Now You’re Obsessed - Chapter 16

‘I’ve learned how to do my best, so that’s enough.’

That’s right. Ariel learned how to strive while liking Lionel. She also learned how to live passionately to achieve something she wanted and honed her academic skills to the highest level.

Thanks to that, she received an offer to come to Veloto. She lived a life where she honed her skills and created possibilities for herself.

‘That’s enough.’

Ariel tried to bolster her spirits. She could forget her dark past and start anew even now.

With things as they were, she wanted to start over from scratch in Veloto. A place where no one knew her, and where she had never been. So her answer came out decisively.

“Yes. I’m planning to give up on the subjugation team.”

“…Really?”

“After failing so many times, I’m sick of it. I want to try something I’m good at now.”

If she could settle down stably in the Republic of Veloto, she could consistently send money to stabilize the Marquis’s household. And if she found that it suited her better there, she could consider staying. Caelo nodded happily.

“You’ve made a wise decision, Ariel. You’re too talented to be wasted.”

Caelo grabbed Ariel’s hand and shook it up and down vigorously. Even then, Ariel voiced a small concern.

“…But I don’t have holy power, so it seems it’ll be hard to be appointed right away.”

“Appointed?”

“Yes. I want to get appointed as quickly as possible. Even as a low-ranking official.”

From what Ariel had found out, the Republic of Veloto welcomed talents from the Holy Kingdom who had holy power, but the process for appointing those without it was somewhat complicated. However, Caelo suggested that she need not worry about that.

“Hmm… How about this? If you marry a man from Veloto, you’ll gain citizenship in the Republic. You could aim for a quick appointment by getting married first.”

“Marriage?”

“I did say I could introduce you to a man from the Republic of Veloto.”

Caelo looked somewhat nervous as he spoke. His ears seemed to turn slightly red. He then licked his lips slightly. Ariel made a reluctant face.

‘Suddenly getting married is a bit…’

Although it was true she was running away from Lionel and the Holy Kingdom, leaving through marriage seemed too blatant. Besides, she didn’t even know the person’s face or name…

‘I know my reputation, at least.’

Ariel was well aware that she wasn’t considered a good bride candidate in the Holy Kingdom because she was chasing after Lionel for a long time. She didn’t feel right about deceiving someone. Moreover, after what happened with Lionel, she didn’t feel like dating anyone for a while.

“That’s a bit sudden.”

When she expressed her feelings, Caelo responded understandingly.

“Of course, if you don’t want to, you don’t have to… But it’s the quickest and most straightforward way if you want a fast appointment.”

“Hmm.”

“I understand what you’re worried about. But it’s okay.”

Caelo licked his lips again before continuing.

“The person is someone I know well… and he knows about… that… the matter with Lionel.”

Ariel looked at Caelo with slightly startled eyes. Although she knew he was referring to her long pursuit of Lionel, it somehow sounded like he knew about that night when she had teased Lionel. Even so, Caelo’s words intrigued her.

“A man from the Republic of Veloto who hasn’t even met me?”

“…Yes. So don’t worry too much. I’m just letting you know there’s an option.”

Ariel stood quietly, lost in thought. It was an option worth considering for a quick settlement. After all, most nobles engaged in arranged marriages, so if it was part of that…

‘And if he knows about me chasing Lionel.’

There was no need to be overly cautious. It was probably a family in urgent need of a bride. Of course, she wasn’t a highly reputable bride candidate either. Ariel cautiously asked,

“Is he much older or does he have any issues…?”

“No! Would I connect you with such a family?”

“Hmm…”

“Really, it’s not that kind of family, so don’t worry! I guarantee it.”

“Really?”

“Yes. The reason I hurried back to the homeland was because of that matter.”

“Because of that matter?”

Ariel’s eyes widened at Caelo’s response. So that meant…

“Oh my, Caelo.”

“Yes, Ari, actually…”

“Did you really go around looking for someone who would marry me so I could settle in Veloto?”

Wasn’t this truly a thoughtful gesture? It must have been quite a hassle to find a match for someone else. Ariel felt touched by genuine friendship and hugged Caelo tightly without realizing it.

“Thank you, Caelo.”

“Ah, Ariel!”

“To think you’d go this far… The woman who likes you is a lucky one.”

“……”

“You’re a really good friend.”

“Al… right, I get it.”

By the time Caelo’s voice grew smaller, Ariel realized that this might have been a bit rude to him. She thought about how she had often hugged Lionel, which made him uncomfortable, and now she had done the same to Caelo.

“Ahem! Sorry.”

Ariel quickly stepped back from Caelo and smiled brightly.

Anyway, thinking about going abroad through the recommendation of a friend who cared so much for her alleviated some of the fear and anxiety she felt after her father’s collapse. Caelo rubbed his cheeks a few times before replying.

“Anyway, you’ve made a good decision, Ariel.”

“Yes. Graduation is soon, so I’ll prepare to go to Veloto right after it ends!”

It was when Ariel said that.

“Miss Ariel Tenia?”

“Yes?”

Someone approached and called her. Turning around, she saw one of the academy instructors she had seen several times in passing.

“The instructor in charge of the subjugation team entrance exam is looking for you.”

“Oh. I almost forgot. Thank you for letting me know.”

Ariel nodded and then bid farewell to Caelo.

“It seems the re-exam results are out. I’ll go and hear them.”

Although the results were likely obvious, it was still proper to go and listen in person. The instructor had given her advice out of pity.

‘Even if it turned out to be meaningless advice.’

Ariel headed towards the building where the instructor was, with Caelo seeing her off. She sensed something odd.

“……”

Several academy students who usually passed her indifferently were now giving her subtle looks. Some were even whispering among themselves. There were eyes filled with goodwill and curiosity, and others filled with disdain.

‘What is this?’

Feeling puzzled, she entered the office of the instructor in charge of the entrance exam.

“Instructor, you called for me…”

“Miss Ariel Tenia.”

The instructor greeted her with a kind smile. Ariel felt a mix of relief and regret seeing that smile. After all, she had seen this instructor’s face for years, and now there would be few opportunities to see him. Especially once she left for Veloto.

Ariel sincerely expressed her gratitude as if she was saying a final farewell.

“Thank you for everything.”

“The pleasure is mine.”

“It’s truly bittersweet.”

“I feel the same. I’m glad that you finally received permission.”

“Pardon?”

Just as Ariel was about to say her final goodbye, the instructor said something completely unexpected. Ariel was left speechless.

“What do you mean…?”

“I’m happy to hand this over to you.”

The instructor in charge of the entrance exam approached Ariel and handed her something.

“……”

…It was the subjugation team’s entrance permit.

* * *

Could there be some mistake?

That was Ariel’s honest feeling.

If she had received holy power from Lionel, it might have been understandable, but all she had done was extract something else. She had taken the theory exam without much preparation compared to usual.

‘But to be accepted.’

Was the issue of vacancy that severe? As soon as she learned she had been accepted, Ariel planned to go to the subjugation team to decline the position. After all, she no longer had a reason to join the subjugation team.

However, the response from the chief instructor of the subjugation team was quite cold.

‘Are you saying you don’t want to accept such an honorable mission now?’

‘Ah, no. It’s not that…’

‘I don’t understand, Miss. You are quite famous on our side. Didn’t you work so hard to join the subjugation team?’

‘Yes, that’s true, but…’

‘Once permission is granted, you must participate in at least one subjugation activity. That’s the rule.’

‘Right…’

‘If you really want to quit, do so after completing one mission, Miss Ariel Tenia.’

The instructor in charge of new recruits for the subjugation team coldly dismissed her request. Ariel sighed and informed Caelo and her family about it.

“Oh my! Miss, that’s great news!”

“Yes. You wanted to join the subjugation team so badly!”

Even though the maids were genuinely happy for her, Ariel could only manage a lukewarm smile. That was before she had changed her mind.

‘Now it’s more of a hassle.’

Although she would only be assigned to support duties, which were not dangerous, it might delay her appointment process in Veloto. Ariel sighed quietly to herself.

‘Alright. Let’s just get it over with.’

She could submit her resignation to the subjugation team after completing one mission. The chance of being assigned to the same team as Lionel was extremely low anyway.

‘We’re not even in the same league.’

Lionel usually belonged to the high-ranking subjugation teams with outstanding performance. Ariel herself would not be assigned to such a high-ranking team, so she could avoid seeing Lionel’s face.

‘Yes. Since it’s come to this, let’s just do it, Ariel.’

She would take the opportunity to receive the danger pay from the subjugation team and use it to support her family, and the remaining money could be used as settlement funds in Veloto. Ariel prepared for the subjugation mission with her heart already set on Veloto.

‘Just get it over with quickly.’

By this time, all Ariel’s thoughts were focused on completing the subjugation mission safely and meeting the Veloto nobleman and starting a new life there. Any other concerns would come after that.