IDVM 44

Chapter 44

Kalts frowned slightly, as if mentioning Dias’ older sister, Egrain, was already a nuisance, and asked:

“Your sister is anxiously waiting for you. You have no intention of contacting her, even if you’re not going back?”

“Please pretend you didn’t see anything.”

“And if I can’t do that?”

“How cruel. Between fellow rebels, no less.”

“Would you kill an old man if I did?”

“If necessary.”

Kalts maintained his usual composed smile, and Dias, in response, wore what looked like a polite, guest-like smile. Yet the air between them was icy.

Kalts clicked his tongue.

“Your insolence runs in the family, just like your sister.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Dias’ brazen attitude drew a wry smile from Kalts, who quickly got to the point.

“So, what’s the reason you risked being discovered just to meet me?”

“I plan to leave this village in a week. I wanted to create a proper farewell for Vivian and the Lady.”

“Because of the recent incident?”

“Of course, I know it’s not the Lady’s fault. You did everything to protect Vivian, and I am grateful for that.”

Kalts pursed his lips.

Dias spoke politely enough, but the core of his message was that he didn’t want Vivian to be near Rahel.

This incident wasn’t Rahel’s fault, nor was it Kalts’ own. Yet it was undeniably Kalts’ choice to bring Rahel’s friend into the situation.

As the person responsible for the child, Kalts understood Dias’ decision, even if it carried weighty responsibility.

But—

“Duke, you surely understand a father’s heart.”

“I know well enough. I also know you will end up being firmly disliked by your daughter if things continue like this.”

Separately, as a father with a daughter, Kalts wanted to prevent Dias from making a choice he would regret.

“You probably came to see me because you didn’t have the confidence to convince Vivian yourself, and hoped I’d handle it for you.”

“……”

“Unfortunately, I don’t think I can grant your request. I am Vivian’s friend; I am on her side.”

Hoping Dias would not repeat the mistakes of the past.

Kalts’ words, delivered in a tone that was partly joking yet wholly serious, made Dias frown.

Kalts watched him with a calm expression and then spoke:

“Then how about a fortnight?”

Dias raised an eyebrow, puzzled.

“That will be enough time for them to say their goodbyes—and for Rahel and me to prepare to leave this village.”

Dias asked incredulously,

“……You’re leaving?”

Kalts had come to this quiet, secluded village with Rahel for one reason:

“To protect his granddaughter from the Emperor’s eyes.”

And yet, he was returning to the Empire?

Kalts answered Dias’ silent question as if he had read it in the young man’s expression:

“Hiding alone isn’t enough to protect her.”

And that resolve struck at Dias’ weak spot.

At first, my father would follow me whenever I went to the villa, but at some point, he started letting me go alone.

‘Maybe he feels reassured now.’

Probably thanks to Kkamang, who was always hovering over my head.

Fortunately, Rahel had mostly recovered by the time the festival ended.

She wanted me to go to the festival with her, but…

[Not yet. Let’s go next year.]

I decided that Rahel shouldn’t overexert herself, so I forbade going out.

So for a while, we stayed at the mansion, but I didn’t mind.

It wasn’t the place that mattered—it was being with Rahel.

About fifteen days later, on a late summer day:

“Vivian. Let’s go to the village. And the hill where we first went.”

Rahel suggested going out first.

I had been itching to go outside anyway, so I was excited.

We wandered through the village, visiting all the corners we had explored together, buying lots of delicious food.

Throughout it, whenever Rahel caught my gaze, she smiled.

More often than usual.

I liked seeing her smile, so I grinned in return.

After touring the village, we finally climbed the hill where we had first gone together.

The late summer afternoon was very hot—not ideal for climbing a hill.

But once we reached the top, the village bathed in golden sunlight was so beautiful it made the climb worth it.

Rahel stared at the scene silently, just as she had the first time she saw it.

Watching her, I had a good idea.

“Actually, there’s a place with an even better view.”

“Where?”

“Over there.”

I pointed to the large tree that shaded us.

“Want to climb it?”

I didn’t expect her to agree—after all, she was raised carefully and would probably avoid such an uncouth act.

But…

“Sure. Let’s climb.”

Rahel agreed without hesitation!

Excited, I ran to the tree, puffing out my chest proudly.

“Watch this, Rahel. Tree climbing in this village? Leave it to me!”

I climbed the tree skillfully, like a little gang leader.

I was going to help Rahel, who had never climbed a tree before, when suddenly…

Pop—!

Rahel used teleportation magic and instantly sat next to me.

Clean, simple, and effortless.

I was shocked at first, then pouted in annoyance.

Rahel looked at me curiously.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“This is cheating!”

I had covered myself in bark climbing up, looking ridiculous, and she came up looking perfect!

Rahel laughed and held out her hand. In it was a small leaf.

Her cheerful smile was so pretty that I forgave her cheeky behavior.

“Rahel, are you in a good mood today?”

“Why?”

“Just… you’re smiling more than usual.”

Rahel looked at me softly and said:

“When I smile, you smile too.”

Oh… did I?

Embarrassed at being caught, I scratched my cheek awkwardly.

Rahel added,

“I want to remember you smiling.”

Her words sounded like something someone about to leave might say, and I blinked.

“What… does that mean?”

Her next words hit my heart:

“Vivian, I’m going back to the Empire tomorrow.”

“What…?”

I felt my emotions welling up.

Rahel, as if noticing, grabbed my hand and continued quickly:

“Don’t cry, crybaby. I’m not leaving because I dislike you.”

“Then?”

“I want to learn swordsmanship and magic properly.”

I realized why Rahel had made that decision.

‘It’s because of the incident.’

But if she returned to the Empire, she’d be constantly under the Emperor’s watch.

‘Even so… Rahel has decided to go.’

Just like in the original story.

“I didn’t say anything because I’d probably refuse if you told me not to. Sorry.”

Her eyes already held an unbreakable resolve.

“When I get stronger, so I can protect you without letting you get hurt…”

“……”

“I’ll come back to see you.”

Rahel gripped my hand tightly, as if to show me her sincerity.

Then she said goodbye:

“So, just until then, farewell.”

Smiling brightly.

I held back my tears, clutching her hand, afraid I’d forget its warmth.

I knew the road ahead would be thorny.

But if that was her will…

“Yes. I’ll wait.”

Holding back tears, I added,

“I’ll write letters every day… and pray every day that you stay safe.”

Just like in the original story, where our meeting twisted fate and we became friends.

Hoping her story would change, too.

“Then… let’s meet again, Rahel.”

I couldn’t hold back my tears, but I forced a smile.

Rahel nodded, clearly seeing my attempt to smile despite crying.

“Yes, definitely.”

And so, we parted.

That summer, under the tree, smiling.