Chapter 42
Busy. Lonely.
These were the two emotions that Celia, deeply engrossed in her research, felt these days.
She hadn’t experienced loneliness often in her life.
Having been abused by her parents and generally indifferent to people, loneliness was a foreign concept to her.
“Emotions are such a nuisance.”
The one who introduced her to the feeling of loneliness…
Was Yurius de Elliot.
Initially, she hadn’t intended to get this attached, to care this much.
‘She was just an unusual person.’
Yet, she found herself falling for Yuri, inexplicably and deeply.
And by the time she realized it, she was already in too deep to escape.
“Should I go see her?”
She had occasionally observed Yuri interacting with the others from her lab window.
A strange, burning sensation would rise in her chest, forcing her to look away.
While she wished Yuri would visit her lab, she never voiced that desire.
She was genuinely busy.
And she knew she wouldn’t be able to focus on her research with Yuri sitting there, looking bored.
“But… I am quite lonely.”
She chuckled at the unfamiliar words escaping her lips.
“Well, it’s not like the world will end if I go see her.”
Plants had always been her priority, and after acquiring her status window, she had dedicated herself to her research.
Yet, here she was, setting aside her research and her beloved plants to see someone.
But Celia didn’t dislike this strange turn of events.
“Master.”
“Oh, Celia! Aren’t you busy?”
Yuri greeted her with a bright smile, her fatigue evident.
‘This makes me happy.’
Celia smiled faintly, approached Yuri, and observed her closely.
Yuri’s hair, usually braided by Celia, was loose, giving her a different aura.
“Your hairstyle.”
“Ah? Well, no one braids it as well as you, so I’ve just been leaving it down.”
Celia knew Yuri had chosen swordsmanship for her practical classes.
It must be uncomfortable with all the physical activity, yet Yuri didn’t complain.
Should I braid her hair in the mornings? Celia briefly considered, but then shook her head.
Making exceptions would only lead to more exceptions.
‘And that would delay my research.’
A delay would tarnish her reputation.
She didn’t care much about fame, but she didn’t want to fall behind as Yuri’s disciple.
That annoying Dustin, that irritating Saint, and even that busty girl were all progressing as Yuri’s disciples.
‘I can’t be the only one lagging behind.’
And if her research stalled, she wouldn’t be able to see Yuri as often.
She didn’t like that either.
“How’s your research going? Are you taking care of yourself? You look thinner.”
“…Not really.”
Compared to when she was with Yuri, she was definitely eating and sleeping less.
She was dedicating every spare moment to her research.
“You need to eat properly. Are you going home for the Harvest Festival?”
“I can’t this time.”
“Hmm, is it a big project?”
“You could say that.”
“Then there’s nothing we can do.”
Celia felt a surge of warmth in her chest as she saw Yuri’s disappointed expression.
“It’ll be finished after the Harvest Festival.”
The research project she was currently undertaking would typically take years to complete, even with a team of dozens of researchers.
But seeing Yuri’s disappointment motivated Celia to finish it as quickly as possible.
She wished she could finish it before the Harvest Festival, but even for someone as skilled as her, it was impossible.
The festival was starting in two days.
“Really? Then I can see you more often.”
Celia loved Yuri’s bright, genuine smile.
Unable to deny her feelings any longer, she pulled Yuri into a tight embrace.
“Awww, our little Celia wants a hug? Come here, big sister will comfort you!”
“Shut up. I’m leaving.”
Celia, flustered, cleared her throat and turned away.
“Hehe, you’re so cute. Anyway, take care of yourself! I’ll bring you back lots of delicious food.”
“Okay, I will.”
Celia walked a few steps, then turned back to watch Yuri enter the dormitory before continuing on her way.
“I need to work hard.”
She hummed a tune, returning to her lab, a new resolve filling her heart. She even considered taking better care of herself.
***
Harvest Festival.
A holiday more familiar to me as Chuseok from my previous life in Korea.
The Harvest Festival in this world is quite long, lasting for a week.
“Roa, are you sure you don’t need to visit your family?”
Apparently, it’s customary to travel during the Harvest Festival in this world.
Friends go on trips together, families go on trips together…
“Of course! It’s fine!”
But the Duke adores his youngest daughter. Wouldn’t he want to see her during a holiday like this?
“I spent plenty of time with him during summer vacation.”
No, that’s not the right way to phrase it.
My Korean upbringing, steeped in Confucian values, makes me cringe at her casual tone.
Ugh, I need to get rid of this old-fashioned mindset.
No one will want to be friends with a fourteen-year-old who acts like a grandpa.
“Okay, let’s go.”
It’s a shame Celia can’t come, but there’s nothing we can do.
I can’t force her to come when she’s busy.
But she said she’ll have time after the Harvest Festival, so I’m happy about that.
And she even acted a bit spoiled.
“Oh, Master Yuri! Are you leaving now?”
“Lia! Are you staying at the academy again this time?”
“I was planning to, but… I was wondering if I could visit your house.”
Ooh?
Lia too?
“Hmm, sure, why not? My parents would be happy.”
They’ll be relieved to know I have so many friends.
Especially such reliable ones.
“What?! Miss Basilia is coming too?!”
“Yeah, it’s settled.”
“How did that happen?!”
How did it happen?
“I just decided I wanted to go! Please take care of me, Roa! Wahaha!”
“Call me Senior Aroa!”
“Roa is such a spoiled brat! Master Yuri said she likes that cat-like side of yours! Wahaha!”
“…Is that true, Yuri? Hoho.”
This girl, such a little snob.
She was so against it, but now that I’ve given her some information, she’s suddenly quiet.
I like that cat-like, cunning side of her.
“Well, that’s part of your charm, Roa.”
“Kyaa! I’m so embarrassed~”
She blushes, covers her face with her hands, and stamps her feet.
So cute.
And those jiggling… assets… oh my…
Time flies as we chat, nap, and chat some more.
“Yuri! You’re back!”
We arrive at my estate in the early morning, and my parents, who seem to have stayed up all night awaiting my arrival, greet us at the entrance.
“Mother! Father!”
“Oh my, Yuri, you’ve lost so much weight…”
“You must have worked so hard, our poor Yuri…”
But I’ve been eating more than I ever did at home! I even gained weight!
“Anyway, who are these two…?”
They finally notice Roa and Lia after scrutinizing me.
“Hello, Mother, Father. I’m Aroa de Greenton, Yuri’s very! close! friend!”
Roa curtsies gracefully, her hand holding her skirt.
“Th-the Duchess Greenton?!”
While my parents are speechless with shock…
“I’m Basilia Lupin, Master Yuri’s friend and disciple…!”
My jaw drops.
Lia, who never uses honorifics with anyone… Lia is…!
Using honorifics with my parents!
It sounded incredibly awkward, but still.
“Oh my… W-well… welcome, both of you. Hoho. Yuri, you should have told me you were bringing friends.”
My mother, still reeling from the shock of meeting the youngest daughter of the Greenton Dukedom, nudges me.
Hmm, I’m in trouble.
“They can just stay in my room.”
“But they’re guests. We can’t…”
“Yuri’s room?!”
“Ooh, Master Yuri’s room! I’m so curious!”
My father also seems to want to offer them proper hospitality, but…
“Alright, fine. I’ll have them prepare a room for the three of you.”
What can he do when the guests themselves are happy with the arrangement?
“I’m so excited to see Yuri’s room…!”
“It’ll take some time to prepare the room. Should I give you a tour of the mansion? It’s not as grand as Roa’s, but…”
“Ooh, the place where Master Yuri grew up! I’m so excited!”
“Right! My house is just big and impractical! But this place is so well-designed… I can’t wait to explore!”
Roa, calm down…
She’s practically snorting with excitement.
“I grew up in a small house, so I’m even more excited!”
Lia is equally enthusiastic.
Their gasps of wonder echo throughout the mansion as I give them a tour.
“Oh my… Young Yuri trained in this very room…”
“Ooh, they have a dedicated training room! Amazing…!”
“Oh, oh! Is this the dining room where Yuri had her meals?!”
“The dining room is so luxurious! It’s perfect for Master Yuri’s family!”
Guys, stop it…
Roa’s villa was much more extravagant.
And these two…
“Mother, Father… can we call you that?”
“Ah, y-yes, Duchess Greenton. Call us whatever you like.”
“Oh my, Mother, you’re using honorifics. Please speak casually. Hoho.”
“Me… I mean, I would also like to be called Lia…!”
Why are they trying so hard to impress my parents?
“Lia, didn’t you say you never use honorifics with anyone?”
It feels strange and amusing to see her, the girl who never uses honorifics, acting so politely.
“That’s true. I wouldn’t even use honorifics with the Emperor.”
“Then why?!”
“It’s obvious, isn’t it? They’re Master Yuri’s parents! I can’t be disrespectful to Master’s parents!”
Ugh… she wouldn’t even use honorifics with the Emperor, but she’s using them with my parents…
She’s practically treating them like royalty.
“Y-Yuri? Can we talk?”
And it seems like I’m not the only one who’s uncomfortable with this situation.
My parents have summoned me to their study.
“Ah, I’ll be back soon. You two continue exploring.”
“Yes, Yuri. Come back quickly. Roa can’t live without you.”
Roa embraces my arm, her chest pressing against me, and…
“I’ll be waiting too! Wahaha!”
Lia smiles cheerfully.
I head towards the study.
“You called?”
“Wh-what… what’s going on, Yuri?!”
I enter the study and find my parents looking pale.
You daughter got unspoken rizz😭😭