Chapter 220
I finally bought a satisfactory gift. Even if I had thought it over more, I couldn’t have found a better one.
Yeah, I was overthinking it. It’s not like this is a gift I can only give once in a lifetime, and for a first birthday gift, there’s bound to be something suitable.
‘This is it.’
I looked down at the case in my hand. More precisely, at the precious ring stored within it.
Honestly, I briefly considered making it a ruby to match Marghetta’s hair color or an emerald like her eyes, but I ended up going with the classic choice: a diamond. After all, diamonds are considered the best gemstone even in this world.
Of course, if it were Marghetta, she might play with diamonds like they were air, but a ring is more about symbolism than price. It’s an item that increases in value the more it’s given to someone else.
‘Perfect.’
A sense of relief and pride welled up deep in my chest. It would calm Marghetta’s insecurities and represents the best gift I could offer.
It’s truly perfect. This is the best choice I could make right before the New Year’s Ball. Marghetta would be genuinely delighted.
“It’s a ring that adjusts its size to fit the wearer.”
“Ooh.”
Plus, I was worried about the size. I had held her hand plenty of times, so I thought about gauging it by feel, but the power of magic is great. They say it adjusts itself no matter what you buy.
So, aside from the hush-hush anti-leak charm I’d added, I even included a little tip. After all, a merchant who keeps guests happy should make a lot, right?
‘Three days later.’
I glanced at the calendar. Just in case I might forget, I had highlighted it in red multiple times.
In exactly three days, it would be Marghetta’s birthday. I could hide it thoroughly until the day of the gift. To prepare for that, I even skipped visiting the Vice President’s office today. It’d be awkward if I couldn’t manage my expression and got caught.
It was a little nagging not to have even hinted that I couldn’t come today, but I could say I was too busy for contact. It wouldn’t be a lie, either, as my head was swirling from choosing a gift.
The next day, I went to the Vice President’s office, but the usual occupant was absent.
‘What’s up with that?’
I wondered if they had stepped out, but that wasn’t the case.
“Absent?”
“Yes. They contacted us this morning. They said it was just a cold, so there’s no need to worry too much…”
I nodded at the President’s words and quickly left. If Marghetta wasn’t there, there was no reason for her to be in the Student Council room. She would only be a distraction.
Still, I felt a bit bittersweet. If I had realized I wouldn’t see her today, I should have just come yesterday. I could have at least sent a message.
‘A cold, huh.’
And I didn’t really trust the “no need to worry” part. It wasn’t because I didn’t believe the President; I just knew Marghetta too well.
A girl like her, who values her image dearly, wouldn’t be absent for something as trivial as a little cough.
It definitely wasn’t a light cold. The weather is getting colder; could she have caught the flu?
‘Illness can’t be cured by magic.’
Unfortunately, the medical methods in this continent are heavily focused on treating wounds. They can fix you in the blink of an eye if you lose a limb, but they’re pretty useless against minor ailments like colds or headaches.
Fortunately, it’s not so weak that it’s something like “Where does a headache come from? Right from the head! Destroy it!” but it’s still not something you get over in a day. That was impossible even in the world before I was reincarnated.
‘Of all days.’
Imagining Marghetta lying in bed, groaning, guilt washed over me.
If this had happened on any other day, I would have felt sad, but it happened right after I surprised her; it led to questions of whether it was my fault.
Of course, I’m not the god of illness, so it’s a bit self-important, but still, it’s hard not to worry.
‘Guess I should reach out first.’
I held back a sigh and pulled out the communication device. I’d ask how she was doing; if she said she was okay, I’d have to visit her.
Going to the girls’ dorm might feel a bit suspicious, but if Marghetta is sick, shouldn’t I go regardless? If necessary, I’d disguise myself as a woman to go!
…And my messages never reached Marghetta.
‘Damn it!’
I felt all the blood rush out of my face. Is this really just a cold? Did she pass out or something?
*
Today, I spent all day lying in bed, weakly blinking up at the ceiling.
‘I should get up…’
This isn’t good. I’m a member of the Valenti Dukedom, Vice President of the illustrious Imperial Academy Student Council.
I need to present myself appropriately for the name I carry. I should always show confidence and responsibility. That’s what people expect from me; it’s how I should live as myself.
But my body had no intention of getting up, despite my head insisting it should.
‘What a mess.’
A bitter laugh escaped. It was pathetic and shameful to be crying, feeling powerless, and lying here all by myself.
I knew that Carl had wounds in his heart, but I still cried solo. I realized I’d been asking too much of him, even while knowing that I must comfort him above all.
It’s ridiculous. Will my tears ease Carl’s wounds? Will my selfishness vanish if I do this?
‘It’ll probably just worry him more.’
Carl is that kind of person. He treats his own heartache like it’s nothing and gets all worked up over others’ wounds.
The more I act like this, the more I know it’ll just hurt him. I get it—I know it all too well.
…But do I really know Carl?
I don’t know anything. If I knew him well, he wouldn’t have been able to reach the cemetery.
And yet, here I was, bragging about how well I know him, acting as if we have a fated connection.
‘Destiny…’
Right now, that word is tightening around my heart.
Yeah, I thought it was destiny. Thanks to my father’s love for the youngest, my standards for a husband kept getting higher, and I figured I would marry a bit later.
Then came Carl, a comet who met all my father’s picky conditions, a fated man who also captured my heart.
That’s why I thought it was destiny. This man is my destiny; our meeting is destiny.
‘It can’t be destiny.’
If our meeting is destiny, does that mean Carl losing his first love was destiny too? Is it destiny that he suffered with an irremovable wound?
It can’t be destiny. It must not be. If Carl’s sorrow was destined to meet me, it means he had to suffer for my happiness.
I can’t bear that kind of destiny. I’m horrified and resentful of myself for once delighting in the idea of destiny.
“I’m sorry…”
I mumbled, burying my face into the pillow. It was an apology no one could hear, but I repeated it countless times.
I’m sorry for saying I love you when I didn’t see your pain.
I’m sorry for only thinking about my own hardships.
“I’m sorry…”
I’m sorry for thinking your death was destiny.
I’m sorry for not being able to embrace the pain of the man you loved—
– Tap, tap.
My apology to Carl—the Carl who loved someone first.
But I couldn’t even do that properly. The sudden noise broke my chain of thoughts.
How pathetic. I can’t even apologize.
“Uh…?”
As I lifted my head to see where the sound came from, I froze.
It wasn’t the sound of a door knocking; it was tapping on the window. And through the window, I saw a familiar face.
‘Carl?’
Seeing Carl waving, my brain froze in shock.
Why is Carl here outside the girls’ dorm? Even if he came, should he be inside? Why is he outside?
Wait a minute, my room is on the third floor?
…A ghost?
*
Immediately after the Second Prince’s faction lost their footing, or rather, at a time when they were still stubbornly refusing to accept their comically disastrous state.
During that time, there were those who had locked their mansion doors, even as the Inspection Department made proper attempts for enforcement. The more they resisted, the more charges piled up—truly crazy.
Anyway, during their stubbornness, there was the possibility of the inspected party incinerating important documents. A swift but unconventional entry was required.
“…What are you doing?”
“Practicing walking on water. If I step with my other foot before sinking, wouldn’t it be possible?”
The name “Walter” sprang to mind. This clumsy friend was getting help from a dead guy.
I’d seen that guy’s ridiculous attempts to walk on water and his eventual success in real-time. Thanks to that, I learned how it was possible.
So, I adapted that and started climbing walls. As long as my foot touched the wall, I could go up several floors.
That’s how I broke a window and infiltrated. Their faces at that moment were certainly something to behold.
“So, I’m not a ghost. Why would a ghost be wandering around in broad daylight?”
To the eye of the naïve princess, it was probably a shocking sight. Marghetta’s eyes widened, and she practically tumbled out of her bed when our eyes met through the window.
“I-I’m sorry. I was just wondering if… Carl… was in a drastic situation…”
Marghetta, who managed to get that much out, bit her lip and pouted.
That’s a ludicrous misunderstanding. I’m going to live. Damn well live! It’d be a sham if I died before the Minister, and I plan to retire and enjoy a peaceful life someday!
But I understood why Marghetta had this misunderstanding, so I gently patted her back.
‘How far has the rumor spread?’
The homeless incident had even reached Marghetta’s ears. I knew it would get out eventually, but I had no idea it would happen so soon.
Could it be that the Second Manager, in an attempt to cover up rumors about the First Manager, is purposely spreading my rumors?
“Don’t worry, Marghetta. Where would I go without you?”
At those words, Marghetta burst into fresh tears. It’s troubling. Usually, saying something like this would hit the mark.
Did she think it’s a big deal that I didn’t show my face yesterday? I can see how she might think that after I was drunkenly slumped over, so I guess it’s understandable.
Damn. If I’d known it would be like this, I would have postponed buying the gift. After all, it was a birthday surprise, and I didn’t need to rush to buy it the day before.
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry…”
“Yes?”
Her unexpected apology left me speechless. Given the atmosphere, I should be the one apologizing here.
But Marghetta kept muttering her apologies as she clung to me. It would have made more sense if she complained about why I didn’t come yesterday.
“I’m sorry; I don’t know anything about you, Carl…”
Not knowing is something we can fix going forward, right? But those words got stuck in my throat. The look on Marghetta’s face was too pitiful.
Nothing I say now would get through. Even if I act like it’s all fine, Marghetta won’t accept it.
“You just flaunt and get jealous…”
With a face full of guilt, Marghetta continued speaking, but I couldn’t grasp what she was saying.
Flaunt? Jealous?
‘Did I do that?’
I realized that Marghetta’s standards and mine were incredibly different.
“I said I’d wait until Carl opened up, but all I did was just wait. I should have helped you a bit…”
I still didn’t understand. I told her to wait, so what’s wrong with her waiting for me?
If anything, it would have been embarrassing if Marghetta had been too proactive in trying to care for me while I was on my own personal issues.
“Carl… it’s late, but really late… Can I be of any help to you?”
My head felt dizzy. Just having Marghetta next to me is already a huge help.
And the ring case in my pocket felt heavier than ever.
‘Two more days.’
Only two days until her birthday.
In those two days, I had caused some major mishap that made the birthday girl cry.
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