It’s Been 500 Years as an Extra, and the Original Story Still Hasn’t Begun - Chapter 31

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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 031

Ailesia, who had barely managed to calm her startled heart, asked in a composed voice as if nothing had happened.

“How old are you?”

“I’m eighteen this year. And if it’s alright with you, please speak casually to me, Teacher Milenov.”

“I don’t mind… Is that more comfortable for you?”

“I cannot dare to receive formal speech from someone the Grand Duchess serves as her teacher.”

“Ah, if that’s the case. I’ll probably be in your care often from now on, so please take care of me.”

“You’re too kind.”

How elegant her voice and actions were. Ailesia looked at her with eyes mixed half with admiration and half with affection.

‘…So this child was the greatest loyal retainer who stayed by Elly’s side until the end. She was already in the Grand Duchy.’

Hildegard Forthen. The last maid of the Retis Grand Duchy who discovered Elenora’s suicide note and cried out in the epilogue.

She never imagined that Hilda was a nickname for that Hildegard. It was also a common name among commoners.

In the original work, she only appeared in earnest after Elenora turned 16, and was consistently referred to as ‘Lady Forthen.’ There was hardly any physical description either, so it was natural that Ailesia couldn’t recognize her at first glance.

‘She was hit by dark magic and lost one eye and limped… Fortunately, she’s fine now.’

The sight of her secretly swallowing tears while organizing the masterless office was quite impressive.

She was so thoughtful and loyal that she was the only woman Termion opened up to like a friend.

…If you had to say, they were right before something romantic? I remember the comment section exploding every time those two appeared together.

“I was thinking of appointing her as the Grand Duchess’s apprentice maid after this year passes. The Grand Duchess follows Hilda well too.”

“Is that so?”

Lady Herman then briefly explained about Hilda’s family.

The Forthen Barony has served the Retis Grand Duchy for generations, and she said they were a family that specialized in tea leaf cultivation. Lady Herman said that while she was looking for maid candidates, Hilda volunteered herself.

‘No wonder, she seemed extraordinary from when she first brought tea.’

Her posture was too refined with grace to be an ordinary maid. She must have received thorough education from a young age.

“Elly, do you like Sister Hilda?”

“Yes! I like her the most among all the maid sisters!”

“She has three younger siblings, so she’s quite skilled at childcare.”

Perhaps a bit embarrassed, Hilda blushed slightly as she added her response.

‘…That probably doesn’t have much to do with it?’

It seems like Elenora just likes her because she’s pretty. Maybe she likes her for similar reasons too.

Before she could wonder about it, Elenora, who had climbed up on the sofa using it as a foothold, whispered in her ear in a very small voice.

“But I like Teacher the most. Because you love Elly so much.”

…What a cunning little one. If she thought she would be happy about that, she hit the mark perfectly.

Ailesia had no choice but to plant a loud kiss on Elenora’s forehead.

‘Is it almost morning?’

Termion, who had thrown a couple of logs into the campfire, looked at the sky that was dimly brightening.

Checking his pocket watch, it was a little past 5:30. To pack up the tent and prepare breakfast, everyone needed to wake up around 6 o’clock.

‘The sun will be completely up within an hour.’

Termion got up from his spot and quietly walked around the area once, then checked inside the carriage. The coldly cooled air told him that no one had been there all night.

“Phew.”

Feeling unnecessarily lonely, he let out a deep sigh.

Of course, Ailesia would return with Elenora. He didn’t doubt that fact.

But the absence of the two people who had been together until yesterday evening hit him harder than expected. Enough to make a corner of his heart feel empty.

‘…It’s because I can’t see Elly. It has nothing to do with that woman.’

He had only known Ailesia for barely two weeks now. There was no reason to be particularly conscious of her.

It must be because the person who stuck close to his niece and had an overwhelming presence just by standing still had left her spot.

From their first meeting until now, Ailesia had always drawn the attention of those around her.

Whether she was doing something herself or because of the wolves that followed her around, she always stood out. His thinking of her was probably also due to being unconsciously swept up in that atmosphere.

[Good morning, Termion.]

The moment he closed the carriage door, a clear voice rang in his head. Termion unconsciously lifted his head with a start.

[Elly is still sleeping.]

In Ailesia’s arms was Elenora, wrapped in a blanket and sleeping soundly. A faint smile appeared on Termion’s lips as he confirmed his niece’s face.

“I see.”

He answered in a low voice and gestured. It meant they should have a conversation outside for a moment.

[Just a moment. Open the door for me.]

When Termion opened the carriage door and stepped aside, Ailesia silently and smoothly slipped outside and headed straight to the tent next to them. She was planning to have Whitey watch over Elenora’s sleeping spot while she was still in dreamland.

“You must have had a hard time sleeping outside. Was there any trouble during the night?”

When she came out of the tent shortly after and asked, Termion nodded.

“Thanks to you, I rested well. The knights were also happy, saying this was their first time having such a comfortable camp.”

“That’s fortunate for now.”

“For now?”

There was a strange nuance in her words. Perhaps not intending to hide it particularly, Ailesia continued speaking as she walked toward the campfire.

“I was wondering if there might be an attack during the night.”

“I didn’t know you were concerned about that as well.”

Termion answered with a slightly hardened expression.

Whoever was behind Baron Baton, they wouldn’t just sit still in this situation. Termion had already discussed it thoroughly with Kubera and was fully prepared.

“Wait, is that why you took Elly…?”

“Well, it would be inconvenient to fight freely with Elly around. It’s not good for a child’s emotional state either.”

“That’s a good idea. However, if this situation repeats, someone at the manor will find it suspicious.”

How perceptive. After just exchanging a few words, Termion had pinpointed the exact weakness.

“The Head Maid is cooperating. And a maid named Hilda too.”

“If it’s those two people, they can be trusted. What about the other servants?”

“They’ll definitely notice. Actually, I’m half hoping for it.”

Hearing that, Termion frowned sharply. From what he heard, it sounded like she was using Elenora as bait, which didn’t sit well with him.

“I know what you’re thinking, but it’s not like that. Primarily, I was worried Elly’s sleeping arrangements would be uncomfortable. The manor is safer than having her sleep here, right?”

“Ailesia, but.”

“Do you trust me, Termion?”

Ailesia met Termion’s gaze directly. Her eyes, clear like a deep lake, showed not the slightest waver.

Termion, who had been looking at her silently for a moment, took a step forward.

“I trust you. But trust and risk level are separate matters.”

“Then that’s fine. She’s your only niece, so it’s natural to worry.”

“…Usually in such cases, don’t people say there’s no need to worry?”

“I told you before. Worrying about Elly is entirely your right. I’m not qualified to say anything about that.”

“You really are… Ha.”

It certainly wasn’t wrong, but he didn’t know why it sounded so cold.

Her attitude of caring so much for Elenora while stubbornly trying to maintain distance was particularly irritating.

“You just need to focus on Elly like you’re doing now. I’ll do my best too.”

“Don’t you think about how I feel watching that from the side?”

“Huh?”

“You always think centered around Elly, have no awareness of your own hardships, and always just say you’re fine. So am I supposed to just say okay and move on?”

“Huh? That’s not what I meant, um, sorry.”

When the flustered Ailesia unconsciously apologized, Termion, who had barely suppressed his irritation, opened his mouth with difficulty.

“…Never mind. Everyone will wake up in thirty minutes. Please be aware of that.”

Termion coldly spat out his answer and whirled around, heading toward the tent. Ailesia could only blink and watch his retreating figure.

“Did I do something wrong?”

She tilted her head with a completely bewildered expression.

‘I just told the truth. What exactly is the problem?’

Is saying I’d stay out of the way between niece and uncle really something to get that angry about? He seems particularly prickly today too.

‘Difficult, our Grand Duke.’

Maybe because he’s still a teenager, his reactions are completely unpredictable. Well, considering his age, it wasn’t particularly strange.

Adolescence is originally something that catches you off guard even when you know it’s coming. Whether it’s yourself or the people around you.

…Even in the midst of all this, because of that handsome face, she thought it didn’t really matter anyway.

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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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