It’s Been 500 Years as an Extra, and the Original Story Still Hasn’t Begun - Chapter 39

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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 039

Unlike the positive reactions from Termion and Kubera, Ailesia’s expression, who had brought up the topic, wasn’t particularly bright. She had never encountered a Dark Mage in perfect condition before.

“We need to confirm whether they only emit that smell when using demonic energy, or if it’s constant. I’ve only caught that scent when my opponent was using dark magic.”

“That’s true as well. The Chief Steward also said these assassins weren’t particularly skilled.”

“The one I pursued must have been especially strong. I’d estimate around Aura Master level.”

“The enemy can’t deploy elite personnel indefinitely either. They must have taken considerable losses in the previous attack.”

The first intruders were at intermediate to advanced Aura Expert level. Operating twenty such individuals isn’t an easy task.

Even throughout the entire Empire, only a handful of places possessed such military strength. The Imperial Family, Retis, and a few other great noble houses.

“Those targeting the main building were defeated before they could even use dark magic. Your Highness is exceptionally strong, after all. My situation was different.”

“You mentioned having some difficulty.”

“At one point, their eyes turned bright red and their physical abilities nearly doubled.”

“But no one was actually hurt, right?”

“There were fewer of them, and they didn’t seem accustomed to direct combat. They’re probably assassins by nature.”

“You’re saying the Imperial Family is raising such people? How ridiculous.”

When Ailesia muttered in a disinterested voice, Termion and Kubera’s heads whipped around so quickly that a cracking sound could be heard.

“What did you just say?”

“Teacher, is that true? The Imperial Family?”

“Ah.”

I forgot to mention the most important thing. Ailesia answered in a more serious tone to hide her embarrassment.

“That assassin who escaped had a communication magic tool. When I tracked the other party’s location, it led to the Imperial Palace.”

“…Are you certain?”

“I’m sure.”

“The Imperial Palace should have coordinate distortion barriers deployed. Is tracking even possible?”

“I didn’t track using coordinates.”

Kubera unconsciously gaped. As a high-ranking mage, he immediately understood what Ailesia’s answer meant.

However, now wasn’t the time to satisfy academic curiosity. Nothing was more important than the fact that the Imperial Family was targeting Retis.

“Why would the Imperial Family possibly…?”

“Your Highness, forgive my presumption, but this doesn’t seem like something we should judge hastily.”

“What do you mean?”

“We need to determine whether the entire Imperial Family is behind targeting the Grand Duchess, or just some members of the Imperial Family. Moreover, just because Teacher confirmed the location as the Imperial Palace doesn’t mean we can directly connect it to the Imperial Family.”

“…That’s true, I suppose.”

Termion pressed his forehead with a deeply hardened expression. Just when they’d finally found a clue about the mastermind, his mind was only more confused.

Between the approaching monster subjugation and honestly struggling to strengthen the family’s unity, he felt frustrated enough to want to scream about how he’d ended up shouldering all these responsibilities.

“Termion.”

“Yes?”

Something soft touched his upturned face. Ailesia had extended her right index finger and was playfully poking his cheek with a mischievous smile.

“Didn’t I tell you before? If you keep making that expression, you’ll get wrinkles on your handsome face.”

“…Are you joking right now?”

“Jokes can be made anytime. But most human affairs have set times and places when they can be done. Don’t you think?”

“What does that…?”

“You don’t need to worry about and solve everything alone. Just take things one step at a time, starting with what you can do now. Right? Look how many capable people you have around you.”

Termion flinched momentarily and asked her in a cautious voice.

“…Does that include you, who’s incredibly strong?”

“Correct! So think of a bright and hopeful future and smile, Your Highness the Grand Duke.”

Ailesia extended her left index finger toward Termion’s face as well. When her two fingers gently pulled up both corners of his mouth, Termion stared at her blankly before finally bursting into laughter.

“Pfft, ahaha.”

“See, how pretty you look when you smile? The whole room brightens up.”

“…Is treating a perfectly normal person like a child that entertaining?”

“It’s thrilling, always refreshing. Handsome Grand Duke is the best.”

“I didn’t know my face had such utility.”

“Make sure to remember from now on. It’s the face Elly loves most in the world.”

“I know that too.”

As if he’d never been downcast, Termion’s voice became gentle.

From when he first appeared at the Grand Duchy, Termion had always kept his distance from everyone. No matter how kindly and warmly he treated them, no one could cross the final line he had drawn.

The only person who had crossed that boundary was Elenora, but his sole niece was someone Termion had to protect. She wasn’t someone he could open his heart to and lean on.

For the first time, someone resembling a ‘friend’ had appeared to such a Termion.

Someone much more mature yet on his level, who even knew how to be considerate—a perfect companion.

What kind of relationship Ailesia would have with Termion was still unknown. For now, just having her by his side seemed sufficient.

‘…Please stay in Retis for a long, long time, Teacher Milenov.’

Kubera quietly turned his head toward the window. The faces of the two figures reflected in the glass were brightly harmonized, tinted by the blue sky.

After traveling through the gate, Termion raced at full speed toward the next city.

Someone among the Imperial Family, or perhaps the entire Imperial Family, might be targeting Retis. He had to meet the Grand Duchess Dowager as soon as possible to discuss countermeasures.

Remarkably, he succeeded in reaching the outskirts of the Duchy before sunset. This was thanks to Ailesia, who had continuously cast acceleration magic and stamina enhancement magic on the horses throughout their journey at Termion’s request.

As a result, Termion was able to have the massive castle before his eyes with the setting sun at his back.

“I can’t believe it. We’re already here.”

“This is my first time riding this hard too, Your Highness.”

Kubera’s face was drenched in sweat. Though his expression remained composed like a trained knight, his disheveled breathing was unavoidable as his chest rose and fell rapidly.

“Wow! The gate is huuuuge!”

“This must be the Grand Duke’s Castle. It’s your first time too, Elly?”

“Yes! Uncle, Uncle!”

Just then, the carriage door opened and Ailesia and Elenora appeared. Hearing his niece’s voice, Termion also waved toward the two of them.

“Hug Elly! I want to go in with Uncle!”

“…Well, that would be nice, but.”

Termion dismounted his horse but hesitated and stopped moving.

He couldn’t bring himself to approach the child while drenched in sweat. He hadn’t paid much attention to such things before, but sometime after meeting Ailesia, he’d become conscious of it.

‘Really, he learns so quickly.’

And it’s cute too. Guessing Termion’s thoughts, Ailesia lightly snapped her fingers.

Snap!

Having instantly cleaned Termion’s body, Ailesia held Elenora and stepped forward boldly.

“Don’t worry and hug her. How could you turn away such a lovable niece?”

“Right! Uncle loves Elly!”

“…Something seems backwards here.”

After reluctantly embracing Elenora with a somewhat disgruntled expression, Termion soon noticed his own condition—as clean as if he’d just bathed.

His sweat-soaked hair and sticky skin were not only refreshed but even gave off a subtle fragrance. His dust-covered armor and cloak had also transformed to look like new.

“Ailesia?”

“What?”

“…Never mind, it’s nothing.”

“How boring.”

Getting thanked for every little thing like this would be rather troublesome, wouldn’t it? Termion seemed to share the same thought as he simply bowed his head slightly toward her.

“Should I ride the horse with Uncle?”

“Yes!”

Termion lightly jumped onto his horse while holding Elenora. After confirming the two were settled, Kubera shouted loudly.

“Open the castle gate! His Highness the Grand Duke has arrived!”

Rumble!

With a heavy sound, the castle gate began to split open on both sides. Ailesia, sitting perched on the carriage roof, watched the scene with overwhelming emotion.

‘The Retis Grand Duke’s Castle… I never thought I’d see this in person.’

An impregnable fortress that protects the Northern Empire. The castle walls alone exceed 20 meters in height, and the enclosed area rivals two decent-sized cities combined.

Pass through the main gate and travel about 2 kilometers upward to reach the inner castle. And at its very center stands the main house of the Retis Grand Duchy.

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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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