It’s Been 500 Years as an Extra, and the Original Story Still Hasn’t Begun - Chapter 45
—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————
500 Years as Just an Extra,
The Original Story Still Won’t Begin
Episode 045
‘She said it was defective.’
That’s what Ailesia had said when they returned from Chernil Forest after meeting Elenora. She said it wasn’t broken, but had flaws from the beginning.
How many people could give such harsh criticism to the highest-grade magical tool developed by the Magic Tower? Regardless of skill, it would be impossible without considerable nerve.
“I added communication function and real-time location tracking. Vision sharing is also possible.”
“What about distance limitations?”
“Well? Probably…”
Ailesia tilted her head and answered in a bright voice.
“As long as you don’t leave the Empire, there shouldn’t be any problems?”
“…Does that make sense?”
“Why doesn’t it make sense? Even now, if I wanted to, I could cross over to the Northern Continent.”
“Beyond the Gardbale Mountains?”
“I traveled quite a bit in my younger days.”
The Gardbale Mountains were actually vast enough that the word plateau would be more fitting.
Excluding some eastern plains regions, they stretched all the way to the western coastline, enough to divide the continent into upper and lower halves.
During her days of enjoying leisure, she had thoroughly avoided the Southern Continent that included the Empire and the Duchy, fearing it might damage the original story. Even now, traces of herself would remain scattered throughout the Northern Continent.
“Anyway, the conclusion is that if our Elly says she misses Teacher, she can fly anywhere in a flash. Isn’t that reassuring enough?”
“That’s very much to my liking.”
Even if he heard the principles, it would be hard to understand anyway, and he had no intention of prying further. Ailesia’s confidence alone was sufficient.
However, if too many people knew about this fact, there was no telling how they might try to exploit it. Termion looked Elenora in the eye and spoke as if making a promise to himself as well.
“Elly, you mustn’t tell anyone about this necklace. It’s a secret between just the three of us – Uncle, Teacher, and Elly. You understand, right?”
“I know too, Uncle! I won’t even tell Grandmother!”
“…Let’s think about that a little. Grandmother might feel left out.”
Unlike Elenora who answered cheerfully, Termion’s heart felt somewhat uneasy.
He had no intention of hiding it completely, but at least not now. This was because Iolene didn’t fully trust Ailesia yet.
Ever since Ailesia declined teatime on the first day she arrived at the Grand Duke’s Castle, the relationship between the two had remained awkward.
Though they faced each other at every meal and exchanged appropriate pleasantries, they hadn’t shared any truly important conversations.
Perhaps sensing Termion’s inner thoughts, Ailesia stepped forward first as if to tell him not to worry.
“I’ll talk to her later when I read the situation. The Grand Duchess Dowager should know.”
“Will that be alright?”
“Isn’t it natural? She’s one of the strongest people in the Grand Duke’s Castle.”
“That’s not what I meant…”
Termion, who was about to continue speaking, closed his mouth after seeing Ailesia’s meaningful look. It wasn’t a story to elaborate on in front of Elenora.
“Since Uncle and I are done talking, shall we go outside for magic practice? Today let’s try making ice and throwing it.”
“Throwing ice? Like during snowball fights?”
“It’ll probably be a bit bigger than snowballs, won’t it? You should say goodbye to Uncle first.”
“Yes! Uncle, work hard!”
“Alright. Let’s have lunch together.”
“Okay!”
“Take care, Your Highness.”
“I’ll see you later.”
After seeing Ailesia and Elenora off at the door, Termion walked past his desk toward the terrace.
He caught sight of the backs of a woman and child walking hand in hand harmoniously. Two wolves wagging their tails naturally followed alongside them.
Four different pairs of footprints dotted the pristine white training ground covered in modest snow. It was a heartwarming scene that brought a pleased smile just from watching.
‘When did I become accustomed to this?’
Termion had been watching the two from the terrace for the past few days.
Elenora who was always giggling about something exciting, and Ailesia beside her emanating golden magical power. Even Whitey and Blanky running around next to them now looked less like wolves and more like oversized companion dogs.
The thought of joining that warm scene himself quietly raised its head. Elenora seemed to hope that Uncle would join in and play with them at least once.
‘…I’m not sure yet.’
Should he call it awkward, or embarrassing? Or maybe both.
Either way, he couldn’t readily picture himself fitting into that scene.
“Teacher is a super strong witch, so she has to protect Uncle. You promised Elly, didn’t you?”
Suddenly, the words Ailesia had said yesterday came to mind again. The more he thought about it, the more pleasant and reassuring it felt.
“…I will protect them too.”
Termion muttered words that could have been a vow to anyone and came back inside. The terrace door remained open.
“Kyahahaha!”
His niece’s clear laughter echoed and gently tickled his ears.
After finishing lunch, Ailesia immediately brought Hilda.
“…Having experienced it firsthand, I’m at a loss for words.”
Hilda gazed at the snow-covered outdoor scenery with a momentarily dazed expression.
This was her first time experiencing spatial movement since riding a gate once before.
“I’ll take out your bag later when we’re organizing things. Catch your breath for now.”
“Thank you.”
Ailesia gave Hilda a pleased smile.
‘Nothing would be too good for this child. She deserves such treatment.’
The original story’s Hildegard wasn’t just an ordinary close aide. Not only did she have loyalty that didn’t spare even her own life, but she also perfectly fulfilled the role of strategist, finding breakthrough solutions whenever crises arose.
The original story didn’t specifically mention what process Hilda went through to become Elenora’s maid. So if it was a relationship that would form anyway, it would be better to start it quickly.
“For now, get used to the atmosphere here. And to my magic if possible.”
“Would it be rude if I said I’m looking forward to it?”
“Not at all? That’s an excellent attitude.”
“That’s a relief.”
Just as Hilda let out a sigh of relief, someone’s cheerful voice came through the door that had been left open.
“Sister Hilda!”
Seeing Elenora running toward her with quick steps, Hilda smiled and lowered her posture.
“It’s been a while, Grand Duchess. Have you been well?”
“Yes!”
Hilda naturally embraced the child who threw herself into her arms and affectionately stroked her head.
It was behavior that someone might point out as improper etiquette, but Ailesia thought it was fortunate instead.
‘She needs at least one person like that for emotional stability.’
No matter how comfortable Elenora felt with her, there was an inherent distance that came with the role of teacher. The same was true for Termion as her uncle.
In the end, both of them were adults and protectors to Elenora.
Hilda had experience caring for younger siblings, so she would be skilled at matching a child’s eye level, and Elenora would feel close to Hilda like a friendly older sister.
‘She should be able to act cute and occasionally throw tantrums comfortably. If she starts being overly considerate and pretending to be mature from now, that won’t do.’
And I’ll watch from the side and smile warmly. It’s a perfect plan.
Moreover, ‘Hildegard Forthen’ rather than maid Hilda boasted perfect refinement as a noble young lady. Her speech, behavior, gestures, expressions – there was nothing to find fault with.
‘Children naturally learn by watching the person closest to them.’
Honestly, if she put her mind to it, there was nothing she couldn’t teach. She had once made a name for herself as the queen of high society in the Northern Continent.
But that was already several hundred years ago. She had long since grown accustomed to a free life, and just thinking about it gave her a headache.
“Little One, are you happy that Sister Hilda came?”
“Super happy! Then will Sister Hilda stay at the Grand Duke’s Castle too?”
“That’s right? Even while Teacher is away, and after Teacher returns, we’ll always be together.”
“Really? Sister Hilda, you’ll stay with Elly forever?”
“Yes, Grand Duchess. Please take good care of me from now on.”
“Wow! I’m so excited!”
…I think I understand a little why Termion sometimes glares at me. What’s there to be jealous about over something like this?
“Well then, Hilda, first make sure to familiarize yourself with this.”
Ailesia took out a notebook she had prepared in advance. Though it was small in size, it was as thick as a decent novel.
Of course, this absolutely, absolutely wasn’t revenge for being sulky. It was something I was going to give her anyway, but somehow the situation became awkward.
“What is this, Teacher?”
“Read it when you’re alone later. Don’t show it to anyone else.”
“It must contain important information.”
“It has top secret matters written in it. If you happen to lose it, you must tell me immediately.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
As if she hadn’t been smiling just moments before, Hilda held the notebook tightly to her chest with quite a solemn look in her eyes.
—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————