Chapter 67: He gave Blena flowers

Rita strode forward and firmly grabbed Yan’s arm as he tried to slip away.

“I don’t know what happened, but… your strength is far from ordinary. It’s a power that could easily harm someone. So, don’t wield it recklessly against people.”

Her voice was low, meant only for Yan, but her tone was resolute.

Though quiet, it was a clear reprimand.

Reading the emotion in her cold golden eyes, Yan immediately became sullen, his lips pouting like a child’s.

Rita sighed involuntarily.

“If you break this promise, I’ll have no choice but to send you back to the temple.”

At this final warning, Yan, startled, hurriedly responded.

“Wrong. I was wrong.”

The rare apology from Yan drew gasps of amazement from Michael and the onlookers.

But Rita wasn’t convinced Yan was truly repentant.

It could just be words to appease the situation, pressured by the atmosphere.

Yet, she couldn’t scold him further after his apology. Sighing, Rita turned away.

“Ah…!”

Startled, Yan grabbed the hem of her clothes. Rita turned back, frowning.

“Don’t follow me.”

At her stern tone, Yan’s head drooped.

Rita left the scene, and Blena and Alois, exchanging cautious glances, followed her. 

In the heavy atmosphere, Michael, at a loss, stayed behind to console the now-alone Yan.

“Rita! Slow down!”

At Blena’s breathless call, Rita finally stopped and turned.

“L-Lady Rita, it’s a misunderstanding. Yan didn’t do anything wrong. Well, I mean, violence is bad, but…”

Alois, catching his breath, spoke up.

Rita paused, recalling the mercenary trembling beneath Yan.

“…It’s Yan’s fault for hurting someone weaker.”

“What if that so-called ‘weaker’ person was spewing filthy insults about you?” Blena retorted suddenly.

Rita’s eyes narrowed at the unexpected response.

What did she mean? Blena shrugged at Rita’s questioning gaze.

“That ‘weaker’ guy was badmouthing you and that kid with some nasty remarks. You get the idea without me spelling it out, right? Honestly, it was surprising. I thought Yan was clueless about that kind of thing. Or maybe he instinctively recognized the insult and got mad?”

“Anyway, that guy started it by saying weird stuff!” Alois added.

Rita was at a loss for words.

She felt guilty for blaming Yan outright, but something puzzled her.

‘The gossip wasn’t new. Even when we heard such talk together before, Yan never reacted.’

Had he held back then? Or was the insult this time too much to bear?

The mystery, coupled with the realization that Yan could now understand such things, surprised her.

‘I don’t get it. He’s so unpredictable. In my past life, he was quiet by Michael’s side, causing no trouble. Why is it different now? Is my approach wrong?’

Frustrated by the constant disruptions, Rita felt stifled.

“By the way, where’s Seth? Alois, have you seen him?” Blena asked.

“No, I didn’t see him this morning either.”

The conversation shifted to Seth, and Rita grew curious too.

Indeed, Seth had been scarce since Floria’s return.

“Maybe he’s struggling with his sudden mana surge?” Alois suggested.

“Could be. Should we check on him? But with his personality, he probably hates showing weakness…” Blena mused.

Rita nodded unconsciously. Their guesses were likely correct, but Seth was probably grappling with his change, just as Floria had.

“It’s only been a few days, but it feels empty without Seth. Still, Eugene’s been looking out for him…” Alois said.

“No way. That guy only cares about his mercenaries. Always coming to us…” Blena grumbled.

Rita’s eyes widened. Why was Eugene’s name coming up? Blena smirked at her reaction.

“Eugene’s got a surprisingly thoughtful side. He checks on Floria and even lightens the mood for me and Alois when we’re worried about Seth.”

“Really?” Rita muttered, thinking Eugene might be better than she’d assumed.

“And he gave Blena flowers,” Alois blurted.

Rita’s head snapped toward Blena, her gaze asking if it was true. Blena looked exasperated.

“What? Are you crazy? It was just a joke. Alois, you’re so clueless!”

Her vehement denial didn’t hide her flushed face. Knowing Eugene’s flighty nature, Rita frowned.

“Blena, don’t tell me you’re fond of him…?”

“Are you insane? Why are you saying that too?” Blena snapped.

“Don’t I have better taste than that?”

“Well, your face is a bit red, so I wondered…”

“I-I’m just flustered! It’s the first time I’ve gotten flowers!”

Blena touched her face, avoiding Rita’s gaze.

‘Has she still not met that guy from the tracking unit?’

Rita wondered, recalling a past connection from her previous life, unaware she’d disrupted it.

“But Eugene’s actually pretty cool. Why not give him a chance?” Alois said innocently.

Rita and Blena were stunned by his pure smile.

“Wow, I thought you’d be clueless about romance with that personality, but you’re bold in this area,” Blena teased.

“R-Really?” Alois stammered.

“Well, you’re a noble. You’ve probably been socializing since you were young, so you’re used to it,” Blena added.

Rita nodded reflexively.

In her past life, some female Mage Tower peers had flirted with the noble Alois, but he’d deftly rejected them.

‘I used to think he was just looking down on commoners, but now I see it was a polite refusal…’

Alois smiled innocently at Blena.

“You two seem like a good match…”

“I’m saying this clearly: I have no such feelings,” Blena declared.

“Oh… sorry, Blena!” Alois apologized.

“And between colleagues? That’s a no-go!”

“Really?” Alois asked.

“Obviously!”

“What about Mage Tower peers then?”

“Definitely not! That’s sacrilege in a sacred place of learning!”

Alois blinked at her conservative stance but nodded.

“So… mages have to stay single forever? Oh, now that I think about it, most Mage Tower members don’t marry…”

Alois muttered gloomily, picturing his future.

“Well, not necessarily, but until you’re recognized by your master, it’s best to avoid romance. Especially for mages like us with so much to learn…” Blena said.

“So… staying single until your thirties is ideal?” Alois asked.

“Probably,” Blena replied.

“Then… Blena, have you been…?”

“Shut up.”

A brief silence fell between them, and Rita sighed deeply.

Did she really need to keep listening to this foolish conversation?

Shaking her head, Rita quietly walked away.

Some time later, she hesitated in front of Seth’s barracks.

‘Should I go in or not?’

***

Though worried about Seth, this was the first time, even across her past life, that Rita had sought him out personally. She hesitated, feeling awkward.

‘What do I even say? Just ask if he’s okay?’

Unfamiliar with comforting others, Rita pondered for a while.

She also worried about Seth’s prickly nature flaring up or whether he’d be upset by her visit.

‘Maybe I should just leave. He’s not a child. If he’s struggling, he’ll ask for help.’

Annoyed by her own indecision, Rita was about to retreat when the barracks’ flap swung open.

Seth appeared behind the white fabric. Rita looked up at him stiffly.

“Rita?”

Surprised, Seth blinked. Rita, momentarily speechless, composed herself and spoke.

“…Are you okay?”

She cringed at her own banal question, but Seth didn’t seem to mind. He even chuckled lightly.

“Didn’t expect you to worry about me.”

His natural demeanor and better-than-expected appearance relieved Rita. But the moment was brief. Seth’s expression darkened as he asked,

“Did you know? What happens when you absorb their mana stones? Is that why you opposed it?”

Rita quietly nodded at his heavy question. A short silence followed, and Seth let out a long sigh.

“…I see.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No, I didn’t ask to blame you. It was my choice.”

“Still…”

“You became supreme-rank with their mana stones too, right? How was it for you?”

“Well… I’m not sure yet,” Rita said cautiously, holding back since she wasn’t certain.

Sighing again, Seth tentatively asked about Floria’s change.

But that wasn’t for Rita to discuss—it was Floria’s to answer.

“I understand,” Seth said, sighing repeatedly.

Noticing gazes from passing mages, he scratched the back of his head.

“Let’s get some air.”

To avoid misunderstandings, they slipped away and walked aimlessly, like a stroll, in silence.

Rita’s lips twitched, nearly blurting out an apology in the heavy atmosphere.

‘If I’d persuaded him more firmly…’

She shook her head, self-reproaching. Regardless, Satan’s mana stone had chosen Seth. Even if he’d refused, it would’ve stayed by his side.

‘Considering Satan’s sadistic, obsessive nature, that’s a reasonable guess.’

Not rationalizing, Rita sighed heavily. 

Hearing it, Seth suddenly chuckled.

“It was my choice. So stop looking so grim. It’s tough, honestly, but… I’ll endure. I’ll overcome it. I’ll make sure this never happens again.”

Thinking of Eileen, Seth clutched his chest, frowning.

“It’s an opportunity. The one I always wanted. I won’t let its rage consume me. So…”

He wanted to say, ‘Don’t worry’, but the words felt too embarrassing, and he swallowed them.

Rita, already understanding, smiled lightly at Seth’s flushed, averted face.

The weight in her heart felt a little lighter.