Chapter 78 – Requilis (2)

April 8th, 2023

At first, my head went numb from the spiciness I had never experienced before in Marie’s version, but my steps towards the mansion did not stop. 

However, since Marie still had her arm around mine, the heat on my face didn’t seem to subside.
Even though I tried to act as casual as possible, Marie could see it all over my face, making it pointless to try and hide it.

“Poke, poke.”

“Stop it.”

“I don’t want to.
I’m going to keep doing it.”

Marie continued to playfully poke my face with her finger, even though I told her to stop.
She just laughed it off and ignored me.

When I asked her why she was doing it, she said she was curious if red liquid would come out.
It was so absurd that I couldn’t help but laugh.

In the end, I had to give up halfway.
It wasn’t really bothering me, and it was just Marie’s way of showing affection, so I decided to just let it go.

It didn’t matter if someone happened to pass by and see us.
If it was Marie, she would proudly announce to them that we were a couple.

As her boyfriend, I was a little embarrassed, but I loved her confidence.
Sometimes, I even felt like she was more masculine than me.

And so, Marie was still playing around with me as we almost arrived at the mansion.

“Welcome back to the family, Miss Marie.
We sincerely welcome your return.”

Said an old man who had been waiting in front of the mansion and greeted us with proper manners.
The old man who was wearing traditional butler’s clothes, politely bowed his head .

He had neatly pushed back his scruffy hair and tidied up mustache without a hint of disarray.
Additionally, his solid build, which couldn’t be hidden even under the butler’s uniform, made his well-trained swordsmanship apparent.
The traces of his training were clearly evident, making it impossible to approach him carelessly.

“Hello, Sebastian, it’s been a while.
Have you been well?”

“I’m always the same.
But who is this gentleman with red hair next to you? I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere before…” 

Sebastian straightened his previously hunched back and looked at me.
I hadn’t realized it when he was bowing, but he was quite tall when he straightened up.

My father was 190cm tall, and the butler in front of us was similar in height.
Despite his age, he stood up straight, indicating that he was undoubtedly skilled.

‘I’ve heard that butlers in fantasy worlds are strong…’

Without flinching from Sebastian’s sharp gaze, I replied.

“Hello, I’m Isaac Ducker Michelle of the Michelle family.”

“Hmm, as expected of the Michelle family.
No wonder the red hair looked familiar.”

Sebastian said, indicating that he was aware of my father’s reputation.
Of course, I had no intention of mentioning it.

“Anyway, welcome to the Requilis family mansion.
There seems to be no need to ask about your relationship.”

Sebastian spoke gently but firmly.
After all, if they were still holding hands like that, it would be weird not to notice.

I chuckled bitterly and leaned my shoulder against Marie, who laughed even harder, as if showing off our relationship.
Sebastian smiled contentedly as he watched our sweet relationship.

“Sebastian, is anyone inside now?”

“Both of them are inside.
I heard that the master finished everything in a day, especially after hearing the news that the young lady was coming back.”

I could already smell the scent of a doting father.
Honestly, it’s normal for anyone to become a doting parent if they have a daughter like Marie.
Of course, as her boyfriend, it’s like a huge barrier has been erected, which won’t be easy to cross.

But Marie seemed unaware of my feelings and just laughed.

“Dad is so hopeless.
He can’t keep his mouth shut.”

“For now, let’s bring both of you inside.
Young master will have to stay in the guest room for a while.
Is that okay with you?”

“I’m fine with it.”

“Understood.
I’ll take good care of you for the short time you’re here.”

When Sebastian reached out his hand towards the mansion, we followed him and began to walk.
As we walked, Sebastian led the way and began to guide us.

Finally, we reached the front of the mansion, and the main gate was no joke.
The wooden gate was carved with an eagle, symbolizing the Requilis family, and exuded an imposing presence as if it could soar into the sky at any moment.

It was evident that the dwarves had put a lot of effort into the design, as Marie had said.

Squeak-

While I was admiring the front gate, Sebastian opened the door for me and gestured with his hand to go inside.
Just before entering, Marie finally let go of my arm, which she had held onto tightly, as if she would never let go.
I couldn’t help but wonder about it.

“At least we should show some courtesy at home.
Don’t you think so too?”

Sebastian asked me with a doubtful look, and Marie replied with a pouty face.
Although it was a valid point, it was a bit disappointing.

I must have shown my disappointment on my face because Marie pinched my cheek slightly, asking me to be patient.

“Well then, let me take you to the guest room.
Please follow me.”

Sebastian said, taking advantage of the moment.
I followed him, watching his sturdy back.

The inside of the mansion was not as luxurious as the exterior, but it was still grand.
The harmonious colors matched well with each other, and the interior structure was arranged only with what was necessary, making it easy on the eyes.

Especially impressive was the ceiling, which Marie had previously told me was important to the Requilis family’s history.
The ceiling depicted a picture from the “War of the Races” 500 years ago.

It showed a picture of elves and beastmen in an alliance against humans, while dwarves were depicted as a supporting force for humans, holding weapons from afar.

Even those who were not well-versed in history could understand the meaning of the painting at a glance, as it was depicted so well.

‘Since the War of the Races ended and the Minerva Empire was born, it was only appropriate to paint it on the ceiling.’

Anyway, I take it back that there’s no splendor.
Painting such a picture on the ceiling, which is similar to the ‘sky,’ means that it is considered important.

“The Minerva Empire was nothing more than an ordinary kingdom during the racial war.
However, it was rebuilt into an empire based on the outstanding ability of the first emperor and the political power of Requilis.
We safely went through the Cold War period after the racial war and now we can see the result.”

When I was staring at the ceiling absentmindedly, Sebastian’s gentle voice penetrated my ears.
When I lowered my head, Sebastian was waiting with a gentle smile.

I blinked my eyes and asked him, pointing to the ceiling. 

“That’s depicting the racial war, right?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“It’s a little disappointing that there are no demons.
The demons also fought in two factions.”

At the time of the racial war, the demons were divided into two categories and participated in each alliance.

Those who hated humans and those who did not.

However, even the appearance of the demons was not visible in the picture on the ceiling now.
Although the demons could not contribute much due to discrimination at that time, they played a significant role in some ways.

Sebastian also opened his mouth with a slightly uncomfortable voice when I pointed out that part, which he seems to know well.

“… I’m sorry about that too.
I heard that the artist who drew that picture suffered from the demons at some point.
It is estimated that they did not include the demons because of that.”

“Hmm…”

“However, since they are working on it again now, there is no need to worry.”

“I see.”

I was a bit puzzled since the Requilis family values history, but since they are working on it I just let it go.
Marie and I followed Sebastian as he began to guide us again.

As we walked down the long hallway towards the guest room, we noticed portraits hanging on the wall.
Under each portrait was a brief description along with the year it was made.

‘These must be the portraits of Rekyriss’ previous heads, arranged chronologically.’

Occasionally, we saw portraits of people with white hair like Marie’s, so I was sure they were.
Sebastian, who was guiding us, walked at a leisurely pace, matching my footsteps as I slowly observed each portrait.

Marie, who was beside me, patiently waited until I was finished admiring each one.
I thought she would have grown tired of looking at the portraits, but she was considerate and didn’t complain.

“…Hmm?”

As I was walking and examining each portrait, I suddenly noticed a peculiar one.
The label next to it, which was usually white, was black.

I became curious and looked at the description.
Soon, I understood.

[The worst villain in the history of the Requilis family.]

[Assassinated his brothers to inherit the duchy.]

[Recruited soldiers for the revival of the Minerva Empire and formed alliances with neighboring nobles.]

[Also known for his promiscuous lifestyle and mistreatment of his employees.]

[All illegitimate children born as a result of this were expelled.]

It is not always the case that a tiger gives birth to a tiger, even if it is a family like the Requilis, which produces outstanding talents with excellent character.
There are always villains in the world. 

Judging by the fact that they made it so noticeable, it is speculated that they want him to become a teacher who teaches the opposite.
After all, people often gain greater enlightenment from the most unpleasant experiences in their lives.

“Hazel Hausen Requilis.
He had excellent abilities but used them in a bad way and had a bad character.
Fortunately, his son became the opposite and the Requilis family was not in danger.”

Sebastian explained as I closely observed the portrait.

I rubbed my chin and looked at the portrait before asking him a question.

“If he made a pact with the surrounding nobles, wouldn’t it have been a sign of rebellion? The Requilis family must have been close to the royal family…”

“Fortunately, the next duke stopped him before the royal family noticed.
Of course, Hazel Duke was dethroned, and his son succeeded him.
That person is Indis Hausen Requilis and is the great-grandfather of the current Duke.”

“Hmm…”

As expected, it was interesting.
Nothing interests me more than history.

I wanted to explore more, but it wouldn’t be polite to delay any longer.
I stepped away.
I can learn about history gradually at a later time.

“You seem to enjoy history, Young master.”

“It’s interesting.”

“Hehehe.
You suit the Requilis family very well.”

Sebastian spoke these words while glancing at Marie.
Marie seemed to have caught the meaning in his gaze, as she blushed and lowered her head slightly, unlike her usual confident self.
Her shy behavior was incredibly cute, and I almost accidentally reached out to hold her hand.

“This is the guest room.
We will soon bring some light refreshments.
May I ask if you plan on staying for the night?”

“No, no.
I just came for a visit.
I’ll be leaving soon.”

“I understand.
Please wait here for a moment.
Oh, there are some books over there, feel free to read them if you’re bored.”

“Thank you.”

“Please enjoy your time here.”

Kiik-

As Sebastian personally opened the door for me, I gave him a slight bow and walked inside.
Before entering, I didn’t forget to meet Marie’s gaze.

It seemed like she didn’t want to be separated from me, even if it was only for a short time, and her face showed a pouty expression.
I gave her a faint smile and whispered with my lips.

“I’ll wait for you.”

As soon as she understood what I meant, Marie smiled brightly.
Then I waved my hand, and she waved hers in return.

Thunk-

When Sebastian closed the door, the stillness settled in the guest room.
Even though I was alone, the atmosphere became quiet in an instant, and my mood became strange.

Sebastian had said that he would bring a simple snack later, so it would be best to sit and wait.
I turned my back and looked at the scenery of the guest room.

“… Huh.”

I couldn’t even muster up admiration anymore.
Despite being called a guest room, it was almost the size of a small house.

Is this what the interior of a true chaebol house looks like? There was a long table for receiving guests in the center, and there was even a terrace outside.

Above all, the most noticeable thing was the bookshelves located in the most remote corner.
They were arranged neatly as if it were a study, despite being a guest room.

I put everything else aside and walked towards the bookshelf.
I wondered what kind of books were on the shelf, and hoped there were books I haven’t read yet.

“Let’s see… I’ve read this, and this, and this too.”

What? I’ve read them all.

Although there were many historical books related to the Requilis family, it was filled with books that I had already read at home, whether they were history books or not.

It seemed that they had selected popular books for guests.
I tried to turn my foot away from the bookshelf with regret.

[Xenon’s Biography]

“… …”

In an empty bookshelf, as if it had just been installed, only my books were lying there, neatly arranged from volume one to the latest volume ten.
Xenon’s Biography was even in the guest room of a duke.
I felt like I was back in high school, browsing through the fantasy novels at the school library.

‘But didn’t they say that you can only buy one volume of Xenon’s Biography per person?’

I wondered to myself as I took the first volume of Xenon’s Biography from the bookshelf.
It was well maintained with no dust on it, and the book cover was clean.
I couldn’t even feel the book’s usual dampness or stickiness.
It must have been recently purchased or thoroughly managed, even the humidity.

Shuffling through the pages, I turned over the book cover and found that the paper had slightly discolored, but considering the release date of the first volume, it was actually well maintained.

‘I should put this back and look for other books.’

As it was my own book, I wasn’t particularly interested.
I placed Xenon’s Biography back on the bookshelf and checked to see if there were any other books.

“Oh? I haven’t seen this one before.”

There was one book under the bookshelf that I hadn’t noticed before.
I eagerly took the book out, and it turned out to be a book related to history, and to my luck, it was an investigative book about the complex “war of races.”

I happily walked towards the table and sat on the guest sofa.
It seemed like a good idea to spend my time delving into this book until Marie returned.

‘It’s gone wrong.’

I flipped through the pages with an excited heart.
Even though it was a book that was stuck at the bottom, I could see traces of careful management here and there.

Then I focused my attention and started to get absorbed in the knowledge that the book was conveying.
Since it was a new book, I was able to enjoy it even more.

‘This person is looking at the fundamental cause of the racial war from a different perspective.
This is also interesting.’

A book is originally a source of human knowledge, but of course, since people have different thoughts, the knowledge conveyed in books could be different as well.

Many people think that the reason for the racial war was due to ideological differences between elves and humans, but this book is different.
It argues that humans caused a manipulative incident in order to challenge the elves.

In reality, for a large-scale war like a racial war to occur, a “cause” is absolutely necessary.
Without a justifiable cause, the country that declares war on neighboring countries would inevitably face condemnation, and in the worst case, it could become like Nazi Germany during World War II.

Of course, the citizens could also oppose the war, but the Nazis brainwashed their own citizens and made them turn a blind eye.
At that time, the Internet was not widely available, so it would have been even easier to brainwash them.

‘Come to think of it, what were humans thinking when they fought during the racial war? I’m curious.’

When I slowly look back at history, I become curious about the thoughts of people from that time.
Even if I can understand the person, I can never empathize with them unless I see and experience it myself.

I continued to focus on the story in the book without minding the occasional movement of someone passing by in front of me.

Once I immerse myself, there comes a moment when my extreme concentration takes over, a unique characteristic of mine.

“…Hmm.”

“… …”

“Ahem!”

Suddenly, the sound of someone clearing their throat interrupted my focus.
At the same time, my strong concentration shattered, and I was pulled out of the sea of knowledge.

It wasn’t just the annoyance of losing my concentration that hit me, but also the realization that I wasn’t in my own house, but in the Requilis Mansion.
I quickly lifted my head and looked at the person who had cleared their throat.

The first thing that caught my eye was his white hair, which had a hint of blue.
It was not like Sebastian’s graying hair, but naturally pure white.
His face was also a unique impression, where severity and softness coexisted.
The blue eyes, with a touch of gentleness, made me feel a sense of mercy.

He was dressed in a simple but dignified white suit.
I blinked my eyes, staring at the man who appeared before me without warning.

As our eyes met, the man opened his mouth with a gentle yet firm voice.

“Young friend, are you interested in history?”

“… …”

As soon as he spoke, I frantically looked around him, hoping for an escape.
But as fate would have it, Sebastian and Marie were standing next to him.

I did not notice the time passing and focused on the book, completely unaware that they had returned.

‘…I’m in trouble.’

I’m going to be marked as a man who’s ignored my girlfriend’s father.

Translators note:

Pure.
Gold.