Chapter 605

Book 1 Chapter 605

“This is a lovely space, isn’t it?”

Stepping into the quarters, Leo shifted his gaze toward the proprietor of the establishment with a look of mild astonishment.

The accommodations were remarkably spacious.

Furthermore, every single living area, despite its compact size, was equipped with its own private thermal spring.

“A simple storage shed would have sufficed for us.”

“Haha! After hearing what you’re all dealing with, how could I possibly offer you that? Your younger siblings are exerting themselves so fiercely for the sake of their older brother and sister!”

The proprietor let out a boisterous laugh, cordially striking Leo on the shoulder.

Shortly after, his expression shifted to a more solemn one as he faced Marchel.

“Disagreements happen as you go through life. However, the joyful moments far outnumber the conflicts.”

The proprietor spoke, his tone turning somewhat subdued.

“My spouse passed away many years ago. We used to bicker constantly as well. Because of that, I carry a heavy remorse. I wish we had created more lasting moments together… I wish I had cherished her more…”

The man’s expression darkened for a brief second before he forcefully cleared his throat, uttering a loud “Ahem!”

“Pardon me, it seems I’m meddling where I shouldn’t. At any rate, please make yourselves comfortable here today without feeling indebted. However! Do keep in mind that I intend to have you working diligently until dusk!”

“We’ll set our belongings down and head out immediately to assist you.”

The proprietor gave an approving nod at those words before exiting the quarters.

“Ah, so that’s the reason he offered us such premium accommodations; there was a personal history behind his kindness.”

Leo murmured quietly under his breath, slipping off his footwear before stepping further onto the floor.

“The flooring has a pleasant warmth to it.”

“It utilizes a layout reminiscent of the Eastern Continental style.”

Following closely behind Leo, Marchel scanned the features of the room.

No bed frame was present in the space.

Instead, noting the presence of plush beddings piled together, it was clear that guests were expected to spread them across the flooring when turning in for the night.

“Phew. I caused quite an undignified scene a moment ago, and for that, I offer my regrets. I understood exactly why Young Master Leo orchestrated this arrangement, yet I found myself unable to keep my feelings in check.”

“Think nothing of it. I never anticipated that everyone would simply fall in line and cheerfully participate in this excursion from the start.”

Leo replied, unburdening himself of his travel gear.

“Regardless, if we cast aside our differences and collaborate for a single day, a sense of unity is bound to take root. My intention is to conduct this exercise once more after we conclude our affairs in Retin and make our way back. Next time, it will last for an entire week.”

“Hmm… There will undoubtedly be individuals who disregard Leo-nim’s directives by tomorrow morning. How do you intend to handle them?”

“Since they practically requested to have their bellies sliced open, we will simply oblige them.”

‘…Choosing to accompany Young Lady Chelsea and Young Master Leo on this journey was truly the correct decision.’

Marchel let out a quiet sigh, feeling a wave of reassurance.

“That being said, I do hold some apprehension regarding Young Lady Chelsea.”

Despite being a direct descendant of the Jerdinger lineage, Marchel possessed magical abilities and held a favorable view of Leo, who shared ties with the Plov family.

When it came to Niel, however, it remained uncertain what kind of animosity she might harbor toward Chelsea, given that Chelsea stood as a rival to Celia.

“Even so, it wouldn’t be appropriate for a young man and a young woman to reside in the exact same quarters, would it?”

“That is true. Young Lady Chelsea has reached adulthood, so I would never presume to share living space with her… Yes. That is correct.”

Observing Marchel as her voice trailed off, Leo questioned her without warning.

“Would you prefer to share a room with Senior Niel?”

“Ugh, cough! Cough!”

Caught completely off guard by Leo’s sudden inquiry, Marchel began coughing violently as though something had caught in her throat.

Instantly afterward, she voiced her objection in a flustered tone.

“Whatever possessed you to suggest such a thing!”

“Well, Chelsea mentioned to me that the two of you shared quite an intense romance in days past.”

“That belongs to our past, and things are no longer that way! It is nothing more than an old memory! Furthermore, I have never once viewed Niel Rhoda in such a manner…”

“You admitted that you had even weighed the prospect of matrimony. Even during your youth, for the successor of the foremost vassal lineage of Ruwalin to contemplate taking a knight rather than a fellow mage as a spouse—doesn’t that imply your intentions were incredibly earnest?”

For the prospective head of a renowned magical house to wed someone lacking magical aptitude was an unthinkable notion.

It was a path that could not be pursued without an immensely profound resolution.

“…”

Marchel fell into a brief silence following Leo’s observation, eventually letting loose a gentle sigh.

“Back when we were together, I truly did envision that kind of future.”

“You possessed quite a daring spirit.”

“Young Master Leo, surely you recall that I am your senior by four years?”

Marchel countered with an expression of sheer disbelief, staring at Leo who was conversing with her as though she were a mere youngster.

Leo offered nothing but a knowing smirk in response.

“On occasion, when I observe Young Master Leo, he genuinely gives off the impression of an elder brother.”

Shaking her head while letting out a faint, self-deprecating chuckle, Marchel remarked further.

“Not once have we spoken in that manner since learning of each other’s true lineages. I am of the mind that doing so would be disrespectful to her.”

Fixing his gaze steadily upon Marchel, Leo pushed further.

“What if Senior Niel did not belong to the Rhoda family?”

“专”

Confronted with the question, Marchel remained mute for a moment before displaying a melancholic smile.

“Such a reality could never exist, could it?”

‘So she still harbors unresolved sentiments. She refuses to be completely transparent with herself.’

Leo clicked his tongue silently upon hearing her resolute reply, then deflected the topic.

“In that case, shall we head down to pitch in with the tasks?”

“Let us do that.”

“Chelsea, the dishes are prepared.”

“Understood!”

Stepping into the cooking area, Chelsea lifted the platters Leo had assembled and carried them out to the dining hall.

She proceeded to set them down upon a table where patrons were eagerly awaiting their orders.

The tavern where Leo’s group had taken up residence was by no means a luxury establishment.

Consequently, aristocratic patrons were nowhere to be found.

Instead, it was a venue frequently patronized by ordinary households journeying together.

“Here is the meal you requested.”

Chelsea offered a radiant beam as she laid down the vessels containing the food.

“My goodness, what a lovely young lady to be working so industriously.”

A woman, who appeared to be the mother of the four-member household gathered at the table, snickered playfully while observing Chelsea.

“I hope the remainder of your journey is wonderful!”

Her young daughter, who had been watching Chelsea intently as she offered her cheerful parting words, gave a firm tug on her mother’s sleeve.

“Mother, Mother. I feel like I’ve encountered this older sister somewhere else before.”

“Oh? Where would that be?”

“Um… perhaps in the daily gazette?”

“Hahaha, don’t be silly. Why would someone featured in the gazette be working here? Furthermore, you don’t even make a habit of reading the news, do you?”

“No, I really did. I’m certain I caught sight of her face. Isn’t that right, older brother?”

“Yes. I am quite positive I recognize her as well.”

“Haha, you children. Even when you do glance at the gazette, you only pay attention to the segments concerning celebrated figures.”

Chelsea had indeed been featured within the public prints on a handful of occasions.

Nevertheless, the family could never have imagined that Chelsea Ruwalin, a prominent member of Lumerne’s renowned Golden Generation, would be performing manual labor as a server in an ordinary tavern.

Thus, they simply brushed it off as a passing sense of familiarity.

Children, however, possessed remarkably keen eyes.

Chelsea let out a soft grin as she observed the youngsters whispering quietly among themselves regarding her identity.

‘How endearing.’

The sight brought back recollections of her own childhood alongside Abbad.

With those thoughts, Chelsea made her way back into the kitchen.

In the meantime, Marchel, who had been assisting with the floor service alongside Chelsea, was relaying the latest customer requests to Niel.

“Did you capture all of that?”

“Hmph, my hearing functions perfectly fine, you know.”

“How reassuring to know your ears are working as intended.”

Faced with Niel’s sharp words, Marchel offered a frosty smile before pivoting back toward the dining area.

Watching the exchange unfold, Chelsea could only shake her head.

Leo then addressed Chelsea directly.

“Is the service work proving to be overly exhausting for you?”

“Not at all. In fact, I find it quite enjoyable.”

“Are you unbothered when patrons fail to show proper deference?”

“Oppa Leo, do you honestly view me as nothing more than a sheltered noblewoman?”

Chelsea held a social rank that eclipsed that of standard royalty.

Because of this status, she had been treated with the utmost reverence since her earliest days.

Yet, that upbringing had not rendered her haughty or demanding.

‘If she possessed such a flawed disposition, her personal development would have stalled long ago.’

From the very moment they commenced their studies, she had rapidly formed a close companionship with Carl, an ordinary commoner.

This demonstrated just how adaptable her perspective truly was.

“Putting that aside.”

Folding her arms across her chest, Chelsea shifted her attention toward Niel, who was systematically portioning out provisions.

Niel happened to possess a natural aptitude for culinary preparation, which resulted in her managing the hearth alongside Leo.

The permanent kitchen staff looked on in absolute awe at Niel’s mastery of the blade.

“Incredible!”

“How is she able to sever through such a dense skeletal piece in a single motion?”

Having spent her entire existence honing her skills as a warrior, her exceptional physical mastery made itself evident even within a kitchen setting.

“The atmosphere between them remains incredibly chilly.”

“That is certainly true.”

Niel displayed an immense amount of sensitivity regarding any implication that she and Marchel were tied together as a pair.

“Senior Marchel appears to still carry a flame for her.”

“What? Is that truly the case?”

Chelsea’s eyes widened in sheer astonishment.

After recovering from her initial shock, Chelsea adopted a earnest expression and strode over to Niel’s side.

“Senior Niel. Do you still harbor romantic feelings for Marchel?”

Thwack!

“What did you say?”

Niel, who had driven her blade clean through the protein and into the wooden chopping block beneath, directed a piercing, narrowed glare toward Chelsea.

The entire kitchen crew held their breath collectively, intimidated by the intense, hostile pressure radiating from her.

Chelsea, however, simply maintained unwavering eye contact with Niel’s intimidating gaze without flinching in the slightest.

“Give me an answer.”

After locked in a brief standoff with Chelsea, Niel clicked her tongue sharply and offered a reply.

“Why should I provide you with an answer? This matter concerns none of your business.”

“The dissolution of your relationship was partially caused by the friction between our respective houses, was it not? Therefore, I don’t believe it is entirely separate from me.”

Hearing Chelsea’s counterargument, Niel set her implement aside and exhaled a prolonged breath.

She then spoke.

“Whether I still possess feelings or not changes absolutely nothing. It is not a consequence of your lineage, nor is it due to mine. The connection was simply flawed from its inception. Therefore, you have no reason to burden yourself with it.”

With those final words, Niel untied her protective garment and stated.

“Pardon me. I require a brief moment outside to clear my head.”

Leaving that statement behind, Niel exited the culinary area.

Observing that volatile reaction, Chelsea turned her gaze back toward Leo.

“She still cares for her as well, does she not?”

“Indeed she does.”

Leo gave an affirmative nod.

“What course of action should we pursue?”

As Chelsea immersed herself in contemplation, Leo offered his perspective.

“This remains an issue for the two of them to settle. Just as Senior Niel pointed out, it isn’t an issue that requires your intervention.”

“I am well aware of that. Even so, the knowledge that their separation was brought about by the political stance of our families weighs heavily on my conscience.”

In days past, Chelsea would have simply shrugged it off as an unavoidable reality and dismissed it from her thoughts.

At present, however, her mindset had shifted.

“It is entirely improper for Ruwalin and Jerdinger to persist in their bitter rivalry, isn’t it?”

Chelsea grasped the underlying motivation behind Leo orchestrating this entire trip better than anyone else.

She was fully aware that Leo was none other than Kyle, the ancient Hero of Beginnings.

In the rapidly approaching days.

A monumental crisis would likely descend upon the world, necessitating that every living soul pool their strengths as one.

Given such a looming reality, was it logical for Ruwalin and Jerdinger, the two most illustrious protector houses of Rodren, to maintain their mutual hostility?

Throughout her two-year tenure at Lumerne.

Chelsea had undergone a massive transformation.

While she still found Celia to be a source of irritation.

Her feelings were entirely distinct from the era when her sole motivation was to cry out for the downfall of the Jerdinger name.

She comprehended precisely what future Leo was striving to achieve.

For the sake of the present era she occupied.

And for the sake of the generations yet to come.

Chelsea was deeply aware of just how perilous a path Leo had trodden, and how much more agonizing the remaining journey would be.

Because of that understanding…

‘I wish to alleviate his burdens, even if only by a small margin.’

Arion had previously remarked on the matter.

Leo was the sort of individual who would never willingly delegate his hardships to others.

If that was the case.

She resolved to assist Leo to the absolute limit of her capabilities.

Even an individual as remarkable as Leo could not accomplish everything single-handedly.

Thus, she needed to take charge of the matters within her reach.

‘The unresolved conflict between Marchel and Senior Niel serves as a direct reflection of the grander animosity dividing our two families.’

She desired to mend that rift, even if only slightly.

“Perhaps things can never truly return to how they once were. Nevertheless, I hope they can at least let go of their resentment and remain companions.”

Chelsea spoke with absolute sincerity.

“Is there any effective method to bring that about?”

While Chelsea remained deep in thought.

The proprietor of the inn stepped into the kitchen, catching sight of Leo and Chelsea before flashing a radiant grin.

“Thanks to the efforts of you two, the reviews from the patrons in the house have been spectacular! They’re claiming the cuisine tastes far superior to our usual fare! What’s more, with such a striking young woman serving alongside her handsome brother, our volume of business is absolutely soaring! You’re performing magnificently!”

The proprietor, who was clearly enjoying exceptional profits today, raised an approving thumb before suddenly cutting himself short.

“Wait a moment. Why has the mood in here turned so somber?”

“The truth of the matter is…”

After Chelsea relayed the circumstances to him, the proprietor pondered the situation with a grave expression before striking his own chest confidently.

“So they are still engaged in a silent standoff, are they? There is only one remedy for such a situation! When things reach this point, we must compel them to find common ground, even if it requires a bit of manipulation!”

“Do you truly possess a viable strategy?”

“Leave everything to me!”

The proprietor offered a highly self-assured gesture.

Leo narrowed his eyes slightly as he observed the man’s bravado.

‘This sounds remarkably like a poorly thought-out endeavor.’

Following the conclusion of the evening meal service.

Beneath a sky dominated by a brilliant, elevated moon, the surroundings grew peaceful.

Niel found herself traversing the quiet corridor.

‘For what reason did Young Master Leo request my presence?’

An expression of unease settled over Niel’s features.

‘Could his intention be to reprimand me for the disruptive behavior I displayed earlier in the kitchen?’

Should that prove to be the case, she would find herself entirely without defense, regardless of any excuses she might offer.

Letting out a heavy, anxious breath, Niel arrived outside Leo’s assigned quarters and rapped her knuckles against the woodwork.

“It is Niel.”

No vocal acknowledgment followed her greeting.

Displaying a look of confusion, Niel cautiously applied pressure to the handle and parted the door.

“It is Niel. I am stepping inside…”

Thud!

In an instant, Niel caught the sudden sensation of movement originating from behind her, causing her to tense and attempt to pivot.

Leo, however, acted with superior speed, applying firm pressure to Niel’s back to propel her forward across the threshold.

Bang!

Chelsea, who had been waiting in ambush alongside him, swiftly yanked the door shut.

Finding herself abruptly confined within the living space, Niel’s mouth parted in sheer speechlessness.

It was then that she caught sight of Marchel, who was standing within the room looking equally bewildered by the turn of events.

A spread of extravagant delicacies had been laid out neatly within the space.

Taking in the sight, Niel desperately lunged backward to manipulate the door handle.

Click-clack!

Bang, bang!

“Young Master Leo! Grant me exit! Please unlock this door at once!”

She strained against the barrier with a highly panicked countenance, yet there wasn’t the slightest indication that the mechanism would yield.

Snap!

With a sharp flick of Leo’s fingers, a locking enchantment settled over the entryway.

“A flawless execution!”

“Superb!”

Chelsea offered a brilliant smile, striking her palm against the proprietor’s in a triumphant high-five.

“I had a strong suspicion that the plan would manifest in this exact manner.”

Leo muttered quietly under his breath, shaking his head in mild resignation while the establishment owner let out a hearty laugh.

“When dealing with circumstances of this nature, forcing individuals into close proximity is often the ultimate solution! Excellent! Now, we shall leave the remaining details to the estranged pair while the two of you seek some well-deserved rest! We are bound to receive positive updates by morning!”

Chelsea shifted her gaze toward Leo as they watched the chuckling tavern owner make his departure.

“Do you truly believe this forced isolation will inspire them to reconcile?”

“Who can say. It possesses an equal chance of exacerbating their animosity.”

Leo cast a passing look back toward the sealed entryway.

“Taking their initial reactions into account, a minor degree of manipulation seemed essential to break the deadlock. From this point forward, everything hinges entirely on the depth of the affection they still harbor for one another.”