For Romantic Superpowers - Chapter 54 - Imperfect

#54. Imperfect

“Especially since only they knew. When I saw the empty shack, I was convinced that you two had been kidnapped somewhere. The subtle traces of white powder on the separated cups also played a part.”

It was true that there were traces of white powder on the cups. If it had just been water, such marks wouldn’t have been left, so it seemed odd. Of course, Perth was convinced of the kidnapping by looking at the memories left on the cups.

“So, I searched the places where you could be hidden first. I went to the nearby guard post to ask for help. While looking at the map, I discovered a place that used to be an old interrogation room.”

To be precise, it was more like ‘reading’ the memories of the map. Not everyone knew the place marked on the map. Perth pointed out the interrogation room marked on the map and asked them where it was, pretending not to know. Although it was an old interrogation room underground, no one had been there before. 

He insisted to the hesitating guards that places like this were good for hiding people. Although everyone found it absurd, they had to follow orders from a higher authority that came from afar. 

Perth arrived at the location the fastest, despite never having been there before. The soldiers admired him for not hesitating and heading straight to the destination. Of course, this was also because he read the surrounding memories.

“You pinpointed the location so quickly? From the outside, that underground room didn’t even look like it existed without the door open.”

The soldiers casually passed it off as ‘the clever one dispatched from above,’ but Kevin wasn’t convinced. Perth was annoyed that Kevin wasn’t as foolish as he thought. He didn’t need to dwell on such details.

“Of course, it was difficult. But… I saw plants growing at an alarming rate. That was Lady Lia’s ability. Following those plants led me to understand quickly. If not, it might have taken more time.”

This was true. If not, he would have resolved to read all the memories around the area. The reason seemed roughly explained, but Kevin continued to cast suspicious glances. They stared at each other like they were having a staring contest. Kevin was the first to look away.

“Well, whatever. What difference would it make if I figured it out? The important thing is that you saved Lia and I didn’t.” 

Rarely, Kevin looked downcast. It was a strange sight to see him, who was always full of confidence. Perth raised an eyebrow and asked.

“Are you seeking comfort by any chance?”

“Who knows? I don’t need that kind of thing.”

Kevin looked down at his own hands. The same question kept spinning in his head. Why were his abilities so weak? Why couldn’t he protect Lia? 

Watching Kevin in that state, Perth sighed deeply. He didn’t know why he had to say such things. But it was just because he didn’t want Kevin to feel guilt towards Lia. That was all.

“You’ve done enough. Lady Lia was… able to stand up to them without fear because you were there with her. And because you distracted her while she was growing the plants at the end… she was able to embarrass them.” 

It was as if Perth had seen the scene firsthand. Moreover, Kevin was dumbfounded by the words that seemed to have entered and exited his mind. He couldn’t tell if it was something he made up or something he had heard. Most of all, he was surprised that Perth had said something similar to him. 

“Are you… unexpectedly a good person?”

“You must be delusional. Well then, I’ll take my leave.”

Perth left without hearing Kevin’s reply. He seemed embarrassed. Although it didn’t show on his face. Kevin, faced with such an unfamiliar sight, stared at the closed door for a long time. Then, after regaining his composure, he shook his head vigorously. It seemed that experiencing a big event made people’s feelings strangely uncertain.

“I’ll just let it go.”

* * *

The kidnapping and harm inflicted on the group sent from the palace were significant incidents. Naturally, Alfonse didn’t intend to overlook this matter. Punishment was a given, and the issue was aid for the area.

It was an attack on those who were trying to help alleviate the famine in the Hiver region. Voices suggested re-evaluating the help from within the group itself. Alfonse shared the same thought. So, he gathered the relevant parties for a small meeting. Lia and Kevin were also present as victims of the incident.

“As you all know, a regrettable incident occurred here a few days ago involving the two individuals present.”

Alfonse looked around the room, his expression grave. Everyone looked grim.

“I believe everyone knows the details without me having to explain. Although ignorance may be claimed, it’s incomprehensible that such a thing happened to those who came to do good deeds.”

“I apologize.”

Count Hiver, who attended the meeting on behalf of the villagers, apologized. Of all people, trouble had to arise with the prince’s entourage. Moreover, the female among them happened to be the youngest daughter of Count Penelope. How did someone like her end up working at the palace? In many ways, it was difficult for him to completely evade responsibility.

“So I’m going to withhold help for the Hiver, which is what we came here for in the first place.” 

It couldn’t be helped. Count Hiver closed his eyes in resignation. Then, Lia cautiously raised her hand.

“I’m sorry, but may I speak as one of the victims?”

All eyes in the meeting room focused on her. Despite this, Lia didn’t cower or shrink. Perth glanced at her with a slight impression. Given the timing of her raised hand, he had a rough idea of what she might say.

“Yes, please speak.”

Alfonse granted her the floor. After clearing her throat a few times, she began to speak.

“I believe help should be given here.”

“Lady.”

“I think that’s the way to eliminate the second victim.”

“What do you mean?”

It was content contrary to the purpose of the meeting. Naturally, Alfonse’s expression twisted. It had been taken into account that Lia would be upset about not providing help in the first place.

“Do you all know the reason why I was kidnapped?”

“Isn’t it because the young lady is a plant ability user?”

“Yes, that’s correct. Then, how rare do you think my ability is within the palace?”

It was a sudden question. Alfonse hesitated to answer. Her ability wasn’t very rare within the palace. There were already enough plant-ability users in the greenhouse. Moreover, her ability hadn’t been proven to be perfectly controlled. Although her control had improved recently, Alfonse hadn’t grasped that far.

“You can speak honestly.”

“Well, there are… others with abilities as well.”

“But the residents of this area were in desperate need of ability users to the extent that they kidnapped me. It’s said that in the Hiver region, there are many cases where abilities are weak or nonexistent. Is that correct?”

The one who answered here was Count Hiver. He answered cautiously, glancing around. He himself didn’t possess any abilities as he had received strong doses of native blood.

“Yes, that’s right. Because abilities are weak, people are ignorant about ability users and often have fantasies. Some even have abilities but can’t use them well due to severe side effects.”

Everyone knew the reasons. It was because of the native blood. But this was a problem that was difficult to solve forcibly. Because of this, the central authority had been turning a blind eye to this issue.

“So, it’s not entirely their fault. They harbored dissatisfaction with the unequal situation where ability users were concentrated in the central area. They thought that if there were only ability users, the famine would be resolved.”

The group fell silent. Lia had pointed out a very difficult problem. Everyone hesitated to speak in any way. Among them, Perth was the first to speak.

“So, what do you want to do about it, Lady?”

“I think it’s best to pass on the method to solve the famine as it is. And how about regularly dispatching the ability users needed in this area?”

It was a statement that additional help would be given on top of the help already promised. There was a commotion around. Although spoken as murmurs, it was easy to guess the contents. Most of it was about why they had to provide help. Amidst the noise, Kevin spoke up.

“May I speak as another victim?”

“Yes, go ahead.”

“I also support helping the Hiver region. The ones who committed the mistake are just a very small portion of the locals. If we leave without providing any help, all the other locals will suffer.”

In the end, both victims supported helping the locals. Alfonse frowned in contemplation. Helping the locals and then leaving was the best course of action. That was the original purpose, and it was his first political action. It had been an attempt to withdraw out of consideration for the victims, but since they didn’t want that, what could he do?

“Very well, then. Since the victims are okay with it, please proceed with the originally planned tasks starting from tomorrow. However, I won’t extend the original schedule any further. Please bear that in mind.”

“Yes, of course. Thank you, Your Highness Prince Alfonse.”

The count sincerely bowed deeply. It was worth being grateful for even just a few days.

“We’ll discuss sending the ability users back to the palace for later.”

“T-Thank you.”

“Thank you.”

The count and Lia expressed their gratitude in turn. And thus, the meeting adjourned. However, Perth found it difficult to fully accept the outcome of the meeting. He pushed through the dispersing group and approached Lia.

“Hey.”

Kevin greeted him amiably from the side, but he ignored him.

“Mr. Perth, why are you doing this?”

“I want to talk for a moment.”

It seemed like he wanted to talk somewhere other than here. Seeing his serious expression, Lia nodded obediently.

* * *

The two entered an empty room. It seemed to be one of the guest rooms. The sun was almost set, so the room was a bit dim. But neither of them thought to turn on the light.

“What’s the matter?”

They both seemed to understand without saying anything. It must be because of what happened at the meeting a while ago. Lia smiled once and then answered.

“Mr. Kevin also mentioned it. Because of them, all the locals could suffer…”

“But isn’t that not your true intention?”

Perth sharply glared at her. His gaze was so piercing that it felt like he could see through Lia’s soul. Lia avoided his gaze. She didn’t even realize that her eyes were wavering.

“What do you mean… I… still, even if it’s just for the locals’ sake…”

Perth stepped closer to Lia. She was lying to herself right now. And very poorly at that. Even without delving into her mind, it was obvious to anyone that it was a lie. He gently reached out and held her fingertips. Lia, who had flinched for a moment, obediently let him hold her. Her uneasy feelings were conveyed through her fingertips.

“In truth, in truth… yes. No one wants to help.”