Chapter 99

On the night after Aliénor successfully took another step forward as a Dark Mage.

I woke up sensing someone’s presence nearby.

I thought perhaps Mary had come to ask me to be her hugging pillow. Sometimes she gets spoiled like that. I sat up groggily, thinking that was the case again.

I was wrong.

Aliénor was standing there.

Even with only the dim glow of the indoor lamp, I could tell instantly that her face was beet red.

“I… I thought I’d like to have a chat with my rival. That is strictly all. I have no other intentions. None whatsoever…”

Um, if Mary finds out I was talking to Aliénor in the middle of the night, won’t she be mad…?

But while it was forbidden for me to go to Aliénor’s room, nothing had been said about Aliénor coming to mine, so it’s safe. Yes, I’m following the rules! No problem at all!

Cerulia immediately read the room. “I’m going to go drink some wine. I’ll probably just pass out drunk at the table~,” she said and slipped out.

I sat on the bed side-by-side with Aliénor.

It was a bit dark, but sufficient for conversation. Besides… it added a certain mood to the situation…

“I knew I didn’t have much natural talent. But the feeling that I want to be a Dark Mage isn’t a lie either. My parents might think I abandoned my dream of being a chef, but they’re wrong. A person can have more than one dream, right?”

Aliénor’s words felt quiet and calm, as is typical of late-night talk, and very clear.

And then, bit by bit, she shared these things with me:

How difficult local self-employment is, but that there are still things she wants to do.

That she wants to at least clash with reality with everything she has before reaching a final conclusion.

How truly happy she was to feel herself growing during the mini-study abroad.

And how President Kelkel had given her detailed advice on running a business (as expected, that person was giving her full support behind the scenes).

These were all Aliénor’s genuine, unembellished words.

“I know that I’m just an ordinary person you could find anywhere. The Carlyle family might have been amazing in the past, but after hundreds of years, it’s just a country business…”

“You were acting pretty tough about it, though.”

“But even a person like that has things they want to do. And if so, I think I just have to do them.”

Looking at Aliénor like that, she seemed incredibly charming.

What do you mean, “ordinary”?

There are hardly any people as dedicated to looking forward and trying to shine as you are.

“Since I’m not the one taking the responsibility, I won’t just say ‘good luck.’ You’re a Dark Mage, so if there’s something you want to do, make sure you give it form.”

“I don’t need you to tell me that, Franz.”

Aliénor laughed, looking somewhat proud.

“One day, I’ll be the greatest Dark Mage among our peers. You’ll be overshadowed in no time, Franz. Don’t come crying to me when I’ve left you in the dust.”

“Yeah, fine. I’ll be there to witness it.”

I thought the conversation had ended on a good note, but there was more.

Aliénor softly placed her hand over mine.

“Speaking of things I want to do… right now, what I want to do is play-act at making a baby with Franz…”

I guess when a man and a woman are at such close range, that’s what happens.

It would be more of a problem if I didn’t make a move now. I had just told her to do the things she wanted to do, after all.

We repeated the “Sabbat” on the bed.

Dealing with lust is also the right thing to do as a Dark Mage, yes, surely…

“To be honest, when you were possessed by that evil spirit and shoved me down, it was pretty tough… I thought, ‘Man, it’s hard to hold back here’… Though I did hold back, of course.”

“Then you can just do the rest now.”

“I’m counting on you to be thorough and take your time. I want to make it so you can never forget me.”

“True. You’re surrounded by women, Franz. There’s a high chance you’ll forget. Honestly, you are definitely an enemy to all women.”

Why are you giving me the cold shoulder now?

“…But it can’t be helped. My current self doesn’t have the power to bind you for years. So, at the very least, I’ll make sure this day stays in your memory!”

After that, Aliénor fell asleep in the bed. I had worn her out quite a bit, so I figured I’d let her sleep there.

I went to the dining area to let Cerulia know.

“Sorry, but could you sleep on the sofa today?”

“Yes. Don’t worry, I won’t say anything tactless ♪”

I’m glad Cerulia is such an understanding familiar.

“By the way, I increased the ratio of eel dishes in preparation for today. I’m sure things were quite heated.”

“You used such a scheme?!”

Had we been dancing in the palm of Cerulia’s hand?

“However, I’ve also felt a rare sense of jealousy. Whether it’s tomorrow or the day after, please make love to me as much as possible, Master.”

“Understood. On that day, make sure to feed me eel.”

I should do my part properly as a way of returning the favor.

The day before Aliénor was to return to her hometown.

We held a farewell party at a restaurant President Kelkel often uses. In matters like this, the President is truly thoughtful.

However, Aliénor’s face was unusually serious.

“This taste… it’s a flavor I haven’t been able to produce yet…”

Ah, because she’s a good cook, she noticed something specific.

“Maybe I should hone my cooking skills in the Royal Capital…? No, if I do that, the Dark Magic side will…”

“Hey, hey, hey! Are you wavering already?! Stick to Dark Magic!”

“Shut up! Getting lost is a part of life!”

The next day, Aliénor headed back.

If a letter comes in about three months saying, “I opened a restaurant,” I won’t know what kind of face to make. So please, make sure you succeed with Dark Magic.

I’m counting on you!

You’re my rival, after all!