Limited Extra Time - Chapter 153

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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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At the foot of the staircase, Winston leaned against the wall while Peng stood beside him, the two engaged in conversation with remarkably comfortable expressions.

As Periel Kalos descended several steps, both men turned their heads, sensing his presence.

“Have you met with Seren?”

“Yes, quite adorable.”

At Peng’s words, Periel Kalos nodded readily.

Adorable indeed. The child bore the unmistakable features of both parents, and I suspected

that when grown, they would surely captivate many hearts.

“When did you two become so close?”

“At this age, there aren’t many people to converse with.”

“Winston typically listens to my grievances.”

Peng added to Winston’s response. Periel Kalos shrugged and turned away.

As Winston attempted to follow, Periel Kalos waved his hand dismissively.

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“There’s nothing urgent today. Let me indulge in some leisure for once.”

Winston’s head tilted slightly.

Periel Kalos seemed strangely weary—something Winston’s keen eye detected. Growing old had only cultivated the habit of observing people, which was proving troublesome.

“Is something the matter?”

“Seeing an old friend grown into adulthood brings all manner of thoughts.”

At Winston’s inquiry, Periel Kalos paused briefly. Peng glanced at Winston from beside him. Winston’s brow furrowed slightly as his gaze fixed upon Periel Kalos.

‘Being too kind is its own curse.’

I couldn’t ignore someone’s suffering—that was my weakness.

Which was why killing my own disciple with these hands had become a secret I could never speak of in this lifetime.

“Do you wish to become an adult?”

At Winston’s question, Periel Kalos shrugged his shoulders.

“I feel isolated. Like I’m the only one left behind.”

“There’s no need to rush becoming an adult. Adulthood doesn’t come from bearing children, aging, or growing old. It’s something far more profound than that.”

Periel Kalos tilted his head slightly toward Winston.

Winston smiled warmly. In his eyes, Periel Kalos still appeared as a child adrift, unable to find his footing. Perhaps that was why he remained at his side, watching over him.

Even though he could have left long ago if he’d truly wanted to.

“Then what makes me an adult?”

“To become an adult means to face your own weakness, acknowledge it, and accept it. That’s why some children mature early while others remain children no matter how many years they live.”

Periel Kalos nodded silently at Winston’s quiet voice.

He understood the latter, but not the former.

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Winston, noticing this in Periel Kalos’s gaze, continued speaking.

“Becoming an adult means losing much. Only after enduring great pain, experiencing countless failures, and achieving a single success can we finally offer counsel to others.”

“I see.”

“So there’s no need to rush. I’m certain no one sees you as distant.”

Periel Kalos nodded silently at Winston’s words. I knew it—this urgency and inferiority complex were perhaps unfounded. Yet watching the friend who had always been beside me gradually move away was not a pleasant feeling.

“Your Grace, both Periel and Miss Carina Leopold were forced to mature far too quickly.”

At Winston’s addition, Periel’s expression hardened. He soon nodded, his fists clenched tight.

Winston wore a bitter smile.

“That’s why I still think this is fine as it is. There’s no need to rush—everyone reaches adulthood in their own time. Since you’re a kind person, I’m certain you’ll mature without incident.”

“…Thank you.”

Periel nodded and turned away. The melancholy would linger for another day or two, but he understood well enough what Winston meant.

That.

Watching Periel’s retreating figure, Winston exhaled softly. Peng, who had been observing from beside him, gently patted his shoulder.

“Winston, if you ask me, you’re the one who’s remarkably kind.”

“I’m just pretending. I still have a long way to go.”

Winston answered with a lighter expression and a smile. What had initially felt awkward became far more comfortable as they continued their conversations and grew accustomed to each other.

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As I became more skilled at it, things became convenient in many ways.

Winston leaned against the staircase railing again.

“Since I’ve received permission from my employer, does that mean I can have a drink tonight?”

“…You speak as though you haven’t been drinking all along.”

“You’re the one who always escapes after one or two drinks, claiming you have work.”

At Peng’s reproach, Winston fell silent. Honestly, he couldn’t argue back.

He had indeed fled—that much was true.

Peng was far more seasoned than Winston had expected, possessed a considerable capacity for alcohol, and had impressive athleticism to boot. Winston honestly didn’t have the confidence to keep up.

“Then I suppose I’ll need a drink tonight as well. I’ve had quite a lot to discuss these past few days. Go ahead and wait in my room for now. I’ll join you once I’ve finished tidying up.”

“After all, it’s hardly something to boast about regarding Miss Seren.”

Even as he spoke, Winston readily acquiesced to his words and turned to leave.

He nodded at the words and turned his body away.

Watching Winston make his way to the room with practiced ease, Peng—having found his companion for tonight’s conversation—quickened his pace with noticeably lighter steps.

* * *

In the Capital, a promising new painter had recently been making quite a name for herself.

A faceless artist receiving generous patronage from the Periel Household—

an existence known as “The Painter.”

She did not produce works frequently or in great quantity, but her output was consistent, and at her first auction, prices had soared to ten times their initial estimates.

The problem was that owning a work by The Painter had become quite the topic of conversation in high society.

Among the nobility, a delicate game of social positioning had emerged around collecting The Painter’s works.

Those nobles who possessed many of her paintings held their heads higher, while those who did not

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could only feel themselves cast aside.

The Painter’s works captivated people instantly through her distinctive technique, bold brushwork, and a subtle use of color that drew the eye despite its understated elegance.

She did not paint anything particularly extraordinary. Her works were predominantly landscapes.

Occasionally, figures would appear, but always as if viewed from a great distance.

In her most recent auction piece, a landscape depicting the Capital as if seen from above had sparked intense speculation about “The Painter” in society.

The rumor was certain: the painter was undoubtedly present in the Capital. With only one artist and considerable demand, it was all the more surprising that prices continued to climb.

The situation had grown so dire that the amount of bribes flowing into the Periel Household was staggering—enough to provoke Periel Kalos’s considerable wrath.

He issued an order that any family caught attempting bribery even once more would be permanently struck from the auction participant list.

Fortunately, thanks to this decree, concerns about corruption were entirely eliminated.

The Leopold Family Estate learned of this news a full year and a half after entering seclusion following Carina Leopold’s death.

After their eldest daughter’s passing, the Leopold Family had withdrawn entirely from society.

Count Leopold conducted his affairs from home and rarely showed his face at the Imperial Court unless absolutely necessary.

The Leopold Twins and Countess Leopold ceased all social appearances altogether.

Only Infrick Leopold maintained a consistent presence, though he would attend only to training and official duties before returning home immediately.

It was only after more than a year had passed that they finally heard news of a painter named Carina.

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The Leopold Twins were unaware, but both Infrick and Count Leopold knew the true identity of this “painter Carina.”

When Infrick rushed to Count Leopold with the news after a year and a half of silence, the Count’s legs gave way beneath him and he collapsed.

“…She’s alive…?”

“Yes, sir. I’ve heard she has even produced recent works.”

Infrick caught his breath as he observed Count Leopold—visibly thinner and more deeply lined than a year prior.

Though still appearing younger than his years, traces of aging and exhaustion were now plainly visible.

“Furthermore, Duke Pastelion has also arrived in the Capital. Perhaps Carina as well… Shall I prepare for your departure?”

Count Leopold shook his head in response to Infrick’s question and sank deeply into the sofa.

It was my first time being rejected by my child, which left me bewildered, but afterward I reflected deeply on it as well.

I endeavored to understand her loneliness.

It was a belated regret, but I couldn’t endure without doing even that much. I slept in the child’s room and, becoming that child, emerged from it.

Though nothing that had departed ever returned, it felt necessary to do even this.

“So… you were alive.”

Count Leopold buried his face in his palms, his voice thick with profound relief.

His contorted, ravaged expression was twisted with bitter remorse and anguish.

The words that he deserved none of this and the voice telling him not to speak still echoed in his ears.

If she was alive, that was enough. If she lived on without perishing, that sufficed. He could no longer be the one to bring happiness to that child.

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“That’s enough. If that child is happy, let us leave her be.”

The child had left the nest of her own accord. She had built a new nest. She had decided never to return. If that was the punishment she had imposed upon him, then he deserved to bear it.

“This is no longer a realm where we can interfere.”

“…”

“Carina Leopold is dead. Let Carina live as Carina now.”

She had despised the family so much that she cast off her name and departed. It was far too late to convey belated regrets or tardy apologies.

Then, allowing her to live as she wished was the final thing he could do as a father.

“Still, I’m grateful.”

Count Leopold wiped his face with his hand again and again.

“I’m grateful…”

His weary voice flowed out repeatedly, drenched in relief. Infrick

simply gazed upon him and bowed his head in silent acknowledgment.

“I intend to visit the Temple today.”

“Yes, I will call upon you once my duties are complete.”

“Very well, do so.”

At Count Leopold’s words, Infrick nodded and slowly turned to leave.

From that day forward, Infrick often found himself contemplating what it truly meant to become a parent.

And whether he could ever be a good one.

To be a parent meant enduring much and bearing much.

Even with patience and consideration, there would be things that refused to unfold as one wished.

Even ships that strive with all their might to sail in the right direction sometimes sink.

Leaving Count Leopold’s Study behind,

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Infrick exhaled slowly. His heart ached when he thought of his dear sister, and sorrow filled him when he thought of his father.

Since that day, Count Leopold had been visiting the Temple faithfully once a week.

Infrick dared to think that his father must have needed something to lean upon.

The past year had been a time of suffering for his father, who had always been so towering and steadfast.

It had been so for everyone in the household. The Leopold Twins

had lost their playfulness, and Mother had lost her vitality.

‘It’s about time I left.’

Infrick gathered his clothes and departed from Leopold Manor. The manor, always the same size, felt somehow larger and more desolate today than ever before.

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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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