I Was Just Having Fun With The Time Limit - Chapter 38

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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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As expected, nothing could be further from the truth.
Startled by my blunt words, Reina jumped to her feet.
“That’s… that’s impossible!”
In truth, the problem wasn’t limited to Reina alone.
The rumors surrounding me were largely of this nature.
Unable to master swordsmanship, I was supposedly turning my attention to other pursuits as a second choice.
My participation in the Olympiad was merely a desperate struggle for survival, or so they said.
It seemed most people believed whatever they wished to believe.
“Do you also think I’m desperately struggling to survive as a Princess, Miss Reina?”
“….”
Good heavens. She should at least deny it outwardly.
Being so transparent only hurts her own position.
“Why would I struggle for such a reason? I have only fifteen years left, after all.”
I had no desire to survive as a Princess.
I intended to live this gift of a life as a gift itself.
I would live fiercely, but not as a Princess—I would live fiercely as Isabel.
“I simply participate because I genuinely enjoy it. So please don’t cast pitying glances upon me. That’s an insult to who I am.”
“….”
“Next time you humiliate me, things won’t end as peacefully as this.”
Reina bit her lip.
With all eyes upon her, her face flushed crimson.
“…So you truly participate because you enjoy it.”
“That’s right. I participate simply because I genuinely enjoy it.”
How could I not enjoy it?
They were offering money.
Ten million Ludens, no less!
This would become my rocket for explosive growth.
My mood brightened, and I broke into a radiant smile.
I turned my gaze toward Viscount Biatonn and asked.
“That’s acceptable, isn’t it, sir?”
“Of course.”
Viscount Biatonn smiled back at me—a smile as bright and warm as sunlight.
My heart melted like snow.
‘Hm?’
I hadn’t intended it, but Reina’s fists were clenched tightly.
Oh, had I just triggered the jealousy of a ten-year-old girl infatuated with her first love?
‘Good grief.’
Should I call this a mistake or an apology?
Should I reproach Viscount Biatonn for directing such a radiant expression only toward me?
‘He shows no prejudice, but he certainly has his favorites.’
Do your best. Though it won’t come to pass anyway.
I simply continued speaking out of courtesy.
“I sincerely wish you achieve excellent results, Reina.”
I turned my gaze toward Yuri as well.
For some reason, my childhood self came to mind.
I was so frightened and lonely as a child.
Had I not received sponsorship from those nameless benefactors, I wouldn’t have survived to twenty.
Yuri seemed to be experiencing much fear and hardship as well.
“Sister Yuri, I truly support you.”
I lay in a hospital bed, my body ravaged by illness.
I was merely in the position of receiving sponsorship, while Yuri was in the position of earning it.
The fact that she continued to receive sponsorship from Rosilde, who was so strict about money, meant she was working that much harder.
“I truly think people like you, sister, are incredibly strong and admirable.”
“….”
“If there’s ever anything I can help with, come find me. It’s the Vilotian Arena Palace. It will always be open to you.”
Isabel’s words were the first rays of sunlight to touch Yuri, who had lived a life where only grades proved her worth.
* * *
Yuri was a girl supporting her household.
She received sponsorship from House of Rosild in return for her diligent studies.
Thanks to this, her mother could receive treatment, and her younger siblings could attend school.
‘This is my responsibility.’
Though Yuri was only nine years old, she carried a weighty sense of duty.
Mathematics and studying had long since become her work.
And today, she received a shock.
‘I only have fifteen years left.’
As far as Yuri knew, Isabel was six years old.
That six-year-old remained serene even in the face of her own death.
‘I simply participate because it brings me joy.’
Death was drawing ever closer with each passing day. Yet rather than fear it, she seemed to embrace and enjoy today with happiness.
There was a time when Yuri had enjoyed studying too.
‘I used to find mathematics joyful.’
After her father passed away and her mother fell ill, mathematics became work, and she lost the pleasure in it.
A heavy sense of obligation had dominated her rather than joy.
But Isabel was different.
‘I sincerely wish you achieve excellent results, Reina.’
Yuri found herself marveling.
‘There exists someone who shines so brilliantly.’
Someone who truly loves mathematics.
Living with a terminal diagnosis, yet able to shine like that.
Knowing clearly the end that awaits her, yet able to find such happiness.
‘She really is nothing like me.’
Reina had always cursed Isabel.
Yuri had believed Isabel was simply a bad person.
But the Isabel she met in person was different.
She was like a star—someone who smiled brightly even in front of that wretched Reina.
‘If there’s ever anything I can help you with, come find me. I’m at the Vilotian Arena Palace. It will always be open to you, sister.’
Her hostility toward Isabel melted away like snow.
That warm expression kindled a comforting warmth in her heart.
It felt as though her body was dissolving under the first rays of spring sunlight.
‘I mustn’t let it show.’
If she revealed her feelings, Reina would despise her.
Whether she liked it or not, House of Rosild was her patron family.
She couldn’t afford to fall out of Reina’s favor.
So Yuri lowered her head.
* * *
The Olympiad was tomorrow.
Tonight, she would stay at the lodgings prepared by the Mirotell Magic Federation.
Viscount Biatonn, who insisted on personally accompanying her for peace of mind, grinned widely.
“Your Highness’s eloquence—ah, rather, your grace is truly remarkable.”
“Pardon?”
Isabel didn’t understand what he meant.
“You were well-informed about the commoner girl, yet you maintained an attitude of knowing nothing about Miss Reina. You called the girl ‘sister’ consistently, but kept your distance from Miss Reina by simply calling her ‘miss.’ And that perfect closing remark about not insulting her—how wounded her pride must be! She’s probably crying her eyes out right now. Hehehehe. You truly trampled her in the most elegant manner.”
In truth, she hadn’t thought that deeply or intentionally shown different attitudes toward Reina and Yuri, but it seemed the result was interpreted that way.
Viscount Biatonn laughed with satisfaction.
Watching that smile, Isabel thought to herself.
‘Why make such a fuss over it?’
Viscount Biatonn continued.
“Your Highness, just say the word.”
“Yes?”
“I am, after all, the very embodiment of harmonious dialogue and mutual agreement.”
“Harmonious dialogue and mutual agreement?”
“I can facilitate harmonious dialogue and agreement with House of Rosild. I’ve developed quite the desire for deeper and more intimate relations.”
Isabel tilted her head.
“Viscount Biatonn, are you angry?”
“Angry? I’m merely someone thirsting for profound intimacy, that’s all.”
He was definitely angry.
That’s what Isabel thought.
“I’m not bothered at all. If anything, Miss Reina is rather endearing.”
There was something cute about how pathetic she was.
A transparent child. So utterly insignificant she couldn’t even be called a villain—just a small-time lackey.
For Isabel, it was merely that much.
“It seems Lady Reina has taken a liking to Viscount Biatonn.”
“Ugh.”
Biatonn’s body trembled slightly as he made a disgusted expression.
He shuddered alone, muttering “ugh, I hate this,” but I simply pretended not to hear.
“Is there really a need to be so repulsed?”
“The only child I care for is the Princess.”
Biatonn despised children.
Among them, he especially disliked those who whined and fussed.
Those who whined and fussed, and behaved poorly like Reina—he disliked them even more.
“Do you like me, Teacher Biatonn?”
“Of course. I like you very much.”
Isabel found herself laughing softly without realizing it.
It wasn’t as demanding as when I was a baby, but love and affection were always right.
‘This is exhilarating.’
This is why I live this transmigrated life.
“Why are you smiling?”
“Because I’m happy!”
“I’d be troubled if you were only this happy.”
Biatonn waved his hand back and forth.
“I’ll make you even happier.”
“Really?”
“Of course.”
Biatonn sensed that Isabel was genuinely delighted.
His heart swelled with emotion.
“I hope you’re always happy and content, Teacher.”
“…What?”
“So please don’t obsess over deeply meaningful exchanges and intimacy. I’m truly fine, it doesn’t bother me at all.”
Biatonn could only marvel.
How could she be so profoundly thoughtful?
“How is it that our Princess has such a generous heart? Lady Reina was the one who wielded a blade forged by her own tongue first.”
“I don’t wish to concern myself with such trivial matters.”
“…”
“I have less time than others, after all.”
So I didn’t want to waste it on such trivial things.
My time is short.
Far shorter than anyone else’s.
That’s why I spend my time wisely.
That was how Biatonn saw me.
“Your Highness.”
“Pardon?”
I adore the Princess so much that I’m already terrified of the separation that will inevitably come one day.
I swallowed those words unspoken.
I steadied my resolve alone.
‘I won’t pity her.’
My heart ached, but I decided not to view her with compassion.
I believed that was the truest way to support Isabel as she lived in the present moment.
“Why are you staring at me like that?”
“May I hold you?”
His heart grew earnest and tender.
“Me?”
Wow, what a steal. You could hold me a hundred times. If it’s Viscount Biatonn, even a thousand times would be fine.
I didn’t say that aloud.
I spoke with dignity, concealing my true feelings.
“If that’s what Viscount Biatonn wishes, then please do.”
“Hehe, I’ll give you that spinning-around game the Princess loves so much.”
The spinning-around game.
It meant Biatone holding me and spinning me around in circles.
Since he used magic, it was thrilling yet safe.
It was also a game I adored.
My six-year-old body responded honestly.
‘Oh no, I’m so excited.’
I looked forward to the spinning-around game with great anticipation.
But then, something truly strange happened.
“Kyaaah!”
Something wedged itself between me and Viscount Biatonn.
A sweet honey scent began to waft through the air.

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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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