kscans

Chapter 149 - The Spoiled Child in Me Awakens to an Adult Morning

Ariel awoke with a start. She was being held in Darius's arms.

And she had been having a long dream.

She remembered being taken away by Rainer, the captain of the Mage Order, and the constant agony that made her wish for death until she lost consciousness...

Why am I with Darius at the Magic Furnace now? I thought we said our goodbyes. The last I remember, Rainer was taking me away...

I was dreaming until now. Could it be, no, it has to be real? The memories of my actions are clear in my mind and body. Was the me who was running wild not a dream?

My head spun in a panic.

What do I do? I challenged Albert-sama to a duel. And didn't I say something about taking the Crown Prince as my disciple?

Was that my desire??

"Da, Darius?"

"Ah, how are you feeling?" It had been a long time, a truly long time in my mind since we'd last met. I thought I would never see him again. He had pulled an all nighter, and I could see a bit of stubble on his chin.

Before I woke up, I was convinced Darius would be unhappy if he stayed with me, so I left him. Yet, a voice in my head denied it. That's not true. I am loved, and I love him.

My mind was different from when it had been afflicted by Rainer and the King.

It wasn't foggy. For the first time in a long while, I felt as if my own heart had leaped out in front of me.

I instinctively started patting Darius all over.

"Wh, whoa. What is it?" As I thought, the dream was real.

What time was it? The morning sun was already fully risen. What should I do? I can't just ask to take everything back now. Albert-sama and the Crown Prince will be arriving soon.

"Da, Darius. Um, it's been a while. P, please help me." Ariel, on the verge of tears, pleaded with Darius for help.

---

"So you remember everything that's happened."

"Yes. It was like a dream, but my mind and body remember it all clearly."

I hung my head gloomily.

"Um... my marriage proposal, for instance?"

"And going to Sacred Peak Mountain to get gemstones..."

"You remembered that part."

"Yes. But I also have a clear memory of doing some rather outrageous things."

Darius was surprised by how suddenly ladylike Ariel had become. In fact, her responses were less emotional and more calm and composed than before she had gone missing. The way she hung her head even exuded a certain charm. The noble education she had received from Eleonora since losing her memories was on full display.

There was no trace left of the spoiled child who had just been crying out her primal instincts.

I see, Ariel just wanted to be loved...

The realization struck Darius.

His last conversation with the spoiled child version of Ariel was when he had proposed to her.

The true feelings within Ariel had always been seeking love. He figured she must have wanted to be loved no matter what state she was in. Thinking about it that way, it all made sense.

"Ariel. You might think you acted in ways you can't believe, but that was you without the lid on your heart. The feeling that you had to take Albert and Elliot as your disciples must be inside you as well."

Darius gently supported her shoulder.

Ariel thought for a moment before answering.

"It wasn't so much that I wanted Albert-sama as a disciple, but rather I thought he was the most suitable person to properly learn about and maintain the Magic Furnace. I had to hide my knowledge of it from Rainer. If I had died, no one would have been able to build a Magic Furnace... It's in a very precarious state even now."

Darius asked with a troubled look.

"Would I not do?" Ariel nodded.

"Darius, I think you could also handle the maintenance and operation if the Magic Furnace were in a stable state. But right now, we don't have enough mana. We also need people to hunt the monsters in this Tree Sea and collect their magic cores."

Looking even more troubled, Ariel continued.

"As for the Crown Prince, I thought he should live under Albert-sama's care. Even if someone's sensibilities are different from others, like mine, Mireille grew up to be a very good girl with the help of those around her."

She told Darius this, her face blushing.

Looking at the gentle and serene Ariel, Darius found himself unable to look away.

He had never thought about it before, since Ariel never wore makeup and his love for her was so strong he hadn't paid attention to her features, but now he saw she had a very refined and elegant face.

Darius thought to himself that even though she was past the typical marriageable age, many nobles would likely still desire her.

I must get Adrian to move things along quickly.

Darius made a firm vow in his heart.

---

As the sun rose, Adrian, Leonhard, and Kyle brought over an awkward looking Albert and a frightened Elliot.

"Your Highness Elliot, it is an honor to meet you. My name is Ariel Sophia, and I will be in charge of your alchemy instruction starting today. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Ariel naturally straightened her back and smiled sweetly. This gesture, a graceful yet dignified posture, was something taught to her directly by Adrian's wife, Eleonora. Everyone except for Elliot, who knew this new Ariel, could only stare in stunned silence.

"Lord Albert, I apologize for my rudeness yesterday. There is much I must tell you regarding the Magic Furnace. I wish to convey everything I know as accurately as possible. I look forward to working with you."

Albert was even more shocked. Where had the woman who challenged him to a duel yesterday and spewed countless unladylike insults gone? The woman before him now was ephemeral, yet full of grace.

This is... not good.

"Hey, Albert. If you try anything with Ariel this time, you'll have to deal with me." Darius smoothly stepped between them.

Albert sighed and looked away.

"I lost in such an embarrassing way. I won't be a coward about it here. Especially not if I can learn about the Magic Furnace."

Adrian's eyes pleaded with Darius, "What happened!" but it wasn't something that could be explained with just a look. There was far too much information to convey.

"Adrian... it's been a while." Ariel looked at Adrian, her eyes faintly shimmering with tears.