Limited Extra Time - Chapter 56

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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 ——

Count Leopold finished reading the letter to its end, then scanned through it once more.

In that letter, which bore neither “Father” nor “Mother,” the word “you” was scattered throughout like wallpaper, as though addressing a stranger.

It was the distance she had created.

…I should tell the Duke to send Carina Leopold back.

But the Northern Territory has already closed its checkpoints. Entry and exit are no longer possible.

The Duke is clearly muddying the waters for no reason. She may have been coerced into writing this. Carina Leopold would never say such things.

At Count Leopold’s shake of his head, the Head Butler’s expression grew subtle.

He was one of the longest-serving servants in Leopold Manor.

Has something happened to Miss Carina Leopold?

She says she’s fallen ill, so I can file a death report whenever I wish, and there’s no need to return to the manor—if I want to see her, I should come find her myself.

The Count thrust the letter toward the Head Butler as though discarding it, speaking harshly.

The Head Butler carefully took in the letter with his eyes. The Count’s voice, low and heavy, was brimming with fury.

Illness? What utter nonsense! She said nothing all this time, and now suddenly she’s fallen ill?

How long has it been since she left? Carina Leopold has changed.

Count Leopold’s face crumpled, and he dragged an irritable hand across his features. In that moment, the Head Butler, having finished reading the letter, grew grave.

It is possible she truly has fallen ill, is it not?

If you’re not trying to provoke my anger further, don’t speak nonsense. Nocton said nothing either, and I still clearly remember her eating with a perfectly healthy face right up until her departure.

The Head Butler, whose lips had been trembling, lowered his gaze to the letter and fell silent once more.

He bit his lower lip slightly. He had a memory of receiving a similar report, but he couldn’t discern whether it was appropriate to mention it.

I believe it may actually be true.

What?

A few months ago, I received a report from the Maidservant that sounds of retching were coming from Miss Carina Leopold’s room—

—— Page 2 ——

at night.”

Count Leopold’s expression darkened at the Head Butler’s words.

The Head Butler bowed deeply. As the Count observed his uncomfortable expression, he parted his lips, which had been pressed firmly shut.

“Why didn’t you inform me?”

At his cold tone, the Head Butler fell silent. He too had his grievances.

He had attempted to report it several times,

but each time he was prevented, and eventually he himself forgot about the matter.

“My apologies.”

“Explain yourself.”

“Every time I tried to report it, other matters would coincidentally arise.”

The Head Butler spoke cautiously.

Count Leopold tilted his head with a peculiar gaze as he listened to the Head Butler’s account, who was holding his breath and gauging his reaction.

“Other matters?”

At his question, as if he had no recollection whatsoever, the Head Butler swallowed hard. He had thought he would refrain from speaking further,

but he never expected the Count to have truly forgotten.

“You either inquired about the Second Miss’s condition, or you were busy with other matters and ordered me to report later.”

“…Me?”

“Yes, sir. The young lady is of age, so the mistress said she would handle such matters on her own….”

….”

The Head Butler observed carefully, gauging Count Leopold’s reaction.

Count Leopold still wore the expression of someone hearing this story for the first time. The Head Butler searched his memory a moment longer before continuing.

“She instructed me not to report such trivial matters each time….”

Though perplexed, the Head Butler could say nothing more—it was his master’s command. He sensed dimly that the moment he continued speaking about matters his mistress had told him not to report, his position would become precarious.

I sensed vaguely that my position would become precarious the moment I added another word.

“Regardless of that, if it’s a matter of such importance…!”

Count Leopold’s lips, which had begun to form words, pressed firmly shut.

After all, he himself had ordered no reports—how could a mere servant have reported anything?

“My apologies.”

The Head Butler bowed his head. Count Leopold regarded him with a sharp gaze for a moment, then wiped his face.

He swept out the oysters.

Of late, everything seemed to slip from his grasp. He could not shake the feeling that something was crumbling.

“So you simply left it as it was?”

“No, sir. When I asked if she was unwell, she said she was fine…. I suggested a medical examination, but she said she would do it later when time permitted.”

“And in the end, she never did.”

“….”

The Head Butler did not answer. Though his words were true, he wondered whether she had truly had the leisure to do so.

The Head Butler’s memory of Carina Leopold was of her always wearing an expressionless face, either holding a single book in her hands or sitting blankly beside Abelia, her gaze vacant and unfocused.

‘Now that I think about it, she seemed a bit different when she was younger…’

Young Carina Leopold had displayed far more varied expressions.

—— Page 3 ——

She had often chattered away to the servants with ease.

“No matter how hurt she felt, why must she drive a dagger into her parents’ hearts? What could possibly make her think that way, Head Butler?”

The master’s question left the Head Butler speechless.

“…Becoming famous to repay the debt, she says.”

Count Leopold let out a hollow laugh. How could she speak so carelessly, as if she had any notion of how much that sum truly was?

Whether it was stubbornness or simply the thoughtlessness of youth, he could not say.

“Bring me writing materials. I must compose a letter to Duke Millaiyen Pestellio.”

“A letter, sir?”

“Yes, I shall have her sent back. If this illness of hers is genuine, this place would be far more suitable for her recovery than wherever she is now.”

Count Leopold released a long sigh and sank back into his chair. The Head Butler bowed and swiftly departed from the Study.

“I did not remain silent by choice. Rather, I gave up trying to share my story with all of you.

And now, I intend to abandon the shadow that has confined me within Leopold Manor for so long.”

What had she said, and how much, and what tale was she abandoning? Laughter escaped unbidden.

‘She is merely being petulant.’

It was clear the girl harbored her own grievances and was expressing her discontent. As for the matter of her illness, he could simply ask her when they met.

“A fatal disease, she claims.”

I honestly couldn’t believe it.

The letter lacked any sense of urgency, and before he left, she had eaten her final meal with seemingly perfect composure.

‘I’ll simply have a conversation with her.’

Count Leopold swallowed a sigh at this thought. If something had gone awry, he could simply set it right again.

Unaware that the piece had already shattered beyond repair, that even reassembling it was now impossible, the Count slowly considered what words to commit to his letter.

The sky of the Southern Territory remained brilliantly blue, dazzling in its radiance.

***

“What are your plans for today?”

“Ah….”

“Carina Leopold and I are scheduled to study together today.”

As I deliberated on my response, Periel Kalos cut in with a laugh, intercepting my answer. When Carina Leopold’s eyes moved slowly to meet his, Periel lifted the corners of his mouth in that ever-radiant smile of his.

“I wasn’t asking you.”

“But the question lacked a subject, so I naturally thought you were addressing me.”

“I was asking her.”

“Oh, how careless of me—without a clear subject, I mistook it for a question directed at me.”

Periel Kalos, his tone smooth and unguarded, brushed aside my words lightly.

Watching the two of us trade words without yielding an inch, Carina Leopold finally burst into laughter.

—— Page 4 ——

Her crystalline laughter rippled through the air. Since Carina Leopold so rarely laughed aloud like this, both Periel Kalos and I exchanged a glance before letting out light, deflating chuckles.

Why was she laughing?

When her laughter faded, Millaiyen Pestellio asked.

I just thought… you two must be really close friends.

A cursed bond.

A cursed bond.

At their simultaneous, resolute, and identical response, a contented smile bloomed across Carina Leopold’s face.

She nodded slowly, her expression betraying no belief whatsoever, yet making it abundantly clear that she would choose to trust them anyway.

I mean it.

I didn’t say anything.

Because your expression shows you don’t believe it at all.

Despite the bitter cold of winter having arrived, the sunlight streaming through the Terrace remained as warm as could be.

Carina Leopold gazed at Millaiyen Pestellio for a moment before a soft laugh escaped her.

Why are you laughing?

Just because I’m happy.

Because I like you.

Because I like this moment, sitting here with you.

Unable to voice those final words, Carina Leopold simply smiled.

Everything felt so blissful. The fact that I could laugh and share a meal with someone like this, the fact that it was someone I cared for—

all of it brought me such joy.

It was a feeling I wished he would understand, yet one I hoped he would never know. This tingling sensation that made my heart flutter would surely bring him pain someday.

How foolish.

Millaiyen Pestellio reached out with habitual ease, gently sweeping his fingers through Carina Leopold’s hair. His palm settled against her forehead as naturally as if taking her temperature, then withdrew.

Don’t overexert yourself. If you’re feeling unwell, tell me at once and we’ll return home.

I will.

At his tender, worry-laden voice, Carina Leopold traced her forehead with her fingertips and nodded, a soft laugh escaping her lips.

He had no idea how much solace his gentle words could bring.

Periel Kalos, seated at the table carving meat, felt his eyes narrow. The peculiar current flowing between the two of them

was impossible to miss.

Had they not said the engagement would be dissolved soon?

Then what was this sweetness that lingered between them?

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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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