Despite Being an Extra, I'm the Villain's Childhood Friend - Chapter 39.1
Chapter 39.1
“Uh…”
Caught off guard by the unexpected question, Izeline trailed off her words, unable to form a proper response. She had vaguely assumed that she would remain here and continue to be with Robert, but was that not the case?
Her contract with Duke Brioche would end next spring, and there was no mention of her whereabouts after that.
“Well, since His Grace hasn’t mentioned anything…”
Lowering her gaze, she suddenly recalled something and looked up at Robert.
“Did he make any promises to you?”
“No, nothing like that.”
“But he said before that he might take me to the Empire.”
“Because you are an excellent talent.”
“….?”
Izeline’s eyes widened in surprise as Robert spoke with a noticeably anxious expression.
“He might want to keep you by his side, like Viscount Karif.”
“Oh…”
That would be a bit difficult.
She had no intention of dedicating her life to Duke Brioche. Her only concern was to ensure that Robert had a happy childhood and didn’t stray down a dark path. However, it wouldn’t be easy for a commoner to defy the Duke’s orders.
‘I need to prepare an excuse to decline in advance.’
She racked her brain for a suitable excuse, but…
“Do you want to go to the Empire?”
“Huh?”
In that instant, Izeline realized that Robert’s gaze was fixed on the painting she had drawn, and she reflexively covered the paper with both hands.
“No, it’s just…”
“But you’ll be with me.”
Her excuse was cut off by his resolute voice. His crimson eyes flickered anxiously.
“We promised to be together every day.”
The boy’s childish promise from long ago came to her mind.
“We did.”
“….”
“So even if you want to go, endure it. Stay here with me.”
“….”
Izeline was speechless, a lump forming in her throat.
She should have said that she had no intention of leaving anyway, that she had always planned to stay with him…
“When my father calls for you next year, tell him this.”
As if reciting a prepared speech, Robert continued.
“Tell him that you have more to learn from your teacher here. And…”
He paused, his lips trembling slightly. Izeline’s pupils dilated at the words that followed.
“Extend the contract, even if it means risking my life.”
“…What?”
She knew that he would survive until he became an adult, but for Robert, who was unaware of his own lifespan, to suggest this first…
“You won’t die anyway.”
His emerald eyes flickered violently.
How did he know that? The only one who could be certain of that was her, who had read the original novel…
“Next year, the year after that, even when you become an adult.”
Rising from his seat, Robert walked around the desk and stood before her. Then, he gently took her soft, white hand and placed it over his heart.
Thump, thump.
Beneath the rough scar, the powerful beating of his heart reverberated through her palm. As she met his gaze, she saw his determined expression as he spoke.
“This heart will continue to beat.”
* * *
After overcoming the towering pile of homework, the days of classes resumed like a revolving wheel.
Gerald, who had skimmed through their work in a blindingly fast manner as if the week they had spent on it was nothing, callously made the papers vanish with a flick of his magic.
‘How much effort did we put into those…’
Izeline stared blankly at the empty desk where her assignments had once been but quickly composed herself. Despite his seemingly cursory glances, she had already experienced Gerald’s uncanny ability to detect even the slightest bit of carelessness.
“Now.”
She grimaced as her teacher handed her a new textbook, not giving her a moment to rest.
How was it that as soon as she finished one volume, another appeared as if by magic? The Hidden Path Bookstore seemed to be an inexhaustible source of textbooks, and she felt like running to Grosche and demanding to know what grudge he held against her.
“Hmm?”
Izeline noticed something unusual and blinked.
“Haah.”
At the same time, Robert let out a quiet sigh, glanced briefly at the door, and irritably brushed his hair back with his hand.
What was going on?
Question marks floated above her head as she looked back and forth between Robert and Gerald.
“Could it be?”
Now that she thought about it, the timing seemed about right…
BAM!
At that moment, the door burst open, and a familiar voice echoed through the room.
“Kids, I’m back!”
“Michael!”
Izeline exclaimed in delight and jumped up from her seat. On the other hand, Robert glanced at him indifferently and muttered under his breath.
“I wish he had stayed buried in Ernon.”
Michael’s eyes narrowed at his words.
“Did you get here late on purpose to annoy me?”
“Who wants to annoy who?”
Michael’s teasing laughter made Robert glare at him. His hazel eyes sparkled with delight at the unfamiliar sight in the academy.
“I was waiting to receive a letter.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
“Really. My dear friend.”
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