(EP-144.2) #4

144 – Pincer #4

“…….”

Aira had been silent for a while after listening to my words.

I couldn’t help but wonder what she was thinking.

Aira just looked at the butterfly perched on her slender fingertip with languid eyes.

It was a beautifully patterned orange butterfly…

Seureuk.

As Aira waved her hand, the butterfly flew out the window. But it got caught up in the spiderweb on the window.

Seureuk, seureukseureuk.

As I watched a colorful spider approach the butterfly with its thin legs, a slight uneasiness arose.

To dispel that feeling, I spoke up.

“For that reason, it might be better to spend time on Sunday rather than this Saturday. They say it might rain again on Saturday.”

“… Rain.”

Aira’s eyes were fixed on the butterfly that was entangled in the web. The butterfly’s life, reflected in her black eyes, was now as delicate as a candle in the wind.

“Rain… The last time we got caught in the rain my shoes got wet and covered in mud. It wasn’t a pleasant experience.”

Aira was referring to when we explored the dungeon together. The unexpected rain at that time really disrupted us.

It was messy in many ways. And it seemed that Aira also did not have a very fond memory of that time.

Taking this opportunity, I pressed on.

“So, it might be better to reschedule the activity for a day with good weather. It is my job to choose the appropriate time and day, so perhaps we should reconsider….”

“Hmm….”

Aira thought about it for a moment. The image of a spider slowly stretching its front legs towards the butterfly was reflected in her eyes.

But then.

Flap, flap.

The struggling butterfly managed to break free from the spiderweb and flew away into the open sky.

━Hioong….

Thanks to this, the small spider made a wistful sound, probably feeling regretful that it might have to starve for today. The recent escape was a fortune for the butterfly, but a tragedy for the spider.

At this moment, Aira opened her mouth.

“Okay. Then let’s reschedule my plans for a day with good weather.”

“A wise decision, my lady.”

I nodded and let out a sigh of relief. I wondered if the butterfly that escaped from the spiderweb felt the same way?

“So, Theo…”

“Yes, does the Queen have more to say?”

“Is there any progress in finding the survivor of the Angmar Family?”

“That…, it may take a little more time.”

“How odd~. Back in the kingdom, something like this would have been resolved in a matter of days… Are you unable to see the future?”

Aira’s question brought back memories of the times I lied about seeing the future in order to survive.

Indeed, back then, I could confidently predict the future and handle things smoothly. But now, with events deviating greatly from the novel’s story, all I could see was a vast darkness.

“I apologize.”

“I see… Well, go on, then.”

She didn’t seem pleased.

I kept my head down and retreated back, leaving Aira’s room. But just before the door closed, Aira opened her mouth as if she remembered something.

“Ah, if you are going downtown, get me some books.”

“Books?”

I looked at the books and scrolls lying around Aira’s room. Aira was consuming everything she could get her hands on, as if it was a type of addiction.

This was definitely better than causing trouble outside, but I was also worried about why she turned to reading so many books.

She’d become almost too quiet. It felt like she was up to something.

Hiding my uneasiness, I asked.

“Does the Queen have any preference on the book?”

“I’d prefer newly published ones. The books in the library are mostly old and worn-out. I’ll leave the choice of genre and type to you.”

“Understood.”

After saying that, I turned to leave.

But…

How did she know that I was going to the city?

Did Elga tell her?

Perhaps she just guessed. After all, many people from Ark went to Gracia on weekends.

━Hey…!

I turned my head to the sound of someone calling me.

━Right here…!

Elga, who had left her room slightly ajar, stuck her face out into the corridor and signaled me over.

I pretended to pass by and stood in front of her room. Then, Elga asked through the crack in the door.

“Did you tell Aira? How did it go?”

“Fortunately, I have time over the weekend. But, did you tell Aira that we’re going out to the city?”

“No. What did she say?”

“Well, it’s nothing special. She just asked me to buy books if I’m going to the city.”

“Books? She’s been reading a lot lately. Even when I asked her to go for a walk with me, she would refuse, saying she wanted to read books. Anyway, don’t be late and meet me tomorrow morning. Got it?”

“Then, see you tomorrow.”

Giik, Julkeok.

Elga closed the door.

In the end, I was left alone in the lavish dormitory hallway. I had to go to the city with Elga tomorrow.

The last time I took a stroll with Elga, we met with Mirna and they ended up having a duel. It was not a good omen, but I got an errand from Aira anyway.

In the meantime, I’d need to convince Elga to help me with conquering Mirna.

The next day soon came.

Saturday morning.

I woke up early in the morning and ran around the campus. After a few days of intense exercise, I’d become fairly used to it, and my stamina had noticeably increased.

I wondered if the special stamina enhancer concoction that Elga had been giving me provided an effect. I could feel myself getting better, and I was starting to enjoy exercise.

As I wandered around the campus, someone suddenly called out.

“Oh my, who do we have here? It’s Theo-nim.”

It was Kalira in a white gown. It looked like she was on her way to work.

I warmly greeted her.

“Isn’t it the weekend? I thought you were resting.”

“I’m on duty today. What about Theo-nim?”

“Well, uh, just exercising. How have you been lately?”

We took the opportunity of our rare encounter to catch up on each other’s end. Though, the only news I got from Kalira was that the Hunter’s party had been quiet recently, not engaging in much activity.

Why had they suddenly become so quiet? Were they taking a break?

“Then-.”

I was about to say something when someone in the distance approached us, waving and calling out, “Hey, why are you out so early?”

It was Elga.

Thought, there were still about 30 minutes left until the agreed-upon time.

Elga’s eyes narrowed as she looked at Kalira talking to me.

“… Who’s she?”