Come and Cry at My Funeral - Chapter 120
“Hmm.”
Signs or phenomena. Wondering if there was anything significant, Freesia cautiously spoke up.
“Actually, on the way here, there was a monster attack, and then something strange happened….”
“What do you mean by strange?”
“The monster was approaching where my maid and I were, but then it suddenly retreated.”
“What?”
“It might just be my imagination….”
Suddenly, Freesia’s cheeks flushed deeply. It felt too narcissistic to say it out loud.
‘The monster retreated because of me? It would be more believable to say I’m of imperial descent. How embarrassing.’
However, since she had started speaking, she decided to finish.
“It was about to attack us, but then it hesitated strangely and ran away.”
Albireo’s expression became serious.
“You and the maid were the only ones present?”
“Oh, yes.”
“…And the monster appeared.”
“Yes. Fortunately, it retreated, but… I don’t know why.”
“…….”
Albireo had an ominous look on his face.
On the other hand, Viela’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
“Great! Then I can check it for you briefly right here.”
“Oh, but…”
“It doesn’t hurt, and it’ll be really quick!”
Though curious, Freesia felt uneasy, so Albireo whispered softly enough for only her to hear.
“She’s buried in her own world and this library, so you don’t have to worry about rumors spreading in the social circles.”
“Thank you.”
At that moment, someone cleared their throat loudly.
…Of all things, Van, who had been following at a distance, coughed while looking at Freesia.
But with Viela being as excited as she was, she started rummaging through her wrist pouch, causing a commotion.
After searching for a while, she pulled out a large pendant set with a round opal-like gemstone.
“Here! Please hold this for a moment!”
“…?”
Freesia grabbed the pendant with one hand in confusion.
Wasn’t it a bit absurd for a fully grown adult to be standing and doing something like this…?
However, at some point, the stone she thought was opal turned completely transparent. Seeing this, Viela suppressed her excitement and whispered.
“Oh my goodness!”
“…?”
“Purification! It seems you have purification abilities, Madam!”
Freesia was bewildered, not understanding, while Viela, still excited, clasped the hand holding the pendant.
“No wonder…! That explains why the monster retreated!”
“What?”
“In the temple, monsters are interpreted as warnings sent by God to humans. But the academy has a slightly different interpretation!”
“How is it different?”
“Some believe that monsters are manifestations of human malice…! In this case, it’s not Adamant’s punishment but rather the monsters are—”
“Lady Alpheratz, enough.”
Albireo quickly warned.
Though the knights and servants kept their distance, they had to be cautious.
Even though imperial and religious powers were in balance, interpretations deviating from temple doctrines could be risky.
Especially since Riegel himself, though hiding it well for now, was already preparing to oppose the temple.
A storm might come someday, but there was no need to get involved prematurely.
Viela, regaining her composure, cleared her throat.
“Anyway, in any case! This is a remarkable talent, Madam!”
“What?”
“Would you consider visiting the academy more often while you’re in the capital?”
The sudden change of topic left Freesia bewildered.
‘Is this the power that God mentioned?’
Adamant had promised to be with her, but she hadn’t truly believed it. The trauma from Antares had been too great.
But Viela explained enthusiastically.
“This type of power is rare even among families that continue the magical legacy! If you research your abilities more…!”
“But I’m not a scholar…”
“Oh, don’t worry. People research and leave whenever they please, just like Sir Albireo did!”
“Um. This is too sudden. I need time to…”
She stopped short of saying she needed time to think.
Did she really have that much time left?
‘No. I do not.’
Saying it aloud felt like someone had struck the back of her head.
If she had been given more life after next year, she could ponder all she wanted.
The time spent in contemplation might be agonizing, but it was a luxury for those whose lives were not predetermined.
But Freesia had no such leisure. With determination, she resolved to firmly establish her stance on the future.
Even if it meant ending her life away from Izar.
* * *
After Freesia left, Riegel smiled languidly at Izar.
“You have a lovely wife, Duke. Congratulations again.”
“…I appreciate your kind words.”
Izar barely suppressed his irritation as he replied. He remembered that Riegel, despite being twenty-four, had yet to receive any marriage proposals.
As the only living scion of the imperial family, he should have chosen a proposal from a kingdom neighboring the empire, but he kept postponing it with the excuse of not being ready to inherit the throne yet.
“That woman is the daughter of Duke Antares… Hmm.”
However, hearing Riegel mutter, Izar clenched his jaw.
A throbbing pain, like a heated spike, pierced his temple.
He wanted to drag Freesia to a place where no one could see her. Such a sinister desire coiled around his heart like a snake, trying to shatter his sanity.
‘Get a grip.’
Riegel, unaware of these thoughts, smiled sympathetically.
“You and your wife must have suffered due to my grandfather’s decision.”
“…”
“I apologize on his behalf. It must have been unpleasant as it was enforced… Yet, you seem to cherish your wife very much despite the forced marriage.”
“…?”
Izar frowned at the word Riegel used.
“Cherish… That’s an exaggerated statement.”
Cherish. Love.
Even if he had some feelings for Freesia, to that extent…
Riegel folded his arms and laughed heartily.
“Just a while ago when I merely looked at your wife, it seemed like you could hardly bear it.”
