IITYVA 32

Chapter 32

“Ajumma, if you need to reach me, just contact the imperial palace. You can just say it’s for Einra.”

“Oh, okay. The imperial pala—Whaaat? T-The imperial palace?!”

The woman, who had been casually nodding along, suddenly opened her eyes wide in shock.

“You, you—you work at the imperial palace?! Are you… a government official?!”

“Um, not quite a high-ranking one, but yes, I do work for the government…”

I gave a sheepish smile and looked away awkwardly.

To be specific, I’m a government official directly under the Emperor, responsible for handling natural disasters.

After filling out the necessary paperwork, just as the woman instructed—still looking like her jaw might drop off—I returned home with As.

“Okay, time to pack.”

Fortunately, most of the furniture came with the house, so I only needed to pack my personal belongings like clothes and books.

Besides, I hadn’t planned to live here for long anyway, so I didn’t own too much to begin with.

‘Still… what a pain.’

As I walked around the large house, I suddenly felt all motivation evaporate.

‘Should I just toss everything?’

If I need anything later, I can always buy new stuff. I’ve got the money for it.

Just as I was seriously considering this, a small hand gently grabbed my arm.

“Einra, let’s pack, okay?”

As looked up at me with those soft, crimson eyes.

The moment our eyes met, all my earlier thoughts vanished like smoke, and I nodded as if in a trance.

“Yeah, let’s do it.”

As said we should pack.

Of course. Of course we should.

After sorting through what to take and tidying the house, I used the remaining time to bake cookies for the villagers.

They’ve been in my life for almost ten years. They helped me so much, and I’ve grown fond of them. I wanted to show my appreciation, even if just with cookies.

Once the cookies had cooled and were packaged, I filled a basket and went around the village with As, handing them out.

The villagers were happy to receive the cookies, but they soon looked sad upon hearing my goodbyes. Still, they gave me heartfelt wishes like “stay healthy” and “live happily.”

Of course, there were some who said things like “You and Millen looked good together,” but I just played dumb and made sure to keep As away from them.

After making our rounds and giving out the last of the cookies, As and I were just about to head back home when—

“Einra!”

I turned my head at the sound of someone calling me.

It was Uncle Charles, waving and hurrying toward us.

“Uncle Charles? Is something wrong?”

He was out of breath, panting heavily as he nodded.

“Yeah, whew, it’s tough getting old. So, Millen said he had something he really wanted to say to you before you leave…”

“…Millen?”

I looked at Uncle Charles with a sour expression.

After all the awkward and tense encounters we’ve had, I really had no interest in talking to him.

Just as I was about to refuse, Uncle Charles spoke quickly.

“He said he realizes now that he was a bit too much with you, and he really wants to apologize.”

“Oh…”

“He said he’d really regret it if he didn’t get the chance to say sorry. He asked me to pass that along.”

“I don’t need it.”

As, who had been silently listening, cut in firmly.

Both Uncle Charles and I blinked in surprise and turned to As. He smiled sweetly and added,

“Please tell Millen that his feelings have been received.”

“But… he said he really wants to say it in person…”

Uncle Charles scratched his head awkwardly.

“Einra, we know we might’ve made things uncomfortable for you, always trying to push you and Millen together. I’m really sorry about that.”

“Uncle…”

“Millen also feels that way. He realizes he got carried away because we kept pushing him, and that it might’ve made things hard on you.”

“…”

“So, could you see him one last time? Just to talk, clear the air, and move on. It’d help both of you, don’t you think?”

He spoke gently, trying to be considerate.

As frowned slightly, clearly displeased, but Uncle Charles wasn’t wrong.

If I just left without resolving anything, it would leave a bitter taste.

After a moment of hesitation, I nodded.

“…Okay.”

“Einra.”

“That’s a good decision! You don’t want to carry that awkwardness with you. Just go, talk, get the apology, and leave it all behind!”

Uncle Charles laughed heartily, clearly pleased.

As’s frown deepened slightly but then he gave me a warm smile.

“If that’s what Einra wants, then I’ll support it.”

His smile eased my nerves a little.

I smiled back and asked, “Uncle, where is Millen?”

“Oh, you know that DeliChoux café in the town center? He’s waiting there. Reserved a private room and everything.”

“Okay. Thanks. As, let’s go.”

I took a step with As, but Uncle Charles quickly stopped me with a startled expression.

“Uh, Einra, Millen said he wants to meet you alone.”

“…Alone?”

I gave him a displeased look.

He returned it with an equally awkward nod, then glanced at As and whispered just to me,

“Millen said he feels like As doesn’t like him very much, and it’d be hard to have a sincere conversation if he’s there.”

“Hmm…”

I paused, debating.

It wasn’t going to be a long talk anyway, and DeliChoux is usually busy with people. Millen wouldn’t do anything reckless in public.

Besides, I could use my spirit magic again now, if it came to that.

But still…

‘I don’t like the idea of leaving As alone…’

It wasn’t long ago that we’d been targeted by assassins.

Twice, no less!

‘And the side effects of the nullification spell haven’t even shown up yet…’

Sensing my hesitation, Uncle Charles jumped in quickly.

“I’ll take As to the bookstore.”

“Ah… are you sure? As, are you okay with that?”

“Of course!” he said with a hearty laugh.

As, who had been staring silently at Uncle Charles, looked at me and smiled.

“I’m fine, Einra.”

He added calmly, “As long as you come back quickly.”

“I’ll be back in no time.”

I answered without hesitation.

His red eyes curved gently.

“Then I’m okay too.”

With that, As walked over to Uncle Charles.

As the two of them walked away, I took a deep breath and headed toward the DeliChoux café.

Let’s get this over with and go back to As!

Someone who shouldn’t have been at the bookstore… showed up.

“Huh? Millen? Weren’t you supposed to be meeting Einra at DeliChoux Café?”

Charles widened his eyes in surprise, noticing Millen hovering near the professional book section, which was quite far from where children’s books were.

Millen, who should’ve been chatting with Einra by now, scratched his head awkwardly.

“Sorry, Uncle. I thought it over and figured it’d be better to talk with As too and apologize to him properly. So I came to get him. Oh, and I got Einra’s permission first, of course.”

“Ohh, good thinking. After all, Einra and As are kind of a package deal now. Hahaha!”

Laughing heartily, Charles beckoned to As.

“Alright, As, go on now. Follow your big brother Millen and you’ll get to see your sister Einra.”

As glanced coldly at Millen but gave a polite smile.

“…Yes, Uncle.”

“Come on, As. Let’s go.”

Millen held out his hand.

As glanced at the gloved hand, kept smiling, and replied, “I’m a bit shy with strangers,” then declined.

Millen awkwardly laughed and retracted his hand slowly.

The two left the bookstore, walking with a careful distance between them.

As watched Millen walking slightly ahead of him in silence.

He didn’t believe Millen’s story about wanting to bring him along.

There were too many suspicious details for that to be true.

But Charles trusted Millen deeply.

Refusing Millen’s invitation in front of someone like that would only raise unnecessary doubts.

So As had already made up his mind—to follow Millen for now and break away halfway if needed.

That is… if Millen hadn’t suddenly stopped walking.

“Guess it’s hard to match a kid’s pace.”

Millen turned around and smiled warmly as he approached As.