TL/Editor: raei

    Status: 5/week mon-fri

    Illustrations: none

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    After skimming through Maronius''s life, Ian paused his exploration to think.

    ''Well...''

    Thanks to all the artifacts Elia had gathered, he''d been able to examine the great wizard''s entire life, from youth to final days.

    Not in complete detail, of course - just the major events.

    After reviewing everything from start to finish, Ian realized one crucial thing.

    ''There''s nothing special here.''

    That was it.

    What Ian needed was practical magic he could use right now.

    Mysteries that only Maronius knew about, secret spells he''d never shared with others.

    But this guy...

    He''d been almost painfully transparent!

    He had zero talent for scheming or plotting - just someone who spent his whole life dedicated to research until he died.

    He truly was a great scholar, in the purest sense.

    ''I respect his academic achievements, but...''

    While Maronius was undoubtedly an incredible scholar and wizard,

    In every other way... he wasn''t much different from an ordinary person.

    Ian accepted this without disappointment.

    Perfect superhumans were rare, and there was no reason to be particularly let down that Maronius wasn''t one.

    If anything, the disappointing part was that his magic wasn''t much different from modern magic.

    ''No. It''s still too early.''

    Research into Maronius was truly a massive undertaking - one that could legitimately take a lifetime to complete.

    With enough time and resources invested, it would surely yield worthwhile results.

    The issue was that Ian had no interest in such leisurely research right now.

    He had promises to keep with both the Sky God and Ice God, so he wanted to fulfill those first before continuing his research.

    ...Looking at the current state of the empire, he wondered if there''d even be time for relaxed study.

    ''First... let''s finish the current quest.''

    Ian had made a deal with Maronius''s soul.

    In exchange for showing his memories, Ian would alter them to make them ''happier''.

    Since he hadn''t found much valuable information in Maronius''s memories themselves, he could focus on completing the quest and claiming his reward.

    [So, young scholar. Have you enjoyed my memories enough?]

    Maronius''s soul asked.

    The souls'' speech patterns varied slightly depending on their age.

    [Yes. Thank you for showing them to me.]

    [If you''re satisfied, that''s good. Now keep your promise.]

    Maronius''s souls gathered around.

    They all stared intently at Ian.

    Ian nodded lightly and said:

    [Of course. Do you have any particular developments in mind?]

    [...If needed, I''ll interject as we go.]

    An audience member wanting to jump into the show directly.

    Not Ian''s preferred type to deal with, but he allowed it.

    Since this was all a performance to satisfy Maronius anyway, he deserved that much authority.

    [Then let''s begin.]

    Ian started a new play, coordinating with Kira.

    #

    Ian became Demius.

    A young man of the Golden Empire.

    He was the same as Maronius from the memories, but with one key difference.

    "Hm? What''s wrong, Demius?"

    "..."

    There was a red-haired woman gently holding his arm.

    It was Liria.

    Demius could barely move his arm.

    The solid presence against his forearm was too distracting...

    "Are you angry?"

    "Angry? Me?"

    Demius squeezed their linked arms slightly.

    That soft sensation again.

    Demius was genuinely exasperated by Liria''s cluelessness.

    What man could possibly be angry with such a pleasant feeling at his side!

    The very question ''are you angry'' was fundamentally flawed!

    "I-I mean... I followed you here on my own. Even though you said not to."

    Liria spoke while carefully avoiding Demius''s gaze.

    It wouldn''t have been strange for Demius to be angry.

    This wasn''t the empire anymore.

    This was a distant expedition site - the middle of an infamously dangerous jungle.

    ...Recently, Demius and Liria had gotten into an argument.

    But it turned out to be a minor misunderstanding, and they quickly reconciled.

    Demius and Liria had shared their views about the future.

    Though the fight ended, Demius was a young man consumed by ambition for success.

    He had no intention of being consumed as a resource for his brother at his parents'' command.

    Especially now that he had Liria as ''family'' too?

    The audience''s gaze focused on her.

    Then Demius appears.

    Liria and Demius are lovers.

    And Demius asking for [encouragement].

    ''...!''

    Kira made her judgment quickly.

    Ian had passed the acting initiative to her.

    At this exact moment when Liria should give Demius the kind of [encouragement] only lovers can give.

    ''What should I do.''

    Kira thought.

    If it was Ian''s request... the best choice would be a warm hug.

    That would be appropriate for Kira and Ian''s relationship.

    But...

    If it was Demius''s request?

    They were lovers.

    They''d fought recently but dramatically reconciled, and promised to share their future together.

    Above all.

    Maronius''s souls were watching them.

    What kind of scene would the audience want to see?

    Kira easily reached her conclusion.

    Obviously they''d want to see something intense. No audience pays admission to see boring scenes.

    ''I need to... help Ian.''

    Ian had made a contract with Maronius''s soul.

    Since Maronius showed his memories, Ian needed to show something satisfying to the great wizard.

    Kira knew her role was extremely important.

    The character Liria was like a cheat key that moved Maronius''s heart.

    ''...This is to help Ian.''

    Kira told herself.

    A questioning echo came from deep in her heart.

    ''Really? Is that really what you think?''

    ''...Shut up.''

    Kira ignored her inner voice.

    And stepped forward.

    Demius was right in front of her.

    Yes. That was Demius.

    Not Ian.

    Liria reached out both hands to hold Demius''s cheeks.

    And then-

    Softly but intensely, she pressed her lips against his.

    A dizzying silence followed.

    [Ah...!]

    [Heavens, Liria...!]

    [Yes! That''s Liria! If it was Liria, my Liria would definitely have done that!]

    [I''m so glad I lived until now! ...Though I''m already dead!]

    Though Maronius''s souls were making a fuss,

    Kira couldn''t hear any of it.

    She just wanted to deeply feel this moment.

    Liria pulled back her lips.

    She could sense Demius''s startled gaze.

    She instinctively realized.

    ...Those were Ian''s eyes.

    The flustered Ian was so cute and lovable to her.

    The following acting wasn''t difficult because of that.

    Sweet words for her lover flowed naturally.

    "That''s my encouragement, Demius."

    "Uh... um..."

    Ian was completely thrown off.

    Kira whispered quickly.

    ''Keep going. Ian.''

    ''!''

    Ian finally came to his senses.

    Right, they were acting.

    But fuck, what''s with this kiss scene...

    Seeing Kira''s intense gaze, Ian collected himself.

    Right. Even modern actors film kiss scenes casually in movies and dramas.

    ...Acting is really fucking hard!

    Amazing! Respect to all actors!

    "Thanks, Liria. That gives me strength."

    "Be strong, Demius. Because I''m here by your side."

    ---

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