Episode 19: Murishi, The Species That Eats Monsters (5)
Marriages between the guardian families had been established as a taboo for many years. To prevent the balance between the guardian families from being disrupted, he tried hard to suppress his heart.
However, he could not control his feelings for Rovelia. Eventually, he became a flirtatious man who went around having relationships with many women. This was the reason why August, who was sincere and upright despite his flashy appearance, had been in numerous relationships.
“I have liked her for a very long time. Muriel is a good person, but as long as she is there, I will never be able to like Muriel.”
August’s words hurt himself. That’s right. He would never be able to love anyone other than Rovelia. Perhaps he would never be able to let go of this unrequited love.
The sickening love grew like weeds. Even when trampled upon, it didn’t wither, and even when cut off, it spread. With just a tiny seed, the weeds grew freely.
“Perhaps forever.”
“August…”
August’s smile, which was usually light, drooped. He wore a rather sad smile. Muriel thought that only sparkling things suited him, but he surprisingly matched this melancholy well as a dazzling handsome man who could digest anything.
“I really like that person so much.”
August now knew that Rovelia was not just a sweet and affectionate young lady. She was surprisingly full of vanity and pride, and was pretty greedy.
He had initially fallen for her kindness and tenderness. He had thought she was an endlessly nice and generous angel. Over time, he realized that Rovelia wasn’t as good of a person as he had thought, but he couldn’t close off his heart.
When Sharan refused to confirm the oracle and sent Muriel and Rovelia out of the palace, he saw Rovelia crumble.
He saw Rovelia reveal her claws for the first time in fear that she could lose the seat of the saint that she wanted so much. He stepped back and watched as she manipulated others to regain her position.
He wanted to help Rovelia obtain the position of the saint if she desired it. The reason he was being sweet to Muriel was probably because he felt guilty.
If Rovelia wanted it, he was prepared to push Muriel out of the position of the saint without hesitation. Even if Muriel was truly the chosen one, born under the star of the saint.
When August realized that even Rovelia’s distorted feelings could make his heart tremble, he became overwhelmed.
It was impossible to completely remove his feelings. He just didn’t want them to extend too far, to make the wrong choices, or to idolize the goddess they called Rovelia too much. He only wished to control his mind like that.
So, his feelings towards Muriel were merely a sense of guilt towards her, affection for a good friend, nothing more.
“Are you saying that the person August likes isn’t me?”
“Yes. Unfortunately.”
“Hmm…”
Although Muriel still felt a bit uneasy, she decided to believe the melancholy that passed on August’s face. She was relieved if he truly liked someone else. But it would have been even better if the expression he made when he thought of them was a happy one.
“Still, I don’t want to take this talisman. It’s kind of weird to exchange rings, isn’t it?”
“That’s true. Then, please take this instead. You know Eklum’s wealth, right? You don’t have to feel burdened. I’m willing to give you anything, Muriel.”
August held out two talismans in the form of brooches. Compared to the ring he had offered before, the talismans were smaller, but the brooches also looked pretty valuable.
“Thank you. I’ll take this gratefully, then.”
In the novel, August was executed by Sharan for turning himself in for her arson because he liked her. Muriel was relieved that such a tragic death would no longer happen.
“August.”
“Yes, Muriel.”
“I think August will probably have a very foolish love.”
“Is that so?”
August laughed lightly, but he didn’t deny it. Muriel clicked her tongue, but her gaze on him softened.
“Yes. I don’t know who you like, but don’t act too foolishly.”
“Yes. I will do that.”
“You have to be happy.”
“…Yes. I will.”
⚜ ⚜ ⚜
Rovelia stood in front of Kaiton, whose gaze was watching Muriel and August leave together.
“Mr. Crawford, I’d like to apologize for my rudeness last time. I was too sharp, wasn’t I?”
Rovelia didn’t feel a shred of guilt about her words to Sharan, but now that she had to take lessons from him again, she wanted to win his favor.
Rovelia lowered her emerald eyes and smiled sweetly. That smile was also her only special skill.
She had never shown talent through her magic because of her Pacio, but she was confident in captivating people’s hearts. It didn’t take Pacio to talk and win people’s hearts.
“This is a gift I offer as an apology. I embroidered it myself.”
Rovelia held out a handkerchief. The golden handkerchief was splendidly embroidered with the four elements; light, water, fire, and green..Originally, magic had five attributes, including darkness, but after Sharan banned black magic, darkness was removed from the basic elements of magic.
Kaiton glanced briefly at the handkerchief with only four decorations and didn’t even touch it. There was a blatant sneer on his face.
“What an undeserved gift.”
Rovelia momentarily stiffened her face at the unexpected reaction, but quickly hid her expression and spoke softly.
“It’s from my heart, please accept it. Every stitch I made, I thought of Mr. Crawford. I hope you weren’t too offended by me.”
“Hmm… You thought of me while embroidering?”
As Kaiton unfolded the handkerchief and examined the embroidery, Rovelia’s eyes flashed with arrogance and smiled with a sense of satisfaction. She thought Kaiton was showing interest.
Many people tried their best to gain her attention and gaze, even if it was just a little. She didn’t think the Chief Court Wizard would be any different.
She could have given him expensive jewels or talismans, but she brought him embroidery she had done herself. Of course, in truth, she had only ordered for the handkerchief to be made. Who would personally embroider something like this? Rovelia wasn’t idle enough to waste time on such foolish tasks.
“Yes, I thought about giving you a black handkerchief that resembles Mr. Crawford’s eye color, but I chose a handkerchief that was the color of my hair to avoid any misunderstandings. Next time, I’ll embroider a design unrelated to magic on a black handkerchief for you.”
“Ah, in case people think I use black magic.”
Kaiton said nonchalantly, but being labeled as a black wizard in Bulrion was a very serious matter. It was something that could not only jeopardize his reputation as a handkerchief, but also make him lose his life in an instant.
“Mr. Crawford, a black wizard? That’s unthinkable. Isn’t dark magic a power only the corrupted wield?”
Kaiton, who was most skilled in black magic among all types of magic, pushed up the corners of his mouth crookedly and smiled deeply.
“That’s right.”
“What design should I embroider next time?”
“Will you think of me while embroidering then too?”
Rovelia slightly lowered her head, as if feeling embarrassed.
“Of course. I should embroider each stitch with care, thinking of Mr. Crawford. With a prayerful heart.”
Rovelia subtly wanted to appeal that she was a saint. She had no prophecies or magical abilities, but now she was cultivating her faith through prayer. She subtly emphasized that point.
Kaiton looked into Rovelia’s eyes and gave her a meltingly dark smile. In her mind, Rovelia secretly agreed with the notion that this man probably did use black magic in the dark. If this man, who exuded a dangerous aura all over his body, didn’t use black magic, then who would?
Rovelia felt her heart flutter slightly at the picturesque lines created by his sensual lips.
“That’s unpleasant.”
So she couldn’t immediately understand the meaning behind his low voice. His voice was so sweet that it felt tempting. She had expected words like “I look forward to it” or “It’s an honor.” Rovelia was taken aback by his unexpected words, and it took her a while to respond.
“…Yes?”
“It makes me feel very, very unpleasant to hear that you were thinking of me all the time while embroidering. Lady Rovelia.”
Rovelia couldn’t hide her agitation and embarrassment. It was insulting and humiliating. Kaiton chuckled as he looked at Rovelia’s trembling lips.
“If you had brought magical tools or gems, they might have been useful.”
Kaiton lifted the handkerchief with a cruel expression. He gently stroked the high-quality handkerchief with his long, straight fingers before abruptly dropping it down.
“Please take back this excessive token of your heart. It’s burdensome to deal with.”
Rovelia’s eyes were filled with tears at the shame she had never experienced before.
“Mr. Crawford, I… I only brought it as a gesture of apology, with all my sincerity… How could you humiliate me like this?! How is this appropriate?”
Rovelia’s eyes seemed to burst with blood vessels, as if they were bleeding. She wanted to tear Kaiton apart, who furrowed his brow as if annoyed. The unbearable urge made her fingertips tingle.
However, Rovelia, who had already clashed with him and disturbed Sharahn’s peace by making noise once, could not easily show her anger.
“I’ve never been insulted by the lady, so you don’t need to apologize. Instead of engraving your burdensome sentiments on a handkerchief while thinking of me, focus on your magic training.”
“Ha…!”
“Isn’t embroidery unlikely to be the way for the saint to save the kingdom?”
“I will… gratefully… accept your advice, Mr. Crawford.”
Rovelia answered calmly, grinding her teeth, despite wanting to shred Kaiton to death. That’s how desperate she was for the position of the saint. She could overlook Kaiton’s rudeness to some extent when she considered that disturbing Sharan again this time might make her lose the luck she’d just managed to recover.
Rovelia picked up the handkerchief with a fierce expression, despite her humble words, and left the laboratory nervously.
Muriel and August, whispering as if sharing a secret, came into Rovelia’s eyes, which were filled with venom. Her irritation soared. Muriel could not be the saint, so why was August so close to her?
If only Muriel weren’t there, Rovelia thought she wouldn’t have faced such a situation with Kaiton. The stupid blue-haired girl was unbearably contemptible.
“Then, Muriel, is there anyone you like?”
“No, not at all.”
Rovelia’s eyes widened at Muriel’s answer. A very good idea came to her mind. If she did well, she might be able to deal with both Muriel and Kaiton at once.
“I’ll give you a very burdensome heart as a gift. Mr. Crawford.”
With a wicked smile, Rovelia disappeared. August followed her back with his gaze, but she didn’t look back even once.
Loll Kaiton being a menace as always T-T and poor Rovelia lmao I have a feeling she has something nasty up her sleeve. I just can’t seem to hate her, they all have such twisted personalities it’s so funny
Their twisted personality is what makes this novel likable.although im a little sad for muriel that she cannot feel anything such as pain taste…its so heartbreaking and frustrating