Chapter 78: Irreversible III (part 2)

“…It’s something that will have to come to an end at some point, but there must be a reason why you seem to be in such a hurry. Alright, try it your way this once. As the head of the Estel family, I will grant you full authority to negotiate with the Decaraznan Duchy.”  

I had already spoken with my father, so there was no need to explain the entire situation again.  

“Then, Lucian, what about you? Surely, you aren’t so insignificant that you have no say in this matter?”  

At my provocation, Lucian let out a low sigh before speaking.  

“Even though things have come this far, the Duke of Tournigen cannot personally intervene. As the heir of the Tournigen family, I will entrust you with full authority in this matter, Cain von Estel.”  

Only after Lucian’s approval did I feel a sense of relief. With this, all conditions were met. Whether things would go smoothly remained uncertain, but at least I had done everything within my power.  

‘…If—just if—things went according to plan, perhaps… this time, I might finally stand a chance against my teacher, the princess.’  

***  

After that, the conversation progressed swiftly. 

Once we discussed several matters I hadn’t considered before, I left my father’s office and made my way to the parlor—only to be greeted by an unexpected sight.  

There, sitting harmoniously together, was a pair I had never imagined.  

Ugh—  

A gentle-looking woman with glossy purple hair was softly caressing the legs of a petite, black-haired girl. Her hands carried a divine luster, and with each touch, the girl’s frail legs gradually grew stronger, muscles forming beneath her skin.  

…Even for me, who had experienced Ariel’s healing numerous times, this was nothing short of a miracle. 

I had heard that, as a child, Ariel had restored sight to a blind old woman and even made a crippled person walk again. But seeing it with my own eyes was something else entirely.  

“Well, I suppose that should do. Elena, would you like to try standing up?”  

At Ariel’s words, Elena cautiously stood and tested her movements. Her expression shifted from curiosity to awe.  

“…There’s no discomfort at all. I can breathe easily, and I don’t feel any pain. This is incredible. Lady Ariel, this truly is a miracle.”  

Elena’s admiration was met with a serene smile from Ariel, who gazed at her with a benevolent expression.  

“Elena, as you said, this is a miracle. The power I wield is a testament to the Goddess’s mercy upon humanity.”  

“But… I’ve been healed by other clergymen before, and none of them had such an effect.”  

Elena blinked in surprise as she spoke, prompting Ariel to let out a soft chuckle, covering her mouth with one hand.  

“Unfortunately, what I did for you is no different from what they did. It’s simply that my divine power is a little stronger, so the effects are more noticeable. However, my healing is only temporary. If you wish to sustain these benefits, you will require regular treatment from me.”  

“…Continuous healing?”  

Elena’s eyes widened at Ariel’s words.  

“But, didn’t Lady Ariel say she would be leaving the Estel family soon? Wouldn’t that make it impossible for you to keep healing me?”  

At Elena’s hesitant tone, Ariel gently stroked her hair, her voice low and soothing—reminiscent of a cunning serpent whispering temptations to an unsuspecting lamb.  

“That is not necessarily the case. There is one way.”  

“What is it? Please, tell me.”  

“If I were to become part of your family, then I would not have to leave the Estel Duchy. Naturally, that would give me more time to stay by your side, wouldn’t it?”  

As she spoke, Ariel cast a sidelong glance at me, as if fully aware that I had been standing there the entire time. 

The sheer boldness of this woman was astounding. She had likely sensed my presence long ago, yet continued playing her role so naturally.  

“Don’t you think so too, Cain?”  

“…..”  

I wasn’t sure what to say to Ariel, who was making no effort to hide her true intentions anymore.  

At that moment, Elena finally noticed me.  

“Ah, Brother! You’re here?”  

She bowed her head toward me, while Ariel, still smiling softly, rose from her seat and gracefully made her way to the door.  

“A conversation between siblings should remain private. I’ll take my leave now. Until we meet again.”  

With that, she swiftly disappeared, though I couldn’t shake the suspicion that she wasn’t one to walk away so easily—especially not from her prey.  

As I watched Ariel leave, Elena approached me, her expression brighter than usual.  

“Brother, did you have a good conversation with Father? What did you talk about for so long?”  

“Ah, well… Since it’s been a while since I returned from my journey, we had a lot to catch up on.”  

Of course, I couldn’t tell her what had actually transpired in Father’s office, so I gave a vague response. 

Elena, however, simply stared at me with an unreadable expression.  

“Hmph. So, in the end, you won’t tell me. That’s unfair, Brother. Then, can you at least answer one of my questions?”  

“As long as it’s something I can answer.”  

When I nodded, she tilted her head slightly before speaking.  

“I heard a rumor that Bianca might become your partner in the future. Is that true?”  

“Well, yes.”  

It wasn’t a lie. One way or another, I intended to take responsibility for Bianca.  

But Elena’s questions weren’t over yet.  

“I’ve also heard that, while Bianca may be an exceptional mage, she isn’t exactly suited to be the lady of a noble household. That she has an eccentric personality, indulges in excessive luxury, and mistreats her subordinates… Is that true?”  

“…Who told you that?”  

Elena glanced at the seat where Ariel had just been sitting before shaking her head.  

“I won’t say.”  

“…..”

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