My Strange Savior - Chapter 115

Chapter 115

“And…”

Gia’s brown eyes glanced down before shooting back up.

“Morrison also harbors a great deal of resentment towards me. He might be pursuing me, perhaps to kill me.”

As Gia spoke, Kalion’s grip on her hand tightened.

“I want to break free from this tough fate more than anyone. That’s what I mean.”

Kalion cautiously took Gia’s hand. Despite the warmth he felt, his body couldn’t help but chill. Just thinking about Morrison made his blood run cold. An unfulfilled fate. Morrison wouldn’t stay quiet to witness its end.

“Since rumors have spread throughout the entire empire, it’s only a matter of time before Morrison hears them too. My reputation might also be heard, and he might come to where I am. Probably on foot. Be prepared for it.”

With a confident statement, the Duke and Oscar’s faces also darkened.

“Can you roughly estimate how long it might take?”

In response to the Duke’s practical question, Gia shook her head.

“I can’t be sure of Morrison’s current condition. Just when he had the chance to end the confrontation, he suddenly had a seizure and disappeared. There’s something wrong with his body…”

Whether the problem was temporary or if Morrison had truly weakened, Gia couldn’t provide a definite answer.

“When the issue is resolved, he will relentlessly pursue me to kill me because I’m sure Morrison is just as desperate to kill me as I am to kill him.”

“But we can’t just sit and wait indefinitely. We should be prepared. His Majesty will gather soldiers, even if just for a show. It might be a good opportunity to extract noble volunteers as well. This is the time to consider mobilizing the nobility’s militias.”

To oppose Morrison, this was a good opportunity to extract troops. The Emperor wouldn’t miss such an opportunity. The nobility’s militias would be forcibly placed under his command.

“There will likely be strong resistance from the nobles. The possibility of those arrows being directed towards us, not His Majesty, is very high.”

Akin’s opinion prompted the Duke to acknowledge that there was reason behind it, and he ran his fingers through the hair that tickled his forehead.

“His Majesty is someone who would remain even after doing that.”

He was not someone who would miss the chance to clear his nose without borrowing someone else’s hand. Absorbing the nobility’s militias while fully expecting the backlash, Oscar would be positioned to protect Gia, followed by the Duke.

“If it’s to stand against Morrison, I’m willing to give up a few hundred troops if needed. But I’m worried that it might be used as a tool to satisfy greed.”

The Duke’s practical suggestions gradually calmed the expressions of the others. If the gathered forces to confront Morrison became a means to satisfy someone’s greed, the aftermath might be even more horrifying than the current situation.

“First and foremost, it’s crucial to align with His Majesty’s preferences and inherit the laboratory that Master used.”

“Myers’ laboratory?”

“Yes. Inside, there are research books of Master unknown to His Majesty.”

Gregory recalled the research books of the Master he couldn’t bring with him when he hastily fled the capital. Myers had various methods of refining dragon mana written in his personal palace laboratory, along with his private research findings.

“Whether we should consider this fortunate or not, it’s a favorable situation for us. At the point when all alchemists have fled or been executed, His Majesty will have no choice but to seek our help, even if unwillingly. Even if I pretend to refine the dragon’s heart and delay the time, His Majesty, who is ignorant about alchemy, will have no other option.”

“I see. It would be wise for Shannons to pretend to align with the Emperor’s taste and keep an eye on the situation. There’s nothing good that will come out of being out of sight for no reason.”

At the Duke’s advice, both Oscar and Gregory nodded.

“Lord Akin should grasp the opinions of young nobles like Derek, and Lady Yuria should focus on social activities with Ariana.”

There was no opposition to the Duke’s suggestion. Realistically, it was necessary to monitor the Emperor’s reactions before attempting anything.

“He will probably summon Gia to the palace soon.”

“That was expected.”

Upon Kalion’s words, the Duke stroked his forehead.

“But before that…”

The Duke’s red pupils now turned towards Gia.

“The relationship between you two.”

At the mention of a relationship, Gia looked surprised, glancing alternately at Kalion and his father, the Duke.

“It might be better to keep it a secret for the time being.”

“Are you talking about my relationship with Gia?”

“Yes. The mysterious individual who came from another world. If His Majesty learns that a foreigner, gaining the trust of the imperial people, is in a relationship with the Duke of Bowers’ son, he won’t stay silent. He doubts everything. His Majesty would see it as the foreigner assisting Bowers with power. If that happens, the distrust will deepen, and our maneuvering won’t become any freer.”

“But…”

Kalion, who was about to counter, was swiftly stopped by Gia’s quick grasp of his hand.

“Understood.”

“I hope you’re not too disappointed. Please understand that it’s an unavoidable choice for our plan.”

Whether he wanted to argue against the Duke’s order or not, Kalion squirmed in his seat. Gia, who pinned him down with force, nodded in understanding.

“Not at all.”

Facing Kalion’s eyes filled with a sense of betrayal, Gia responded with an awkward smile.

“It’s getting late; we should probably wrap up the meeting.”

Following the Duke’s suggestion to conclude the meeting, everyone rose from their seats. Just before leaving the reception room, the Duke spoke with concern, expressing his worries about the future of the empire.

“It won’t be easy from now on. Our just cause might be seen as a rebellion by some.”

After a momentary pause, the Duke lifted his head firmly.

“But just standing by and witnessing what is wrong is no different from betraying the imperial citizens. Today’s steps on this thorny path are for the future of the empire. I hope you all won’t forget that.”

As the Duke finished speaking, a solemn atmosphere lingered in the room.

“For the glory of the empire.”

The Duke’s words carried strength. Following those who bowed their heads, Gia also subtly nodded while glancing around.

“Gia…”

“I’m fine.”

Smiling at Kalion, who looked at her with sympathy as they exited the reception room, Gia reassured him.

“But you…”

“I said I’m fine. It’s true.”

If it became known that she and Kalion were in a relationship, the Emperor’s suspicions would only intensify. She hadn’t considered this aspect, and it was only after the Duke pointed it out that she realized the potential consequences.

Audrey observed the two lovers in front of the reception room.

“Could you two come in for a moment?”

“Us?”

“Yes.”

Gia asked, and Audrey smiled before entering the reception room. She had thought that everyone had already left, but to her surprise, the Duke was still there. Feeling uncomfortable about the awkward encounter, Gia forced a small smile.

“Please have a seat.”

“Yes.”

Upon the Duke’s suggestion, Audrey nodded and gestured for them to sit.

“What was mentioned earlier, about not revealing the facts about your relationship, is for the same reason as before.”

The Duke carefully chose his words with a thoughtful expression. Hearing this, Audrey smiled and covered her mouth with a fan.

“I’m sorry, Lady Gia.”

“Yes?”

“The Duke was worried that Lady Gia might feel upset, so he called us separately to explain…”

“Hmm, hmph.”

The Duke cleared his throat while clenching his fist as if indicating that he had instructed his wife to keep Kalion and Gia in check, perhaps fearing that Gia might feel hurt.

Looking at the Duke’s wife, as if to confirm if her interpretation was correct, Gia saw Audrey wink with one eye and playfully smiled.

“I, I’m really fine…”

Gia’s words seemed to bring a sense of relief to the Duke’s otherwise cold face. Though his expression was inscrutable at first, Gia, who had become adept at reading expressions thanks to Kalion, could sense a certain degree of reassurance. It seemed like the Duke was genuinely concerned for her, just like Kalion.

“You seem apologetic.”

Audrey, as if representing the Duke’s feelings, pouted playfully.

“I’m not upset. I hope you understand that the Duke isn’t asking us to hide the fact that you and Kalion are in a relationship due to any personal negative feelings but for a more significant reason.”

“Of course. I understand. I also think that if I become someone who supports Bowers, the Emperor will become even more wary.”

“Oh, Gia, you’re quite smart.”

Though Audrey’s praise was somewhat empty, she smiled comfortably and gently patted the Duke’s arm.

“Exactly. That’s what it is.”

“Yes.”

“It would be nice if you could understand that the Duke’s concern isn’t about disapproving of the two of you being together but rather for the sake of the greater decision we’ve made. Kalion, it would be good if you understood that too.”

While the Duke’s words were as stern as his face, Gia’s lips curved into a comforting smile. She could feel the concern hidden within the Duke’s seemingly tough exterior.

“Understood.”

Kalion’s response did not smooth over the still-present dissatisfaction.

“To those in the dressing room I visited today, I will pay special attention, so do not worry about that.”

Perhaps recalling the scene in the dressing room, Gia’s face turned red. Audrey squinted her eyes as if to reassure her not to worry.

“As you may be tired, go up now.”

In response to the duke’s words, Gia stood up from her seat. She took Kalion’s arm hesitantly.

“Well then, we’ll go up now.”

With permission granted, Gia slowly lowered her head.

Audrey, who was nearby, smiled and looked at Gia. In response to that comfortable smile, Gia raised the corners of her mouth in acknowledgment.

* * *

“Gia, are you really okay?”

“What’s not okay?”

“Still…”

Though he understood in his head that they had to keep their relationship a secret, Kalion’s eyebrows twisted in apparent difficulty accepting it.

“As long as we know.”

“Is that so?”

While nodding in agreement with Gia’s words, Kalion let out a deep sigh, unable to hide his dissatisfaction.

“I am okay.”

Gia took Kalion’s large hand in hers. As their fingers intertwined comfortably, Kalion’s face flushed red.

“Am I throwing a tantrum like a child?”

“No.”

Ironically, Gia was pleased that Kalion showed displeasure there, solely because it seemed like he cared about her. Had anyone ever genuinely considered her so wholeheartedly? 

Enchanted by this thought, Gia gently traced Kalion’s hand with her thumb.