IABCBMH Chapter 49

(athanasiafrost)

During our days in ‘Ace’, members of the organization would often use methods like these to distribute illegal items. Although I wasn’t directly involved in the distribution, I was familiar with the basic combinations and aliases.

‘Teddy’ was the name I gave to my teddy bear, which concealed my long gun, so ‘Little Teddy’ became the code for my pistol. In my recollection, before my return, Vincent had been continuously researching pistols. However, progress was slow as he was taking care of me in the capital. By now, he likely had ample time to advance his research while stationed in the South, and he sent me this pistol.

“Hmm, it certainly feels lighter compared to before I left. Vincent wasn’t merely idling, it seems.”

I muttered to myself as I turned the pistol in my hand. Long guns were known for their ease of shooting and high accuracy, but they lacked portability.

While it was fine to keep Leo within my chambers, he was an active child, not an object. There was no guarantee that a similar situation to the one at the previous camp wouldn’t repeat itself.

The handgun might not be as straightforward to handle as the long gun, but it was still effective against mid-level demons.

“In some way… the timing feels like fate.”

I murmured as I concealed the pistol on my thigh. Originally, I hadn’t been too interested, but the prospect of the oath of loyalty had a certain allure.

Fortunately, Northern clothing was designed in layers to stave off the cold, ensuring that the concealed pistol remained inconspicuous.

“As I need to remain here for a while longer.”

Though it was an impulsive notion, I hadn’t yet formulated a fully-fledged plan. At this point, I thought that Yujei would lend a pretty good hand for me.

Even so, thanks to Yujei, I gained a lot during that time. It had also provided a great opportunity to subtly inquire Braeden about the ‘Treasure Room’ without arousing suspicion.


“Yes, Braeden. Among the ‘Noavik’ abilities, does access to the ‘Treasure Room’ included? My brother used to run a pawnshop, and I’ve heard mentions of the treasure room.”

“Ah, indeed. It’s said that only direct descendants of the Noavik lineage have access. It’s a repository for Noavik’s heirlooms, passed down through the generations. Such as the ‘time stone’.”


While I had been informed that only individuals of the Noavik lineage could gain entry, my hope wasn’t entirely dashed. With my significant holy power, there might be a chance for me to enter and exit. The key, of course, was pinpointing its location.

“Braeden mentioned that Noavik’s ability is akin to the transformed divine power of a high priest. In that case, individuals with heightened divine power might be able to access it?”

“Well, it’s possible. In truth, I’m not well-versed about the treasure room either. We don’t even know its location, correct? Likely only the Duke and Prince Leo within this duchy are privy to that information.”


Given my unique circumstances, characterized by my substantial holy power, there was certainly room for an attempt to enter and exit. Thus, it primarily became a matter of finding out where it was situated.

At the very least, I was certain that the ‘time stone’ resided within its confines, solidifying my objective. As for the issue of its location, while devising strategies to unravel that puzzle, I still needed to find a way to extend my time in the North. That’s when Yujei appeared before me like a providential gift.

As I sorted through my thoughts and belongings, a knock on the door disrupted my concentration. A voice, low and unwelcome, followed.

“May I come in for a moment, Eloise?”

It was Johannes. It appeared his tour of the castle was already complete.

‘I guess they just did it roughly according to the procedure… .’

I could easily envision Johannes guiding Yujei in a cavalier manner like licking a surface of a watermelon^[1]. At that moment, another knock was heard.

“Open the door.”

It was a clear command. I lacked the resolve to resist, so I greeted him with a shy smile and admitted him into the room. He seated himself gracefully in front of me, nonchalantly crossing his legs.

Though he maintained that Yujei only assessed his physical prowess and coveted him in such a manner, the outward demeanor of Johannes Noavik exuded an air of elegant self-assuredness.

He possesses a slender physique with refined muscles, his deep eyes tucked beneath dark eyebrows, and a poised bearing that oddly contrasts with his intense gaze. His red lips, issuing forth callous yet cutting remarks, possess their own kind of alluring charm.

Seated across from him, I offered an awkward smile. Although I had previously studied alongside Braeden without such unease, my entire being now seemed unusually tense.

The pistol, which I had experimentally fastened to my thigh, served as a persistent reminder of its cold metallic touch. Had I foreseen Johannes’ impromptu visit, I might have secured it more firmly, a regret now firmly etched in my mind.

“uh… Was Princess Yujei guided well into her room?”

A palpable awkwardness enveloped the silence, prompting me to introduce a neutral subject. Johannes responded with a nonchalant shrug.

“Oh, yes. I assigned a new chamber to the maid responsible for cleaning the carriage. It appears the person tidying up the wagon was quite competent. His conscience seems decent enough not to discard an incapable individual.”

“haha.”

This marked the second instance of Johannes gracing my room, and the first time we were alone. During his prior visit, I had been injured, and a stream of maids had filled the space. He had surveyed the surroundings with an imposing aura, before departing seemingly as abruptly as he’d arrived.

“Why did you choose this room? Didn’t you mention you would make the selection yourself?”

“Ah.”

Naturally, I made an excuse I had prepared before.

(athanasiafrost)

“I liked the view. While my understanding of other factors might be limited, I can’t stand being blocked. And I like gloomy things, hence my preference against the south and east directions… Thus, I settled on this location.”

“View… .”

Undeniably, the room I had chosen lay somewhat distant from the heart of the Duchy. Johannes shifted his gaze gradually towards the window and mused.

“I can see Leo’s room and my room right away.”

“… Ah, the Duke’s room… Yes… .”

Upon reflection, I recalled hearing that Johannes’ room lay directly above Leo’s. It hadn’t truly crossed my mind, hence it held little significance.

“You needn’t respond in such an indifferent manner. You have no talent in entertaining.”

“Oh, entertainment… Do not worry. I will be good to Princess Yujei.”

“Must you, though?”

Arching an eyebrow, Johannes queried. I parried with a smile.

“Wouldn’t that be preferable to not doing so?”

“Well, then don’t anticipate the grand diplomacy of Duchess Noavik. I can place faith in a wife skilled in hospitality and embrace a more open-minded approach.”

It was obvious sarcasm. I asked sullenly.

“Why are you here anyway? I must prepare myself now.”

“More?”

Truth be told, I had donned quite an old-fashioned outfit to welcome Yujei. Observing Johannes’ languid expression, I extended my hand.

“I also have a lot of jewelry. Adorning oneself with all available necklaces might seem somewhat childish, and I’m thinking of putting rings on all ten of my fingers. The attire has to match.”

At my words, a genuine laughter escaped Johannes. His eyes then fixed upon me, gleaming with the delight of someone thoroughly amused.

“Indeed.”

“yes?”

“I’d like you to coordinate your outfit with mine. That’s why I came.”

I momentarily puzzled over his words, tilting my head in confusion. After giving him a once-over, from head to toe, I asked with genuine curiosity,

“… what … Should I wear a sword instead of a ring?”

Johannes’ ensemble exuded aristocratic perfection, yet what truly caught one’s attention was the sword he wore, a weapon that suited him impeccably. Naturally, I couldn’t retort that I intended to accessorize with a gun rather than a sword.

“Is your conclusion a sword? Your enthusiasm truly ignited a brief internal debate over whether I should disrobe.”

Johannes rolled his eyes with a languid grace. His tone was unmistakably teasing, a subtle amusement that could easily draw people in.

“what…”

“Not that sort of idea.”

“Then?”

“The most effective strategy to quell Yujei’s restlessness would likely involve presenting ourselves as a devoted couple.”

“Yes? What do you mean by ‘devoted couple’?”

It was perhaps one of the most absurd things he had ever uttered. The description of a ‘good relationship’ had never applied to the dynamic between Johannes and me. Puzzled, I inquired, my question met with his gallant gesture as he lightly lifted my hand, as though extending an escort.

“Cooperate if you have the will, ma’am.”

Despite his haughty manner of speech, it was a hard proposition to decline, given his courteous demeanor. The hand I had extended was ensnared. While I hesitated, he added, unhurriedly,

“If you possess a shred of conscience, you’ll recognize that I’ve been quite lenient toward you.”

I replied as if protesting.

“Isn’t that self-evident? I haven’t engaged in anything suspicious, underhanded, or intrusive.”

“Indeed, but you not divulging my presence in the castle could be conducive to your comfortable daily life.”

His grip on my hand tightened. His gaze bored into mine, an expression that seemed to regard me as an accomplice.

“Eloise, no matter who sees us, we are a strange couple, you know?”

“Is that so? Why?”

“You have a knack for lying, but you’re not good at faking emotions. Emotions don’t surface naturally for you, and your speech can be as mechanical as a parrot’s.”

Sadly, I was ill-equipped to comprehend how individuals genuinely enamored with each other behaved. Zion was flirting with women, though he had never demonstrated a genuine affection for anyone. Moreover, my efforts to imitate him had left me with graying hairs and a lack of versatility in diverse situations.

Objectively, Johannes didn’t necessarily have to choose me. While his decision might have been influenced by a desire to avoid the crown prince’s interference, the case of Princess Yujei was different. Judging by the magnitude of her involvement, there were clearly other motivations at play.

“Until now, our interactions have primarily been confined to individuals within the Duchy. Consequently, no one has truly probed into our connection. However, matters shift when dealing with outsiders.”

“uh… Um, is that so?”

For Johannes, it would not be pleasant to find out that we were formally married and his wife was about to be kicked out. It’s because Yujei will run rampant more.

In truth, it was evident that Yujei’s hasty appearance was spurred by some distress. Claiming I remained due to my unrequited love was hardly a compelling excuse. After all, Yujei herself likely harbored an unrequited love Rolling my eyes, I listened as Johannes continued in a leisurely tone,

“Thus, when facing Princess Yujei, I have to pretend to love you.”

(athanasiafrost)

[1] 수박 겉 핥기 – Licking the surface of a watermelon means only experiencing/knowing surface level things.

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