Chapter 71

"……Why, how?"

It was supposed to be a scene where Charlotte helps Zain, who is struggling against the endless wave of monsters.

Zain slays the monsters, and Charlotte identifies and destroys the magical artifact causing the problem, marking the first time they cooperate in battle.

And only now did I realize that when Evan asked Zain to join the extermination yesterday, it was related to this incident.

“What should I do, if this continues…?”

Because of my presence as an obstacle, they haven’t reached the level of intimacy described in the novel.

In that case, the scene where Charlotte goes to save Zain might not happen. And no one knows that the magical artifact is the cause.

‘Why did you know the cause?’

‘I felt a very unpleasant presence under that tree.’

However, Charlotte, who is worried about Zain and is awakening to the power of a saint, realizes the cause.

In other words, if Charlotte isn’t there, the cause will never be known, and the monsters will continue to multiply, putting many people in danger.

– But I, who have no power, had knowledge. I know the general location from reading the novel multiple times, and if I go there and destroy the magical artifact, everything should be resolved.

“Grace? Is something wrong?”

Turning to face Lanhart, who was looking at me with concern, I met his gaze directly.

“I’m sorry. I have to go.”

He must have sensed something from my expression. His well-shaped eyebrows drew together.

“Wait. You’re definitely planning something dangerous, aren’t you?”

He grabbed my wrist tightly, as if to stop me. I couldn’t deny it.

But maybe my worries are unfounded. Not everything has gone according to the novel’s flow so far, and our relationship has changed. The scenario I fear might not happen.

If the incident hasn’t occurred, or if it has and Charlotte saves Zain, then that’s fine.

If I act on my own and end up looking foolish, that would be the best outcome.

But if not, I will definitely regret it.

“Is it for the Duke?”

“Yes.”

Lanhart seems to see through everything, and I didn’t want to lie, so I nodded honestly.

“Even if the Duke likes that girl, will you still go?”

“I will.”

There was no hesitation, no doubt.

“Why… I don’t even need to ask, do I?”

And he, of course, understands the reason. Lanhart smiled with a hint of confusion and shrugged.

“I’m sorry.”

“No, is there anything I can help with?”

I think he is a very kind person to ask that in such a situation.

That’s why, despite feeling even more guilty, my resolve doesn’t waver.

“No, it’s fine. Thank you so much. I really, really enjoyed today.”

I gently pulled my hand free from Lanhart’s grip and jumped off the carriage.

◇◇◇

“Oh, I was surprised. The carriage suddenly stopped, and then the young lady jumped out. And you’re going to slay monsters? That’s too reckless.”

“I have no words to respond to that.”

After getting off the carriage, I immediately joined Evan, who was guarding me, and explained the situation.

As usual, I told him, “Monsters are appearing in large numbers, and the cause is a magical artifact, so I want to go and destroy it,” without any evidence. He nodded easily, saying, “That’s tough. Let’s go.”

We moved to the edge of the Lavinen Great Forest on a borrowed horse, and then I rode on Evan’s back to continue.

The sun had completely set, and the darkness was filled with the cries of monsters. It was incredibly eerie, and I would have definitely cried if I were alone.

I realized once again how much I was saved by Evan’s presence.

“…Evan, thank you so much. I really care about you and love you.”

“Sorry, it’s unrequited love, my lady.”

“Hey!”

“I’m joking. If I didn’t like you, I would have quit being your guard knight long ago, both now and in the past.”

“Eh?”

I let out a surprised sound at Evan’s unexpected words.

Of course, I knew his current “like” wasn’t romantic, but still.

It was the first time Evan, who always seemed so nonchalant, clearly expressed his affection towards me.

I felt both happy and surprised. He had been my guard knight for two years and had even shown kindness to the original Grace, who had been a terrible person.

With his skills, he could have chosen any job, and I knew it wasn’t just about the pay, but hearing it so clearly still left me bewildered.

“Did you like the original me too?”

“Yes. There’s no one as straightforward and honest as her. It’s easy.”

Evan said this so casually, and I thought he was a big catch.

“The number of monsters is increasing. We might have to stop moving soon.”

I could see the knights around us, and it was clear they were exhausted. The monsters kept appearing, and they were being worn down.

The destination is under the tallest tree in the forest. But near the magical artifact, there should be a large number of monsters.

I have to ask Evan to slay the monsters while I find an opportunity to destroy the artifact. I considered asking the knights for help, but there were too many things I couldn’t explain.

And there was one big problem.

“Hey, what happens if you’re exposed to miasma?”

“You could die if the exposure is high. With a small amount, you might just get sick.”

“…I see.”

The magical artifact is also surrounded by miasma. However, according to the story, the miasma doesn’t affect Charlotte, who is about to awaken to the power of a saint. The heroine is always protected by convenient plot devices.

In other words, if anyone other than her destroys the artifact, they will be exposed to some miasma.

“Is there something bothering you about the miasma?”

“No, it’s nothing.”

I can’t ask anyone to take on such a role, and I have to do it myself. It’s scary, but I’m more afraid of something happening to Zain.

Grace Sentsbury has always had bad luck, but I wanted to believe that things would work out.

As we approached the large tree where the magical artifact was buried, Evan let me down.

The area was filled with a large number of monsters, and I felt goosebumps.

“Wow, there are so many. I’ll clear the way by slaying the monsters, so please follow closely behind me. I’ll protect you within a one-meter radius.”

“Thank you. Please don’t overdo it.”

“Yes, leave it to me. I’m strong.”

Thanks to Evan’s calm and usual demeanor, my tension eased a bit.

“Still, Charlotte isn’t here….”

In the novel, the problem was resolved before nightfall, and it’s clear that the story isn’t unfolding as it should.

I took a few deep breaths and said, “I’m ready.”

“I hear someone coming. They’re approaching at an incredible speed and should be here soon.”

Evan narrowed his gray eyes, looking east.

I could only hear the cries of the monsters, but Evan, with his enhanced hearing from wind magic, could hear clearly.

It would be troublesome if someone saw us, so I was about to go, but then—

Suddenly, something glowed in the darkness, and I realized it was a sword, but it was too late.

“—Zain”