kscans

Chapter 150 - A Confession Ten Years in the Making

There was no point in hiding it. It would all come out eventually.

Ariel announced that her memories had returned. She explained her intentions for taking Albert and Elliot as her disciples and the crisis facing the Magic Furnace.

"...So, the pipeline beneath the Magic Furnace is at its limit," Albert said, knitting his brows.

"Before it got this hot, we could have protected it with Helkaarn fur. But with this much heat, a fire attribute would be counterproductive. We need a material that can be directly embedded into or pasted onto the damaged sections."

Ariel wrote down the damaged locations on the blueprint.

"...There are quite a few." So this was what she was investigating last night, on the verge of collapse.

Whether she had her memories or not, her strong sense of responsibility and her tendency to overwork herself hadn't changed. That's exactly why I have to be the one to stop her.

"A material that can withstand high density mana... I will think about it." With those words, Ariel tried to shoulder the burden alone once more.

"Ariel, let's ask Mireille for help. You plan on doing all the repairs by yourself, don't you? Rely on those around you." Darius began to consider ways to avoid placing the entire burden on Ariel alone.

"I think Mireille would be overjoyed to develop alchemy tools with her master," Leonhard said with a smile.

"If it's just a matter of cooling the lines temporarily to buy time, Darius and I can take turns. You just got your memories back, so get some rest," Albert added bluntly.

Ariel's face was clouded with worry. It was clear she was hesitating, but.

Stop making that face. You're making everyone's heart skip a beat. I shouldn't have any rivals, yet I feel anxious.

"Um, Teacher. Is there... anything I can do for Father?"

A ten year old Elliot, his face bright red, spoke up. ...An unexpected challenger!?

Ariel smiled gently and took his hand.

"Let me see your mana for a moment, please."

Elliot froze, dazed, as his hand was held.

"You have very straightforward, strong, and honest mana. You could learn several types of magic, but with training, you could also create alchemy tools. I know! If you make a Potion, you can be of help to your father. Let's make one together."

At her voice, Elliot was on the verge of being completely won over.

"Please just cool this thick central pipe. If you can keep that under control, the branch lines will also stabilize." Ariel presented a reasonable plan and finally announced she would rest for just a few hours.

"Your Highness Elliot, I will bring back the materials. Let's make it together. Leonhard-sama, could you please bring Mireille?"

Saying so, she relied on others for the first time. I lifted Ariel, who leaned her body against mine, and carried her back to the tower.

---

Once we reached the tower, I knew I had to return right away, but...

Ariel began to cry like a child again. What happened to the refined lady?

"Darius, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry for causing you so much trouble and worry."

Ah, right. This is the first time since that day. The day Ariel and I truly reunited.

"Don't apologize. There's nothing for you to be sorry for. I won't let you go this time. Let me pamper you."

At those words, Ariel's shoulders trembled slightly.

"...I was so jealous. Even though I was jealous, I convinced myself I didn't love you... that you'd be happier if I wasn't around..."

I pulled the weeping girl into my arms and slowly stroked her back. This was what calmed her most. I knew that.

"We both loved each other, but it took so long. Ten years." I gave a wry smile, and Ariel looked up at me with red eyes.

"...I don't want to leave you. I like you, Darius. I love you. So please, stay by my side forever."

Her adult face pleading so sweetly was testing my self control. Her not realizing it herself only made it more criminal.

"Sleep. I'll wake you in a few hours... but." I whispered into her ear.

"Next time, let's truly become one, without the help of an aphrodisiac."

Bikun, her body jumped, and her cheeks flushed bright red.

"Th, that's... I didn't understand what it felt like to be in love, so I was embarrassed to want you... I thought if I could blame it on the medicine, I could go through with it... The truth is, I was so happy."

A trembling voice. Eyes moist with shame. Ah, I'm at my limit.

"It was the same for me. I couldn't honestly say I wanted you... If I hadn't used the queen's scheme, we could have realized our feelings for each other much sooner."

I slowly pressed kisses to her forehead, her cheeks, her neck. With each touch, Ariel's breath grew warmer, twining sweetly around my chest.

"Darius..." Her whisper was hotter than her body.

I kissed her then, deeply and long. As if to confirm the heat we shared.

I want to push her down right now. But not yet.

"...I'll stop here for now. We have to take care of the Magic Furnace first."

When I reluctantly pulled my lips away, Ariel was looking up at me, her face a mixture of tears and blush.

A love we had finally reached after a ten year detour, each other's feelings. But this wasn't the end yet.

"Once the Magic Furnace is taken care of... let's get married for real this time." The two of them smiled and nodded.