Chapter 37 - Volume 2 (2/2)

If I dare to raise a question now, it would be about the black robe on my shoulder. Celves isn’t wearing the robe he usually wears now. I immediately understand what that means.

「Here is your robe back. Thank you very much.」

「It’s nothing to thank me for. I’d be the one with a bad conscience if you got a cold here.」

I get up from the chair, presenting his robe to him. His response really is rather blunt. If he had a bit more civility, I’m sure he could be popular with the ladies; it really is such a waste.

Taking the robe from my hands, he sits down in his usual place in the seat in front of me, putting the magical books onto the table. These are advanced magical books that I can never possibly reach. Just like that, he silently begins to read, and I can’t help but smile at it.

Although his way of speaking is rather blunt and forceful, that’s just what makes him him. That awkward kindness of his reminds me of that man.

「……What’s so funny?」

「No, it’s nothing.」

Those deep blue eyes squint sullenly. I shake my head, smiling. There’s no way I can say something like 「I thought you were being 『so sweet.』」 Pretending not to notice his suspicious gaze, I tidied up the books spread over the table. Picking those heavy books up again, I bowed to Celves.

「Well then, I’ll take my leave now. Have a good da—」

「Suzette.」

「Yes?」

I stop my feet, which had turned around and were about to begin walking away any second. I turn around to see those deep blue eyes were looking at me, full of seriousness. I tilt my head, ‘do you need something?’ After a moment’s hesitation, the young man opened his mouth.

「While I don’t think you would, don’t ever think about getting involved in black magic. Although black magic can certainly be used even if one doesn’t have any magical power of their own, you have to compensate by paying something of equal value as well.」

「……!」

Those are unexpected words. It was written in the book I was reading earlier, as Celves said, that black magic can be used even if an individual has no magical power of their own. That by paying something of equal value, you can borrow the magical power of demons.

Celves thinks I want to become a wizard. It’s not strange for him to think I’m planning to get involved with black magic; he’s seen me reading these books about black magic, the ones I’m holding now. I can’t help but stare fixedly at him, and he immediately averts his eyes. That’s a different reaction from what that man would do. If it were him, he would definitely stare right back as if to say, ‘What?’

——I can be only amazed at myself for constantly being reminded of that man even after seeing that nightmare. Have I really always been like this, since the 『past』? Thinking that, I smile at Celves. Those deep blue eyes glare fixedly at me; reflected back in them is not my smile mask but a real smile.

「You’re so kind, Sir Celves.」

「Wha……—!」

That kindness, not frank, is rather similar to that man. But it’s easier to understand than that man’s kindness, and I can’t help but think of it as far too sweet. If I actually say that, no doubt he’d get angry, so I decide to keep these thoughts in my chest.

「There’s no need to worry. I’m greatly obliged for your advice.」

Certainly it seems like I might think about the possibility of getting involved with black magic now that I’ve come so far, but since I still don’t know the origin of my dream for sure, I can’t do things that complex and puzzling. I realized at the age of 9 that magic must be practiced with the motto ‘peacefully and safely’. I literally realized it so much it hurt.

It’s very unlikely that it’s the source of my nightmares in the first place, but it’s that black magic. Since the demon king was defeated, the demons have certainly weakened but they’re still a threat to ordinary people. The likes of me, an ordinary person, could never possibly manage them.

When I think about that, I certainly do come to the conclusion that I must ask for an expert’s opinion on this. But that’s something else, for now I decide to leave that be.

「More than that, Sir Celves, please take care of your health.」

I thought the same thing when we met here before, but his complexion still doesn’t look fine. It’s rather like the pot calling the kettle black if I say it, but his looks worse than mine. His valuable, shapely features too have decreased in vitality, his charm halving.

Celves widens his eyes the same way he did when I gave him advice before, then he slowly nods. He doesn’t say anything, but it seems like that’s the most he can do. I myself can’t say any more to him, so I bow my head once again and take my leave.

Then, I return the magical books to their original bookshelves, get on a carriage and head towards the market. I choose out vegetables and meat suitably, and then set out to return home. Since I dozed off, I’m returning later than usual today.

I have to make dinner right away. Actually, no, that man’s going to come home late tonight as well so there’s no need to hurry so much.

Thinking that, I arrive to the estate. As I put my key into the lock of the door, I tilt my head in surprise at the unexpected sensation.

「Huh?」

It’s not locked. Even though I thought I’d properly locked it after sending that man home this morning, and when I left afterwards.

‘Is it a burglar?’ Unpleasant thoughts cross my mind. Although there’s nothing that valuable in this mansion.

「……」

What do I do? I’m scared of carelessly opening the door now. I’d rather just do a 180 degree turn right now, but I can’t do that. I hold the bag full of ingredients properly, gulping.

It’s no use just worrying here. I put my hand on the knob, slowly pulling the door open. I feel like a horror movie protagonist as the door opens with a ‘creak’. I carefully slide into the mansion.

The magical gem I have starts glowing whenever there’s people around; it suddenly goes bright, illuminating the room. It doesn’t seem like there’s any sign of the mansion being broken into, as far as I can see. I unconsciously let out a sigh of relief. It’s just then that it happens.

「Filmina.」