I Was Just Having Fun With The Time Limit - Chapter 186

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

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Saint Maria became the first non-royal to be interred in the Imperial Mausoleum, the “Tomb of Swords.”
“This is a grave departure from the principles of Imperial succession!”
“And?”
The Sword Academy opposed the decision, but Ron crushed their objections with overwhelming force.
“This is Villorian. If any of you disagree, draw your blade and step forward.”
“…”
“Even if ten thousand of you came, I would not call it cowardice.”
It was an arrogant declaration, yet no one dared to challenge him.
Though she had passed, Maria was posthumously granted the rank of Duke, and countless people brought flowers to honor her memory.
The Emperor announced a startling revelation.
“The Magic Federation has been dissolved.”
It was revealed that the Arcane Mages who led the Magic Federation had been Wilhelm’s instruments.
News spread widely that Wilhelm’s house had established the Magic Federation five hundred years ago to fulfill their own ambitions.
Media outlets that had been hostile to the Empire until recently switched sides entirely.
“With the Magic Federation completely ruined, we have no choice but to align with the Empire.”
“True words indeed—isn’t this the most powerful era of the Empire since history was first recorded?”
“Right. We need to change our allegiances quickly.”
With the media’s active cooperation, the Villorian Empire gradually absorbed the Magic Federation.
This task fell to Yuli, the former chief editor of the Whispers publication.
She became the Minister of Culture and Media, a newly established department, with the rank of Marquess.
I can finally pursue my vision.
No longer bound by the interests of sponsors, she could now report truths more faithfully.
The dreams she had cherished as a child were now within her reach.
Backed by the formidable power of the Villorian Empire, she could live according to her convictions.
I must record Wilhelm’s vile schemes and the heroic deeds of those who stopped him.
What if Wilhelm’s plot had not been thwarted?
What if Wilhelm had obtained Narbidal’s power and run rampant across the continent?
Then perhaps the people would not be enjoying this peaceful era now.
They would have lived as Wilhelm’s slaves, trembling beneath his rule.
[…And at the heart of it all was the Spring of the Imperial House.]
The clash between Villorian and the Magic Federation.
And the demise of Narbidal, the God of Death.
That story spread across the world.
* * *
To prevent chaos in the Magic Federation, which had suddenly lost all its leaders, the Empire dispatched important officials.
[A great mage from the Magic Federation, an indomitable mage who rose again despite bearing the stigma of betraying magic—her name was Karin.]
Just as in “When the Doomed Villainess Dies,” Karin came to rule the Magic Federation.
The outcome appeared the same on the surface, but the circumstances were entirely different.
For the world the Princess dreamed of.
The Karin in the novel was a warmonger. Only war made her feel truly alive.
Karin now longed for Isabel’s smile.
She made her proclamation.
“We abandon the name of the Mirotell Magic Federation.”
It was the moment the Arcane Kingdom of Aisen was born.
As the name suggests, it was derived from Isabel.
(Karin had originally wanted to name it the Isabel Arcane Kingdom, but she met with Isabel’s fierce opposition and failed.)
The first ruler of the Arcane Kingdom of Aisen was Karin, and the one who served as her advisor was none other than Tesleron.
“Tsk tsk, things are going to get quite busy ahead. Or rather, they will be, Your Majesty.”
“Lord Tesleron will help us greatly, won’t he?”
“Was he always this proactive? Or rather, was he?”
“Because the Princess dreams of a slightly more beautiful world.”
“I too dreamed of such a world when I was young.”
Tesleron’s expression grew stern.
He too had once dreamed of a slightly more beautiful world.
That was why he had researched exchange and worked to allow countless people to benefit from arcane engineering.
As a result, he was expelled from the Magic Federation and pointed at by countless people.
“To think I could witness such a thing in my lifetime—it’s truly remarkable.”
“It is a miracle brought about by the Princess.”
“Your Majesty, no matter what you say, everything ultimately circles back to Princess Isabel.”
“…”
A smile bloomed across Karin’s face.
It seemed her mood brightened simply by thinking of Isabel.
“Everyone seems to suffer from such an affliction.”
But then someone approached from behind.
“That’s not an affliction. It’s merely a natural physiological response.”
“Unlucky bastard. Shouldn’t you be guarding the Empire? What are you doing here?”
Tesleron’s face darkened as he saw the man approaching—Biatone.
“You think I wanted to be dispatched here? I want to be beside the Princess. If you had a brain, I’d appreciate it if you’d use it.”
“If the opportunity comes, I’ll cut your tongue right off—”
“If you can, try it. I’ll do it first.”
Their eyes clashed in the empty air.
It was a common occurrence ever since they first met in the Erbe Mountains, so Karin paid it little mind.
“I look forward to your cooperation, Chief Advisor and Deputy Chief Advisor.”
Both men’s heads turned simultaneously to look at Karin.
And Biatone spoke quickly.
“I look forward to working with you, Deputy Chief Advisor.”
“What are you saying, Deputy Chief Advisor? I am the Chief Advisor.”
“I was Chief Advisor from the Empire. So it’s only right that I’m the Chief Advisor, Deputy Chief Advisor.”
“I’m more familiar with the affairs of the Arcane Kingdom. Besides, unlike someone like you who’s only a half-baked mage, I’m a genuine mage. Shouldn’t I be Chief and you be Deputy? You bat-like fool!”
Karin spoke.
“Since this is the Mage Kingdom, I would appreciate it if Viscount Tesleron would take the position of first advisor, and Viscount Biatonn would take the position of second advisor.”
“Hehehehe.”
Tesleron wore the smile of a victor.
Naturally, Biatonn could not accept his defeat.
“I cannot accept this. Working under Viscount Tesleron? This is an insult to me, the Empire’s first advisor.”
“The Princess made such a request.”
“A perfectly executed personnel decision. I look forward to working with you, Your Majesty. And first advisor.”
* * *
Two years had already passed since the Narbidal incident.
There had been tremendous changes, yet despite it all, the world seemed to be rolling along well enough.
‘The sunlight is absolutely wonderful.’
When I woke in the morning, I loved being bathed in such warm sunlight.
As time went on, these small moments of happiness became increasingly precious.
‘I have less than a year left now.’
These days, inexplicable pain would surge through me, and I would suddenly suffer from high fevers.
It meant that I had less than a year of life remaining.
‘At least it’s not unbearably painful, which is a mercy.’
I knew pain well from experience.
Pain is truly sorrowful.
This level of discomfort was merely inconvenient.
‘The world seems to be changing in a good direction little by little, and I’m grateful for that.’
I chose to think as positively as possible.
I had been given a new life, and I wanted to cherish it and live happily.
My fate would not change anyway.
Even though the god had died, my mark did not disappear.
All I could do now was think positively.
‘No more children are being born with Narbidal’s mark.’
With Narbidal’s disappearance, no more children were born carrying the curse.
The curse ended with my generation.
That too was something to be grateful for.
“Living while knowing when I will die seems so frightening and sorrowful, Arun.”
Arun had appeared at my side without my noticing.
We spent the entire day together except for sleeping hours.
To be precise, Arun had no intention of leaving my side.
One year ago.
We held a grand betrothal ceremony blessed by everyone—though my Biological Father and Brothers did glare at Arun with piercing eyes—
In any case, as time passed, Arun’s presence beside me felt completely natural.
Whenever I thought I hadn’t seen him for a moment, I would turn my head, and Arun was always standing there beside me.
“It won’t be frightening or sorrowful. I will definitely save Isabel.”
“….”
Arun still seemed unwilling to give up.
‘Thank you, Arun.’
I was deeply grateful for his heart, but I didn’t let it show.
For two years, I had made no significant progress.
Now, less than a year remained.
I thought this was the time not to struggle for survival, but to contemplate how those left behind could depart peacefully without suffering.
‘Truly, thank you, Arun.’
Because Arun stood beside me, I could keep from falling apart.
Simply by steadfastly guarding my side, he had become a great pillar of support for me.
Warmth transferred through my hand.
Somewhere along the way, we had grown accustomed to holding hands.
‘Once, I could read hearts through mana.’
After accepting Narbidal into my body, that ability disappeared.
Now I could no longer discern another’s emotions and heart through mana.
Yet, I could feel far more intense emotions than before.
The body heat transmitted from Arun’s hand.
The affection brimming in his eyes as he gazed upon me.
Every word and action directed toward me.
Through Arun, I could feel it all with piercing clarity.
So this is what it feels like to be loved.
So this is how radiant it can be.
If there existed one thing capable of making even death gaze toward light, it seemed to be love.
“Arun. I have a request.”
For the past two years, I had also strived hard to survive.
I had harbored the desire to savor these precious moments longer.
I had truly exhausted every possibility.
Not only I, but the Empire’s finest—those who had gained abilities surpassing the original—had spared no effort to save me.
Yet there was simply no way.
Now, truly, the time had come to face death with composure.
“What is your request?”
“There are things I’ve always wanted to do.”
I omitted the words “before I die.”
Time was scarce.
Among the many things I had dreamed of, there was one I desperately wished to accomplish.
“I hope you’ll grant it for me.”

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

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