Extra in a Romance Fantasy

32 – End of the Festival (9)

Despite the occurrence of a massive event like the Princess Assault, the Academy did not become chaotic.

The reason was that Estelle, the person involved, did not want the incident to be exposed to the outside world.

Due to various post-event arrangements, it was inevitable that the Academy would inform about the assault, but that happened only after the scene had been cleared.

Estelle, withholding the details, calmly informed the Academy that an assault had taken place.

Of course, the Academy was curious about the specifics, but due to Estelle’s firm declaration that she would disclose the details only after the incident had been completely handled, they had no choice but to step back.

The Academy also wanted to avoid the revelation of the fact that an assault, especially one against the Empire’s future emperor, had occurred within the Academy.

However, questions lingered about the detailed events and why Estelle had prevented the incident from spreading.

The higher-ups in the Academy speculated that the incident was connected to internal issues within the Empire.

They guessed it was to avoid getting involved in the affairs of someone who could evade the reputation of Reinberg.

Regardless, the Ferdinand Academy, where an event capable of changing the continent’s course had occurred, remained unaware of the fact, quietly immersed in the aftermath of the festival.

***

Several busy days passed without a moment to rest.

After somewhat organizing the incident during that period, Estelle finally took a moment to catch her breath.

However, she didn’t have the leisure to savor that long-awaited respite. She immediately left her room.

And naturally, there were those who discreetly followed behind Estelle.

The newly replenished guards stood ready. They were stationed in the city of Perdion outside the academy, prepared for any unforeseen events. Although they were considered reserves, they were elite, on par with the previous shadow guards. However, to avoid potential complications arising from their large numbers, they were stationed outside the academy. Therefore, the level of protection did not differ significantly from before, but Estelle planned to further bolster their numbers in the future.

Additionally, she intended to review and reinforce preparations in terms of artifacts, magical tools, and other aspects. Given that there was no guarantee that an event wouldn’t happen twice, she took thorough precautions.

Within the strict guard, Estelle’s steps led her to none other than the medical ward of the academy. Originally, this was a restricted visiting hour, but she was someone exempt from such rules. In fact, no one stopped her, and she gracefully entered the medical ward, opening the door to one of the rooms.

The interior was shrouded in darkness. The moonlight seeping through the window faintly illuminated the scene. And on the bed placed there, a man lay with a serene expression.

Estelle approached the bed with cautious steps. Then, closing her eyes, she silently gazed at the motionless face of the man. He seemed so quiet that one might doubt if he was truly alive. However, the regular rise and fall of his chest passively proved that he was indeed alive.

“…Sleeping soundly, aren’t you?”

Looking at the peaceful face of the man, Estelle whispered softly. It might sound like a complaint to an outsider, but Estelle’s face showed no sign of dissatisfaction. Instead, only a gentle smile, a trace of concern, and a hint of sadness adorned her expression.

It had been days since he lost consciousness. According to the priests and doctors, his wounds had fully healed, so there was no need for major concern. However, seeing him still unconscious after several days raised unavoidable worries.

The injuries Wade sustained at that time were of a serious nature. The priest Estelle hastily summoned was visibly shocked upon witnessing the state, even though Estelle had already treated it with potions and medicines she possessed initially. According to the priest, the fact that he was alive was remarkable, and the injuries were challenging to treat immediately.

Indeed, the priest couldn’t heal him instantly, even after pouring all available sacred power. Estelle had to intervene and extinguish the urgent flames with her own abilities.

Following that incident, Estelle sought out more skilled priests and proficient doctors.

After undergoing such a process, Wade’s body had indeed recovered.

Having escaped the peril of his life, Wade had been sleeping like this for quite some time.

“…”

Estelle, who had been staring at his sleeping face for quite a while, finally shifted her gaze elsewhere.

It was none other than Wade’s left arm, specifically the hand protruding beyond the hospital gown.

Even in the dim moonlight, his hand stood out conspicuously in the dusky darkness.

It was different in color from other areas, distinctly so.

Estelle reached out her hand.

And gently caressed his hand.

This was a scar caused by Estelle.

More precisely, a burn incurred when she plunged her arm into the fire to save her.

Estelle herself had tried to heal it, but no matter what medicine she used, no matter what priest or doctor she called, she couldn’t neatly mend the burn on his arm.

They had suggested that it seemed to be a wound caused by a special flame.

Estelle knew.

That flame was a result of her own ability.

After the incident, as she reflected on her memories, she realized that a new ability had emerged within her.

The ability to manipulate fire.

Ironically, it was the same vision magic of Rainberg that she had been handling from the beginning.

However, its nature seemed markedly different.

At least Rainberg’s vision magic-induced burns weren’t as severe.

Moreover, the potency exceeded the level of her magic.

Estelle knew what to call such an ability.

‘Gift,’ also known as a power called a blessing.

While most people would rejoice if an exceptional power like Gift suddenly manifested, Estelle felt no joy in that fact.

“…”

Looking at Wade’s discolored skin, Estelle felt a sharp pain in her chest.

Everything was because of her.

Because of her, a wound that might never be erased for a lifetime remained on his body.

If he hadn’t helped, she would have been the one with the burn.

At that time, she couldn’t control the fire at all; she was in a state of complete mental instability.

If it had stayed that way, she would have suffered such severe burns all over her body.

Because of that, Estelle felt gratitude towards Wade, along with a deep sense of apology.

She needed to repay him.

That thought crossed her mind.

It wasn’t just about repaying him for saving her life.

It wasn’t just about repaying him for helping her avoid getting burned.

He had saved her heart.

He had prevented her from closing the door to her heart, from falling into despair and blaming the world.

He saved her.

In that fact, Estelle felt a greater sense of gratitude than anything else.

That’s why she wanted to repay him.

What he wanted, she wanted to give him everything she could.

If he wished, she was willing to take responsibility for his entire life—

“I’ll stop it.”

“Uh…!”

At that moment, the words Wade had said that day replayed in her mind.

He didn’t specify it, but the meaning behind his words was clear.

To prevent it from happening, to keep her from going down a wrong path.

He would stop it.

Certainly, that seemed to be the meaning.

And for that, she needed to stay by his side….

That…

“Isn’t it practically a proposal?”

With that thought, Estelle, who didn’t know what to do, returned to her usual attitude.

“No way…”

Though it hadn’t been a long time since she had spent time with Wade, now she had a somewhat better understanding of Wade as a person.

At least she knew he wasn’t the type to say things with ulterior motives.

He probably genuinely said those words, without any hidden agenda.

“…Truly, a man burdened with sins.”

Perhaps this man had shown such a side to other women several times throughout his life.

There was no need to go far; the example was right there, nearby.

Rachel Eldred and Ayla Livrion.

They were connected to Wade through rumors, and subsequently, those who followed him transferred their affiliation to the History Research Club, the club to which Wade belonged.

Estelle sensed what feelings the two harbored towards Wade and quickly understood when they faced each other.

They were both enamored with Wade.

One tried not to show it outwardly, while the other seemed oblivious to her own feelings, but from an outsider’s perspective, it was clear.

It wasn’t just that; when they heard news of Wade’s injury, they rushed to his hospital room.

They even went so far as to interrogate Estelle.

In the past, Estelle, who had enjoyed watching their efforts to approach Wade with a sense of amusement, even went beyond to cheer them on.

But now, things were different.

“I’ll stop it.”

“I’ll make sure such a thing doesn’t happen.”

Playing Wade’s voice in her mind again, Estelle looked down at his face once more.

“I tried to give up, thinking it was for the best for you.”

She had indeed been attracted to him.

But she tried to give up without indulging in unnecessary desires, all to avoid ruining his life.

However, now, he had crossed that line first.

With considerable force.

“It’s too late to turn back now.”

In the dimly lit hospital room, a distinct smile adorned the face of the princess as the moonlight faintly touched her.

***

“….”

It’s a familiar ceiling.

How many times is it now that, upon opening my eyes, this ceiling is the first thing I see?

… Well, thinking about it, it’s not that many times.

So, it might still be appropriate to call it an unfamiliar ceiling.

With such trivial thoughts, I raised myself from the bed.

“My body seems to be okay.”

At the moment when I opened my eyes, I had a hunch that things would turn out this way, considering I felt perfectly fine despite the circumstances. Just to be sure, I examined my body with magic, and as expected, everything was in good condition.

It was even better than usual, to be honest.

“Hail to the divine power.”

A priest with exceptional divine power could heal almost any wound. If one held a position like a saint or even a pope, they could probably heal any injury as long as it didn’t lead to death.

In moments like this, I often wished I had divine power. There’s nothing better than it for emergency first aid for wounds.

However, those who don’t believe in gods don’t gain divine power.

It’s not that exceptions don’t exist, but unfortunately, I seemed to fall outside that category.

After casually organizing my thoughts and attempting to survey my surroundings, my attention was drawn to my hand.

A hand that distinctly differed in color and appearance from the rest.

The cause was easy to guess.

It was the burn mark caused by Estelle’s flames.

I had some expectation that such a burn would remain.

There must be a reason why the original Estelle dressed like that.

Probably, burns caused by Estelle’s gift couldn’t be easily healed even with divine power.

“Hmm.”

Well, it’s not like it bothered me much; it was just a slight change in color.

Considering it as the cost of altering Estelle’s future, it was a bargain.

“…”

Once again, as I welcomed this peaceful time, my thoughts became more profound.

I had finally altered the future.

There was no turning back now.

However, it was a decision I had prepared for.

I had considered everything before taking action.

As for how this would change the future, even I couldn’t predict.

The central antagonist of the story, in essence, no longer existed.

It could surprisingly unfold smoothly, or the narrative could take an entirely unexpected direction.

However, whatever may happen, I am the one who created this situation, and therefore I am ultimately responsible.

So, it might be a good idea to prepare in my own way.

…Well, there isn’t necessarily a need to think about it so seriously from the beginning.

After organizing my thoughts in that way, I was about to get out of bed.

Creak-

As the door of the hospital room opened and Mary came in, our eyes met.

“Oh.”

“……”

Mary’s eyes widened.

In her iris, resembling the blue sky, I could see a fleeting display of various emotions.

How much time had passed in that state?

Mary’s eyes returned to their original state, and soon a smile appeared on her face.

That smile was the brightest one I had ever seen.

“Wade?”

…Yet, it was also the scariest.

***

And so, after another stint as a hospital patient.

I returned to my daily life once again.

Honestly, I was a little worried.

This incident was no joke, and once it was revealed, it would have far-reaching consequences.

I couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if I became even more famous.

However, in the end, it was an unnecessary concern.

No one knew about the attack.

Although they may not know the full details, Estelle seemed to have chosen to conceal the incident.

I was somewhat curious about the reasons behind that decision, but I couldn’t immediately resolve that question.

I didn’t have any opportunity to meet Estelle.

It wasn’t that I was avoiding Estelle.

On the contrary, I even went to visit Estelle shortly after being discharged from the hospital.

Unlike previous incidents, I believed that Estelle still needed care in various ways.

But ironically, Estelle…

“Right now, I’m a little busy, so it’s better to postpone the conversation for later,” she said, her voice softening as she made the announcement.

Although her response was somewhat unexpected, it wasn’t a bad thing.

It meant that her condition wasn’t as bad as I had thought.

Considering her position and the magnitude of the incident that had occurred, it was enough to understand that she was busy.

I would probably be too busy to even imagine with all the various tasks at hand.

After organizing my thoughts and deciding that it would be better to talk to her when we both had free time, I returned to my daily routine.

And today was the day of my first club activity since being discharged from the hospital.

I headed towards the club building to go to the practice room.

And as I began to see the building in the distance…

“….”

I felt an unfamiliar sense of unease.

It was as if I had experienced this situation somewhere before.

In this incredibly vivid déjà vu, I momentarily stopped in my tracks.

That’s when it happened.

“Oh? Wade, my junior?”

A familiar voice came from behind me.

It was Senior Lunea.

“I heard you weren’t feeling well, but you look healthy. …But what are you doing here?”

“It’s been a while. Thanks to your concern, I’ve fully recovered.”

After exchanging greetings with Senior Lunea, I swallowed the dry saliva that had built up due to the tension spreading up my spine.

“By any chance, do you have any news?”

“What kind of news?”

“For example, if there were any new recruits…”

“No, there aren’t any new recruits.”

“Ah… I see.”

I let out a relieved sigh at Senior Lunea’s response.

It seemed that the nightmare wouldn’t become a reality after all.

The nightmare of Estelle joining the club.

In truth, I didn’t really want to avoid Estelle.

Rather, I plan to create my own interactions from now on.

But, when it comes to her joining the club… I somehow want to avoid it.

The reason is simple.

“If Estelle joins the club, I won’t be able to handle it.”

If she joins the club, it feels like the atmosphere of the club will become even heavier.

Already feeling suffocated, I had a stronger sense that it would become even more cumbersome.

So, I wanted to avoid that at all costs.

Well, it seems unlikely to happen, judging by appearances.

After all, she’s the student council president.

Not that being the president prevents her from joining a club, but most student council presidents don’t join clubs.

Being the president itself is a busy position.

There’s no spare time for club activities.

Therefore, it’s considered difficult for Estelle to join the History Research Club.

“Come on in!”

“…? Okay.”

Due to the disappearance of anxiety, my tension unexpectedly rose, and Runea Senpai looked at me with a puzzled expression.

However, not even caring about that gaze, I entered the building and finally opened the creaky door.

And there it was.

“You’re late.”

It was a familiar face.

“…”

For a moment, my body stiffened, but soon relaxed.

Her coming to the club has been a frequent occurrence so far.

So, there’s no need to be nervous.

Thinking so, I was about to naturally take a seat.

“Oh, by the way, there’s some new information!”

Runea Senpai’s voice from behind made my body tense up again.

The vanished anxiety subtly raised its head.

With eager eyes, I looked at Runea Senpai.

And Runea Senpai, with her characteristic gentle smile, continued.

“The chairman, Estelle, came out from the student council to participate in the audit for the historical research society!”

A death sentence was passed to me.

“….”

I turned my head to look at Estelle with a creaking movement.

“I’ll leave it to you from now on.”

Estelle looked at me and couldn’t help but smile brightly.

***

In a dark room.

In a place where only a few faint rays of light barely entered, Han Inyeong was quietly leaning against a chair.

Due to the darkness inside, Inyeong’s figure was not clearly visible.

It could be guessed that they were an adult, but nothing else could be discerned.

Not whether it was a man or a woman, not even their age.

Inyeong, without any movement, sat in the chair as if time had come to a standstill.

During that time.

For the first time, Inyeong moved.

With a slow gaze, Inyeong looked out the window.

Soon, a strange voice flowed from their lips.

“The flow has changed.”

Misfortune wriggled.