It’s Been 500 Years as an Extra, and the Original Story Still Hasn’t Begun - Chapter 184

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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 184

“That’s unexpected.”

“What do you mean?”

“I thought you’d ask me to dance at least one song.”

Melbarik, who seemed quite flustered and had stiffened his body for a moment, let out a short chuckle.

“It’s a tempting offer, but I must politely decline. I have absolutely no talent in that area.”

“Really? That’s also unexpected.”

He had the image of a genius who could do anything well, but perhaps because he’s a mage? It seemed his physical talents were somewhat lacking.

“Could you wait just a moment? I’ll just tell Elly and come back.”

“Of course. Or I could go outside first.”

“That would be better. Let’s meet in the garden next to the banquet hall.”

She didn’t particularly intend to hide this situation, but she also didn’t want to show Elenora the sight of them together. She didn’t know why, but that’s just how she felt.

After exchanging glances with Melbarik, Ailesia headed toward the drink bar.

Before she knew it, young nobles had gathered around Elenora and Kalior. Among them, she could see quite a few faces that appeared to be Elenora’s age or slightly younger.

“Elly.”

“Teacher!”

The gazes of everyone around turned to Ailesia in unison.

Regardless, Elenora naturally handed the glass she was holding to Kalior and stepped forward.

“Did you see me dancing? How was it? I danced well this time, right!”

“Yes, much better than before. Your Highness the Prince, your lead was quite excellent, wasn’t it?”

“Hey, I danced well too!”

“Yes, yes.”

Honestly, it felt like Kalior did almost everything. If I hadn’t known better, I would have thought they had practiced beforehand.

Unlike Termion, who had been as careful as if handling a baby, Kalior used his strength to maintain balance whenever her movements seemed uncertain.

‘I suppose it’s a difference in perspective.’

Termion might still only see Elenora as a child. However, Kalior would be thinking of her as an equal.

A friend, perhaps even a future lover.

In terms of social status, both were heirs to massive organizations – the Grand Duchy and the Imperial Palace.

So Kalior would naturally be more at ease.

“Teacher is going to meet a friend briefly, so behave yourself and have fun.”

“A friend? Who?”

“There is such a person.”

“Teacher doesn’t have any friends.”

“This little…”

It wasn’t exactly wrong, but it made my chest sting for no reason.

Ailesia gave Elenora a sharp look and immediately left. She didn’t forget to show an elegant curtsy to save Kalior’s dignity.

“Hmm, that’s strange.”

“Why?”

“Just because.”

Who could there possibly be that Teacher would call a friend?

It wouldn’t be someone from the Retis family, and she wouldn’t use such a term for a noble she met for the first time at today’s banquet.

“Kal, what time is it now?”

“Around 6 o’clock, I think.”

“…It’s almost sunset.”

Elenora, who had been intently watching Ailesia’s retreating figure, murmured quietly.

“I should let Uncle know.”

In the Imperial Palace garden where dusk was beginning to fall, magical lighting was already lit.

Perhaps due to the cold weather, there were hardly any people enjoying a stroll. Only the occasional attendant or knight could be seen walking around.

“…Aren’t you cold?”

“Not at all. You’re the same, aren’t you?”

When one becomes an Upper Mage, the magical power circulating throughout the body automatically maintains the physical form in optimal condition.

Unless it’s an extreme environment like the polar regions or the middle of a desert, ordinary climate has no effect on oneself.

Melbarik surely knew this fact as well.

“You’re still the same.”

“What do you mean?”

“Nothing, never mind.”

Melbarik, who had been awkwardly fidgeting with the hem of his robe, quietly lowered his hand. Ailesia pretended not to notice his behavior and walked slowly forward.

‘If he had just put it on me without saying anything, I wouldn’t have refused.’

Was he too polite, or just shy? He was quite different from someone who just pushed ahead forcefully.

‘…Don’t compare him to that! Aaaah!’

As she screamed internally and shook her head vigorously, Melbarik, who was walking alongside her, sent her a puzzled look.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. A memory I had forgotten suddenly came to mind.”

“A trivial embarrassment that’s not particularly significant but too shameful to tell others?”

“Why do you know so specifically?”

“Because I have many of those too, haha.”

As if recalling something from the past, Melbarik also laughed softly with a slightly embarrassed expression.

After quietly taking a few more steps like that, he cautiously opened his mouth while reading the mood.

“The Grand Duchess… is she healthy now?”

Oh, this is quite unexpected.

Had she too naturally assumed he would ask about her well-being first? That single insignificant comment made her see him in a different light.

“She’s perfectly fine. She’s so full of energy that sometimes I can’t handle her.”

“That’s a relief. Since it happened right after her birthday, I was worried it might be a serious problem.”

“You were even worried?”

It wasn’t intended to press him, but was a question thrown out of pure curiosity.

The only connection between Melbarik and Elenora was their encounter at Merisa’s fashion shop.

From Melbarik’s perspective, she would be nothing more or less than a friend’s disciple and a child he had served dessert to. Was it just simple courtesy?

“Didn’t I mention it then? That my niece is around the same age as the Grand Duchess.”

Right, he had said that. That’s why he just smiled saying it was an honor even when Elenora called him uncle.

Feeling somewhat embarrassed, she turned her head slightly, but Melbarik continued speaking with an unconcerned expression.

“Lady Milenov, have you also been healthy and well?”

“I’m always sturdy. I was so busy because Elly suddenly became like that. I couldn’t even send a proper letter to Retis.”

“Ah…”

Melbarik let out a low sigh.

Beyond simple sympathy, it trailed off long as if he understood something.

Then he suddenly stopped and bowed his head to Ailesia.

“I’m sorry.”

“Huh?”

What, what’s this? Why is he suddenly apologizing?

Did he perhaps remember some gossip he had spread about her while she was away?

Fortunately, the reason Melbarik bowed his head wasn’t something like gossip, but hearing his explanation only made her more confused.

“Not saying a word about going far away, how could there be no letters for 10 years? If you had returned, wouldn’t it have been reasonable to contact the Magic Tower at least once… I had such thoughts, so I was a little disappointed in you.”

“…And?”

“But hearing that you couldn’t even contact Retis, I’m too ashamed of myself for having such thoughts under the pretense of being a friend. I sincerely apologize, Lady Milenov.”

“Um, well… Sigh.”

In a way, it’s half… what half, it’s a complete misunderstanding.

Where on earth should I even begin to explain this?

‘Not at all! I was worried something strange would happen again, so I completely ignored it all and endured it!’

-but suddenly shouting that would be even stranger.

‘Why is this person so upright? It’s unsettling.’

But her conscience was too guilty to just brush it off carelessly.

The problem was only her own prejudice stemming from the original work’s content and her attitude tainted by the years she’d lived in this world—there was no fault of Melbarik’s anywhere.

“You don’t need to feel that sorry. Your relationship with me is separate from Elly.”

“This is self-reflection on my part.”

He hadn’t considered even a little the feelings of a master watching over a sick disciple. Melbarik was very disappointed in himself for that.

Even his own master, who had been such an eccentric, would always pace around restlessly and stamp his feet as if he’d lost the whole world whenever he caught even a cold.

So how much more so for Ailesia, who had watched over him for a full 10 years.

As Melbarik showed an increasingly solemn expression, Ailesia had no choice but to lightly tap his arm with the back of her hand.

“We’re friends, aren’t we?”

“Pardon?”

“What are friends apologizing to each other for something like that? We’ve met again like this, and the misunderstanding is cleared up, so that’s enough.”

“Friends… you say.”

“Well then, should I just treat you as someone I know?”

At Ailesia’s deliberately mischievous expression as she asked, Melbarik finally raised both hands in surrender.

“Once a friend, always a friend—taking it back would be troublesome.”

“Fine then, so tell me what you’ve been up to all this time. I haven’t been in the Imperial Capital long, so I don’t know anything.”

“I’m happy to, but… I don’t know where to start.”

Melbarik deliberately rambled on about this and that without order. Today he wanted to simply laugh and chat lightly while savoring their reunion, rather than having serious conversations.

Ailesia, seeming to understand his intention, enjoyed the conversation while appropriately playing along.

How much time had passed like that?

The moment darkness began to fall over the garden where even twilight had disappeared, Ailesia suddenly felt severe dizziness and staggered.

‘Wait… it wasn’t usually this bad?’

Along with the feeling of weakness throughout her body, her hair color was gradually growing lighter.

“Lady Milenov!”

Before she could even grasp Melbarik’s urgently extended hand, her legs gave out and just as she was about to collapse, Ailesia’s body floated up into the air.

“Are you alright, Ailesia?”

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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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