Chapter 46 – Choice (4)
I enjoy living these days. In the world before destruction, he is enjoying a sense of life that he has never felt in the Anbert family and the academy. I can’t stop thinking that this is fun even though I know that this is just a fleeting moment.
It’s really sad that I realized it too late. In the meantime, I was immersed in the trivial agony of survival and had no time to think about the advantages of this world.
But now I think I know. Even if you are in the same top position, in a world with rules, what you can enjoy is limited. And that limit does not exist in this world now. I can do anything I want. No, it’s not that grand, but there is such a thing.
You can call a cute boy and play with him. What’s that
“Senior. I’m done…”
“Oh yeah? Where should I look?”
At the soft voice I heard just in time, I stood on my tiptoe slightly. Then the frightened face of the boy came into view over the manicured toenails. That alone was already a satisfying sight, but I deliberately delayed my answer.
“Hmm…”
“…”
“Well, is this enough? You’ve worked hard.”
“Thank you, senior.”
“Thank you. I’m more grateful, Ed.”
After hearing that, the child carefully put my foot down. Then, in a very trembling voice, he barely opened his mouth.
“Hey…Then let’s go…”
“Already? Are you in such a hurry? There’s nothing to do anyway.”
“But…”
“Is it because of your sister? Don’t worry. He’s playing well on his own.”
“But I…”
Ed continued to try to get out despite repeated dissuades. But instead of answering, I raised his foot and stroked the cute little boy’s cheek. Whenever her pleasantly wet feet touched her skin, she flinched involuntarily. My heart trembled at that sight, and the thought of wanting to stay like this all day welled up.
But that time didn’t last long. Soon after, the closed door opened and a huge shoulder entered the room.
“…Rogeria. Were you doing this again?”
“Ah, Duke. Are you here?”
“It’s relaxing. Hey, you get off. Quickly.”
“Ah yes.”
Too bad. It was fun. Duke came up to me, not paying attention to Ed, who was darting away. I slowly got up from the chair I was sitting on.
“So, have you sent the kids to the beach? Has there been any news yet?”
“No. Strangely, they didn’t listen to me. They listened to what you said.”
“That’s right. It’s strange, really.”
I swallowed a laugh inwardly at the childish complaint. Gradually, they seem to be more afraid of the crazy bitch who has survived than the big fool.
Rumors spread by the guys at the scene must have also played a role. If I knew it would be this easy to burn and kill a useless guy, I would have done it a long time ago. Swallowing a belated regret, I reached for the socks I had taken off.
“Well, it’s okay. If the ship comes anyway, Lope will respond first.”
“Are you sure?”
“I told you. He needs me more than anyone on this island. He’ll be here soon. Maybe already. We’ll just have to wait.”
“Then why did you send the kids back then?”
“Should I say my own greeting? You don’t have to think about it. I’ll do everything complicated.”
I just said to stay still like an idiot, but I don’t know if it was conveyed well. Duke stood there dumbfounded, whether he knew the meaning or not, then shrugged his shoulders.
“Well, somehow. Is it more true than that? That he has a pass to the land of the elves?”
“It’s like that. Why do you want to live too?”
“Of course I don’t want to die here either. I haven’t had that damn milk yet. Besides…”
“Furthermore?”
“I’m going to have a look at that lope bastard couple again.”
Really. It’s like a child.
It was very fortunate for me that such an idiot took over the corrupt academy. That there was actually an elf hiding on the island I was on. And that the elf was someone I knew. Everything was very lucky.
However, in such a world, it was my ability to climb to the top somehow. Now I think I know why so many nobles tried unsuccessfully to claim the position of emperor. Anyone born with a noble status dreams of becoming an absolute. That was the noble’s duty and legitimate right.
Now was the best time to dream that dream. At this time when the emperor’s authority has collapsed, someone must take his place. There was no need to ask who it should be. I’m lucky enough to be there someday.
…
And for some reason, the thought that the lucky day would be today welled up. I feel good. It’s about time the boat arrives. I looked toward the door with strange anticipation.
Then, sure enough, not long after, a guy rushed in urgently.
“Ro…Rogeria! Duke! Now…!”
“Okay.”
“What? No, talk after you hear it. So…!”
“Okay.”
I didn’t even listen to him to the end. I was unaware of the fact that the day was already going according to my thoughts. Now, instead of throwing useless words, it was his turn to run to his socks and greet his luck.
“Duke.”
“Yes?”
“Let’s go.”
“No what…”
However, Duke was also a stupid man, so he couldn’t understand the meaning and was confused. Do I have to explain everything like an idiot? Just as I was about to let out a sigh, a loud voice echoed outside the window.
“Rogeria!!!”
“…!”
Haha…”
His sharp, resonant voice was enough to answer the question instead. Anger flashed across Duke’s face in an instant, and I enjoyed watching the change. Soon, before I could say anything, he started trudging toward the door. And I, too, followed Duke, thinking of the greetings I would say after a long time.
Long time no see. Lope.
It was a moment when even thinking about it made me shudder. With that word in my heart, I moved toward the shining sunlight.
“Um… What the hell are these guys doing?”
“I don’t know fuck…Did you call Duke?”
“That’s just… Hey. Here he comes.”
“…”
The sound of the criminals panicking is as refreshing as the sound of church bells. As we walked forward, the crowds of people split like waves, and we walked leisurely along the paved road.
“…”
“Duke.”
“…”
In the meantime, no matter how much Duke called, he didn’t say anything. It seemed that he was angry, or that he was nervous when he finally arrived. It was clear that it would be better not to talk at this time, but there was something I had to ask.
“You can’t kill me, you know?”
“…I know. The tattoo on the back of that hand might disappear.”
“That’s right. I remember it well. Never. Never kill me. It’s never going to happen, but don’t even think about cutting your wrists.”
“Okay. So stop talking.”
Duke fired a sharp punch and headed towards the school gate with unstoppable steps. The waiting time was so long that he seemed impatient. On the contrary, I wanted to enjoy this moment a little more, but before I knew it, a large door was approaching right in front of me.
Soon, as he grabbed the doorknob, I took a deep breath. Of course, taking a deep breath didn’t make this tension go away. All I could do was close my eyes in preparation for the pouring sunlight.
“Rogeria!”
“…”
Once again his voice rang out. Duke immediately opened the door as if he couldn’t wait any longer. I closed my eyes tight in time for that moment.
However, what poured in the next moment was not the brilliant sunlight, but the by-products of the sun hidden in dark clouds.
“로페 이 개새끼야!”
“…Here.”
As soon as the door opened, Duke’s thick curse words poured out. But I couldn’t see Lope because the crowd was blocking it. Only a few strands of hair peeked over the shoulders of the others.
I didn’t intend to show myself already, so I hid behind Duke’s back. But he continued to walk forward, not caring about my intentions.
“I’m finally seeing my face.
“…”
“Hey. You’re not answering? You’re not answering.”
“What about Roselia?”
“This bastard…”
As Lope continued to avoid answering, Duke became furious and tried to get right in front of him. But I tugged at his collar and made him stay in the middle of the crowd. This side had more pages, so there was no reason to take the risk. Now that Duke understood my intentions, he shoved the others on the shoulders and sent them forward.
“What does Roselia have to do with it? What is she here for?”
“It has nothing to do with you. I just need to look at Roselia.”
“You’re so shameless. That’s why you brought the girls to protest? Just with that number?”
“…Girls?”
Only then did I stick my head out from behind Duke’s back. Then, I saw Lope and the people standing next to him. Among them are Erika and Lena. And there was one security guard I saw at the school gate one day.
But even so, the number was about ten. I made sure that my safety was assured, and slowly slipped away from Duke’s back. Then he slightly raised his head and threw the greeting he had prepared.
“It’s been a while. Lope.”
“…”
As I leisurely greeted her, Lope’s face hardened slightly. Are you nervous? Looking at it, I found a space in my heart. Whatever they had prepared, in the end, this side held the initiative.
“Did you come to see me?
“Then you must have been busy sucking Duke.”
“To say harsh things that don’t suit you. That’s why it’s more obvious that you’re nervous, Lope.”
“Stop talking nonsense and come over here, Rogeria. I’m doing this because of you alone.”
“No. I’m doing this because of you, Lope.”
I smiled slightly and looked at the back of Lope’s hand. But he couldn’t see the pattern because he had his hand in his pocket. Besides, at this distance, it was difficult to see through magic.
So instead, I turned my attention to the people around Lope. Lena and Erica flinched the moment my gaze landed on them, and the rest did the same. It was clear that he was trembling with fear. It looked like it would collapse with just the slightest stimulation.
“Everyone doesn’t have to do this because of that one lope guy. I don’t know what the hell he coaxed me into, but if we bump into him like this, the result is obvious. Right? If you come this way even now, I’ll forgive you.”
“…”
“Or you’d rather run away. I’ll tell you in advance, except for Lope, none of you should be kept alive? Well, if you’re lucky, our kids can use it as a plaything. Do you want that, Erica?”
“Huh? I… I…”
“And Lena. I’m so disappointed. I thought you’d stay with me. If you ever want to stick with me again, come over to the student president’s office. We’ll be able to reconsider our relationship.”
“Ah…”
“Is that why no one wants to live? Those people run away quickly. Right now.”
I asked again, but still no one moved. Everyone was timidly looking at each other with their hands behind their backs. It seems that Lope was threatening at least unreasonable things.
…
By the way, I don’t know why, but everyone is hiding their hands. Lopedo. Erica too. The rest of the people too. It was a nice little thing, but strangely irritating. It made me very uncomfortable to have such a problem on a lucky day when I should have been perfect.
And that discomfort gradually turned into anxiety. Lope still had her hands in his pockets. Originally, he would have been left with the sword drawn already. Something was obviously wrong.
“…It seems that there is no room for negotiation.”
At that moment, the guard standing next to Lope slowly stepped forward. Then, for the first time, he raised his hand in front of me. Just in case, I swallowed dry saliva and looked at the back of my hand.
But there was nothing on the back of her hand. No, there wasn’t even human skin beyond that level. Just a faint glow of cold, gray metal. As she frowned at the unexpected sight of her, she opened her mouth this time from her side.
“Still, is there anyone who wants to run away from the two? As I said, our only goal is that student named Rogeria. The rest of us don’t have to get involved. So, if you don’t want to risk unnecessary violence, run away now.”
“…”
“Isn’t it real? This is your last chance to be forgiven for your immorality. So run away.”
Then, this time, a muffled sound came from this side. Seeing her for the first time, her prosthetic arm seemed to have created a slight crack. At this rate, he might lose his momentum because of that eccentric woman.
“You’re talking bullshit. Whoever you are, you’re brazen about the disabled person wearing a prosthetic arm.”
“That’s harsh.”
“And I said that, but you’re the one who should be scared. Everyone knows? I don’t care if I just kill everyone except Lope! Kill it or make it into a fucking hole, do as you please. Got it?”
“…Yes, Lope. Shall we just start?”
“I guess so.”
Lope looked at me and sighed deeply. Then he finally reached his hand out of his pocket and drew the sword from his waist. Then she heard a cold, cold metal sound that pierced her tender heart.
The drawn sword was directed straight to the sky, scattering sharp light. In an instant, everyone’s eyes turned to the sharp sword. While the sound of swallowing dry saliva was heard here and there, some unknowingly grabbed their wrists.
Meanwhile, I managed to pull my head up and look down. Slowly, very slowly, the gaze that flowed down the blade soon turned to one place. The end of my journey so far and the beginning of a new hope. I looked at the back of his hand with trembling anticipation.
However, what was drawn on the back of his hand was only the rough scars of years left behind.
More precisely, there was nothing.
“…Uh?”
I opened my mouth in vain. I turned my head to see if it was on the other side, but there was no pattern there either. There was only an empty apricot-colored skin. Duke asked me in a low voice if he had noticed that too.
“What is it, Roselia… There’s nothing?”
“I can’t…”
“It’s not that there’s no way, there’s nothing. Did you lie again?”
“No… It can’t be… It can’t be…”
I just repeated that one word like a madman. It can’t be. I saw it clearly I saw the pattern that was shining blue. The more you deny it, the more reality reveals its ugly face and mercilessly destroys the hopes you have built up. Even so, I kept turning my head and looking for the blue light of the pattern.
“Note…Prepare!”
Then, suddenly, Erica’s shrill voice pierced the air. The wandering gaze was directed there by some instinct. Then, on the back of her raised hand, something that shouldn’t be there was noticeable.
It was the deep blue pattern I was desperately searching for.
“Uh…?”
I put my eyes on what I was looking for so much, but I stupidly opened my mouth. Erica? Why the hell is Erica? But the incredible sight didn’t end there. The next moment, when the other girls next to me raised their hands, I felt like I was going crazy.
The backs of their hands were all engraved with that blue pattern.
“Uh…? Huh…?”
“What… What is Roselia. What is this…”
“Ah…”
“What is it, Rogeria!”
Even Duke screamed in embarrassment at the unusual sight. No, isn’t it an unusual sight in the first place? Because I don’t even know what the pattern looks like. So I couldn’t tell if it was fake or real. It could all be real, or it could be fake.
Nope. Calm down. It can’t be all fake. Because there was no pattern on the back of Lope’s hand. Considering that he continued to wear gloves instead of moving the location of the pattern, there is no possibility that he hid it anywhere other than the back of his hand. So by no means is it all fake.
That doesn’t mean it can’t all be real. That’s completely impossible Some of them are fake and some are real. But how do you tell them apart? I don’t even know the shape in the first place, so how? Even if I catch them and check them one by one, will I be able to tell them apart?
Or take them all to land?
Do you have to do such nonsense?
…
Lope.
What the hell have you done
“Rogeria! What is this!”
“Ah…”
“Rogeria!”
Lips trembled. At least, if the pattern had remained on the back of Lope’s hand, the job would have been simpler, but it wasn’t like that. In the meantime, a blue light was gathering in front of my eyes. It was clear that everything would fall into disrepair if he did not make a decision.
In the end, there was only one conclusion I could draw in such a situation.
“You can’t kill me…”
“What?”
“You can’t kill anyone…”
I stupidly repeated that one word. Then, once more, he shouted with all his might.
“You can’t kill anyone!”
“Rogeria!!!”
“…!!!”
The sound of shattered hope resounded desperately like a prelude to destruction. At the same time, the scorching punishment was darker blue than the full moon in the night sky I had seen when I was a child.
