It’s Been 500 Years as an Extra, and the Original Story Still Hasn’t Begun - Chapter 125

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

500 Years as Just an Extra,

 

The Original Story Still Won’t Begin

 

Episode 125

 

“So, what’s your business?”

 

Anyway, that was just Melbarik’s personal matter. Since there was no need to waste time, I decided to get straight to the point.

 

“My, you’re not giving me a moment to catch my breath.”

 

Melbarik, who had been putting on a playful act, straightened his posture and bowed his head slightly.

 

“Before that, let me apologize first.”

 

“Pardon?”

 

“I’m sorry for rudely interfering at the dress shop earlier. Lady Milenov would have been perfectly capable of handling the situation, but I meddled out of unnecessary concern.”

 

“…You knew?”

 

“I may not look it, but I pride myself on having perception skills at the level of an Arch Mage.”

 

Melbarik, who had been observing Ailesia’s expression, showed genuine remorse.

 

Though she wasn’t showing it outwardly, Ailesia had been feeling somewhat uncomfortable since leaving the dress shop.

 

There was a limit to how much Countess Sergel could act arrogantly and unreasonably.

 

If the Retis Grand Duchy had officially written and sent a letter of protest, there would have been no way for her to escape. At the very least, Count Sergel would have had to come and beg for forgiveness, and if the matter had escalated further, even Duke Kaif might have had to step in.

 

But because Melbarik had mediated, the situation ended ambiguously, which was not a very welcome result for her, who had been inwardly plotting.

 

“I fully understand Lady Milenov’s position. You have every right to be angry with me.”

 

“But why?”

 

Melbarik glanced around briefly and waved his hand lightly. A thin barrier invisible to ordinary eyes formed around the table.

 

“I wanted to have a direct conversation rather than using Message Magic.”

 

“Is it important?”

 

“It might be sensitive content for someone.”

 

Upon hearing those words, Ailesia quietly turned her head toward the adjacent table.

 

Fortunately, Elenora was absorbed in her dessert, and Hilda was busy taking care of such Elenora.

 

Only Rebecca, who was sitting diagonally, seemed to sense something amiss and made eye contact. However, Ailesia slightly raised her hand to indicate not to worry.

 

[I have something to discuss separately with Melbarik regarding the dark magic research. I’ll tell you the details when we get home.]

 

Rebecca, who received the message, nodded and turned her gaze forward again. As if she had never looked aside, her expression as she smiled warmly at Elenora was quite cunning.

 

“That knight is quite extraordinary.”

 

“She’s an Aura Master. Her magic has almost reached the 4th Circle too.”

 

“She’d have almost no rivals among her age group.”

 

“Stop spying on my people. What’s this sensitive content you mentioned?”

 

“Haha.”

 

Melbarik gave an awkward laugh while fidgeting with his teacup. Hearing the expression ‘my people’ in such a firm tone made his heart ache for some reason.

 

‘Still a long way to go.’

 

If only the story he was about to tell could help him enter the circle of ‘my people’ even a little.

 

Melbarik, who swallowed a sigh inwardly, opened his mouth.

 

“In times like these, provoking the Kaif Duchy would do the Retis Grand Duchy no good.”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“Aren’t you tracking the mastermind behind the use of dark magic? And in the midst of that, Grand Duchess Retis entered the palace early this morning. I heard the atmosphere was no joke?”

 

“…So what?”

 

“I don’t know who initiated it first, but it’s a given fact that the First Imperial Consort and the Kaif Duchy are involved. Surely His Imperial Majesty wouldn’t orchestrate such a conspiracy against Retis himself.”

 

Perhaps because she heard something she hadn’t expected, she didn’t even have time to manage her expression. Ailesia admitted the truth with a displeased look.

 

“How did you know?”

 

“A group with deep knowledge of magic to the point of researching dark magic, capable of mobilizing large-scale sacrifices while covering their tracks without a trace. Naturally, the Imperial Palace is out—too many watching eyes.”

 

“And?”

 

“Other than that, there’s our Magic Tower, the Retis Grand Duchy, the Kaif Duchy, and perhaps an alliance of a few major noble houses that only maintain appearances… The fourth option lacks realism. The more people who know about such matters, the easier it is for rumors to leak.”

 

“Retis is the victim, and you have a firm grip on the Magic Tower, so what remains is the Kaif Duchy?”

 

“Anyone can deduce it by connecting the circumstances. Of course, it was only possible because I have my own listening ears.”

 

“Mages do that kind of work too?”

 

Just as Baron Gavin operated his own intelligence network, the Magic Tower undoubtedly ran a similar organization. Melbarik simply smiled and fiddled with his teacup, but that was answer enough.

 

“What does that have to do with you stopping me?”

 

“I don’t know how much Grand Duchess Retis will reveal to His Imperial Majesty, but she certainly entered the palace to keep the First Imperial Consort in check. Isn’t that right?”

 

“I wouldn’t know. I’m not interested in politics.”

 

“In such a situation, creating external friction would only instill unnecessary wariness in the First Imperial Consort or Duke Kaif. Whether they try to erase all traces or suddenly make a big move, nothing good would come of it for Retis.”

 

Melbarik’s observation was quite sharp.

 

The reason Ailesia had accepted Countess Sergel’s provocation was because she intended to pursue the Kaif Duchy relentlessly.

 

But looking back after hearing Melbarik’s words, it had been quite a dangerous action.

 

In a situation where nothing had been revealed yet, unnecessarily provoking the First Imperial Consort might lead to unexpected consequences.

 

“Even if we have some initiative, rash actions are forbidden when we don’t know the opponent’s schemes. Shouldn’t we be cautious when hunting prey?”

 

“…Did you just say ‘we’?”

 

“It’s not wrong, is it? I’ve considered us to be in the same boat from the moment Lady Milenov entrusted me with the research. Isn’t that so?”

 

“That’s….”

 

Ailesia trailed off and cast her gaze downward at an angle.

 

Melbarik’s true intentions were equally unknowable. Honestly, at this point, it was hard to believe he was helping her out of pure goodwill alone.

 

‘…No, I probably don’t want to believe it.’

 

The very fact that someone in this world would show kindness without any compensation was difficult to accept.

 

Seo Hwirin received infinite love from her aunt, and Ailesia from her master.

 

Even if Melbarik truly had no other purpose, accepting him would be tantamount to giving up the place of those two people she had cherished.

 

That stubborn obstinacy kept pushing Melbarik’s goodwill beyond the line she had drawn.

 

“…There’s nothing realistically beneficial for you. The Magic Tower’s principle should be non-involvement in politics.”

 

“Friendship toward you and curiosity as a mage… would be too much of an excuse for how big this matter has become.”

 

Perhaps reading the intention behind Ailesia’s words, Melbarik’s response carried considerable bitterness.

 

Though they called each other friends in words, they had only known each other for barely over a month.

 

In terms of human relationships, it was no different from a child who had just taken their first steps. No matter how much trust one showed the other, it was difficult to expect the same in return.

 

“Think carefully before you answer. What you did earlier was mediation at best, but it was tantamount to disrespecting the Retis Grand Duchy.”

 

Already displeased and now with personal emotions added to the mix, cold energy emanated from Ailesia’s voice.

 

“I support the Third Prince. More precisely, I’m in a position similar to a guardian.”

 

“Guardian?”

 

“I provide some teaching and advice, but we haven’t formally established a master-disciple relationship. Becoming my disciple means becoming the next Magic Tower Master.”

 

“That must be quite a burdensome position.”

 

So that’s why Melbarik didn’t formally acknowledge the Third Prince as his disciple in the Original Work.

 

In a situation where the crown prince hasn’t even been decided, he couldn’t carelessly bring the Third Prince—who has succession rights and is still a minor—into the Magic Tower.

 

“His Highness the Third Prince has absolutely no interest in the throne. But that’s just his own thinking.”

 

“Those around him won’t leave him alone?”

 

“Exactly. So at least until the crown prince is decided, I’m also serving as a breakwater. Naturally, Her Highness the First Imperial Consort, His Highness the First Prince, and House Kaif become targets of concern.”

 

“They’re not outright enemies, but they’re certainly not allies either…”

 

“If we’re talking about the realistic structure, that’s how it would be.”

 

At least when he’s this honest, she could understand. Ailesia nodded and asked in return.

 

“Then what do you want—or more precisely, what does the Third Prince want?”

 

“Nothing in particular. More precisely, we’d like there to be nothing. I share the same sentiment.”

 

Now she understood clearly. Even if Melbarik cooperated with Retis to keep the First Imperial Consort’s faction in check, he had no intention of stepping directly to the forefront.

 

In that process, the Third Prince’s presence would naturally be concealed.

 

‘…Pure goodwill my ass. He’s a complete fox, isn’t he?’

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