I Put all my Stats into Charm - Chapter 53

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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I Put All My Stats Into Charm Episode 053

 

After finishing my preparations, I headed to the drawing room for my appointment with Jerome.

 

Upon entering the drawing room, I saw gray marble floors and dark stone walls.

 

The drawing room, decorated with red velvet curtains and golden chandeliers, exuded restrained grandeur rather than mere luxury.

 

‘The interior suits Jerome well.’

 

I looked around the interior of the drawing room where only servants were present.

 

‘Did I come too early?’

 

I came down early because I finished preparing quickly. Jerome hasn’t arrived yet, it seems.

 

‘Since I’m early anyway, might as well look around.’

 

I began to slowly walk around the drawing room.

 

‘It’s warmer than I thought.’

 

In the large fireplace positioned on one wall, logs were burning. Thanks to this, the drawing room was filled with cozy warmth.

 

As I was looking outside the Duke’s Palace through the large windows, I heard Jerome’s voice from behind.

 

“You’re early, Miss Emmerbier.”

 

“Oh, Duke!”

 

When I turned around.

 

Jerome’s eyes wavered as he saw me in my dress.

 

Haha. How’s that, my victory dress!

 

I straightened my waist and looked at Jerome with expectant eyes, when suddenly my shoulders became warm.

 

Jerome had taken off his cloak and draped it over my shoulders.

 

Not stopping there, Jerome even fastened the cloak’s hook up to my neck.

 

“The North is cold. So it would be better to wear a cloak at least.”

 

What are you talking about? It’s not cold at all.

 

Can’t you see there’s practically a campfire going in the fireplace right now?

 

But I couldn’t ignore the host’s consideration, so I should wear it for now.

 

I sat on the drawing room sofa while wearing Jerome’s cloak.

 

Jerome sat across from me, and soon simple refreshments were served.

 

After taking a sip of tea, I put down my teacup and spoke.

 

“The herb tea you sent up was delicious. It was fragrant.”

 

“It’s tea made from northern herbs. I’m glad it suited your taste.”

 

I didn’t call him here to exchange such trivial pleasantries.

 

Having no time to waste, I reached for the cloak’s hook to achieve my purpose.

 

“The drawing room is hotter than I thought. I think I can take off the cloak…”

 

Jerome quickly rose from his seat and strode toward me.

 

Then he fastened the half-undone hook again.

 

“The drawing room is chillier than it looks. Even if it feels hot right now, you could easily catch a cold if you’re not careful, so it’s better to keep the cloak on.”

 

I reached for the cloak’s hook again.

 

“It’s fine. I’m sturdier than I look.”

 

But before I could unfasten it, Jerome’s hand stopped me.

 

“You shouldn’t underestimate northern colds.”

 

“…”

 

Did some ghost who died from a cold possess him? Why is he so anxious about health?

 

This makes wearing my victory dress meaningless!

 

But continuing to insist on taking off the cloak might seem strange, so I decided to retreat for now.

 

I’ll try the victory dress again later.

 

Now for the second strategy.

 

“Actually, I have a gift for you, Duke.”

 

When Jerome sat back in his place, I took out a bracelet from my bosom.

 

“It’s a bracelet I made to give to you, Duke. Since your eyes are blue, I used blue thread. I added white because it reminded me of the snow in the North where you live.”

 

“…”

 

Jerome just looked at the bracelet silently.

 

What is he thinking?

 

After a moment of silence, he spoke.

 

“Did you make this yourself?”

 

“Yes. I felt like I owed you a lot, Duke.”

 

I held out the bracelet toward Jerome and continued.

 

“Do you remember what you said at the lake last time?”

 

Jerome’s gaze, which had been fixed on the bracelet, moved upward. Then I met his blue eyes, like a clear sea.

 

“You mean when I said I wanted to become friends with you?”

 

“Yes. I don’t think I’ve heard an answer to that yet.”

 

Thinking he might feel burdened and refuse, I quickly added an explanation.

 

“Becoming friends doesn’t mean anything grand. Just like now, talking and spending time together like this.”

 

—That’s actually just an excuse, though.

 

This is all groundwork to make you my man.

 

Right now I’m setting a trap so you can’t escape.

 

So hurry up and unlock whatever this special condition is!

 

But Jerome just stared at me silently.

 

Did I rush too much?

 

Just as I was starting to feel anxious, Jerome spoke.

 

“…Would you give me time to think?”

 

“Until when?”

 

“I’ll give you an answer before you return to the Imperial Palace.”

 

It’s not like I asked him to date me. Needing time to think about becoming friends.

 

It was a bit deflating, but at least it wasn’t a rejection.

 

“Alright. I’ll wait for your answer.”

 

“Thank you for your understanding. I’ll gratefully accept the gift.”

 

Jerome took the bracelet and put it in his bosom.

 

He accepted the gift and there’s still time before returning to the Imperial Palace.

 

I need to figure out what the special condition is by then.

 

‘By the way, it’s getting hot.’

 

The drawing room was full of warmth, and with Jerome’s fur cloak on top of that, I was starting to sweat.

 

“Duke. I have something I’m curious about.”

 

“What is it?”

 

I wiped the sweat flowing down my forehead and asked Jerome.

 

“When we met at the hot spring, I unintentionally saw the tattoo on the back of your neck.”

 

Suddenly, Jerome’s hand movement toward his teacup stopped.

 

“How did you come to have that tattoo?”

 

The tattoo Jerome had was also on me and on the troll.

 

I didn’t know what the tattoo was, but I thought the special condition blocking Jerome’s affection might be related to the tattoo.

 

But instead of answering, Jerome just silently stared at his teacup.

 

“…”

 

Was it too personal a question?

 

Just when I thought I shouldn’t have asked, Jerome raised his head.

 

“…I was kidnapped when I was young.”

 

“Kidnapped?”

 

Jerome was kidnapped?

 

This was information I was hearing for the first time.

 

“Who would kidnap you, Duke?”

 

“They searched the entire Empire, but never found the kidnappers.”

 

To kidnap the heir of a ducal family. Who would have the audacity to commit such a bold act?

 

They must have had nerves of steel that went far beyond reckless.

 

“The tattoo appeared when I was kidnapped. I don’t know the detailed circumstances.”

 

Aisha was set up as an orphan, after all.

 

Could the tattoo on my body also be related to the forces that kidnapped Jerome?

 

I couldn’t tell whether revealing that I had the same tattoo would be a good choice or a bad one.

 

‘Let’s keep quiet for now.’

 

When confused, it’s best to play it safe.

 

“I’m sorry. I had no idea you went through such a thing…”

 

I wanted to ask about the circumstances when he was kidnapped and how he returned, but it wasn’t appropriate to ask now.

 

I should wait until we’re closer before asking about such things, right?

 

Still thinking I didn’t understand what connection special conditions had with kidnapping, I wiped away the flowing sweat once more.

 

I was even fanning myself with my hand because of the heat when Jerome asked a question.

 

“How did Miss Emmerbier come to become a mage?”

 

Well. I don’t know why Aisha became a mage either.

 

I gave a vague answer.

 

“I’ve admired mages since I was young. So naturally, I became a mage.”

 

Though I’m a false advertisement who can’t actually use magic.

 

“It would be an honor if I could see Miss Emmerbier’s magic someday.”

 

“If the opportunity arises, I’ll definitely show you.”

 

I smiled awkwardly.

 

Indeed. Would the day come when I’d show Jerome magic?

 

At this rate, Jerome might become a mage faster than me.

 

But it’s so hot.

 

The heat was making me feel dizzy and lightheaded.

 

“Are there no difficulties in practicing magic?”

 

“Pardon?”

 

I had been spacing out due to the heat and looked at Jerome.

 

“Oh, yes…”

 

After that, Jerome asked questions about what kind of training I do and what life as a mage is like.

 

But I couldn’t properly focus on the conversation.

 

My head was getting increasingly dizzy. Jerome in front of me kept splitting into two and merging back together, leaving me completely unfocused.

 

As I stared blankly into space with my scattered concentration, Jerome approached and placed his hand on my shoulder.

 

“Miss Emmerbier. Are you alright? You don’t look well.”

 

“Oh… No, I’m fine.”

 

Focus. This is such a hard-won opportunity. I need to become friends with Jerome.

 

I straightened my posture.

 

“What did you say earlier?”

 

“…”

 

Jerome stared at me intently, then gestured to a nearby servant.

 

“Guide Miss Emmerbier to her room.”

 

“No, I’m really fine…”

 

I tried to stand up to stop Jerome, but suddenly my head spun.

 

At the same time, the world tilted. I tried to maintain my balance, but my body leaned to one side.

 

“…!”

 

“Miss Emmerbier!”

 

Along with Jerome’s voice calling my name, my vision darkened.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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