The Extra Saved the Terminally Ill Princess and Ran Away - Chapter 40

Chapter 40: Tournament (4)

***

The possibility, however slim, that there might be two reincarnators, was a disconcerting thought.

The lack of evidence supported this theory, and,

It meant my situation was far more precarious than I had anticipated. I didn't want to believe it.

If Selina were a reincarnator, she wouldn't be so friendly towards Lili.

The fact that Lili was nolonger afflicted with Cellular Petrification, which Selina also contracts in the latter half of the novel, was clear evidence that Lili had used the cure meant for Selina.

In other words, if Selina were a reincarnator, she would know she was destined to die in Lili's place.

'But perhaps she's not worried, knowing that all the heroines except for the main one suffer a tragic fate in this story.'

That's why I had mentioned "vitamin" in front of her.

To test that slim possibility.

If she wasn't a reincarnator, she would be puzzled by my word choice.

Because everyone in this world reacted the same way when I used words that didn't exist here.

-"Advertising?"-

That was the Headmaster's reaction when I used the word "advertising," thinking of TV commercials.

Just like Ian and Selina with "vitamin," he had echoed the word in a hesitant, unfamiliar tone.

I had experienced this several times, and I had finally figured out the language mechanics of this world.

While everything appeared and sounded like Korean to me, the language of this world wasn't Korean.

And the Korean words I spoke, filled with my intended meaning, were translated into this world's language, while their words were translated into Korean for me.

The same applied to reading and writing.

Considering the foreign-sounding names and places, it was unlikely that this world used Korean.

So, the words "advertising" and "vitamin," even after being translated, would still sound unfamiliar to them, and,

Their words, which I didn't understand, would be translated into Korean for me, even if they were gibberish.

I was confident I would catch even the slightest flicker of recognition in Selina's expression.

She was a mage, lacking in physical prowess, and I was a combat specialist, attuned to the subtle movements and rhythms of the human body.

-"Vitamin??"-

Fortunately, or unfortunately, that was my answer.

Her smooth, unchanged expression and relaxed muscles confirmed my suspicions.

Selina wasn't a reincarnator.

The good news was that I no longer had to worry about her hidden motives.

The bad news was that my mere presence was enough to distort the original storyline, even without direct intervention.

"Sigh… This is complicated."

I tossed Ian a common nutritional supplement, excused myself, and went to sit on a nearby bench, sighing heavily.

Hum…

White Night vibrated softly, as if echoing my worries.

It often reacted to my mumbling when we were alone, obediently following my instructions to remain inconspicuous in public.

"Do you even understand what I'm worrying about?"

As a sword meant for those with tragic fates, it shouldn't be able to understand my feelings, yet its reaction brought a faint smile to my lips.

It felt like White Night was sharing my burden, easing my anxieties.

I could confide in this sword, this silent, empathetic companion, the worries I couldn't share with anyone else.

Hum…

White Night vibrated again, emitting a faint glow, as if urging me to continue.

I hadn't told it everything, about this being a fictional world,

But it had heard enough to know that Lili was the source of most of my worries.

"Thanks, buddy. I appreciate the support."

I patted the hilt, grateful for its silent companionship. It was one of my only two true companions in this world, as an anomaly.

"…Oh, it's raining."

Plip.

A raindrop landed on my hand, shattering against White Night's blade.

And then another. And another.

The drizzle intensified, turning into a steady downpour.

I heard the students' excited cries as they scurried for cover.

If this were the Magic Department area, they would have simply shielded themselves with magic, but such abilities were rare in the Knight Department.

Clip-clop, clip-clop.

The sound of the academy shuttle's hooves echoed in the distance.

White Night vibrated again, urging me to seek shelter.

"What are you doing here in the rain, Berry?"

A melodious voice, its beauty unmarred by the rain, reached my ears.

I looked up to see the shuttle stopping nearby, then continuing on its way after a brief pause.

And Lili, standing before me, her eyes filled with concern.

She must have seen me sitting on the bench in the rain while on her way to the training grounds.

Snap.

She snapped her fingers, creating a thin magical barrier above me.

"Your Highness."

"Something on your mind? …Well, everyone has worries. Let me rephrase that. Something serious bothering you?"

Something serious.

I wanted to tell her that my worries were all about her, caused by her, for her.

But I couldn't let those feelings show, so I simply sighed, feigning self-deprecation.

"Just… wondering if I'm doing the right thing."

"What thing?"

"Everything."

Lili considered my vague, perhaps foolish, question, then said,

"When you're unsure, think about who made it possible for you to be here."

"Who made it… possible…?"

I tilted my head, and she nodded.

"Then you'll realize that such worries are a luxury. The very fact that you can worry about whether you're doing the right thing is thanks to their sacrifice."

"…."

"No one achieves anything solely through their own efforts. There's always someone else's sacrifice involved. Whether it's family, friends… or a lover."

"Then shouldn't we strive even harder, to find the right answer?"

"Are you even worrying about something that has an answer?"

"…."

Her words hit home, silencing me.

She was right. There was no answer to my worries. And even if there was, I wouldn't be able to find it.

She gestured towards me with her chin.

"See? You're wasting your time."

"Then, Your Highness…"

"I don't try to solve unsolvable problems. I accept them. The fact that I can't solve them is also a result of someone's sacrifice. Wanting more than that is selfish, a disservice to their sacrifice."

The "someone" she was referring to… was probably her parents and her fiancé.

The fact that I wasn't included stung, but her logic was sound, so I nodded.

My current efforts to save her were also made possible by her past sacrifices, and by Finn's sacrifice.

"So, instead of worrying about things beyond your control, just do your best. That's what they would want."

"Is that why Your Highness works so hard, despite being the Empire's only heir?"

She answered without hesitation,

"Yes. I want to show them that I've become stronger, that I'm trying my best, thanks to them."

Her voice softened, her lips moistening.

"This is the only way I can repay them, and I'll do whatever it takes. Even winning tomorrow's tournament."

My heart ached.

Despite her desire to win, I couldn't let her.

My goal was to save her from her tragic fate, and for that, we had to be the runners-up.

It was more important to erase her fiancé's influence than to let her move on with her life, clinging to his memory.

I stood up abruptly, hoping she wouldn't notice my inner turmoil.

I forced a smile, adopting a confident posture, as if encouraged by her words.

"You're right. Worrying won't solve anything. Let's focus on winning the tournament."

She smiled at me, a beautiful smile that didn't include me.

"You've finally come to your senses. Oh, and after the tournament… let's keep our distance for a while."

"Huh?"

"Don't 'huh' me. There's no reason for us to be seen together after the tournament. It'll only fuel rumors, understand?"

Her eyes warned me, Don't disappoint me. Stay within your limits.

"I need to write letters to my fiancé… You should find someone too. Being a top scorer, you shouldn't have any trouble finding a suitable partner."

"Understood."

"Should I help you? Being a commoner might be a disadvantage, but I can help you find someone from a Duke's family."

"That's not necessary."

"Really?"

"Yes. I prefer to find someone myself."

"Surprisingly romantic."

She shrugged.

I couldn't meet her gaze, so she turned and walked towards the training grounds.

"I hope you end up with Grace. She's a bit clueless, but she's perfect otherwise. And you're in the same party."

"…I'll consider it."

"Good, good. Now, let's go! We don't have much time left!"

Her insistence on finding me a partner was relentless, so I had to give her some kind of answer.

I was used to suppressing my emotions, so,

Despite my conflicted feelings, we trained together seamlessly that day, parting ways earlier than usual.

And so, with a heavy heart, I greeted the morning of the tournament.

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