Master 88

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“Ow, my stomach…”  

After getting suddenly punched in the stomach by Tiffany, I had no choice but to sit hunched over in the carriage, clutching my belly even after it had already departed.  

‘What on earth just happened…’  

So many things had happened that I still couldn’t quite grasp how everything had unfolded.  

Why did Tiffany Astelaid, who I thought was just a childhood friend, mistake me for her boyfriend?  

And what was the meaning behind her punching me in the stomach just now?  

‘Just what did she and Lady Meredia talk about?’  

And why did she suddenly leave the carriage, only to give me a gut punch and leave?  

‘I was originally planning to stay in Lumen Ordo for a few weeks…’  

Because of that series of events, my plan to remain in Lumen Ordo and search for a way to lift Lady Meredia’s curse had gone up in smoke.  

Still, it wasn’t like I came away completely empty-handed.  

At the very least, I discovered the truth behind my powers and the curse afflicting Lady Meredia.  

On top of that, albeit unofficially, I managed to gain the cooperation of Salem, the chairman of the elder council.  

Just those alone were enough to say that I’d achieved everything I came to Lumen Ordo for.  

‘But… it also means more worries.’  

The problem was that the curse Lady Meredia was under… happened to be a “terminal” one.  

Of course, the current situation isn’t completely hopeless since I now have hope that I might be able to break her curse with my power.  

‘Still, the time left is too short.’  

According to what Lady Meredia said, she only has about a year left to live.  

If I can’t find a solution within that time, then everything I’ve accomplished so far will become utterly meaningless.  

“Sigh…”  

For someone like me who once lay in bed waiting for death, the current situation is both terrifying and overwhelming.  

If I’m this burdened, I can’t even imagine how Lady Meredia must feel.  

Maybe the reason she ends up becoming the final boss in most routes of the original story is because of that despair and helplessness.  

‘…No, this isn’t the time to be lost in pointless thoughts.’  

Realizing I was unknowingly frowning more and more, I quickly forced a neutral expression as I glanced at Lady Meredia, who sat quietly by the window.  

“…Well, at least that’s a little better.”  

“Huh?”  

“I was starting to think you were plotting something again while staring at me like that.”  

Then came her small voice from up front.  

“My lady, would you mind looking at me now?”  

“Even if I understand why you keep averting your gaze, this awkwardness is driving me crazy…”  

I mumbled that while watching her carefully, but Lady Meredia’s gaze remained fixed outside the window.  

‘At least she didn’t decide to leave alone with the carriage…’  

Well, I’ve known Lady Meredia long enough that I was used to this cold treatment.  

Which is why I still couldn’t quite believe what she said to me earlier.  

‘Maybe I was just caught in an illusion spell for a moment.’  

That terrifying Lady Meredia saying she liked me with such a flushed face—wasn’t that something only seen in fan art or secondary creations back in my previous life?  

And to think I’d be the target of that statement—I never imagined such a thing.  

Up until now, it had always been one-sided affection from my end, so to be honest, it feels like I’m dreaming.  

Maybe if I pinch my cheek hard enough, I’ll wake up drooling at my desk back in my office?  

I’ve had plenty of silly dreams like that in my previous life, so even if it happens, I won’t be too disappointed…  

“…Ow.”  

With a slightly dazed expression, I pinched my cheek as hard as I could, but instead of waking up in my office, I felt a sharp pain that nearly brought tears to my eyes.  

“I’m sor—huh.”  

Turning my gaze forward with a slightly embarrassed face over such a pitiful action, I was met with a surprising sight and quickly straightened my posture.  

…….  

Lady Meredia, who had been staring blankly out the window, avoiding my eyes all this time, was now nodding off with her eyes closed.  

“Well, that’s a rare sight.”  

From what I know, Lady Meredia isn’t someone who would show such a defenseless appearance in front of others.  

In the first place, because of chronic insomnia and nightmares, she normally can’t sleep unless she’s in her room, protected by all sorts of magical wards and sleep aids.  

“Ha…”  

For someone like her to be nodding off like this must mean she’s really exhausted from everything that’s happened.  

‘Or… if it means she’s come to fully trust me, then I couldn’t ask for anything more.’  

“…Whitney.”  

“Yes, ma’am.”  

As I was lost in such thoughts, quietly gazing at her, she suddenly murmured something in her sleep.  

“Where are…”  

“…Pardon?”  

“Where are you…?”  

I thought she might be awake for a moment, but hearing her heavy voice, I realized it was sleep talk.  

“Whitney…”  

And yet, her voice trembled noticeably.  

Though I’ve seen her vulnerable a few times, this felt very different.  

In the expression of hers as she called my name… there was a deep sorrow I couldn’t quite explain.  

“I’m right here, my lady.”  

After a brief moment of hesitation, I quietly moved next to her and carefully offered my shoulder.  

“…”  

“I’m not going anywhere, so don’t worry.”  

Lady Meredia, who had been groaning and sweating coldly in her sleep, thankfully leaned her head on my shoulder and drifted back into quiet slumber.  

…This is way too close.  

Maybe Lady Meredia felt a bit more comfortable, but for me, it was a moment of agony.  

We were so close that even her soft breathing against my shoulder rang clearly in my ears.  

“Ha…”  

But at this point, I couldn’t just pull away, so I had no choice but to stay in that position, keeping perfectly still and wide awake for the rest of the ride.  

“…Well, as long as Lady Meredia is okay with it.”  

Of course, more than my shoulder hurting, the real struggle was enduring the heart-pounding pressure.  

*****  

Screeech…  

Time passed and passed again, until the once clear sky began to grow dusky.  

“Lady, I think it’s time to wake up.”  

“…Ugh.”  

Noticing that the mansion of the Embergreen Duke was now visible far off in the distance, I gently shook Lady Meredia awake, who had been leaning on my shoulder and dozing off.  

-…  

However, even after she opened her eyes, she stared at me blankly for a while before suddenly reaching out her hand toward me.  

“…My lady?”  

Perhaps still not fully awake, she began to pinch my face, leaving me with a slightly confused expression. I called out to her again.  

“…Aaaah.”  

The next moment, Lady Meredia suddenly grabbed my cheek and pulled it, causing me to let out a deflated scream and quickly pull my head back.  

“I guess it’s not a dream.”  

“Ow ow… Why are you pinching my cheek to check?”  

“…Sorry.”  

Although a few tears welled up like before, since it was rare for her to apologize, I endured it and forgave her.  

“…I’m glad it’s not a dream.”  

“Did you have a nightmare?”  

Her face still looked bad, likely because of the sweat trickling down, so even if she hadn’t apologized, I wouldn’t have been able to get angry.  

“Maybe you should get a talisman to chase it away from Baek yeon-hwa.”  

“…”  

“Anyway, it’s about time to get down.”

Since Lady Meredia’s breathing had gradually become more stable while she stared at me blankly, I smiled and started preparing to see her off.  

“Ah, before we part, let’s make one thing clear.”  

“……”

“I will never give up on solving your curse, my lady.”  

Of course, before seeing her off, I had to say what I wanted to say, so I lowered my voice and whispered.  

“You know why, right?”  

Since Lady Meredia likes me, if she can’t accept my help, then I, too, like her, and I cannot give her up.  

And in these kinds of arguments, the one who is more persistent is the one who wins.  

Even if she decides to stop seeing me from today, I will use any means necessary to…  

“Whitney, do you believe in destiny?”  

“Suddenly?”  

While I was making a serious resolution, Lady Meredia, who had been staring at me silently, suddenly asked that question.  

“…Just answer me.”  

“I’m not sure, but I do believe that destiny exists.”  

Although I wasn’t sure why she suddenly asked, her expression seemed very serious, so I answered as carefully as I could.  

“Every path we take and every action we make is part of our destiny.”  

“……”  

“In other words, our destiny can change depending on the actions we take.”  

Hearing that, Lady Meredia furrowed her brows and asked me back.  

“Does that mean there’s no such thing as a predetermined destiny?”  

“…No, it’s not like that. Don’t you remember our destined meeting, my lady?”  

In my previous life, I didn’t believe in anything like destiny, but now, I can somewhat believe in it.  

“…The day I almost killed you?”  

“Haha, thinking about that day still keeps me up at night…”  

Living this second life itself is a miracle, so how could I say destiny is a lie?  

“Definitely, what happened that day was, without a doubt, both fortune and destiny.”  

Hearing my answer, I saw an indescribable emotion pass through Lady Meredia’s gaze.  

“Imagine if, that day, I had just drunk the tea and died. A lot of things would have changed, right?”  

“…..”

“So, what I want to say is…”  

At that moment, when I was about to finish my sentence and try to lift her spirits,  

“…Let’s break our contract.”

“Pardon?”  

The sudden declaration from Lady Meredia took me completely by surprise.  

“My lady, did you think I would just accept that?”  

Of course, since it was a decision I couldn’t accept, even if my eyes were to close forever, I spoke sternly.  

“Again, if the problem is the curse, don’t worry. I just came here after breaking off negotiations with Lumen Ordo for you…”  

“It’s useless. Even if I have to pour all my power into it, I will break this contract with you.”  

For some reason, Lady Meredia seemed resolute in her decision.  

“…Are you serious?”  

Thanks to that, while I chewed on my lower lip for a moment, I quietly stood in front of the carriage door and lowered my voice even more.  

“If you go that far, I won’t just stand by…”  

“People should listen to others until the end, don’t make that face, or someone else might faint seeing it.”  

Despite trying to change her mind with a little threat, I tilted my head and closed my mouth when I heard Lady Meredia’s words.  

“I’ll make a new proposal instead of canceling the contract.”  

“…A new proposal?”  

The next words that came out of Lady Meredia’s mouth sounded as unreal to me as what she said a few hours ago.  

“Instead of breaking off the engagement, marry me.”  

“What?”  

But I didn’t need to pinch my cheek again to know that it was definitely real.  

“Marry me, Whitney Lingard.”  

Saying that, Lady Meredia took my hand, her expression more incredible than I could ever imagine.  

“…Haha.”  

Although I had seen her make various expressions before, what was different this time was the faint smile on her lips.  

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