Chapter 74

10-day consecutive update project: Day 3!

I'm sorry for the delay!!!

"What did you say just now?"

It wasn't Sophie who spoke.

The deep, ominous bass that seemed to curse and destroy everything came from behind Sophie. Livio, who had firmly grabbed Sophie's shoulder, pulled her away, and Rajnian's hand slipped off.

The hand on her shoulder hurt, but if she accidentally said it hurt, she knew Livio would look dejected, so Sophie gently placed her hand over his.

That alone made the strength in Livio's hand disappear as if he had come to his senses.

Sophie loved that about Livio.

"Sophie,"

The voice, which sounded like a dog's ears drooping, made Sophie's heart go "kyuuun." It was so cute.

"Hehe. Thanks for the expected reaction."

"Mother..."

A sigh fell into the room, and Sophie pursed her lips. This wasn't the time to be cheerful.

Rajnian laughed like a child and waved his hand.

"Rubenis did the same thing to Sophie. I want to flow my magic power to Sophie."

"Magic power?"

"Yes," Rajnian took Sophie's hand again.

"To avoid putting a burden on Lady Eleonora's body, I want to cast a spell that interferes with the perception of those who see her, rather than changing her appearance."

"Mother is skilled in illusion magic."

When Sophie murmured "illusion," Rajnian nodded.

"However, illusion magic has its quirks. Just because I tell you about it doesn't mean you can use it easily. I want you to grasp the sensation by flowing my magic power... or rather, the magical energy that composes it."

"I see?"

I understand what you're saying.

I kind of get what Rajnian is trying to say, but since Sophie's knowledge of magic is shallow, it doesn't quite click. Still, she nodded, understanding that this was for the sake of the day she met Rubenis and for Eleonora and Ehrich.

"Understood. Can I ask you to do it?"

"Aye aye! Leave it to me!"

"Wait a moment."

As Sophie was about to take a step, her body was stopped again.

"Hmm?" Sophie turned her head to look up, and Livio was looking down at her with a good-natured smile. Oh, how cute! But the reason the carefree, happy brain didn't bring out the bell was because there was something intimidating about that smile. His eyes weren't smiling. The beautiful blueberries that Sophie loved the most were now the color of boiled darkness. Isn't that scary?

"Livio...?"

"Sophie, did you do it?"

"Huh?"

Do what?

When Sophie tilted her head, Livio smiled even more. It was a beautiful smile, but it seemed to be surrounded by swirling darkness. It was scary. Overwhelmed by the undeniable presence, Sophie gave a vague smile.

"It's no good to make a cute face, you know?"

I didn't mean to be cute, and I don't understand what's wrong.

Faced with Livio's incomprehensible presence, Sophie asked honestly, "What is it?"

Not understanding, but trying to face it, Sophie took a step back, and Livio's hand slipped off her shoulder. When she turned to face Livio, his gaze shifted away.

Though he lowered his eyes and his eyelashes fluttered hesitantly, it was sexy and beautiful, but the atmosphere wasn't good. Sophie tilted her head.

"So, you and the male witch..."

"Sophie-san!"

"Ah!"

"Ah."

Rajnian, losing his patience, pulled her hand, and the warmth of his soft lips fell on her fingertips.

At that moment, a crackling magic power ran through Sophie's body.

It felt like bubbles popping or tiny lightning bolts making noise inside her body. It wasn't a bad feeling at all. In fact, it was so joyful that Sophie felt like jumping up and laughing. She couldn't help but hold Rajnian's hand.

"Lord Rajnian!"

"Hehe, how does it feel?"

"I don't know! But it feels fun!"

"That's good."

Rajnian laughed, "It seems we have good compatibility." He pulled Sophie's hand. Without resisting, Sophie took a step forward, and the warmth of Livio's hand on her shoulder disappeared.

She felt lonely and a bit uneasy, but when she met Rajnian's eyes, he smiled.

"While feeling my magic power, close your eyes. Try to focus your eyes and ears and chase my magical energy."

"...It's strange. I can feel it, and I feel like I'm catching it, but I can't recognize each one."

"Yes, that's the kind of magical energy that suits illusion magic. Do you understand? It exists but is invisible. Everyone can see it, but no one can see it. It's a joyful and free magic, that's what illusion magic is."

A gentle voice softly caressed Sophie's back.

She could feel the warmth of his palm and sense Rajnian's presence, but strangely, she couldn't picture his appearance at all.

Just now, she had been talking to Rajnian. She could remember his hair color, eye color, and clothing, but at this moment, Rajnian's figure, which was caressing her back, was as indistinct as if it had been painted over with glowing paint.

"Well, have you experienced the feeling of being deceived? Then, just one more step."

He gently pushed her back.

Taking another step forward, Sophie felt Eleonora and Ehrich's magic power and exhaled softly. She exhaled slowly and quietly, sharpening her senses.

They are here.

Eleonora and Ehrich are here, wrapped in a dazzling array of colors, like a beautiful painting. Though she couldn't see them, the clear twinkling of their magic power made Sophie's body tremble.

"Don't be afraid."

At that moment, a sharp voice seemed to see through Sophie's timid heart.

"Don't worry. If anything happens, I'll cover for you. So, just focus on succeeding. The most important thing in magic is the image. Don't even imagine failure, just throw it away!"

"Hey," a cheerful voice burst in her ear.

It was a light, bubbly voice, like the sound of bubbles in a glass.

It sounded like Livio when he was in a good mood, and Sophie smiled.

"Imagine it. What color do you want Lady Eleonora's hair to be? What color do you want Lord Ehrich's hair to be?"

Guided by Rajnian's voice, which slipped into her mind, Sophie pictured the smiles of the two standing side by side. Rich brunette hair and fine golden threads like sunlight.

It was a shame to change such beautiful colors, but since it was just changing the perception of those who saw them, it was fine. See? Nothing is lost or diminished; it's all here.

Just like Livio's strength that always watches over her, even if it's not clearly visible, she wished for a mirror that would protect their bodies.

"Alright. Now, shape the magic power and spread it. Like a mirror, to reflect people's gazes."

Sophie exhaled softly. Reflecting people's gazes, huh. It's like a certain handsome knight, she laughed, and at that moment, a wavy magic power rose from Sophie's body, took shape, and then,

A clear ringing sound echoed in her head.

"Open your eyes."

It was a voice so gentle it made her swoon.

Even without being told it was okay, she felt encouraged, and Sophie gently opened her eyes.

There was no fear at all.

Sure enough, the two people in front of her looked different, smiling gently at Sophie.

"Good job, Sophie."

"Thank you, Miss Sophie."

Sophie wiped the sweat from her face and laughed in return at the two, who smiled as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

But behind her, a heavy gaze whispered, "I won't let you go," as if trying to pin her down.

No way, I don't want to turn around!