to declare my intentions like a man.

“To be honest, Aira-nim would have been in great trouble without me. The same is true of the coma incident that happened this time.”

“…….”

“So, wouldn’t it be fair that I get a reward?”

Aira opened her mouth like a cat that just ate ice cream. It seemed as though she was taken aback, as if she hadn’t expected me to say such a thing.

“Theo, this is the first time you have asked me for a reward. I thought you were a tree of no greed.”

“So, what does Queen Aira think?”

“Hnng….”

Aira made a long nasal sound.

Seuk.

Instead of answering, Aira reached her hand out. Her long white fingers were perfectly delicate. And they were extended for one reason.

I kissed her fingertips.

This concluded the contract.

For now, I was satisfied with stopping Aira’s interrogation and somehow calming the situation. I even got a vacation.

It wasn’t a bad performance.

Ding-.

At that moment, words floated before my eyes.

「Deceiving even oneself

Job : Actor 1+ Level

Actor Lv. 9 → Lv. 10

The distinction between truth and falsehood becomes meaningless.」

「Your job level has reached its limit! You have acquired a special benefit.」

「Talent 《Charisma》: Exerts overwhelming pressure on the opponent. The greater the difference with the opponent, the greater the effect.”

Actor just leveled up.

It was a good thing.

And I gained a new talent!

“Theo.”

“Yes, Aira-nim. Can I help you with anything else?”

I gauged her mood, wondering what else she wanted to talk about.

“Don’t you have questions for me? For instance, about the monster within me.”

Indeed.

I replied casually.

“Well, will you tell me the truth if I ask? And, I don’t remember a lot of the things from the dream.”

“Hmm, forgetfulness. It’s one of the blessings of being human. It’s better to forget if possible.”

I also wanted that, but what I saw then was quite intense. Rather, it felt clearer as time passed. However, I didn’t show any signs of it. It could lead to unnecessary misunderstandings.

Tuktuk-.

Aira patted my back.

“Then, let’s get going. As much as I’d like to stay here forever, there will be people looking for me.”

We started on our way back.

“Theo, let’s keep today’s conversation between us a secret.”

“Understood.”

* * *

━That performance was amazing. Did you see Queen Aira suddenly transform into a swarm of butterflies and fly away? I’ve never seen such magic before.

━The new song by the nymph choir was good too. Maybe because the royals were involved this year, but they allocated more budget-!

━It seems that the Bellhawk Association has poured a lot of money into it.

As we returned to the stadium, I could see satisfied faces and positive responses from the leaving crowd.

They would now head to the shops opening up for the night, indulging in plenty of drinks and laughter, and getting drunk.

“Hey, Aira. I was worried because you suddenly disappeared.”

At that moment, someone approached us among the passing spectators. Seeing the golden hair gleaming under the moonlight, I instantly knew who it was.

“Oh, Theo is here too. Did you finally wake up?”

“It’s been a while, Miss Elga.”

“Hm, right, it’s been a while. More importantly, Aira. Do you have any idea how surprised I was when you suddenly vanished, leaving behind a swarm of butterflies?”

Elga explained what happened after me and Aira left the stadium. Near the end of the event, Aira disappeared, scattering flower petals and butterflies into the air.

Upon hearing the story, Aira made a soft hmm and nodded.

“It seems that the maximum duration of the clone is about an hour. It needs to be improved a little more.”

As I thought, the Aira on stage was made from magic.

“Anyway, let’s enjoy the festival now. Mirna has rented out a whole spot on the hill. It’s a great place for some drinks.”

We also left the stands with the crowd.

At the base of a hill near the Platinum Dormitory, where a large armful tree sway gently in the breeze, torches and large campfires blazes brightly.

“You’re all late.”

Mirna blamed us for being late.

But, as was the nature of festivals, we gathered together, enjoying our time with meat, drinks, fruits, and snacks.

After all, the night was starting to deepen.

Edited by: faker