Chapter 24.1

After taking a bath, I put an ‘x’ over the numbers on the calendar.

Roughly speaking, if the water was deep, I could have tried drowning like before, but that couldn’t be done now. Celina’s bath had at some point become deep enough to submerge only up to my waist. Because of Elijah.

The smell of food was still very faint in the air because I was locked up in my room while having to eat three meals a day. It was only on the day of practice for Ingrit’s coming-of-age ceremony that I was able to escape from this room.

‘Hey, how the hell have you been living like this?’

The more I thought about it, the more irritated I got, so I talked to Celina.

[I never disobeyed my father’s orders, so I never got stuck in my room like this.]

‘What are you so proud of, it’s nothing worth bragging.’

There was nothing special to do in this worldview. After dozens of card games with Ian, I was completely fed up.

I should have written it as a cutting-edge science fiction novel. It wouldn’t have been so boring.

Ah. There was one surprising fact. Celina was a total pro. Not only in card games, but in games where you had to use your head, she had no history of losing. Except that she intentionally gave up the victory when it was necessary. So, I just had to do what she told me to do.

“What are you going to knit?”

I asked Ian. He sat down at the table and looked at the piles of threads.

“I’m not sure. I haven’t decided yet. Is there anything you need?”

“… Hm.”

I thought of Celina’s dresses and accessories one by one. I usually stayed in my room, but maybe because I move by magic when I go somewhere, I felt like I didn’t have enough winter items. Of course, it was nice to be pretty, but I felt like the focus was on that aspect too much.

“Earmuffs. The thing you put on your head and tie under your chin. Can you do it?”

“The thing you wear on your head and tie under your chin?”

He asked back, in a voice that showed he didn’t understand.

“I’ll draw a picture.”

I grabbed a pen and a piece of paper that were scattered nearby. Then, something amazing happened.

Although I drew it roughly, the shape and structure were clearly captured. I tried drawing other things, and the results were perfect.

This woman even knew how to draw. I felt like I had given up her stamina and strength and raised her stats only in agility.

This painting, drawn roughly, flowed into my consciousness, awakening other unnoticed memories. In the garden, the image of Celina holding a brush and painting was brought to life in my mind.

‘Hey. You are truly awesome.’

[Thank you.]

She seemed to be smiling somehow.

“Ah. This. Yes, I can do it. Is there any color you want?”

Ian asked.

“Hm. Wouldn’t white be better? Will it get dirty?”

Knock, knock. Suddenly, there was a knock. We turned to the door at the same time.

“Ah, not there. This way.”

A voice was heard from the window.

“… Mikael?”

I called his name in confusion.

“When did you come to the castle?”

“Just now.”

Mikael was sitting in a cat-like position on the windowsill. Waving his hand gently. The light fluttered along the outline of his body, his back turned to the moon.

“Did something happen? I’m sure you had an order not to come here.”

Ian put down his knitting needle and blocked my way.

“I’m really sorry, Ian.”

Before Mikael even finished speaking, Ian disappeared from the room. Wow. I was quietly impressed. I felt the skill of the protagonist again.

He wasn’t joking around. This castle is absolutely Elijah’s territory, so it wouldn’t be easy to use this kind of magic.

“You must have been frustrated for being unable to go out. Shall we take a walk for a while?”

He reached out his hand to me.

“Yeah. I would like that. But where did you send Ian?”

I glanced back towards the window. As if Ian would come back right away if I did.

“Are you worried?”

“A little?”

“Don’t worry about other people. Ian is safe.”

Mikael’s response felt a little harsh. I wondered if he was offended because he thought I was suspecting him in a bad way. I hurriedly looked at his face, but as usual, he was gentle.

“That’s a given. I’m not worried about his safety. There’s no way you would do something bad to him.”

I stood in front of him, making excuses.

“Then what are you worried about?”

“I’m afraid he’ll be scolded again. By Eli— I mean, by my father.”

It really wasn’t easy to call him ‘father’.

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