It’s Been 500 Years as an Extra, and the Original Story Still Hasn’t Begun - Chapter 68

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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 068

“You flatter me.”

When I forced myself to answer nonchalantly, the First Imperial Consort’s response was even more outrageous.

“If you’re such an excellent teacher, how about gifting your teachings to the future emperor? If you wish, I’ll personally arrange a position.”

It was quite a serious proposal to be merely words meant to irritate Iolene. The First Imperial Consort’s eyes were blatantly filled with greed.

“I didn’t know you thought so highly of Teacher Milenov.”

“Capable talent is always welcome. What do you say, Teacher Milenov? How about staying at the Imperial Palace and building connections with other nobles?”

The First Imperial Consort ignored Iolene’s words to a degree that seemed almost rude. Even Iolene, who had maintained a smiling expression throughout, had her face freeze cold for an instant.

Just as Termion, who had been listening, couldn’t hold back and was about to speak, Ailesia’s voice flowed out a beat faster.

“It’s truly an honor beyond measure, but.”

Ailesia smiled elegantly and met the First Imperial Consort’s gaze directly.

“I’ve heard that even street sculptors distinguish between gems and stones. How could I dare presume?”

Your son has no talent, doesn’t he? What’s he going to become?

Even if you begged me to teach him, I wouldn’t?

“I fear my humble skills might cause trouble, so I’d be grateful if you’d withdraw such burdensome words.”

Having finished her answer, she gracefully lowered her body.

The spacing of her feet front and back, the way her hands held her dress hem, the angle of her body leaning forward with bent knees.

It was a perfect curtsy without a single flaw.

At the same time, a sharp streak of golden light carved itself over Ailesia’s blue eyes.

The magical power she released was at most enough to scoop a cup of water from the lake.

However, the First Imperial Consort, who received that aura head-on, couldn’t move as if her entire body had frozen solid.

‘Why… why is such a woman in Retis of all places…!’

Even the gaze of a predator stalking its prey would be gentler than this.

She couldn’t believe that such a proud and beautiful form could harbor such unfathomable ferocity within.

“Kugh…!”

The First Imperial Consort desperately gritted her teeth to hold onto her fading consciousness.

Her back was already soaked with cold sweat, and her heart was pounding as if it would burst.

Even Iolene and Termion beside her swallowed short groans inwardly. Only Elenora, holding Uncle’s hand, blinked with an innocent expression.

“…I see. If that’s truly your intention, we’ll have to wait for another time.”

The First Imperial Consort, barely regaining her composure, answered with a deliberately calm voice.

Despite the first shock of her life, she maintained an attitude of not wanting to lose her dignity to the end.

“I’m honored.”

Ailesia’s lips curved into a gentle arc toward the pale First Imperial Consort.

“Ugh, I’m exhausted.”

Ailesia, who had come out to the terrace, leaned against the railing with a groan.

It was all well and good that she had boldly declared war on the First Imperial Consort. Iolene was secretly pleased, and Termion, though slightly puzzled, didn’t say anything particular.

The problem was that the nobles’ attention had been persistently focused on her since then.

Right after finishing the audience with the First Imperial Consort and stepping back, people swarmed over.

In the midst of exchanging a word or two of greeting, not only Termion but she herself was surrounded by young nobles.

“What on earth was my past self doing…”

There was definitely a time when I enjoyed noble life, finding this and that fascinating.

Perhaps because I’d lived alone for too long after finishing the game, everything felt awkward. I was completely drained from the constant attention.

‘Still, the view here is quite nice.’

Looking down from above, I could see the garden near the banquet hall at a glance.

Though there were no flowers due to winter, the brightly shining magic lighting created quite a splendid scenery.

Just as I was leisurely resting for a while, I heard someone’s sigh.

“Sigh.”

A blue robe draped over his body and silver-rimmed monocle. He was a handsome man with an overall scholarly atmosphere.

“Oh my, there was already someone here. I apologize.”

“Not at all. I forgot to draw the curtain myself.”

Since I came out alone anyway, I wasn’t paying much attention, but the man politely bowed his head in apology.

Thanks to that, his gray hair that hung just touching his shoulders swayed slightly.

‘That’s what you’d call ash blonde, right?’

Along with the thought that came to mind carelessly, Ailesia’s eyes widened as she properly confirmed the man’s appearance.

‘Wait, monocle and ash blonde? And a robe instead of banquet attire?’

With a “no way” feeling, I was about to observe more carefully when he introduced himself first.

“I’m Melberik Windrake. If it wouldn’t be rude, may I ask for the Lady’s name?”

…He appears so suddenly like this? Here of all places?

Not just anyone, but the Magic Tower Master?

Perhaps interpreting my blank stare somehow, Melberik added with an embarrassed voice.

“It’s a bit embarrassing, but I’m someone known to the world more by the empty title of Magic Tower Master than my own name.”

“…I’m Ailesia Milenov. It’s an honor to meet someone I’ve only heard about.”

“That’s too burdensome for a beautiful Lady to say. It would be sufficient if you just called me by name comfortably.”

Even if he has a down-to-earth personality, still, suggesting first names right upon meeting? And with such a pretty face?

Moreover, what’s with that way of speaking that sounds like flirting? Of course, he probably has no awareness of it himself.

“Alright. Nice to meet you, Melberik.”

Ailesia spoke his name with a light smile.

You think I can’t call you by name if you ask? You’re much younger than me anyway.

“…Nice to meet you too, Lady Milenov.”

He probably didn’t expect me to call him by name without even a title. Melberik’s response came a beat late as he flinched.

Still, he soon composed himself and approached the spot next to Ailesia.

“May I rest here for a moment as well? If I’m bothering you, I’ll withdraw.”

“Do as you please. It’s not like I rented this place out or anything.”

“Rented out…?”

Ah, that concept doesn’t exist in this world yet. Since it didn’t matter anyway, I just shrugged.

Melberik Windrake. In the original story, he was a man who was neither hero nor villain, just a pure supporting character.

True to his reputation as Magic Tower Master, he was one of the Empire’s three great mages and something like the Third Prince’s teacher, but for some reason, his role in the novel was extremely minor.

Scenes where he directly appeared didn’t even reach ten times. At most, he occasionally showed up at large-scale events like this.

‘And yet he had a strangely bad relationship with Termion.’

Perhaps because they each stood at the pinnacle of knighthood and magic, the two subtly engaged in psychological warfare whenever they met.

Usually Termion would provoke first, and Melberik would counter-attack.

‘Other than that, he was the very definition of a background character with nothing to see.’

Melberik, with his appearance and abilities, and judging by his actions, was in the typical position of a sub-male lead commonly found in romance fantasy. But…

‘He’s ten years older than Termion, what sub-male lead nonsense.’

Ten years later when the original story begins in earnest, Elenora is 16 and Melberik is 38.

Even in the modern world, not this one, a 22-year age gap would be like father and daughter, and pairing them would be practically criminal.

No matter how abnormal the author was, she wasn’t crazy to that extent. Even readers initially talked about him being a sub-male lead, but were shocked upon learning Melberik’s age and even deleted the comments they’d written.

Of course, criticism followed about what the character was even put in for.

As I was reminiscing about the original story while admiring the Imperial Palace garden, Melberik glanced around and spoke to me.

“Did Lady Milenov come alone?”

“Hardly. I just escaped for a moment.”

Iolene is constantly conversing with high-ranking nobles, and Termion is looking after Elenora for a bit.

Originally, he had planned to bring Elenora along as well, but Termion pushed her back, telling her to go get some fresh air by herself.

He probably felt a bit sorry that Ailesia had been bothered by all those people.

“Escape, you say. That’s quite an apt expression.”

“Why? Are you in a similar situation?”

“Well, I won’t deny it. I enjoy forming genuine friendships, but when I can see their ulterior motives, it becomes uncomfortable to deal with them.”

“Ulterior motives? Such as?”

“There are various kinds. Requests related to the Magic Tower’s business, marriage proposals, and so on.”

“That must be troublesome for you.”

“Not necessarily. Especially when it comes to marriage proposals.”

Sensing something strange in his tone, she turned her head, and Ailesia found herself meeting Melverik’s gaze head-on as he looked at her.

“If it were someone like Lady Milenov, I’d want to marry her right away.”

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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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