How ironic to resign myself to giving up just as I realized my feelings.

– I thought you would rest today.

“I don’t want personal emotions to interfere with my work.”

– That’s rich coming from someone who spent all night tossing and turning.

My hand, which had been shaking water from my wet hair, stopped abruptly at those pointed words. I glared while pouting my lips, but System merely shrugged nonchalantly.

“It’s impossible not to be affected.”

I flopped onto the bed and covered my face with a cold towel. As I tried to take a deep breath to calm my tumultuous feelings, System interrupted again.

– Do you regret it?

“What?”

– Realizing your feelings now.

“…I’m not sure.”

It began as pure admiration. But with each new discovery about him, I wanted to know more. I didn’t want to miss even the smallest details that others overlooked. That gradually growing desire eventually stained my pristine admiration gray.

“I’ve always known I liked him. I just… wanted to avoid acknowledging it.”

Unlike before when I simply wished for Asrein’s happiness, now I want to be one of the reasons for his happiness. I want him to think of me, even briefly, during his day. Even if he can’t return my feelings, I hope he won’t trample them. I wish he would value me just a tiny bit more than others.

“The problem was forcibly burying it to avoid facing it.”

My festering heart kept producing selfish, unsightly growths. I need to cut them away before they spread throughout my body. That’s the only way to maintain my relationship with him.

As I got up, shaking off lingering attachments, System, who had been quietly watching, asked:

– Will you confess your true feelings?

“Of course not. …I don’t want to cause even the tiniest blemish on his reputation.”

Asrein, a professor and head of a count’s family, was at an age where it wouldn’t be strange for him to consider an heir. He must be receiving numerous marriage proposals for his future. What he needs is a noble lady from a good family, not me who could tarnish his reputation with an inappropriate relationship.

So if I truly care for Asrein, I must give up my feelings.

“This is why unrequited love can be good. When I resolve it on my own, it’s like it never happened.”

– That way, no one will understand your struggles.

“No one should know. Not until now… and not in the future.”

I composed myself while buttoning my shirt from the collar down. My neat appearance was a pledge that my heart would remain undisturbed.

“That’s how I can stay by his side for even one more day.”

Though my confidant was merely System, speaking aloud made me feel somewhat relieved. However, System’s expression darkened after hearing my honest feelings. I smiled gently at him as he stood silently beside the mirror.

“Why that expression?”

– Because I pity you.

For a moment, I was speechless seeing the clear sympathy in those red eyes directed at me. Being pitied by System of all beings left me with mixed feelings. I forced a smile and shrugged.

“Someday, when I no longer need to see his face… maybe I’ll confess then.”

– What a roundabout way of saying you’ll hide your feelings forever.

“Haha, I suppose so.”

Leaving my bitter feelings behind, I left the room with my emotions for him locked inside. I had secured it firmly with a key, so they wouldn’t easily cross the threshold. This was enough.

As soon as I arrived at the research lab, I greeted cheerfully.

“Good morning!”

Asrein, who had arrived earlier, acknowledged me with a slight nod. Thanks to the end of the academic conference, the research lab had returned to its original state after being a document storage room.

“I’m glad the academic conference ended safely.”

“You worked hard too.”

“I barely did anything.”

Only the sound of turning pages broke the natural silence that followed. I needed to tell him about meeting Baron Klaus during the academic conference, but I wasn’t sure where to begin. While pretending to organize the remaining documents and gauging the situation, I suddenly spoke up.

“Professor.”

“Hmm?”

“Baron Klaus came to the exhibition hall and we talked briefly.”

His gaze, which had been fixed on his book, shot sharply toward me.

“Why didn’t you tell me immediately?”

“…You seemed busy.”

“Me?”

“Yes. I happened to meet the headmaster then. When I asked where you were, he said you had gone to greet an important guest.”

After my explanation, his initially sharp demeanor softened considerably. Asrein sighed quietly but said nothing. It was natural for him to keep his meeting with the Crown Prince secret, yet I couldn’t understand why a corner of my heart stung. It felt like I had unwillingly glimpsed a side of him I wasn’t meant to know.

To prevent my complex emotions from showing on my face, I explained what happened with Klaus. Asrein, who had been occasionally nodding, predictably became upset at this part.

“He claims to have found a method to identify magical creatures that might harm humans.”

“…What?”

“He looked quite confident. Said he discovered it after extensive research…”

“No such method exists.”

“I thought the same, of course. But Baron Klaus said he would reveal the method at his banquet. He even invited you and me.”

“I wonder what he’s plotting.”

His fingertips repeatedly tapping the desk conveyed obvious displeasure. His slightly twisted lips held contempt for someone not present.

“If he’s so confident, we have no choice but to accept the invitation.”

This brought us one step closer to uncovering Baron Klaus’s hidden secrets. With a tap, Asrein closed the book he had been contemplating for a long time.

“We should prepare since we don’t know what might happen at the banquet.”

“Yes. That’s why I was thinking we should plant someone trustworthy at the banquet.”

“Even as escorts, we can’t bring many people into the banquet hall.”

“That’s why we need someone who can enter as an invited guest.”

“…You mean Lord Sezan?”

“Yes. Baron Klaus probably doesn’t know about my friendship with Lord Sezan. Plus, since House Pergamon received an invitation, House Piart likely received one too. And…”

After hesitating briefly, I spoke with difficulty.

“If possible, I’d like to ask Iris for help too.”

“But hasn’t Iris already aroused suspicion?”

“He’s suspicious of her, but simultaneously trusts her completely. Baron Klaus believes he can control Iris perfectly. As proof, he allowed her to attend this school instead of keeping her at the mansion where he could monitor her easily.”

Asrein, slowly stroking his chin, nodded slightly. As soon as he gave permission, I approached him and handed over the organized documents.

“I’ll try to persuade them.”

“Then I’ll look into who else has been invited to the banquet.”

“Yes!”

I answered energetically with a slight bow.

“I’ll leave it to you then.”

Asrein naturally reached his hand toward my head. Just before his warm touch could reach my hair, I hastily stepped back. His hand twitched slightly in the air, having lost its destination. He seemed quite taken aback, perhaps not expecting me to avoid his touch.

Belatedly trying to smooth over the awkward moment, I tousled my damp hair myself.

“I overslept this morning and only roughly dried my hair.”

No matter how brightly I smiled, Asrein wasn’t one to miss the subtly changed atmosphere. I had nothing more to say as he narrowed his eyes, looking at me with suspicion.

Being affectionate isn’t a crime. The problem is me, whose heart needlessly flutters at the slightest touch.

“I’ll be going now.”

I greeted him naturally, pretending nothing had happened, and turned to leave. The gaze fixed on my back felt quite piercing. I cut off that gaze by closing the research lab door behind me, severing the connection. Such situations would likely become commonplace from now on.

Leaning against the firmly closed door, I released a long-held breath. Whew—my heavy sigh turned into white breath that dispersed dryly. I wished a heavy snowfall would blanket this parched land.

***

I was glad I had reserved a tea house with private rooms in advance. While leisurely sipping herbal tea on a red velvet sofa, my awaited guests arrived. Sezan, who entered first, seemed comfortable in the lavish setting and naturally found his seat.

“Tae-oh. Have you been waiting long?”

“Not at all. Please sit down, Lord Sezan.”

In contrast, Iris, who followed behind, whistled softly while looking around the tea house.

“Why a fancy tea house this time instead of a restaurant?”

“Because I need to discuss something that shouldn’t leak outside.”

Click. The atmosphere instantly grew heavy as I set down my teacup. Perceptive Iris sat on the opposite sofa, glancing at me cautiously.

“…What’s this about?”

Before asking Iris for help, there was something I needed to confirm.

“Lord Sezan, do you know about Baron Klaus?”

“I’ve never met him directly, but I’ve heard of his family name. He recently sent my father a banquet invitation.”

“Didn’t the invitation come with a Dehid flower?”

When I casually probed for his reaction, his dark blue eyes widened immediately.

“How did you know? Since it’s not a flower with pleasant memories, I told the servant to remove it right away.”

“I see… Anyway, since you both know about Baron Klaus, this will be easier to explain.”

I spoke in a low voice to the two who were fully focused on me.

“I suspect Baron Klaus.”

“What kind of suspicion?”

“I think he’s plotting something unpleasant. On the day of the academic conference, he met me and said strange things.”

I relayed my conversation with Klaus to them exactly. As expected, Sezan showed his displeasure by grimacing. Even Iris seemed somewhat confused, muttering to herself.

“I… never heard about such research.”

Even Iris, who once worked for him, hadn’t noticed… How secretly had he been conducting his research? I suddenly recalled the incident where Iris created silhouettes of magical creatures throughout the village and temple. Perhaps Klaus deliberately stirred up public sentiment against magical creatures to increase the value of his research.

Just then, Sezan, who had been quietly organizing his thoughts, carefully asked:

“Is there actually a way to determine potential danger?”

“Of course not. The professor denied it too.”

Magical creatures don’t kill out of mere interest. They bare their teeth and swing their claws only to find food or protect their group. The more magical creatures I met, the more deeply I felt this truth, making the situation all the more frustrating.

“Hearing Tae-oh’s story, the Bivrint Forest incident seems strangely suspicious…”

“What’s that about?”

At Sezan’s muttering, an agitated Iris bit her lip. So I briefly explained what happened in Bivrint Forest. Her completely distorted face turned pale, drained of blood. Iris cursed softly and clutched her head.

“W-wait a minute. A massacre is no ordinary matter. Why didn’t I know about this?”

“It was hushed up for various reasons.”

“Then is the Sainur in that greenhouse…”

“That’s right. It’s the only survivor of the tragedy.”

Huh. Iris snorted, her lips trembling.

“I also keep thinking about that incident,” I continued, gently pushing a cup of herbal tea toward her. “When I first investigated the Bivrint Forest incident, I thought it was the work of poachers who needed money. But as Lord Sezan saw, the pattern on that scent pouch… it wasn’t simply for financial gain. Considering the culprit still hasn’t been caught, there’s likely a noble behind it.”

“One could think Baron Klaus is involved.”

“It’s not certain yet. Unfortunately, it’s all circumstantial evidence.”

I closed my eyes tightly and shook my head. The only connection between Baron Klaus and the Bivrint Forest incident was the ominously glowing Dehid flower. Therefore, I absolutely needed to find evidence through this opportunity. Whether to remove Klaus from the list of suspects or to dig deeper into the case through him would be determined afterward.

“So I want to investigate his mansion during this banquet. I’d really appreciate if both of you could cooperate with this plan.”

I clasped my hands neatly and looked at them alternately. After a brief silence, Sezan spoke first.

“It’s certainly better to investigate before things escalate further. I’ll tell my father that I’ll attend the banquet in his place.”

“Thank you so much, Lord Sezan. And Iris… I won’t force you.”

“No, that’s not necessary.”

Iris held her teacup and quietly gazed at the herbal leaves floating on the surface.

“After the academic conference ended, he came looking for me.”

“…What?”

“The person who told me to live like I was dead suddenly offered me a chance to work again.”

“A chance? So suddenly?”

Iris furrowed her brow and smiled self-deprecatingly.

“The noble lords quite liked me for my magical abilities. So to him, I was like a medal in a closet. The noble lords still don’t know my core is broken. So he probably wants me to show my face at least.”

After spitting out each word, Iris downed the hot tea in one go. Then she set the teacup down with a thud and swallowed dryly.

“I was thinking of feigning illness to avoid getting involved again… but this works out well.”

Her gray eyes, regaining their vitality, blazed like a fire that had lost its color.

“I know the mansion’s structure by heart. I’ll draw you a floor plan since we don’t know what might happen that day. But… even I don’t know how many rooms he’s hidden.”

“That’s still fine, Iris. It will be a great help.”

With the mansion floor plan, it will be much easier to coordinate the movements of all four of us. I need to make a flawless plan based on Iris’s testimony. How many detours have I taken to enter this hyena’s den where Dehid flowers are planted?

“I might be completely wrong. It could have nothing to do with Bivrint Forest, and Baron Klaus might genuinely be gathering people because he’s confident in his research. Still, I need to see for myself.”

“I’ll join you on the honor of House Piart.”

“I also need to find out why the old hag died… even now.”

With this, I had gathered all the chess pieces I needed. Now I just needed to lay down a trump card that Baron Klaus wouldn’t expect.

“Thank you. If anything happens, I promise not to cause either of you any harm.”

Five days until the banquet. I’ll complete all preparations by then.