I Grabbed the Tyrant’s Heart - Chapter 172

I’m aware that the damned scholar holds a unique position in his field. The dean of Concium brags about him every chance he gets.

“You can continue your research, Euseniel.”

“Tess.”

“I don’t want to hinder what you want to do. You want to do it, right, Euseniel?”

I wanted to shout no, but I decided to act maturely. That way, Euseniel would praise me.

“What scares me isn’t that he likes Euseniel, but that Euseniel’s feelings might change.”

Euseniel’s eyelids fluttered more rapidly than usual.

“But Euseniel said you wouldn’t change.”

Honestly, I despise anyone else looking at you, but if I were to reveal such base desires, even Euseniel might hate me.

“When we were young, there were many things you liked. So, this situation isn’t unfamiliar to me.”

“Was there someone else besides Ethyl?”

“Yes.”

Euseniel’s eyes widened.

“Who? Who else was there?”

“I won’t tell you. If I do, you’ll worry about it.”

“Hmm, I guess I’ll see how they’ve grown at some point.”

“I hate it when Euseniel’s attention is on anything but me. So, I won’t tell you.”

Euseniel made a ‘Tch’ sound but didn’t ask further. I clasped our fingers.

“I like spending nights together, but I also enjoy hearing these stories from Euseniel.”

This was true.

Sleeping together brought pleasure and a sense of fulfillment from having a part of Euseniel, but it faded quickly. To fill the emptiness, I had to endlessly immerse myself in her.

However, just hearing her say she liked me for one day kept me happy for days on end. Even the nauseating souls were bearable.

The heart.

What is this thing that evokes such strange feelings?

“So, go on the expedition, and after you return, continue to participate in research and projects.”

“Tess.”

“Hmm?”

“Don’t overdo it.”

I was holding back my desire to scream that I absolutely didn’t want her to have anything to do with him, not even passing by him.

“There are many ways to do what I want.”

What are you trying to say?

“There’s no need to confront him if it means hurting you.”

“…”

“Doing research is good, but it’s not worth continuing if it bothers you.”

Euseniel repeated her point slowly and clearly, several times, as if to make sure I understood.

“The person I like isn’t Weathering Blest but Tessvalun Neussville. Got it?”

The person I like.

Euseniel, whose face heats up to her forehead, spoke again.

“I like you.”

“…”

“I like you, Tess.”

* * *

A few days later, Weathering Blest assembled a team for County Daidi domain’s mine exploration.

“I permit it.”

It was nothing new since it had already been communicated to the Archmage. However, the real reason for inviting that damned scholar was different.

All mines must be registered with the imperial family, but when rare minerals are found, it’s common to report them only after a certain period. This allows the landowner to assess the mine’s value and find ways to report it lower, to reduce taxes.

The mine recently discovered in County Daidi’s domain was indeed newly found.

“What did you promise Count Daidi?”

“I’m not sure what you’re asking.”

The shameless scholar responded coolly, and I laughed.

“Did you promise to find other mines in the domain? Perhaps a gold mine in the Kirik Mountains, where earth dragons reside.”

The scholar’s expression didn’t change, but his soul colored with confusion.

I didn’t press further. It benefits me, so the more developed, the better.

“Seems you’re serious about dimensional travel. What, planning to coax Euseniel into eloping with you if it’s possible?”

I knew it wasn’t right. But I still pressed for an answer, watching the scholar’s soul writhe in pain as if bleeding. Daring to harbor feelings for Euseniel warrants a punishment more than this.

“Like your father, you too, Weathering Blest, do not know your place.”

The scholar’s lower lip trembled as he tried to maintain his composure.

“If you have nothing more to say, I’ll take my leave.”

“The former Duke Lantia died miserably for overreaching beyond his position.”

The scholar who bowed his head and was about to retreat, froze.

I’ve never said I’d spare you just because I held back in front of Euseniel, damned scholar.

“Be careful. It won’t just be you who suffers for your mistakes.”

This man is quite perceptive.

I know all about how he casually threw in comments that led Euseniel’s heart whenever she was troubled. I despise that someone other than me knows so much about Euseniel.

I still don’t look into Euseniel’s soul. I can understand her feelings well enough without doing so.

This person, despite not being able to see souls, can guess Euseniel’s feelings and mood accurately most of the time. That’s why, of all those who harbor feelings for Euseniel, I wish to kill this one the most.

“…I will bear that in mind.”

Weathering Blest, you care for your older brother, don’t you? So, understand my words when I say ‘your actions will also determine the future of Lantia’ and act accordingly.

“Let me give you one friendly piece of advice. It would be in your best interest if Euseniel never learns about your true parentage.”

“…”

“She has a particular disdain for affairs and illegitimate children.”

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