It’s Been 500 Years as an Extra, and the Original Story Still Hasn’t Begun - Chapter 180

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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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500 Years as Just an Extra,

The Original Story Still Won’t Begin

Episode 180

‘Oh, there he was.’

The deep brown eyes visible beyond the monocle were definitely looking this way.

Just as she was hesitating about whether to acknowledge him somehow, Melbarik acted a beat faster.

[It’s been a long… time.]

What was the true nature of the emotion contained in the voice echoing in her ears? It was hard to guess just from his expression alone.

[Indeed it has. Have you been well?]

[Yes, more or less.]

If nothing else, she understood this one thing.

It wouldn’t be strange at all if Melbarik harbored disappointment or faint resentment toward her.

‘Well… his feelings must be quite complicated.’

A friend suddenly cuts off all contact one day, and for ten years you can’t even confirm if they’re dead or alive? It would be enough to turn anyone’s stomach inside out.

Especially if it wasn’t just any ordinary friend, but someone you harbored romantic feelings for.

But what could she do? She hadn’t even sent a single letter to Termion, so contacting Melbarik would have been contradictory in itself.

Moreover, if she acted rashly and caused some strange butterfly effect in the original story, it would only create more headaches.

In the first place, Melbarik was a character who only appeared in the original work after Elenora turned sixteen. There was absolutely no reason to risk inserting him into the situation.

[Let’s meet separately later. The timing isn’t quite right now.]

[…I suppose so.]

Still, Melbarik made no additional comments to the very end. It wouldn’t have been strange at all for him to come right over.

His lips drooping weakly bothered her for some reason, so Ailesia added to her message with a slightly apologetic heart.

[Thank you for greeting me first.]

She could feel him flinch even from that distance, but she turned her head away after those words. If it was the perceptive Melbarik, he probably wouldn’t press for more conversation.

“The eternal sun of the Blair Empire, His Imperial Majesty the Emperor, is entering!”

At the timely announcement of the Emperor’s entrance, Ailesia quietly focused all her attention toward the banquet hall entrance.

“Oh, Grand Duke. Every time I see you, your face seems to glow more and more. Do you have some secret?”

“It must be thanks to the Empire’s peace through Your Majesty’s benevolence.”

“My word, what embarrassing talk from the start of the new year.”

The Emperor waved his hand dismissively and soon turned his gaze to Elenora standing beside Termion.

“Grand Duchess, it’s truly been so long.”

“Elenora Vies von Retis greets the sun of the Empire.”

“It brings me such joy to see your face again after so long. Now then, has your health recovered?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Thanks to Your Majesty’s concern, I have completely recovered.”

“To think that adorable little lady has truly grown into a proper lady, ho ho. The Grand Duchess Dowager must be relieved. Isn’t that right?”

“This old woman can finally sleep peacefully at night, Your Majesty.”

The Emperor showed a genuinely pleased smile at Iolene’s laughing response.

How long had it been since Iolene wore such a bright expression? A warm breeze was finally blowing across a face that had only shown coldness whenever she entered the palace, making him feel uplifted as well.

“Grand Duchess, I would like to give you a gift to celebrate your return. Is there anything you desire?”

“Your words are too gracious, Your Majesty. I am already overwhelmed just by Your Majesty’s warm welcome.”

“Oh come now, don’t say that. Since I regard the Grand Duchess Dowager as my aunt, wouldn’t that make you like a niece to me? Think of it as your uncle giving you spending money and speak freely.”

“If you put it that way…”

As Elenora slightly bowed her head and rolled her eyes this way and that, Iolene let out a small laugh and stepped forward slightly.

“Your Majesty, the Grand Duchess has not long returned to Retis and still has much to adjust to. She probably finds it difficult to answer readily in this setting.”

“Oh my, in my joy I got ahead of myself. Well then, how about we do this instead?”

As if a good idea had occurred to him, the Emperor gestured toward the Chief Chamberlain.

“Grant the Grand Duchess access to the imperial treasury. She may visit at her convenience and take two items as gifts. One would be too disappointing, so let’s make it two. Chief Chamberlain?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Give the Grand Duchess an imperial seal. We can retrieve it on the day she visits the treasury.”

“I shall prepare it immediately.”

“Your Majesty, this gift is far too generous.”

Iolene didn’t even have time to intervene. The Emperor showed his palm playfully and shook his head once, as if he wouldn’t hear any further objections.

“Say no more, Grand Duchess Dowager. Do you truly wish to see me disappointed?”

“…Your grace is boundless, Your Majesty.”

When Iolene finally bowed her head, Termion and Elenora, who had been watching from the side, also bowed their heads.

[…What could he be scheming?]

[Who knows. From his expression, it seems like surprisingly pure goodwill.]

[That makes it even more suspicious.]

Termion and Iolene, who had secretly exchanged words, raised their faces with composed expressions.

“Grand Duchess, now that you’ve officially returned to Retis, you’ll be busy for a while. Still, do drop by the Imperial Palace from time to time.”

“Your words alone are too gracious. I only worry about unnecessarily disturbing Your Majesty’s official duties.”

“What problem could there be with a niece visiting her uncle? I have three princes under me, but now they’re all grown and won’t listen. There’s no time to properly share even a cup of tea together, tsk tsk.”

At the Emperor’s action of clicking his tongue with a thoroughly displeased voice, Termion’s eyebrows twitched slightly.

‘This cunning snake is already starting…!’

Just as he was unconsciously clenching his fist and glaring, Iolene gently clasped his hand.

[Grand Duchess Dowager.]

[Not now, not now.]

[…I understand.]

Termion let out a soft sigh and tempered his momentum.

He felt like letting out some harsh words, but there were far too many watching eyes to act rashly.

‘What a devious character, openly trying to toy with people.’

The congratulations to Elenora probably weren’t entirely empty words. However, the intention behind those words was obvious.

What could be the purpose of suddenly mentioning the princes and telling her to visit the palace? It was a petty scheme to subtly try to pair Elenora with one of the princes.

Elenora was the sole heir of the Retis Grand Duchy. If she were to become engaged to one of the princes, it was clear that the bond between the Imperial family and Retis would grow even stronger.

Furthermore, the crown prince competition, which still appeared peaceful on the surface, would truly ignite in earnest.

Currently, the First Prince, backed by the Kaif Duchy, was the most likely candidate.

However, the moment the Retis Grand Duchy got involved, the scales would tip dramatically.

Not to mention the Third Prince who had already won over the noble faction, even the Second Prince who had virtually no power would suddenly become equal to the First Prince.

For the Emperor, who had the support of Duke Kaif but also wanted to keep him in check, it could only be beneficial.

“Grand Duke, may I make one request?”

“…Please speak.”

“Unfortunately, both the First and Second Imperial Consorts are unwell and will only make brief appearances this evening. I would like to entrust the opening of the ball to you and the Grand Duchess. What do you think?”

“I am grateful for Your Majesty’s consideration.”

Termion answered immediately without hesitation and extended his hand to Elenora.

This was precisely why he couldn’t entirely hate the Emperor despite his inner wariness—because of aspects like this.

Excluding political interests, the Emperor was truly the embodiment of a good-natured relative. Even if he wasn’t practically helpful, he had never caused direct harm either.

“Elly, shall we dance?”

“Yes. Please take care of me.”

Perhaps because they were before the Emperor, Elenora used formal speech uncharacteristically. Of course, as soon as she headed toward the center of the banquet hall with Termion, she immediately pursed her lips.

“This is really unbearable. Uncle had to watch that act for ten years?”

“…Watch your language.”

“At least I didn’t curse to his face, right? And Uncle, you looked ready to hit him earlier.”

“Others might hear.”

“Hmph, I know how to use soundproof magic too. I’m not a High Mage just for show, you know?”

“You never let up with a single word.”

She was at least cute when she was little, but now her tomboyish nature was showing so much that he wondered if he could handle it. She had grown so splendidly it was astounding.

“So, have you gotten used to dancing?”

“At least Uncle’s feet won’t get crushed.”

“…That statement doesn’t guarantee your dancing skills at all.”

“Since Teacher guaranteed it, it should be fine, right?”

“…”

Should I wrap my shoes in aura? Or maybe just float Elenora’s body in the air entirely.

Termion, who had taken his position in the center of the Banquet Hall, was caught up in serious contemplation.

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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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