(EP-204.2) Summer #2
204 – Cold Summer #2
The stranger’s only recognizable features were the black ponytail peeking out from behind the headscarf, and the slight curves of their tightly fitted body.
They seemed to be a woman.
Was there ever such a court secretary?
I didn’t know…
However, soon enough, my head spun as if struck by lightning.
‘Ah!’
So, this was the new appointee.
No, how long had it been for there to be a new secretary already? It was as if someone else had taken my place, and it actually seemed to be the case.
… Wasn’t this a complete farewell?
Then I saw Aira’s brow wrinkle.
━Secretary, these stockings aren’t nymph white. They’re zinc white.
━Is that so? I apologize. They all seemed similar to me… Then, is this nymph white?
━This is silver white… Ah, forget it. I just won’t wear any.
━Aira-nim is beautiful no matter what she wears or doesn’t wear…!
━…….
Aira sighed as if disappointed by the obvious flattery. Soon, the people around also chimed in with their own piece.
━Are there different types of white color?
━Indeed, Queen Aira has a great eye for colors!
━I suppose that’s what it takes to use light magic as a unique spell.
I slowly backpedaled, leaving the chattering crowd behind.
* * *
Mirna, who had been listening to my story, gazed out of the distant window.
“So, there’s already a new secretary appointed? Someone dressed in black with a spider-embroidered veil draped over their face….”
“Do you know who it might be?”
“No, but they could possibly be from Walpurgis.”
“Walpurgis….”
“Indeed. They should be the Tarantera Family’s Guards.”
That made sense.
In addition to those at the court, Aira had also acquired all the properties and rights of the Tarantera Family.
The vast northern forest once ruled by the Tarantera Family was famous for witches with mystical talents.
They were united under the Spider Witch, Tarantera. Then, this assembly of witches became known as Walpurgis, a force that supported the Tarantera Family.
They also occasionally appeared in the original novel. They were the Queen’s dogs that obstructed the main character’s party, consisting solely of women.
“It seems unlikely that the Spider Queen will ever call you back, Sir Theo.”
“…….”
Mirna’s words made me feel a bit gloomy. It was no different from a confirmation that I was nothing special. That I was replaceable….
“So, have you decided to stay at our family estate? Regardless, we have a room prepared for Sir Theo to stay.”
“…….”
“The mansion is very cool in the summer, so it’s a good place to escape the heat. If it’s Sir Theo, you are welcome to stay with our family for the whole summer!”
I withheld my answer for a moment.
━Keongkeong!
But my pet squirrel, Keongkeong, was already darting around. It seemed delighted to explore the spacious estate after being confined in a glass box or the dormitory.
Seeing this, I nodded my head.
After spending the night alone in a cramped room, I felt overwhelmed with various complicated thoughts. It made the night long and stifling.
But it was nice to have someone to talk to like this.
“Narmi will be happy to know that Sir Theo is staying here! For now, don’t bother with lectures or anything like that. Look away from the outside world. Think of it as a break, okay?”
“A break….”
“I am well aware of how much you suffered under the Queen. I’m sure there are many things you’ve never had the chance to do. This is a well-deserved rest now.”
Maybe it was because of the situation, but Mirna’s ordinary words of comfort deeply resonated with me, like how dry land quickly absorbed water.
There were indeed many things I hadn’t done with Aira’s watchful eyes.
In fact, most of my schedule was centered around Aira, so I didn’t really have a personal life.
“Still, if Aira-nim urgently needs me, wouldn’t I miss it if I’m here?”
There was a little bit of impatience.
However, upon hearing this, Mirna’s brow coolly wrinkled.
“… You’re still indulging in such wishful talk? Your place is already gone, Sir Theo. This is your home from now on.”
“No, but….”
“You’re currently unable to make the right judgement… It seems that the devil satan has taken over your mind!”
Mirna folded her fan and hit my head with it.
“Draco’s exorcism-!”
Jjak-!
“Hieek…!”
“How about now? Feeling a bit more awake?”
“…….”
If I said I wasn’t awake, I felt like she might hit me again, so I had no choice but to nod in agreement. Seeing this, Mirna smiled in satisfaction.
“There is nothing like a loud noise to drive away evil spirits. Anyway, if there is any news or letter from Queen Aira, I will pass them along.”
“… okay.”
“I won’t intentionally hide it, so you don’t have to worry. Well then, I’ll check the room for Sir Theo one last time. Please wait here.”
Mirna disappeared somewhere, leaving me in the reception room. She seemed very pleased, as she chuckled to herself.
However, sitting alone in this spacious room, various thoughts came crashing down like waves to a boat with holes. Feeling the need to do something, I got up and walked towards the window.
The Draco Family mansion’s garden, where Narmi had diligently planted flowers, was bright and vibrant. The contrast between this dark reception room and the lively outside was striking.
It felt cool and chilly.
Summer had only just begun.
Yet, mine already felt like it’d ended, filled with only ice and shadows.
I never thought I would feel this way again…
I knew what this was.
It was a test, no, it was a heartbreak…
Edited by: faker
