Eliya received confirmation that she could directly feed the yellow umbrella mushroom to the Moon Deer.
However, she had no intention of letting me go.
It’s my fault for responding “Okay” without even listening to her say “Don’t go.”
I admit it.
But I couldn’t help but ask the reason.
“Why…?”
To my blank question, Eliya confidently replied.
“Because it’s dirty.”
“What?”
“If I feed it myself, my hands will get dirty.”
That statement is, in fact, true.
The Moon Deer doesn’t eat mushrooms politely.
It chews noisily, dropping saliva-covered remnants and letting its tongue touch it.
I’m pretty indifferent to that kind of thing.
I could just wash my hands clean with water afterward.
But for Eliya, it’s an entirely different story.
Isn’t she a high noble? Not a drop of water can easily touch her.
“……”
I understand, but it’s a shameless response.
In the end, she’s saying she’ll use my hands because she doesn’t want hers to get dirty.
I knew it, but the shamelessness of the nobility can make one doubt their own ears.
My mouth had already answered “Okay.”
I couldn’t refuse.
“So, how long do I have to stay?”
“Why? Do you want to leave this place?”
It struck a nerve.
It’s a light question.
It isn’t asking for my true intentions.
However, Eliya’s red eyes seemed to see through everything.
Eyes that are calm and carefree in any situation.
Eyes that only smiled sweetly when killing someone.
I feigned calmness and said.
“That’s not it. It’s just that the longer I stay here, the more of a burden I’ll be. More importantly, I might hinder my training.”
“Don’t worry about that. Once I’m sure that it’s completely devoted to me, I’ll let you go.”
“…Understood.”
Eliya stepped down from her pedestal and approached the Moon Deer.
“When do you think you’ll be ready to serve me?”
Standing beside her, I took a step back.
Eliya reached out to the Moon Deer’s neck, just as I had done.
At that moment, the Moon Deer cautiously stepped back.
It seemed like the Moon Deer hadn’t fully accepted Eliya yet.
Seeing the retreating creature, Eliya chuckled.
It was a bittersweet-looking smile.
While Ria was wiping her hands, Eliya spoke.
“I have to go now. I’ll come back another time. …Oh, by the way, I heard there’s a gift for me. I almost forgot because I’ve been busy.”
I was taken aback.
How did she know?
The mountain cookies.
I hadn’t given them yet.
I was kind of embarrassed to give them as a gift.
I thought that since Eliya hadn’t asked, she wouldn’t know.
“Was it a lie, by any chance?”
“Oh, um, that is…”
This situation was incredibly embarrassing.
On one hand, I was glad I hadn’t eaten those cookies.
There had been moments when I considered just eating them sparingly, rather than giving them as a gift and causing misunderstandings.
I shyly pulled out a small pouch from my pocket.
That pouch was what I had prepared, hesitating whether to give it to her each time I met Eliya.
The cute-patterned paper matched Eliya’s age quite well.
“These are… cookies….”
“Cookies?”
They were so humble that even a small hand could hold them.
“Is it okay if I open it here?”
“Yes….”
I felt humiliated and wished I could just disappear.
‘Why did I buy those… it’ll probably seem ridiculous to Eliya…’
Eliya gazed at me as if finding me fascinating and then tore open the wrapping.
Three small pieces of cookies were revealed.
They were small enough to barely whet one’s appetite even in one bite.
‘To think I’d get 30 Florin for those tiny cookies…’
Eliya chuckled softly.
“How cute.”
So insignificant, so ridiculous.
It had multiple meanings.
Just cookies like that.
Surely it wouldn’t be worth much to Eliya.
Anna said she received flowers, but would she accept this too?
Honestly, I couldn’t blame her if she tossed it away, since it’s not like I’m giving her anything important.
“You seemed to have liked the cookies I gave you last time?”
“Eh? Oh, yes. Well, that’s an obvious statement.”
“Okay, got it. Thanks for the gift. I’ll enjoy them.”
“…It’s an honor.”
Eliya left.
Bradley had gone to clean another barn, leaving only me and the Moon Deer in the stable.
“Phew…”
I sat down against the body of the Moon Deer, which lay on the floor.
I felt the strength drained from me.
I thought I’d be able to leave this place, but it seemed not.
Eliya’s noble way of thinking was beyond anything I could dare to follow.
‘Well, I suppose I won’t be staying too long, so I’ll just endure a bit longer.’
The Moon Deer seemed to be in a good mood, exhaling softly and rubbing its antlers.
It was adorable, doing something so cute despite its size.
“That’s right, that’s right.”
I petted the hard antlers.
And with that, a cold sensation seeped into my body.
I felt something similar when I first touched those antlers.
I had a vague idea back then, but now I felt it more clearly.
This was the magical power the Moon Deer was giving me.
Since the first day, the Moon Deer had been channeling magical energy into me whenever it could.
Thanks to that, I could release my magical power when I fought Galliot.
“Good boy.”
I scratched the Moon Deer’s neck and placed my hand back on its antlers.
I focused on the sensation flowing through my body.
Below my skin.
Something flowed through my veins.
Cold, but not chilly; threatening but not overwhelming.
My head felt clearer.
It felt like a tightly blocked path was gently opening up.
The fatigue accumulated from fighting Galliot today washed away.
“Haah…”
I took slow breaths and focused more.
I felt no thoughts.
An empty consciousness became black.
Fragments of memory rose.
‘Hey, Je-won, you know you’re good at this, right? I know it all. But… can we skip this time, alright?’
‘Sir, no matter how I think, this is…’
“So why did you step up to begin with? If you had just stayed put, the police wouldn’t have come…! Haa. Je-won, just this time. Next time, I’ll definitely send you to the Olympics. Listen to the association president. Just this once, okay?”
‘……’
“Well then, why didn’t you do well? Or, you should have been born better.”
…
“Sir. Judas Sir?”
“…Huh?!”
I jolted awake at someone calling me.
“I came looking for you because you didn’t arrive until late.”
“Ah…”
It was Anna.
Wiping the drool from my lips, I pieced together the memory.
‘I fell asleep while touching the Moon Deer’s antlers.’
I had a lot to do since the morning.
I must have accumulated quite a bit of fatigue.
‘…Well, this is embarrassing. I woke up looking foolish.’
Why was today full of embarrassing moments?
I pretended to be nonchalant.
“I’m sorry. I must have dozed off.”
“I heard you struggled and won in the finals today. You must be very tired. Please head to your room and rest.”
Before leaving, I checked on the Moon Deer.
It too had its chin resting on the floor, sound asleep.
Magical energy doesn’t just appear in the air.
The Moon Deer had been giving me a little bit of its magical power each time.
Every time this happened, the Moon Deer would sleep like this.
Perhaps it too was tired?
After patting the knowledgeable Moon Deer’s head, I followed Anna out.
*
Eliya received a check-up from Mei, her personal physician and the mansion’s doctor.
Mei’s conclusion was simple and obvious.
“You need rest.”
Dizziness due to overwork.
What was needed was rest and sleep, not medication or a doctor.
It was a futile diagnosis.
Both Mei and Eliya knew well that Eliya couldn’t rest.
She couldn’t sleep deeply due to her nightmares in the first place.
“Got it.”
Eliya uttered words she couldn’t keep and headed straight to her office.
She tried one of the cookies she received from Judas.
It was small.
The taste was, well, passable.
Not bad, but not great either.
They say people tend to gift something they liked when giving presents.
“Ria.”
“Yes, Miss.”
“Tell Anna to prepare cookies for Judas every morning starting tomorrow. Mix in some new ones with the ones he gave me previously.”
“Understood.”
In the office, two anemones welcomed her.
They had withered slightly as time passed.
It felt a bit disappointing.
*
Still the weekend.
Gawain came to find me.
It was to check my use of magical power.
“Show me.”
He took me to the indoor training area.
“Yes.”
The magical power I used against Galliot.
A day has just passed since then.
I felt exhausted as if my strength had been drained, but thanks to the Moon Deer, my energy had returned.
I focused my spirit.
Like when I fought Galliot.
Magical power.
Magical power…
“That won’t work.”
It wasn’t something that could just be forced out like that.
I had no idea how I did it back then.
I didn’t use it out of my own will.
It was purely by coincidence.
“……”
Wondering if just exerting some strength might work, I squeezed my fist until it trembled, but it was useless.
Gawain looked down on me with a complex expression.
There was a look of pity in his gaze, it seemed?
“Stop, and try to remember that feeling from back then.”
“Feeling?”
“Yes. What were you feeling when you fought Galliot? What were you thinking?”
Feelings. Thoughts.
There’s nothing special about it.
I was angry because he kept provoking me, and I was having a hard time getting beaten senseless.
And most importantly, I just wanted to win—desperately.
Just one successful hit was crucial.
But it was impossible to recall that intensity after the fact.
Naturally, releasing magical power would be impossible.
“…Can’t do it.”
“I had a hunch, but I thought it might be different.”
Gawain nodded knowingly.
“How much do you know about magical power?”
I only know game stats.
Of course, he wasn’t asking that.
“…I don’t know.”
“Every human possesses magical power in their body.”
Gawain began to explain.
“Though the amount is extremely small and difficult to use, it is indeed a fact. With this magical power, one can achieve extraordinary strength or create special phenomena. But as I said, it’s not easy to use.”
Gawain paused for a moment.
It seemed he was checking if I was listening carefully, so I nodded.
“Generally, magical power is learned through consistent training to master its usage. However, it seems you may have experienced something unusual.”
“An unusual experience, you say?”
“Yes. When one feels their life is threatened or has a goal they desire to pursue at the cost of their life. There are cases where they can use magical power even without training.”
That was indeed the case for me.
At that moment, I didn’t care if I was getting beaten to death by Galliot; I simply didn’t want to lose and wanted to win.
“There’s no need for separate training, and one can exert greater strength than the usual method. However, the fatal downside is that because you opened your magical circuits recklessly without being prepared, it’s difficult to use it deliberately.”
The release of magical power sparked by emotion.
This means that method is now ingrained in my circuits.
“While through training it can be controlled, it will take longer for you compared to others.”
“How long will it take?”
“It differs from person to person. There’s no need to feel pressured. If one can’t use magical power, they cannot become a complete knight, and though they may train endlessly, there are also those who cannot use it.”
“I feel embarrassed asking, but could I possibly participate in the magical training conducted at the training center?”
“That won’t do.”
Gawain shook his head immediately.
“It’s a training meant solely for candidates who have passed the sixth exam.”
A staunch stickler for rules.
Since I knew a bit about his personality, I accepted it right away.
It was unreasonable for me to make such a demand.
I only asked out of hope.
“I understand.”
“You seem to have some talent, so if you continuously work hard, who knows what will happen. Perhaps self-study may be an option.”
In the end, I only concluded that it was a power I couldn’t control yet.
I wasn’t particularly disheartened, though.
After all, the fact that there’s something I can rely on in dangerous situations is reassuring.
“By the way, do you….”
“Yes?”
“Do you follow a certain religion?”
“Not particularly.”
This world recognizes polytheism, and it also acknowledges those who do not follow any god.
Yet, no one denies the existence of gods.
Whether one believes in and follows a god is a separate matter altogether.
“…I see.”
“Why do you ask?”
“Ah, it’s nothing.”
Gawain waved his hand off, seeming to dismiss it.
Why make people curious for no reason?
“It doesn’t seem you’ve trained in magical arts, so it must be my misunderstanding…”
I couldn’t quite hear what he muttered as he left.
*
Eliya gives me cookies.
Every morning.
It continues from the day after I gifted her those cookies.
Why is she doing this to me?
It’s scary.
I should be happy if someone does something nice for me, but because it’s Eliya, it frightens me.
There’s a saying that before butchering a pig, a feast is prepared.
Could it be that?
Is she planning to eat me?
Even though even the most wicked of humans wouldn’t eat human flesh?
‘…I must be out of my mind. What nonsensical thoughts am I having?’
Anyway, a few days have passed since then.
Eliya has grown quite close to the Moon Deer.
It feels like it’s about time to let me go, yet for some reason, there hasn’t been any talk.
[Stamina: 11.5]
[Strength: 6.2]
[Agility: 13.1]
[Magical Power: 3.1]
Thanks to consistent exercise, my stats have steadily risen.
I can now do one pull-up.
There’s still a long way to go.
I think my magical power, which I can’t raise by myself, has slightly increased as well.
I believe it’s due to the Moon Deer.
Thanks to it bringing me premium cookies every morning, the occupants of the 13th Room are seriously considering forming a religion around me.
These days, they argue about who will take the role of bishop.
I don’t even know anymore.
Honestly, it’s so entertaining to see them that I simply watch them.
Boys are just kids, aren’t they?
“Is this really the right time to argue about that?”
At least the rational Dillon quieted down the murmurs from the group.
Richard stood up to face Dillon.
He’s currently the strongest candidate for the bishop position.
“Dillon. If you keep insulting the god of desserts, we’ll have no choice but to punish you. That’s troublesome.”
“Burn! It’s a burning! For the incompetent commander, a fiery judgment awaits!”
Nearby, Lindell and Argon chimed in.
Others like Esmo, Daik, Jerry, and so on, engrossed in the excitement, began to boo and give thumbs down.
“But today is….”
“And wipe the cookie crumbs off your mouth before you speak!”
“…….”
Dillon hurriedly turned away and quickly wiped his mouth.
“Today is Eliya’s birthday, isn’t it?”
That’s right.
The day has finally arrived.
And everyone in the 13th Room had to visit Eliya’s mansion by tonight.
Carriages were prepared outside; all we had to do was show up.
None of them knew how much they’d looked forward to today.
Some hadn’t even slept the night before.
But not a single person could step forward first.
The reason they’re acting all deranged over cookies and such today is simple.
They were all anxious.
The direct descendant of the Grand Noble Bevel family.
Visiting the mansion where they’re trying to pledge their loyalty to Eliya?
I’m seated in a corner, fixing my hair in front of a mirror.
“How’s that? My skill.”
Pelrin, tall with lots of freckles, flaunted.
He just finished cutting my hair.
I wanted it done with for a while because it was getting annoying, but I hadn’t had time to get it done.
I originally intended to find a hairdresser, but I heard Pelrin had learned to cut hair before coming to the training center so I asked him.
“You’re more skilled than expected.”
I was a bit nervous at first.
How well can he really cut hair?
But it exceeded my expectations.
Neat but not overly tidy.
I checked again as I combed my bangs.
“With this skill, you could start a profession right away.”
“Hmm-hmm. Exactly. My father was a well-known barber in the territory, you see. I learned by watching him. He used to groom the lord’s hair and beard, you know?”
In this world, noble hairdressers are quite a high-ranking profession.
Indeed, he had the skill for it.
“Next time just tell me. I’ll cut your hair for free anytime, Judas.”
This was all thanks to the cookies I brought him.
“I’ll accept without hesitation.”
“Anytime.”
“This guy, seriously…”
Richard had come over and placed a hand on my shoulder.
“Are you trying to make a good impression on the lady?”
For a moment, I was about to say something rude.
No matter how nice Richard had been until now, he’d crossed a line here.
“I’m not at all.”
“Not at all, huh? Why would you go to such lengths just today?”
I swear to god, I’m not trying to impress Eliya.
I just coincidentally had some free time today.
What’s the use of trying to impress her?
I mean, what does this little piece of work have to do with me anyway?
“No way, you’re a boy, aren’t you?”
“It seems the one trying to impress is not just me.”
I said that and looked around.
Several people were awkwardly clearing their throats and averting their gazes.
Those who had borrowed oil to slick back their hair.
Their outfits were also much neater than usual.
I get it.
Regardless of rational thoughts, they’d want to look good for Eliya, whom they hoped to serve in the future.
Well, the kids around here, who are close to Eliya’s age, might think such things too.
“Well, that means you’re included in that grouping too, right?”
“Uh, that’s not what I meant…”
“Yep~ you already admitted it~”
Richard teased from the side.
Soon, others joined in, including Argon.
‘Just one good smack to someone would be nice…’.
Sadly, that didn’t happen.
Though everyone was nervous, we couldn’t continue to delay our departure.
We, including me from the 13th Room, stepped outside, drawing the envy of other candidate students.
Room 15 couldn’t hide their envy either.
However, Galliot was nowhere to be seen among them.
I didn’t know what had happened since a few days ago, nor did I care.
He was a guy who tried to kill me during the tournament; I have no concern whatsoever about his fate.
Numerous carriages were prepared outside the training center.
Carriages bearing the emblem of the Bevel family.
“Judas, sir.”
Anna was there as well.
“I have come to escort you.”
As she bowed, a few people nearby gasped in admiration.
“Wow, she really looks the part of a noble…”
“Judas must be receiving some fine treatment…”
Those candidates who were nobles themselves remained relatively calm.
Ignoring the embarrassment, I asked Anna.
“Is it alright if I stop by somewhere before we go?”
“For what reason?”
“To buy a gift.”
“…A gift for the lady?”
“Yes.”
Anna covered her mouth, looking down at me with anxious eyes.
As if there was something she needed to say but couldn’t bring herself to.
Quietly, Richard edged closer to me.
“Aren’t you the one who said you didn’t want to impress her?”
“What does that have to do with gifts?”
“W-well, Judas.”
Dillon cautiously spoke up.
“Nobles don’t accept gifts from just anyone. Especially on precious and meaningful days like birthdays.”
“…Ah.”
Right.
This is a strictly class-based society.
I, someone like me, couldn’t just offer a gift to Eliya.
Even candidates of noble birth wouldn’t have dared.
After all, we were meant to confront our noble identities to become Eliya’s knight.
The difference was insurmountable.
‘Anna also said something along those lines before.’
So that’s why everyone else had no intention of even considering gifts.
‘Then what’s with Eliya accepting my flowers and cookies? Just a whim… Well, it wasn’t her birthday back then, I suppose. That could be different.’
“Judas. I understand how you feel about the lady, but….”
Richard started blurting nonsense again, so I shut him up.
“If she doesn’t accept, then that’s that. Still, it would leave me unable to go empty-handed, and I’d feel uneasy about it.”
“If that is the case… it is possible to make a detour. Time is not tight, at least.”
Thus, I ended up departing separately from the group.
In return, Richard tagged along as my escort.
Inside the carriage were me, Richard, and Anna.
“Judas, sir. Is it possible that….”
“It’s nothing like that.”
“…Understood.”
Anna seemed like she was about to ask a strange question, so I cut her off immediately.
Richard opened his mouth to say something too but met my eyes and fell silent.
‘Everyone knows what they’re thinking…’
*
Eliya walked with a bored expression.
The red carpet didn’t match the messy dirt path.
At a distance, several youthful faces bowed their heads and knelt in a line.
They were candidates applying to be her knights.
The official selection period for the 14th batch hadn’t begun yet.
But it was said they would select only special candidates in honor of her birthday.
The Duchess, Narcissi.
Eliya scanned them with a bored gaze.
‘How dull.’
Weeks ago, she remembered Judas.
Those defiant eyes that refused to bow.
She could’ve killed him then, but Eliya had chosen not to.
It was amusing to her.
Eliya sighed and said.
“Clear them out.”
After directing that, she turned her body to leave.
“Lady-!”
Gawain’s urgent call stopped her in her tracks.
As she turned her head, she saw a young man charging towards her.
Something sharp glinted in his hand.
Eliya instinctively realized.
‘An assassin….’
An assassin disguised as a candidate had reached for Eliya’s neck with a small, sharp weapon.
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