Limited Extra Time - Chapter 10

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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—— Page 1 ——

“I don’t know. Is that such a big problem?”

….

Millian cast a sidelong glance at Karina, who had spoken with such nonchalance, before opening his mouth.

“You barely managed to slip through the gates. During winter, scarcely anyone ventures into the Duchy. Trade with the Merchant Caravans comes to a halt during this season. That’s why the Duchy must stockpile provisions for the winter months ahead.”

Though his eyes conveyed exasperation, Millian explained with considerable detail. Karina’s attentive demeanor wasn’t entirely disagreeable, which improved his mood somewhat.

“And when the depths of winter arrive, we launch our earnest hunts against the beasts. Most of my territory’s people are born with the instincts of hunters. Even a handful of common savages can be hunted down when three or four of my subjects pool their strength.”

“How wonderful….”

—— Page 2 ——

Karina’s admiration was entirely genuine.

The territory in the Southern Territory where she dwelled was a place whose greatest virtue was peace. It stood furthest removed from the ravages of war.

Beautiful natural vistas sprawled abundantly around her, and when autumn arrived, lush fruits hung temptingly from every corner.

At Karina’s exclamation, Millian’s shoulders tensed slightly.

The barren wasteland that had once been his territory had been cultivated to this flourishing state through his efforts and those of the previous Duke alone.

Because of this, Millian and the subjects of the Northern Territory harbored a fierce attachment to their land.

So much so that each year, the number of territory residents volunteering for the beast hunts—regardless of gender—reached one-third of the entire population.

“In any case, you barely closed the final gate. Had you arrived even slightly later, you wouldn’t have made it inside. Battles against the beasts are grueling. So you must never, under any circumstances, venture beyond the territory’s borders.”

“There’s no reason for me to leave anyway.”

Karina answered obediently.

Millian regarded her with skeptical eyes before nodding in acknowledgment.

‘…I feel a bit dizzy.’

She pressed her hand to her forehead and rose from her seat.

Her body felt chilled and trembling. Whether it was from exhaustion or if the problem the Old Physician had warned about was already manifesting, she couldn’t tell.

“I’d like to rest now. Would it be alright if I went directly to the Separate Residence?”

“If that suits you better, then do so.”

“Thank you for graciously accepting my sudden arrival.”

“I didn’t accept graciously. The problem is I can’t chase you out even if I wanted to.”

Milaion deliberately picked at her words.

If she left now, she would face winter. It was the season when the beasts grew fierce and wild.

—— Page 3 ——

In any case, from the moment she arrived, Milaion couldn’t chase Karina out until at least the snow melted and late spring arrived when the cold finally relented.

“In any case.”

Karina answered lightly and rose from her seat. He smiled faintly, observing the teacup she hadn’t touched even once.

“Peng, show her the way.”

“Understood.”

Karina left behind her brief encounter with Milaion.

“Still, I’m sorry for acting so willfully.”

Before leaving, Karina added one more thing.

Unless he visited the Separate Residence, the two of them would have no reason to meet again.

The distance between the Separate Residence and the Main Residence wasn’t far, but their living spaces didn’t overlap enough to be considered narrow.

Leaving Millaion, who wore an expression of shock at the sudden apology, she obediently followed Peng out of the room.

“The Separate Residence will require at least an hour to prepare, even if we hurry. Is there anything else you need?”

“I don’t need a maidservant or attendants, and I can manage meals alone. Just stock the pantry with provisions.”

“However….”

“His Excellency said the Duchy itself is safe. Then the Separate Residence must be even safer. Besides….”

My voice grew quieter as I continued following Peng.

The smile I had worn since entering here gradually faded away.

“I came here because I need time alone to think.”

“…Still, the lack of such things will be inconvenient.”

“If it truly becomes impossible, I’ll inform His Excellency.”

Faced with my firm stance, Peng had nothing more to say. He finally relented.

—— Page 4 ——

Peng, who had guided me here, disappeared after saying he would return once the Separate Residence was prepared.

I collapsed onto the bed with a heavy sigh.

“Do I have a fever?”

I deftly pressed my forehead and glanced out the window.

There were no pursuers from Leopold Manor.

Not that I had hoped for any….

“They say there’s been no incident in Leopold County? Nothing like military movements?”

“I suppose not. It’s always been a peaceful place. What reason would there be to move troops?”

“Ah! I’ve heard about the bountiful harvest. They say the Northern Territory won’t have any food concerns this winter either.

But why ask about Leopold County?”

“…I was simply curious.”

Recalling the people who had laughed at my words as frivolous, I sprawled across the bed horizontally.

Yet it had been a delightful journey—one I doubted I could ever surpass in all my remaining years.

“So I’ve accumulated one memory.”

I murmured to myself.

‘How many more can I gather before I die?’

If I had only one year left to live, I hoped every moment would hold meaning.

“What did he think when he read the letter?”

The sudden thought made me turn my head. Perhaps he thought it was nothing special.

A hollow laugh escaped me as I closed my eyes. The warmth lingering on my skin suggested the fever was returning.

—— Page 5 ——

Two months earlier.

“Good heavens, my lord! Miss… Miss Karina is missing!”

At the voice that rang out just as breakfast was ending, the Count’s brow furrowed as he sat at the head of the table. The Maidservant who had rushed in breathlessly clutched something tightly in her hand.

“Ah, I-I apologize for entering without knocking.”

The Maidservant who had burst in hurriedly apologized upon seeing the Count’s narrowed brow. Setting down his utensils as he regarded the bowing Maidservant, the Count spoke.

“That girl often leaves without a word to attend to matters outside. Why rush in with such urgency over this?”

At his reproachful tone questioning why she made such a fuss, the Maidservant

I lowered my head, feeling somewhat embarrassed.

She hesitated, then opened her mouth to speak.

“Well… it didn’t seem like she simply went out for the day.”

“Has something happened?”

“When I went to clean the young lady’s room this morning, I found this note on her desk.”

The Maidservant bowed and extended the small note she had been holding.

Count Leopold accepted the letter and unfolded the note, which had been folded in half.

His eyes touched the note briefly before moving away. There was little to read, as the message consisted of only a single line.

[I am departing on a journey.]

The brief one-line memo offered no clue as to the reason for her departure.

—— Page 6 ——

When Count Leopold said nothing, Countess Leopold reached out and took the note from him.

She too read the one-line memo, and her expression hardened.

“What does this mean? She left without a word—where on earth has she gone?”

“I… I’m not certain. I only discovered it this morning…”

“When did you last see Karina?”

Count Leopold asked, his gaze fixed on the Maidservant, whose shoulders had tensed.

The Maidservant’s body stiffened as she shook her head. When was the last time she had seen her?

“Ah! I… I believe it was two days ago when I last saw her leaving the house.”

“Yesterday?”

“Yesterday….”

The Maidservant’s eyes darted about as she clenched and unclenched her fists, racking her brain desperately.

Yet no matter how hard she thought, she couldn’t recall seeing Karina yesterday.

After a long silence, the Maidservant shook her head.

“I have no memory of seeing her.”

“What about the others?”

“…I’m not certain.”

The Maidservant’s expression grew heavy with disappointment. Karina was a mistress with virtually no presence.

“You also didn’t see Karina yesterday?”

Count Leopold’s gaze turned toward Abelia and Ferden.

Infrick had returned home late in the early morning yesterday due to work, so he couldn’t possibly know Karina’s whereabouts.

Abelia and Ferden exchanged glances before both shaking their heads in unison.

“I didn’t see my sister yesterday.”

“Neither did I. Since she wasn’t in her room, I thought she’d gone out to the Market again….”

—— Page 7 ——

Count Leopold lowered his gaze and read the note again.

There was no mention of where she was going, when she would return, or what she intended to do.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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