Limited Extra Time - Chapter 8

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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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The Countdown of an Extra

A Long Romance Fantasy Novel by Ja-eun Hyang

The Countdown of an Extra

Chapter 8

I had absolutely no desire to speak with anyone.

I wanted nothing more than to ignore them and turn away.

Yet Infrick was one of the few people who understood my feelings, however inadequately.

“Why? I’m tired and want to rest.”

“I heard Father scolded you over some matter. Are you alright?”

“Yes, I apologized for that.”

“Abelia’s frequent illnesses seem to weigh heavily on Father’s mind. Try to understand.”

At Infrick’s words, I frowned.

I understood. I had understood all along—hadn’t I endured, apologized, and bowed my head until now?

“I know.”

“You look upset. Honestly, it makes me angry when people ask you to understand everything. Even on your birthday, you’re allowed to say you’re disappointed.”

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“What’s the point of speaking? No one will listen anyway. No matter what I say, I’ll only hear the same reproach about being immature, just as always.”

I hadn’t actually heard such words today, yet the mere thought of what would surely come filled me with dread.

Because it would likely be no different from my imagination.

“Don’t forget that Father and Mother love you.”

“Father and Mother love my older brother and younger siblings. Not me—someone who is healthy but possesses no outstanding talents whatsoever.”

“Karina.”

At Infrick’s reproachful call, Karina pressed her fingers to her forehead.

This was our final meal together. I had thought to leave behind at least one pleasant memory.

Still, I wondered if I ought to say something before departing, since we were family after all.

Yet all such thoughts shattered to pieces.

“Brother, my head hurts. Let’s talk about it next time.”

“Come on a picnic with me.”

“I don’t want to. I’m not going.”

At Infrick’s suggestion, Karina waved her hand dismissively.

She lifted her gaze to look at him. Golden hair like starflowers cascading down, azure eyes gleaming. He resembled a fairy tale prince perfectly—always gentle and composed.

Blessed with exceptional talents in every regard, he naturally occupied the center of high society.

“They love you too.”

“I’m their child as well, so naturally they must harbor love for me somewhere in their hearts. I won’t deny that fact so stubbornly.”

Karina nodded readily as she spoke.

Her sharp gaze, uncharacteristic of her,

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turned cold.

Observing Karina’s wide, piercing eyes, Infrick’s brow furrowed ever so slightly.

“But when bitten, the fingers that hurt more are Abelia’s, Ferden’s, and my older brother’s. Not mine.”

“That’s not true.”

“No, yes. Please just leave me alone.

Let me be by myself.”

There had been times when Infrick’s words brought me comfort. But not now. I realized I was standing at the edge of a cliff.

realized that.

“…Karina.”

“Please!”

I cried out. My throat ached from the shout. I touched my neck, my face contorting.

“I’m saying please.”

“…I understand. Let’s talk next time.”

“Yes.”

I turned away from Infrick and headed straight to the second floor.

It felt as though someone had struck the back of my head as I hesitated,

as if punishing myself for such foolish thoughts.

‘I thought there was nothing to grieve over.’

This might be my last birthday. So why wasn’t there a single word of apology?

The attitude of taking my forgiveness for granted felt so desolate.

‘Why must my final memory be

this terrible?’

She entered her room, locked the door, kicked off her shoes carelessly, and buried her face deep into the blankets.

Would I have felt less lonely if I had become famous for my paintings instead?

If I had made friends, would I have needed to cling so desperately to my family or harbor such resentment?

Karina laughed hollowly.

How could I have made friends when I spent my time caring for Abelia instead of properly attending my peers’ social gatherings?

Lonely sobs that no one acknowledged echoed through the entire night.

Without proper sleep,

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the last dawn I would greet at Leopold Manor broke.

After brief deliberation, I decided to leave only a single line—that I was going on a journey.

I didn’t want to give them reason to speak of kidnapping, nor did I wish to mobilize private soldiers.

I had no desire to write lengthy explanations either.

With all these feelings combined, what I ultimately wrote was merely a single line.

Karina pulled on the robe she had purchased beforehand,

and slipped out of Leopold Manor timed with the guards’ shift change.

Having calculated the timing in advance, I managed to leave without anyone noticing my swollen, red-rimmed eyes.

I boarded the group carriage I had arranged beforehand. It was headed to the Capital, Aios. From there, I would change carriages and travel to Linrock, a village that served as a hub. From there, I would need to hire a Merchant Caravan or a small private carriage to reach the Northern Territory.

From that point onward, I would need to secure passage to the Northern Territory via a Merchant Caravan or rent a small private carriage.

She exhaled a long, trembling breath. It was the beginning of a long journey.

* * *

The Physician’s medicine proved invaluable during our long journey.

Just as he had warned, as I endured the biting cold wind and the discomfort of prolonged carriage travel, my body deteriorated with each passing day.

At least after taking the medicine, sleep came more easily at night,

and the hours spent in pain diminished considerably.

Because of this, I had begun seeking out the medicine almost obsessively, as though addicted to it.

Yet taking medicine did not mean I could suddenly eat normally.

What I could manage was typically well-prepared thin gruel or boiled vegetables—so it was inevitable that as the journey continued, my frame grew ever more gaunt.

And yet, I found myself happy.

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The thought that this might be a journey I would never experience again in my lifetime—perhaps even my last—made every landscape appear vivid and new.

Though I had to prepare meals alongside the other travelers and labor as a hand for the Merchant Caravan, I received respect in equal measure.

Everyone treated me as though I were simply myself.

I was neither an invisible young lady nor a gloomy woman nor someone tedious.

I was simply Karina. That is how they treated me.

I completed the long journey on my own feet. Thus I arrived at the Duke’s Estate.

“Peng, prepare a suitable vacant room for her at once. And have the attendant fill the bathing tub with water.”

“Very good.”

“Young Miss, we shall speak after you have washed.”

At the sound of Milaion’s voice issuing this dismissal with a perplexed expression, I nodded obediently.

If something had changed during those two months of travel, it was my temperament.

Originally, Karina was someone who rarely spoke and often held back her words, but after traveling for such a long time, she had gradually become able to voice what she truly wished to say.

There had been no particular training involved.

The Merchant Caravan and its carriages were perpetually busy, and their members cared little for others—so unless one spoke up clearly about what was needed or inconvenient, no one would truly listen.

Yet when she did speak aloud, they would invariably turn their attention toward her and hear what she had to say.

In this way, Karina had come to understand the importance of conversation.

“To the extent that you may use it immediately

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—is the tidy room next to the Duke’s chamber acceptable, Young Lady Leopold?”

Karina is sufficient. As for the room, anywhere will do, but if I may suggest, I think the Separate Residence would be preferable, as it’s removed from here. Since I’ve arrived so suddenly, I imagine His Grace must be rather displeased.

She spoke while surveying the immaculate estate, which reflected his exacting nature just as perfectly.

I would recommend you first warm yourself, and then request the matter of the Separate Residence

from the master.

I understand.

She assented lightly.

The room was remarkably neat. Unlike the marble exterior, the chamber she had been shown was constructed entirely of wood.

The scent of timber lingered at the tip of her nose.

…How peculiar.

This is a room the master occasionally uses when he wishes to settle his mind and spirit. Therefore, it is always prepared

with every convenience in place.

I see.

The woody fragrance permeating the room seemed to calm my mind.

Karina nodded.

I’ll have a maid sent up shortly to assist with your bath.

No, that’s alright. I’ll warm up and then leave, so could you come back in about an hour?

…Are you certain you won’t need assistance?

At Peng’s uncertain tone, Karina’s eyes rolled slightly as she nodded.

I didn’t need unnecessary help, and besides, I had to examine the remaining medicine—I didn’t want anyone handling my belongings.

Understood. Should you require anything, please pull the bell cord.

I understand.

As she nodded, Peng hesitated briefly before leaving the room.

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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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