It’s Been 500 Years as an Extra, and the Original Story Still Hasn’t Begun - Chapter 40

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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 040

‘Not many people around?’

Since it was already evening, the streets had a quiet atmosphere. Residents who were returning home after work or enjoying a post-dinner stroll hurriedly moved to the sides at the unexpected procession.

They recognized the Retis emblem on the flags and all bowed simultaneously where they stood.

What was interesting was that even seeing Whitey and Blanky, they only flinched slightly and didn’t seem particularly frightened.

“Lord Rias.”

“Yes, Teacher.”

“The people don’t seem very surprised to see our kids?”

“This area is overflowing with more ferocious and larger magical beasts. Since knights are with them and they’re peacefully pulling the carriage, people probably think it’s safe. Though there are certainly people who find it fascinating.”

Indeed, being this region, the residents seemed to have quite strong hearts.

In fact, several children were sneaking glances at the wolves while still bowing.

“Um, Termion.”

“Yes?”

“Can I give the children some gifts? They look so well-behaved greeting us.”

“There’s no problem with that… but what gifts are you suddenly going to give?”

“Nothing special.”

Ailesia raised both arms and gently waved them through the air. Suddenly, large bundles of candy and chocolate began appearing in front of the children standing by the roadside.

“Huh?”

“What’s this?”

The children’s eyes widened at the sight of the snacks floating in the air, wrapped in faint light. Ailesia cupped her hands around her mouth and cheerfully called out.

“These are gifts from the Grand Duke for good children! Eat them deliciously and make sure to brush your teeth before bed!”

“…Ailesia?”

She just shrugged once at Termion, who was looking at her with a bewildered expression.

Might as well score points with the residents while at it—good things are good things.

Termion seemed to roughly understand her intention and chuckled before turning his head back.

“Wow! Candy!”

“Thank you, Grand Duke!”

“Mom, the chocolate is bigger than my hand!”

Technically they should call her Your Highness, but whatever. That kind of address is cute too.

Ailesia grinned broadly watching the children jumping and cheering. It made her feel warm and cozy inside.

“Waaah?”

“Elly, let’s eat that when we get to the castle, okay?”

“Yes!”

Of course, I can’t take care of other children while leaving out our Little One. After loading Elenora’s arms with cookies and chocolate, she looked around with a relaxed expression.

The streets, paved with well-trimmed stones laid closely together, had magic lamps erected at regular intervals. It was a completely different scene from other cities where dust flew and filth was visible.

The clothing worn by the residents was all in good condition. Even if the colors had faded somewhat, no one wore clothes that were worn out or torn anywhere.

‘The overall standard of living is high. It’s prosperous enough to compare favorably even with the Imperial Capital.’

Of course, the entire Duchy wouldn’t be at this level. However, the environment around the Grand Duke’s Castle looked excellent enough to be counted among the best in the Empire—no, the entire continent.

When even the sunset had completely disappeared and the surroundings were shrouded in deep darkness, a castle gate of similar size to the one they’d seen earlier appeared.

“Teacher, we’re approaching the inner castle.”

“Really?”

Ailesia got down from the carriage and moved to Blanky’s back. She’d done enough sightseeing, and she couldn’t keep looking down at people she was meeting for the first time from high above.

Sure enough, retainers and knights were lined up beneath the already wide-open castle gate. In the center stood a woman with her back straight.

Red hair pulled up without a single strand out of place. A deep purple robe embroidered with gold thread.

Her eyes visible beneath neat eyebrows were the same vivid green as Elenora’s. Her prominent nose and sharp jawline gave off a rather cold impression, but her lips formed a gentle curve.

“Let’s wait for a moment.”

“Yes, Your Highness. Everyone stand by in position!”

The procession stopped. As Termion dismounted and slowly walked forward, the people who had come to greet them all bowed in unison.

The person who broke the quiet silence was Elenora, who jumped down from Termion’s arms. The child spread both arms and ran toward the red-haired woman with a bright smile.

“Grandmother!”

“Little One…!”

The woman didn’t hesitate to put both knees on the ground. Worried that her only granddaughter might fall, her expression, which had been tense even in that brief moment, brightened completely only after she held the child in her arms.

“Grandmother, I missed you!”

“I’m glad you’re safe, Little One. How did you end up going through such hardships.”

She kissed Elenora’s forehead and was busy patting her back repeatedly. Termion, who had approached the two, carefully spoke up.

“I have returned, Grand Duchess Dowager.”

“You’ve truly worked hard, Grand Duke. You’ve been through so much.”

“…Not at all.”

Ailesia, watching from a distance, just twirled her hair around her finger. Her heart felt ticklish and she even felt a bit envious.

‘That person is… Elly’s grandmother.’

Grand Duchess Dowager Iolene. She was one of the Empire’s strongest mages described in the original work.

“Many things happened during this time.”

“Yes. But there shouldn’t be any trouble in the Imperial Capital for a while.”

Termion was sitting across from Iolene. He had come straight to the office after confirming that Elenora had fallen asleep.

“Baron Baton, how dare that bastard do such a thing…”

“I was shocked too. I never imagined he had been plotting since right after Elder Brother… passed away.”

“…You don’t need to act like that even in front of me. Speak comfortably.”

All the nearby servants had been dismissed long ago. Even if someone tried to eavesdrop on their conversation, it would be nearly impossible to fool both an Aura Master and an Upper Mage simultaneously.

However, Termion had no intention of changing his attitude. In front of anyone, at any time, always.

“It would be better than calling him the Former Grand Duke.”

His eyes sank gloomily. His quietly uttered voice was also filled with regret.

There are things that can never become familiar no matter how much time passes. His relationship with Elenora’s father, Landrit, was like that, and the position of Grand Duke that he now bore was like that.

Seeing his firmly hardened expression, Iolene let out a deep sigh.

“Just like a man of the Retis family, even the useless things are exactly alike.”

“Blood will tell.”

“Somehow you’re only growing more stubborn.”

“I know that too.”

Iolene grasped Termion’s hand tightly as if feeling sorry for him, but he answered calmly and picked up his teacup. The well-steeped tea went down his throat with a slightly bitter taste.

“Still.”

Someone’s voice that had once been thrown at him like a question came to mind.

“In the end, isn’t the heart that thinks of and cares for each other more important?”

He still hadn’t been able to ask why she had suddenly said such a thing.

What was certain was that those obvious words had provided him with considerable comfort.

“Someone told me that what’s more important than blood… is the heart that thinks of each other.”

A faint smile appeared on his lips as he half-emptied his teacup.

‘That woman who is Elly’s teacher, I suppose.’

What kind of person could she be to make that child show such an expression? Iolene’s curiosity about Ailesia grew more and more in her mind.

She had been planning to have a proper conversation with her anyway. Right after their arrival, they had only briefly introduced themselves and she had received the letter that Lady Herman had sent.

“By the way, Termion.”

“Yes.”

“You said Ailesia Milenov, right? What kind of person is she?”

“That person is….”

Termion couldn’t readily open his mouth and fell into thought for a moment.

A person who always playfully calls herself a witch, but is even more mysterious, elegant, and mature than that.

Despite her fairy-like beautiful and pure appearance, she’s skilled in schemes and tactics, and has clear convictions of her own. When she scolded Noid, she showed even more spirit than the knights.

‘She’s earned the trust of not just me, but the family members as well. And….’

…She’s a truly foolish and lonely woman who pours so much affection into Elenora while expecting nothing in return.

The conclusion that came after much deliberation was surprisingly simple, but he thought no other words were necessary beyond that.

“She’s a good person.”

“Really…?”

Iolene’s expression changed strangely. It was because it was so unfamiliar to hear Termion use such an expression about someone.

“Well, she always calls herself a ‘super strong witch’ with her own mouth.”

Adding those words, Termion unconsciously let out a quiet chuckle.

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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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