The Eldest Daughter Walks Down The Flower Path - Chapter 212
Chapter 212
Translator: Yonnee
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“I see.”
Lost in thought, Radis recalled that a significant part of her mana originated from the mana stones she had absorbed before.
‘I don’t feel any discomfort with the mana I currently have, but being discovered at the temple could complicate things.’
With a tentative mindset, Radis cupped her hands and whispered into Robert’s ear in a very small voice.
“The thing is, do you think it’s possible to absorb mana from a magic stone?”
Robert, after a moment of thought, whispered back.
“You… after reading so fervently, aren’t you having strange thoughts?”
Radis sighed and playfully slapped Robert’s solid shoulder.
“No!”
It seemed Robert was completely unaware of that possibility.
‘Of course, there was no mention of such a thing in the books…’
Robert rubbed the spot where Radis hit him and said.
“Don’t think unnecessary thoughts. You’re strong enough as you are.”
“I never have unnecessary thoughts.”
As Radis grumbled, she suddenly realized that Yves was intently watching her and Robert.
Yves spoke in a gloomy tone.
“You two seem all chummy.”
Robert, examining a pure white ceremonial garb for the upcoming ceremony at the grand temple, nonchalantly replied,
“We’re friends. It’s different from being a vassal, obviously.”
“That term ‘friends’ is quite curious. Can that kind of relationship really exist between a man and a woman?”
Instead of Robert, Radis cheerfully replied to that twisted question.
“Of course! Marquis, we’re friends too, aren’t we?”
At her words, Yves, as if struck, stood silently for a moment before suddenly turning and leaving the drawing room.
Radis was perplexed.
“What’s up with him?”
Robert placed a hand on her shoulder.
“Well done. That’s the Vice Captain of the Imperial Subjugation Squad that I know.”
“Me? Well done? What do you mean?”
Instead of answering her question, Robert said.
“Radis, this is just my guess, but that guy has been using you, hasn’t he?”
“H-Huh?”
Startled, Radis’s eyes widened as Robert comforted her with a gentle pat on the shoulder.
“He must have tried to use you in an underhanded way. That’s the kind of person he is.”
“Robert…”
“So, someone needs to teach him a lesson.”
“What?”
Robert took his hand off her shoulder and picked up the pure white ceremonial uniform again.
“You know that saying? A disaster brought upon oneself.”
Radis couldn’t grasp what Robert was implying.
‘A disaster…? What have I done? Aren’t the Marquis and I friends though…?’
However, Robert had no intention of leaving her to dwell in her confusion for long. He quickly gave her something to focus on.
“Radis, do you know how this should be put on?”
“Ah, that…”
They had been comrades through thick and thin for six years.
Robert knew her personality inside out.
Radis was fundamentally straightforward.
When she was troubled, it was always better to distract her with a new task.
Sure enough, as they sorted through Robert’s items together, Radis’s expression soon brightened again.
When he tried on the ceremonial uniform for the upcoming ceremony at the grand temple, Radis rolled on the sofa, laughing heartily.
But when he donned the new armor and cloak, she clapped like a seal, delighted.
“Our Captain really stands out no matter where he is!”
Robert smiled warmly and patted her head.
* * *
The next day, before the ‘Trial of Incandescence’, the procedure to verify the mana purity of the master candidates was conducted at the grand temple.
Since the verification process was private, after seeing Robert off, Radis and Yves headed towards the imperial palace.
Radis worried it might be awkward after Yves left in such an emotionally charged state yesterday.
Just as expected, he spoke hardly a word, except for a brief word of encouragement to Robert.
Even in the carriage heading from the grand temple to the imperial palace, he kept his gaze fixed outside the window, silent.
Radis pondered as she looked at Yves’s sulking profile.
‘How can I make him feel better…?’
Although she felt her gaze should be noticeable, Yves just crossed his arms and continued to look outside, his demeanor visibly tense.
Yet, strangely, he also looked endearing.
Especially with his puffed, sulky cheeks and protruding lips.
Radis placed her hand on Yves’s shoulder and called out to him.
“Marquis.”
“……”
“Marquiiiiis.”
“……”
“Yves.”
As she called his name, Yves reluctantly turned his head.
Then, Radis’s finger on his shoulder poked his cheek. Startled, Yves flinched.
“W-What?”
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