The next day, late in the morning.

I lay in bed, groaning in pain, having skipped breakfast.

“D-damn, this hangover…”

Surprisingly, this body couldn’t handle a single glass of beer.

My temples had been throbbing and my stomach churning all through the dawn, making it impossible to sleep.

I wondered how Adrianne had lived with a body like this. There was a reason the butler never offered wine during meals.

“If I had drunk a lot, I wouldn’t feel so cheated… Ugh, my stomach burns.”

• • Oh my, are you acting like this over a one measly glass? Our Rianne has become so weak…

 

• • Ms. Rianne, look on the bright side. Now you can get completely drunk from just one drink. It’s much more cost-effective.

 

• • In the past, you were perfectly fine even after drinking a f***ing ton. Is that body made of cotton? What do you think, Gnome?

 

• • …….

I rubbed my aching temples.

“Haven’t you guys gone back to the spirit realm yet?”

• • Ugh, don’t even get me started. I told them to go, but they threw such a fit because they hated the idea.

 

• • Ms Rianne, I’ve actually wanted to say something about this. Why do you only keep Undine by your side?

 

• • Exactly! F***, Pactmaker, why do you always summon that water idiot? Is she gonna tell you where the underground streams are or something? Gnome, quit standing there and say something. You don’t want to go back either, do you?

 

• • (Nods!)

This was exactly why I never summoned all four great spirits at once.

For every one thing I said, they’d say four.

Their nonstop chatter beside me only made my headache worse.

I burrowed under the sheets and covered my ears.

It would be better to just leave the spirits alone.

If I forced them to leave, they might actually make my head explode.

‘It’s not like I’m pushing myself to supply them with mana anyway.’

Just as I clutched my burning stomach and started drifting off, the one topic I least wanted to think about jolted me awake.

• • Guys, remember those meaningful words Leonhart said yesterday? ‘It’s not a misunderstanding’’ What do you think that meant?

 

• • Heh, obviously it means Lord Leonhart liked Ms Adel, doesn’t it?

 

• • Kyaaa! I thought so too! Oh my goodness, what a twist!

 

• • Actually, didn’t the whole expedition know, and Ms. Adel was the only one who didn’t notice?

 

• • Right, right. Our Adel is a bit dense in that regard.

 

• • What kind of bullshit is that? When did that man ever say he liked Adel? He just said it wasn’t a misunderstanding. Right, Gnome?

 

• • …….

Thanks for bringing up the one memory I’d been trying so hard to forget, spirits.

‘Actually, I knew it too.’

How could I not know when his face turned red every time he saw me? I’m not an idiot.

‘I was probably the first one in the expedition to notice.’

But I couldn’t accept Leonhart’s feelings, nor could I whisper words of love back to him.

Because I knew this was a novel, and I knew that I was destined to die soon.

So I pretended not to know.

I pretended to be dense, acted like a fool who couldn’t imagine anything beyond a friendship.

So that, eventually, Leonhart could let go of his feelings.

That was the only thing I could do for Leonhart.

“Let’s just sleep more.”

[Level 3: Adrianne headed to the study to complete the proposal.]

‘It’s still too early for Ruspell to arrive. I’m not even sober yet.’

[Level 3: Adrianne headed to the study to complete the proposal.]

‘I said I’m not sober!’

[Level 3: Adrianne headed to the study to complete the proposal.]

…I really want to kill it.

eft with no choice, I dragged myself out of bed and forced down a light lunch.

Then, following the command, I went to the study and reviewed the proposal again.

After I’d been absorbed in it for about two hours, the butler informed me that Ruspell had arrived.

I tensed up.

There was what had happened outside Charles Tavern last night…

…and if anyone had sensed that something was off, it would be Ruspell.

‘He’ll definitely try to test me. I must not let my guard down this time. I have to be careful not to slip up.’

Mentally steeling myself, I welcomed Ruspell into the study.

“Professor Ruspell, you’ve arrived earlier than expected.”

“That way I can leave sooner.”

“….”

“Ugh… I really don’t want to do this…”

Ruspell was as lethargic as ever. He made no effort whatsoever to hide how unwilling he was to be there.

‘Huh? This is different from what I expected.’

I thought he would be glaring at me, ready to tear me apart like a hyena the moment he saw me.

Instead, Ruspell just sat there blankly, like a lazy sloth.

“Your Grace.”

“What is it?”

“Please lend me a bedroom.”

“…Why?”

“I’m sleepy.”

“…Professor Ruspell, are you aware that this is the ducal estate?”

“Are there no bedrooms in the ducal estate?”

“….”

This was simply the kind of person Ruspell was. He said whatever was on his mind, no matter who he was talking to.

I loved that about him, and at the same time, it worried me just as much.

That he might get stabbed one day.

‘He’s acting like his usual self… but it feels fishy.’

After parting ways at Charles’s Beer yesterday, Leonhart, Owen, and Ruspell must have planned something.

But for him to just spout nonsense like that made him suspicious.

Then, the image of Ruspell curled up like a caterpillar on the pub floor, fast asleep, suddenly flashed through my mind.

That pale face that showed no will to live…

My heart sank.

‘Could it be that he still wants to die? Is that why he doesn’t care what I do, or how much Leonhart suffers?’

I studied Ruspell carefully, but couldn’t spot anything out of the ordinary.

‘He’d look so much better if he just trimmed his hair; it’s driving me crazy.’

I used to think Ruspell was difficult to handle but easy to read.

Because he revealed his emotions exactly as they were.

But now, perhaps because his eyes were covered, I couldn’t get a read on him at all.

“I’m just too sleepy. I’ll just use a bedroom for a bit.”

“You’re the one who said you wanted to leave as soon as possible, Professor. Endure it.”

…Wait.

Something about that didn’t add up.

He’s the kind of person who would just go home on his own if he were sleepy, yet he’s asking me to lend him a bedroom?

Suddenly, a scene flashed through my mind.

A handful of sleeping pills. This time it’ll work. Ruspell, muttering softly, chewing and swallowing them all at once…

The image overlapped with another.

His body hanging from a noose.

I bolted upright.

“Did you take anything?!”

The study became terrifyingly silent.

Ruspell remained silent for a moment before speaking.

“Take what?”

“Any medicine containing sleeping pill ingredients! Tell me! Did you take any?”

“….”

“Did you?! Answer me! Why aren’t you saying anything? Did you take them or not?!”

Ruspell, who had been watching me quietly, curled one corner of his mouth and chuckled.

“What if I did? What are you going to do about it, Your Grace?”

“You… you crazy bastard!”

I grabbed Ruspell by the collar and shook him violently.

It felt like sheer panic had given me strength I didn’t even know I had.

“Are you crazy? Are you insane! Once was enough, why do it again! Who are you trying to drive crazy! What about the people left behind! You irresponsible, selfish jerk…”

And then it hit me.

What I’d done wasn’t any different from what Ruspell was trying to do.

By choosing death and leaving them behind…

…I’d done the same thing to them.

‘What… have I done?’

I felt the blood freeze in my veins.

“I don’t understand why Your Grace is getting so worked up. Ah… are you worried I’ll die before I finish your proposal? Don’t worry. I adjusted the dosage so I’d stay alive until then.”

“….”

“If you understand, please let go of my collar! Ugh! I’m going to die by Your Grace’s hand before I die from the medicine!”

Ruspell snapped in irritation and brusquely shook off my arm.

I staggered backward and slumped powerlessly onto the floor.

Perhaps not expecting me to be pushed back so easily, Ruspell’s eyes widened.

“Y-your Grace! Are you o— gasp!”

He rushed over to help me up, only to freeze in place.

“A-are you… c-crying?!”

“….”

“Are you hurt? Did you hit your head when you fell?”

“….”

“Huh? You seem fine, so why are you crying?”

Forcing my trembling lips apart, I managed to ask,

“…Did you take them?”

“…Were you really that worried I’d taken the pills?”

“Answer me! Did you or not?!”

Ruspell stared blankly at the tears streaming down my face before murmuring,

“…So there’s someone else who’d cry if I died.”

“Stop talking nonsense and just answer me!”

Snapping out of it, he hurriedly pulled out a handkerchief and gently wiped my cheeks.

His movements were clumsy and unsteady, betraying just how flustered he was.

“I lied. I just wanted to see what you were really after.”

“Really?”

“Why would I stockpile sleeping pills? If I wanted to sleep, I could just cast a sleep spell. I have no intention of dying. For the time being.”

“….”

“N-No! I mean it! I’m not going to die! I won’t die until it’s actually my time, so please… stop crying.”

I looked up at the flustered Ruspell.

He wasn’t quite on Leonhart’s level, but among mages, he’d easily ranked in the top three when it came to looks…

Yet there was nothing left of that handsome face now.

His cheeks were gaunt, and his lips were dry and chapped.

Fresh tears welled up in my eyes.

“Look at your face…”

“Huh? What’s wrong with my face…? W-Wait, why are you crying again?! Ah… I’m going to lose my mind.”

After rubbing his face in frustration, he soon softened his tone.

“I know. I look awful, don’t I? I’m sorry. I was wrong, so please… stop crying.”

“…Cut your hair.”

“I will. I’ll cut it neatly. What else should I do?”

“Put some weight back on…”

“I’ll eat a lot and get nice and chubby.”

“…Go for walks too.”

“That one’s a little…”

“….”

“A-ah! I get it. I’ll go for a walk every single day. Happy?”

Still crying, I nodded.

Adrianne crying. It was stranger than a demon reading a Bible.

But I don’t know why the tears kept coming. I couldn’t stop them no matter what.

“Sob…”

“Ah, Your Grace, please have mercy on me…”

Ruspell, exhausted from trying to soothe me, eventually just watched me.

How much time had passed?

Once the tears that seemed endless finally dried, my reason returned.

‘I’ve gone mad. Why did I cry there… Ugh, I’m dying of embarrassment.’

It was too late for regrets. I had no choice but to act brazenly.

Ruspell, also feeling awkward, cleared his throat a few times.

“Ahem, excuse me, Your Grace…”

I cleared my throat. I hadn’t even cried loudly, yet my voice was hoarse.

“…What?”

“Your Grace’s eyes get puffy when you cry too.”

“I’m human too.”

“I guess so. I thought you were some kind of witch…but you’re actually human.”

Stung by the word ‘witch,’ I deliberately fixed Ruspell with a cold glare.

“About today… don’t tell anyone.”

“Alright.”

“If you tell, I’ll kill you.”

“I said alright.”

He answered indifferently before letting out a quiet snort.

“It’s not scary when you say that with puffy eyes.”

“I’m not trying to scare you. If I’m going to kill you, I figured I should at least warn you first.”

“Oh, that part is a little scary.”

Ruspell and I both chuckled.

Something felt ticklish in my chest. It felt like becoming secret friends with an officer from an enemy nation.

Even though I didn’t intend to, the stiffness left my voice, and my tone became soft.

“If you answer one question, I’ll keep it a secret until I die.”

“…What is it?”

“Did anyone in your family take their own life?”

‘You idiot, it’s because of you. I’m terrified that the wounds I gave you will fester and fester… until one day they end up killing you.’

I gently pressed my swollen eyelids.

“None of your business.”

Instead of pressing the issue, Ruspell froze the tear-soaked handkerchief with magic and held it out to me.

“Put this on your eyes for now. You wouldn’t want the butler to see you like this.”

I accepted the handkerchief without hesitation.

Placing the chillingly cold cloth over my eyes felt like heaven.

Leaning back against the sofa, I let myself relax.

“I’ll look over the proposal in the meantime. The one on the table, right?”

“Yeah.”

The sound of pages turning filled the room for a while.

“Hmm… if I ask you something, can you answer without looking at the proposal?”

“I wrote it. Of course I can.”

“First question, then. This glass that automatically regulates temperature… why do we need something like that?”

“Didn’t I write it down? It says it’s for use in greenhouses.”

“I saw that, but I don’t understand. Up until now, people have just built greenhouses with ordinary glass and had a mage cast temperature-control magic on them. There hasn’t been any problem with that, so why go to the trouble of making enchanted glass?”

Of course you wouldn’t see a problem with it. If you needed magic, you used magic; if you needed money, you spent money.

The truth was, only the people who actually experienced inconvenience understood what it meant.

“The current method comes with enormous maintenance costs.”

“Maintenance costs money?”

See. He has no idea.

“You have to hire a mage. And do so regularly.”

“Ah…”

“Hiring a mage for a fortune just to regulate the temperature is a waste of resources. Those resources should be put toward things that are far more important.”

“Do we really have to consider things to that extent just to build one greenhouse? It seems a bit excessive.”

“It only seems excessive because you’re looking at a single greenhouse. Think about developing this temperature-regulating glass and commercializing it. It could be used in every building that requires temperature-control magic.”

Ruspell didn’t answer for quite a while.

‘Don’t tell me it’s too difficult to make? If so, this is a disaster.’

I brushed away the handkerchief and sat up straight.

“Is it impossible?”

“Put the handkerchief back over your eyes.”

“It’s gone warm.”

“Want me to freeze it again?”

“Forget the handkerchief and be honest. Do you think it’ll be difficult to make?”

“I’ll have to run experiments to know for sure, but… I don’t think it’ll be too hard.”

After giving a blunt answer, he continued.

“The real problem is the cost. I could build the prototype myself for free, as a sort of volunteer contribution. But actually manufacturing it is a different story. There’s no telling how many rounds of trial and error it’ll take.”

“It only needs to be finished by the Emperor’s birthday, so there’s no need to worry about the timeframe. And the budget is probably huge.”

“How do you know about the budget?”

“There were plans to create a 10-meter golden statue encrusted with jewels. Naturally, a massive amount would have been allocated for that.”

“Ah, right. There was a statue…”

The Emperor’s birthday comes every year.

And there was no telling what absurd project would be proposed next time. I intended to spend every last coin of that budget.

Enough that no one would even mention another statue for the next ten years.

“Anything else? If you’ve got more questions, ask away.”

“Is this thing called a sprinkler also a mana-infused device?”

“Once that’s made, it’ll be incredibly useful. It can be used for everything from gardening to agriculture and livestock. Of course, it’s easier if you hire a mage… but not everyone has that kind of wealth.”

No matter how hard I tried, it was impossible for me to create magic glass or sprinklers.

But I could create magic devices to replace them.

Provided I had Ruspell’s help.

My proposal was filled with such devices, and those were the parts Ruspell was mostly curious about.

“I thought this was a proposal for the Grand Plaza project. No matter how I look at it, this doesn’t seem like a one-off plan.”

“It is a one-off proposal. I just figured we should use the generous budget to develop as many useful devices as possible. Getting started is the hard part. Once they’re made, they’ll spread quickly enough.”

“….”

Through the curtain of his unruly hair, Ruspell studied me quietly.

“What?”

“You surprised me.”

“How?”

“…Never mind.”

He lowered his gaze back to the proposal.

“‘Self-generating power using solar energy’… What’s this supposed to be?”

“You’ve read that far already?”

“I skimmed it. So? It looks like some kind of device that uses solar energy, but what’s the principle behind it?”

“Well, you see…”

We launched into an animated debate.

Most of it revolved around whether the magical devices I’d designed were actually feasible.

He asked sharp questions, and I countered them with the mindset of someone persuading a client.

Whenever Ruspell finally conceded a point, I couldn’t help feeling a little smug.

And whenever his ideas proved better than mine, I readily revised the proposal accordingly.

Before I knew it, it was 9 PM.

The proposal was more or less complete.

I had organized the central magic devices to be as easy to manufacture as possible.

Now all that remained was to revise a few minor sections.

And then I’d have to recreate the original draft that had been worked to death.

‘How many ages is that going to take? The original alone took me three days…’

At least not today.

I’m too exhausted to move. I’ll leave it to tomorrow’s me.

As I dozed at my desk with my head resting on my arms, Ruspell held something out to me.

“…What is it?”

“The proposal. I rewrote it to incorporate everything we discussed.”

“…You rewrote the whole proposal?”

“Yes.”

He’d been doing something on his own for a while… was that it? I didn’t even ask him to.

“Why do things I didn’t ask you to do? That was my job.”

“I only copied it onto clean paper. Just look it over and make sure I didn’t leave anything out.”

“Hmm… Alright, let’s see.”

I cleared away the empty coffee cups and leftover desserts piled on the desk.

After laying down a clean sheet of paper, I placed the rewritten proposal on top and turned to the first page

‘M-my god… this guy is really a genius.’

He hadn’t merely recopied it.

The corners of my mouth curled up instinctively at the upgraded proposal.

Is this how a professor feels when they have an incredibly competent slave- ah, no, teaching assistant?

“It’s cleaner than I thought. No need for revisions.”

“I’m glad.”

I carefully closed the new proposal.

Thanks to Ruspell, the core parts were finished.

I now had a proposal polished enough to submit as it was.

‘For the sake of my conscience, I should do the rest on my own, right?’

Since it’s a proposal being submitted under my name.

“Good work. I’ll handle the rest.”

Ruspell chuckled.

“Your Grace, you’re really something else.”

“…Huh?”

“At the beginning, you gave me just enough explanation about those devices to pique my curiosity, then said you weren’t planning to put much effort into it and that we should just throw something together.”

He smiled knowingly.

“You knew that would only make me more determined to dive into it, didn’t you?”

“…?”

What is he talking about?

When I said I had no intention of working hard, I meant I literally had no intention of working hard.

It was just that Ruspell got more excited than I did and went wild, so I just got swept up in it.

Smiling, he continued,

“I’m not the type to back out halfway. I’ll help you until the end.”

I think some massive misunderstanding has occurred…

I replied while clutching the proposal Ruspell had written to my chest.

“If Professor Ruspell insists so much. I shall permit it.”

“Leave the proposal as it is. I’ll visit at a similar time tomorrow, so let’s finish it together.”

“Very well.”

Ruspell left the study with a noticeably lighter step than when he’d arrived.

“Did he like my proposal that much?”

Now that Ruspell was showing enthusiasm, I started worrying about the future.

‘Even if he works hard, it’ll probably get rejected anyway… what if he’s disappointed? Shouldn’t I tell him in advance?’

I looked at the space where Ruspell had been and shrugged.

“He only just seems to have gotten some of his spirit back. I’ll leave him be.”

There was no point crushing someone who had only just started to come back to life.