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“Lady Remilia…” Seletina exhaled, putting her hand on her now calm chest.
“Sir Tieck, what are you doing here at this hour? You look terrible…”
“I apologize for coming so late. However, I’m afraid we don’t have time. If possible, could I speak to Imitia Belbed?”
“It must be something of grave importance then.” Remilia remarked.
“It is. I would be grateful if you could also view it as one.”

As Seletina said that, Remilia pushed her thin-framed glasses up with her white, elegant fingers.

“In that case, how about we change locations.” saying that Remilia took Seletina to a different room.

◇

Comfortably seated on a black leather sofa, Seletina felt the soft resistance returning through the touch of her skin—an unwelcome reminder of her own exhaustion. Her body, heavy as lead, seemed as if it might be swallowed by the plush sofa.

Pushing up her heavy eyelids, Seletina turned to face Remilia across the long table.

“Lady Remilia, where is Lady Imitia?”
“The Boss is currently sleeping.”
“Is she unwell?”
“A caster might remain bedridden for days, depending on the extent of their Mana Depletion. Given that her Mana, which can be likened to her life force itself, has been completely depleted, it is a miracle she is still alive. So for now, we’d like to let her rest for as long as possible.”

“Then…”
“That’s right. Your partner today will be me.”
“I see…”
“Are you displeased?”
“No, not at all.”

Seletina’s heart was both shaken and relieved. She had no idea that Imitia was in such a dangerous situation. However, for the time being, it seemed like she could relax¹.

While there was life, there was hope. Seletina wasn’t the type of selfish person to be dissatisfied due to not being able to talk with Imitia directly.

“In that case, let’s get right to business.” Seletina said.
“I will be happy to talk with you, however, let’s save it for tomorrow morning.”
“What?”

Seletina’s eyes widened at the unexpected reply.

(Why tomorrow? Why not now?)

These thoughts filled Seletina’s mind. Remilia, in turn, smiled bitterly.

“Our Boss needs rest, but so do you.”
“N-No… As you can see, I’m perfectly fine.” Seletina said, thinking that Remilia might have figured out that she was tired and sleepy and trying to fool her, however, Remilia saw right through Seletina.

The way Remilia looked at Seletina was like a mother realizing her child’s needs.

“You look terrible.” Remilia said and showed a faint smile.
“What?”

Hearing Remilia say that, Seletina involuntarily stroked her cheek.

At this time, Seletina did not know just what Remilia was trying to convey with her words. However, the words that rolled out Seletina’s mouth next were enough to make her realize the feelings in her heart.

“Lichter.”

Remilia exhaled weakly and stood up.

“There is no need for us to talk anymore today. Go get some rest.” Remilia said. Seletina could feel Remilia’s kindness and the consideration from her words.

“We’ll talk tomorrow morning… Until then, I suggest you get a good night’s sleep. You are welcome to use this room if you’d like. See you tomorrow.” Remilia said and turned around. Seletina could only follow Remilia’s back with her eyes.

She stroked her cheek again, wondering what she looked like now.

◇

Crawling into the single bed, Seletina let out a sigh. A feeling of exhaustion beyond her own expectations overtook her. It seemed as if she would give up her consciousness the next instant.

(Just how did I look like before coming here?) Seletina muttered in her mind, turning over.

Seletina thought she was used to people living and dying.

In her previous life, she had a poker face that did not reveal the ups and downs of her emotions, and people around her would often tell her that they didn’t know what she was thinking.

Seletina figured that this was probably another difference between her and Orthus. Although the soul was the same, given that the vessel had changed, it was only natural that the nature of the soul would change as well.

(Lady Remilia probably knew about Lichter. It’s not surprising given the fighting going on all over the city.)

Time wasn’t on their side. Yet, despite this, Seletina felt grateful for Remilia’s concern as she now lay down like this.

Seletina understood that she needed to let her body rest. She was fully aware that both it and her mind were worn out. She dropped her eyelids and slowly fell into a faint sleep.

◇

“Say, what do you think?”

Night finally arrived at Elva’s Floating Ship. After the party, all the members of the Belbed Caravan settled into their respective lodgings.

Regardless of the occasion, the fun-loving, rugged, free-world-traveling merchants couldn’t resist indulging in a drink that evening, whether they’d faced a crisis or even the Demon Lord itself, they’d still drink.

Woodback would surely have appreciated that. In such times of loss, it was customary for them to share a drink and dispel the sadness within that day.

A multitude of Demons crowded around Ulbdor, yet the men sleeping with the lingering scent of alcohol from their stomachs, were seemingly oblivious to their surroundings.

However, on this particular day, the women gathered in one room, quietly chatting,
surrounded by a single small lantern, their eyes reflecting childlike wonder.

“How was he?”
“Are you asking about Tieck? Well he was ridiculously cute!”
“Right? He’s like prince-charming!”
“It’s not every day you get to see a man like that.”
“I’m a pass. Though I’d like to see him in 20 years.”
“You do fall for old guys, don’t you Befi.”
“What?!”

Seletina’s beauty had captivated the hearts of the women in the traveling caravan in a single night. The story of how, upon seeing Seletina the next day, the women’s looks transformed into ones brimming with desire is best left for another time.

1. Silva: Well, all I can say at this point is, F U author. Keeps delaying the meeting will you. This is why your book stopped at volume 2 >.> Yes, I am rubbing salt on the wound because I am salty af. I really hope Seletina gets to meet Imitia before the translation reaches the end.
   Jiro: They will, they will :D