(EP-148.1) Aspect #1

148 – New Aspect #1

Huu.

I took a moment to catch my breath.

Giiik.

When I opened the door, I could see a composed Mirna, wearing a cardigan over her school uniform.

“What brings Mirna-nim over?”

I acted as if I didn’t know anything. I had a feeling Mirna might have a reason for coming to my room at this late hour.

But what I was concerned about was the closet behind me…

After all, Elga was hiding there.

“Can I come in?”

Mirna took off her cardigan and handed it to me.

She probably wanted me to hang it. And although she was asking if it was okay to enter, her actions suggested she was already planning to come in.

In this situation, saying “No, you can’t” would only raise unnecessary suspicions from Mirna. Sensing my hesitation, Mirna added a few words to explain herself.

“I know it’s late, but I just want to briefly talk.”

“Please, come in.”

“Pardon my intrusion.”

I stepped aside and guided Mirna into the room.

The soft glow of the lanterns dimly lit the room. Mirna was looking around, seemingly enjoying the cozy ambience.

“It’s the first time I’ve entered a man’s room.”

“Really?”

As far as I knew, not too long ago, Mirna had boldly entered my room and discovered Professor Stella’s stockings.

It seemed that she had conveniently forgotten that little incident.

But perhaps she could read my thoughts, as Mirna remarked.

“Of course, I mean entering officially with an invitation.”

“I see.”

“It feels different from when I saw it during the day. And not like what I had imagined. The room is well kept, and it smells nice—.”

Mirna’s impressions of my room seemed to be generally positive.

Fortunately, the scented candle was masking Elga’s perfume.

Seureuk.

Mirna then sat down on the bed.

Just as I opened the fridge and was about to offer her some water, I noticed that Elga filled it with beer, and I stopped in my tracks.

If Mirna were to ask, “What’s this? You drink alcohol?” I’d find it difficult to answer.

“I apologize, Lady Mirna. There’s nothing I can offer since it’s very late.”

“It’s fine, it’s only a short chat. I’ll be taking my leave after that. Now, Theo Gospel, I would feel bad for taking up your time any longer, so I’ll ask straightforwardly.”

“Yes, My Lady.”

“What do you think about what happened earlier today?”

“… Um, what exactly do you mean by ‘what do you think’?”

“I’m asking about Lady Lioness’ trivial provocation. She’s trying to meddle between us now. Do you have any idea what she’s up to?”

At Mirna’s question, I was very concerned about the gap in the slightly open closet door.

Though the room was dimly lit, I was certain that within the darkness, Elga’s blue eyes were fixed on us, like a predator hiding in the bushes.

A lion stalking two deers in the field.

With Elga’s presence, I had to be careful with my answers.

“I honestly have no idea. I don’t know why she’s suddenly doing this….”

“Is that so?”

“Yes.”

“Then it sounds like it’s just that Lioness’ recklessness. As expected, she’s attacking the Draco Family.”

“The Draco Family?”

“I think she’s just using you as an excuse, Theo Gospel. Although that arrogant Lioness is ignorant and shameless, and I wouldn’t be surprised if she does something so low, it makes no sense for her to just suddenly target a former slave.”

“That….”

From Mirna’s perspective, it made a lot of sense.

If I had grown up as a noble scion, my interest would probably only include meeting princes or princesses, not some Half-Fairy, who was a slave.

“That makes a lot of sense, Mirna-nim.”

“However, Theo Gospel, if you are the fiancé of I, Mirna Draco, then the story changes. That wicked woman just wants to snatch what’s mine and provoke me!”

“Um…. I see.”

While listening to Mirna’s words, I maintained a similar level of attention to the closet behind me. Mirna had no idea that Elga was listening to this conversation.

If Mirna said more negative things about Elga, their relationship might deteriorate to the worst.

I felt that I needed to handle this situation somehow before their relationship dipped any further.

However, if we talked outside, Elga hiding in the closet might come out and interrogate me for things like, “What did you two talk about outside!?”

I just couldn’t think of a good solution.

As I was racking my brain, Mirna asked.

“So, Theo Gospel, what do you think about Lady Lioness?”

“About Elga-nim?”

Seureuk.

Then I heard some movement in the closet. Obviously, it was Elga.

I had a gut feeling that I had fallen into some sort of trap.

In front of me was Mirna, and behind me was Elga.

I found myself sandwiched in the center of two titans, like a squirrel caught in the fight between a giant dragon and a lion, waiting to be torn apart.

While giving Mirna a response that would please her, I also had to give an answer that would satisfy Elga.

“Elga-nim does have a somewhat aggressive and uncontrollable side, making her appear arrogant and violent. But….”

Mirna’s expression seemed somewhat satisfied. However, I could sense some dissatisfaction coming from the piercing gaze behind me.

“She has a certain pull towards her, a charm some would say. She’s still an attractive woman.”

Seureureuk.

The gaze from the closet seemed to soften a bit.

However, it was Mirna that was now dissatisfied with my answer.

“How could someone find charm in such a wild woman? I can’t understand it at all. Between me and Lady Lioness, looking at both of us, you would undoubtedly choose me, right?”

“That is-.”

Should I nod my head in agreement since I was in front of Mirna?

I hesitated for a moment.

But that moment of hesitation seemed to displease Mirna greatly.