TDNT 29

Chapter : 29

Although Rolf was the most renowned spiritist in the Sylok Empire, his daily life was surprisingly mundane.

In fact, in Kevaris, he was known as a nervous and irritable person.

Much like Hal’s arrogant personality, Rolf absolutely hated interacting with strangers. So whenever someone unfamiliar saw his face, he would immediately turn his head away.

“Hoo…”

His entire body felt stiff from having fallen asleep at his desk. Rolf’s bedroom and research lab in Kevaris were filled with all sorts of papers and books.

Lately, Rolf had been working on translating books written in the ancient language. In addition, he was busy writing textbooks and academic papers to train future spiritists.

Because he didn’t care much for eating, Rolf’s body was quite thin.

“…Hal.”

[Oh my, Master. Are you all right? I told you not to sleep like that.]

Hal was more loyal and affectionate to Rolf than anyone. He massaged Rolf’s shoulders and gently tapped his stiff back.

Hal quickly scurried over, brought Rolf some water, and cleaned up the clutter around him. Though rude to others, Hal didn’t mind acting like a housekeeper for Rolf’s sake.

[It’s already noon. Which means… you’ve been fasting for 41 hours. Please, just close your eyes and take a bite of this sandwich.]

Hal didn’t want to see Rolf starve to death. That’s how much Rolf neglected his own body.

He treated it as if it didn’t matter anymore, like he had given up on it.

[You trust my skills, don’t you? Please, just try one bite. For your loyal Hal.]

Rolf ignored the fussing Hal and stood up. Just one bite! Hal wailed with frustration.

After a quick wash, Rolf checked his reflection in the mirror. Half his face was grotesquely disfigured. Burns covered much of his body.

It looked like fish scales or the thick shell of a troll. Even he couldn’t stand to look at himself, so he always covered his appearance with a pitch-black robe.

[What if you collapse? You need to pace yourself while working!]

“Sophie might come to Kevaris.”

That was precisely why he was writing the new textbook. He was holding onto the hope that Sophie might come to Kevaris.

He hoped she would grow while reading the books he wrote. Like when she was young. So Rolf immersed himself in work, losing track of time.

[Oh dear… Master, you’re going to collapse before Sophie even gets here…]

The lightning spirit Hal held a bunch of sandwiches in his hands—one sprout sandwich, the other tuna, knowing Rolf’s preferences.

Hal was genuinely worried Rolf might pass out. He occasionally ate something from the pharmacy, but…

After pondering, Hal came up with a sly idea.

[Then how about visiting Sophie’s pharmacy?]

Rolf, who normally ignored Hal’s suggestions, suddenly froze.

[At the pharmacy, you could directly ask Sophie what she wants to learn. You could reflect her thoughts in your book…]

“…You think so?”

[Master! You’re writing this book for Sophie, right? Then you have to hear what she thinks.]

Hal’s plea to put something into his gaunt master’s mouth finally worked. After hearing him out, Rolf said he’d go to the pharmacy.

At least at the pharmacy, he might drink some tea or eat a few cookies. And when he was with Sophie, Rolf genuinely seemed happy.

Following Hal’s advice, Rolf set out immediately. He realized it had been quite some time since he last visited Sophie’s pharmacy because of his work.

Before heading out, Rolf checked his attire for no reason.

“Lord Rolf.”

“It’s been a while, sir.”

As he passed through Kevaris, students who saw their master all bowed in unison. Some were also curious about the face hidden beneath his dark robe.

Avoiding their gazes, Rolf left without even looking at his students.

Behind him, whispers of curiosity followed, wondering what Rolf’s face looked like.

He was used to it. Of course, they were curious—just how monstrous was his face?

They wanted to confirm whether the rumors were true, that he looked like a monster.

Those curious stares tormented him. Why were they so eager to see a face that even he couldn’t stand?

“Your Highness.”

Just then, he spotted Valentis in the distance. He was so flawless that even passersby couldn’t help but gasp in admiration.

Handsome, strong, and admired by many. Once, Rolf too had been someone people admired.

Even now, some still looked up to him. But his self-esteem wouldn’t allow it. What was so great about a man with a face like his?

“Ah, Rolf.”

Spotting him, Valentis strode over in an instant. Rolf quietly observed his approach.

He had a perfect body and radiated confidence.

‘I used to be like that too.’

Once, he’d walked the path of a spiritist with pride.

[It’s been a while.]

Hal, arrogant as ever, showed deference only to Rolf.

“Where are you headed?”

[To Sophie’s pharmacy.]

“The pharmacy?”

Valentis tilted his head. As it happened, he too was headed there.

He had heard that Rolf had visited the pharmacy once before. But again?

[Yes! To write a book, I need Sophie’s input.]

“You mentioned writing a book.”

[And it’s especially for Soph—uh, was I not supposed to say that, Master?]

Hal, babbling as usual, shut his mouth tight when he caught Rolf’s sharp glare.

Terrifying… Master is terrifying.

“I was on my way to the pharmacy too.”

“…”

“Let’s go together, then.”

Since they were headed in the same direction, it made sense. Valentis brought over a horse for Rolf.

The two men said nothing unnecessary as they rode. Silence didn’t bother either of them.

Rolf observed the lively and colorful capital. Even the marble roads bustling with people and carriages were intricately crafted. The streets were packed with buildings in all shapes and hues.

The palace’s rounded roof, sky-piercing spires, statues adorned with gold and jewels—it was a dazzling scene.

Even the people wore vibrant clothes of various designs. Valentis, though in a simple shirt, looked incredibly elegant and commanding.

In contrast, Rolf wore a shabby black robe.

‘I should’ve worn something else.’

But this was all he had. Still, he wished he’d dressed up a little for the pharmacy visit.

He hesitated, ashamed to go looking like this. But he wanted to see Sophie so badly.

He was proud of the capable young woman Sophie had become.

But he was no longer the man she remembered.

What if she was shocked or disheartened? The fear was real—but he still wanted to see her.

“…Ah.”

At last, they arrived at the pharmacy. What Rolf saw was Sophie taking off her outerwear. It must’ve been hot—she was shedding layers.

As she peeled off the layers, a glimpse of bare skin showed through. Rolf’s pale face turned bright red.

“Ugh…”

As he turned away, trying to cool his flustered self, Sophie’s voice rang out.

“You drop by almost daily now. It’s not even surprising anymore.”

Unlike the mortified Rolf, Valentis and Sophie were unfazed. After all, Sophie had only removed several outer layers.

Sophie briefly looked cold as she saw Valentis dismount gracefully.

Then, she spotted Rolf.

“Lord Rolf!”

“…”

Sophie greeted him with such a beautiful smile that Rolf’s face turned even redder.

“You’re here!”

“…Yes.”

“I even saved some dessert for Hal, just in case!”

[I pledge eternal loyalty.]

Meanwhile, Valentis observed Rolf blankly staring at Sophie.

‘What is going on?’

They hadn’t met that many times… yet he was already frequenting Sophie’s pharmacy. That wasn’t the Rolf he knew.

And now Rolf was even speaking to Sophie in his own voice—something he was always reluctant to reveal.

It wasn’t like he was visiting for a curse like Arthur or Valentis. So why?

A strange unease settled in Valentis.

At that moment—

“Sophie, could you tell us about that first love story you mentioned before?”

Arabelle boldly asked.

“Well, that’s a bit…”

“You’ve told us about lovers, but not much about your first love! Just a little, please, Sophie!”

Arabelle pouted and begged with full charm.

Sophie, handing out tea and snacks to the visitors, smiled awkwardly. As hesitation crossed her face, Arabelle seized the chance.

“He helped me when I was a child.”

“Was he handsome?”

“He was very handsome. He had such delicate features that I wondered how a man could look so pretty.”

At that, Valentis noticed Rolf flinch in surprise. He leaned forward with sparkling eyes.

His face, barely visible between his robes, peeked out slightly.

“First love…”

Amazingly, the aloof and cynical spiritist looked smitten.

“He had just become an adult, but he used all the money in his pocket to buy me food.”

“What did he buy you?” Arabelle asked.

“Let me think…”

As Sophie tried to recall, Rolf murmured with a wistful smile, “Cream bread.”

Though Sophie and Arabelle, sitting further away, didn’t hear it—Valentis heard it clearly.

“Cream bread… was it?”