Species Discrimination (3)
Chapter 21
Luna, who usually remained composed no matter what happened, was startled and stepped back when she saw Ray shedding tears of blood.
Ray, who had been deciphering the Circle, felt a stabbing headache and slammed his head onto the desk.
“Give up, give up.”
In the urgency of the situation, he had attempted it with the desperation of grasping at straws, but as expected, it failed.
Deciphering was merely for guiding the final direction in problems that were already 95% solved.
With complete ignorance of Rune letters and Circles, attempting to use authority would not only prevent learning anything but could likely lead to mental breakdowns.
‘I guess if I want to analyze the Circle, I should first fully complete the Eye Opening process and acquire basic knowledge of magic.’
It was going to take a lot of time.
“Looking serious and brooding won’t get you an answer.”
Ray reprimanded his earlier self from a few hours ago who had hoped for a great miracle and relaxed his body.
The sharp gaze he had forcibly sharpened loosened.
“Let’s do it the usual way.”
Do your best, but keep a light heart.
Once he let go of his obsession, he figured out how to deal with David.
If failing to kill David? Then he would just let his head be cut off quietly.
One of Ray’s mottos after reincarnation was “If I die, there’s nothing I can do about it.”
“But Luna.”
“…Yes.”
Ray, who wiped the blood from the corners of his eyes, looked at Luna.
His whites were still stained red, making him look more like a ghost than a person.
Luna turned her head slightly.
Ray continued the conversation while covering his face with a towel that was nearby.
“I don’t like prying into other people’s pasts. Digging up old stories between us will only lead to criticizing our parents. What’s fun about debating whose parent is more of a bastard?”
Actually, it was fun.
If they rated whose parent was more of a bastard and giggled about it, time went by quite well. There wasn’t much to gain from it though; at most, one could learn the lesson that there’s a lot of trash in the world.
“Ah, the parent I always curse refers to my biological… mom and dad. I respect the mother who raised me. She’s someone who has given me a lot of grace.”
“…”
“Not that I’m cursing your parents, Luna. You should be the one cursing them. Anyway.”
Luna remembered the first time she met Ray.
Ray, who had seemed troubled lately, regained his cynicism after shedding tears of blood once.
“Luna, you have the talent to be a mage.”
Ray shook the towel draped over his head.
“Listen carefully, Luna. Being born with talent is a blessing. The problem is that there are many bad people who covet your talent.”
“Bad… people?”
“Yes, bad people. People who treat ‘humans’ like ‘objects’. Of course, this is absolutely not about me.”
Ray added as an aside and then uncovered his face.
“It’s entirely my fault for being too complacent, but because you revealed your Circle once, I’ve got some trouble ahead. From now on, we need to hide it well.”
“…I’m sorry.”
“You don’t need to apologize. It seems I imagined the image of a mage too arbitrarily. I used to think of them as somewhat… not exactly sages, but stubborn scholars.”
That was until he heard detailed stories from the Count about incidents involving high-ranking mages.
“I’ve said this before, but you must never tell anyone the knowledge you’ve learned from me. Whether it’s your parents, nobles, teachers, or anyone else besides me, don’t act smart in front of others. Don’t show off difficult mental calculations or anything like that. The same goes for Circles and magic.”
Ray paused mid-sentence and pressed his forehead.
Mages weren’t scholars, and Luna wasn’t just someone with high intelligence.
The idea that slowing down her learning speed could avoid or loosen others’ greed when she learned something was wrong from the start.
“I’ll set a standard. Don’t even attempt anything Karen can’t do. Absolutely not unless you’re with me. That’s the safest option.”
“…Understood.”
“In any case, what I’m curious about is this: When did you first awaken your Circle, and has anyone else seen you handle Circles and magic?”
After collecting her thoughts for a moment, Luna spoke.
After hearing the entire story, Ray commented.
“I’ve picked up a bomb.”
Luna bowed her head with dead eyes.
Ray waved his hand.
“I’m not blaming you for your resentment.”
Luna didn’t believe him.
“Rather, it might turn out well. If we’re lucky, we might be able to twist things around. It’ll be tough, though.”
Having reached a conclusion, Ray stretched widely.
“Let’s put in some effort for a month.”
If they couldn’t resolve it within a month, then dying would be the solution.
“Aah, Luna.”
“?”
“Just checking…”
After delivering his final warning, Ray confirmed again.
“Got it?”
“…Yes.”
“Good. You can leave now.”
After sending Luna out, Ray pondered for a moment.
Was there something he wanted to resolve before possibly dying in a few days?
“Ah, I should comfort Karen.”
*
“You seem happy, Matthew.”
“Thanks to you, I’ve been able to learn proper swordsmanship.”
Matthew rode the horse toward the orphanage with Ray seated in front of him.
“Both the captain and I harbored a deep desire within our hearts. Thank you, Ray.”
“Isn’t it too late?”
“It is late. But neither the captain nor I managed to create a core in our hearts. We just let mana circulate through our bodies. With proper techniques, we might be able to escape being half-experts.”
“I’ll also ask about the purification method. I think he’ll agree.”
“Kuk kuk, even without a title, I feel like risking my life twice for you.”
Ray shrugged his shoulders.
Truthfully, Matthew was already in a precarious position due to Ray, though he didn’t know it.
There didn’t seem to be a need to inform him.
“Knight Didier will visit the orphanage in three days.”
“That’s great news.”
“Are you looking forward to learning swordsmanship too?”
“Hmm… Let’s say yes.”
Although Didier wouldn’t stay all day at the orphanage, his presence alone would be bothersome to David. Upon hearing the news, he’d likely try to wrap things up quickly.
Ray was pleased to have narrowed down the timing for David’s arrival.
“We’re here.”
“Grab them immediately.”
The children playing in the yard reacted one by one to the sound of the approaching horse.
As the large horse with its magnificent mane approached, the children cheered.
Karen, who hadn’t seemed in a good mood, also brightened her eyes looking at the horse until she noticed Ray sitting on the saddle.
Karen pouted and was about to enter the orphanage when Ray leaped off the saddle.
Chacha!
Rolling twice on the ground to reduce the impact, Ray swiftly ran and grabbed Karen around the waist.
“Huhk?”
Startled, Karen thrashed about, but Ray kidnapped her and jumped back onto the horse.
As Matthew turned the reins, the horse U-turned on the playground and galloped out of the orphanage.
Johanna, watching the scene, grinned broadly.
“Of course, Ray likes Karen!”
*
“Waaak! Waaak!”
Karen let out short screams and wriggled on the saddle.
The sudden height and the rapidly passing scenery made it hard for her to regain her senses.
However, Karen had excellent natural athletic ability and a bold disposition.
She soon adapted to the bouncing saddle and spread her arms wide to embrace the cool wind.
“Woww!”
Ray slightly loosened his grip on Karen’s waist.
Matthew, intending to scold, but remembering Ray was an expert, simply smiled contentedly.
As Matthew increased the speed slightly, the playful Karen crouched down immediately.
Ray grabbed Karen’s waist again.
“Karen.”
Karen’s cheeks subtly swelled.
Ray extended his hand and cupped her cheek.
“How long do you plan to stay sulky?”
“I’m not sulking.”
“If seeing me makes you inflate your cheeks, then aren’t you sulking?”
“…Since Ray doesn’t like me very much, I won’t like Ray either.”
Matthew considerately slowed down to reduce the wind noise.
“Karen, I like you.”
“I’m not as good at sports as Johanna. I’m not as smart as Luna.”
Karen, with a gloomy face, wiped her dusty eyes.
“So Ray is lying.”
“Oh dear, you little thing.”
“Yaaah!”
Ray tousled Karen’s tied-up hair and gave her a gentle tap on the head.
“Karen, you’re the leader of the orphanage.”
“…Leader?”
“You’re diligent, smart, kind, and strong. Everyone at the orphanage likes you. So do I. If I’m not around, you’re the leader of the orphanage.”
“…I don’t want Ray to be gone.”
“Understood. Don’t worry. Still, when I have to leave, you’ll be the one leading the kids.”
“I… will lead them?”
“Karen, there may be kids more talented than you in specific areas, but no one can replace your role. So have confidence.”
“…”
As Karen’s expression gradually softened, Ray thought her sulking had finally subsided.
However, Karen wasn’t accepting Ray’s words at face value.
‘Rey likes me because of Luna, Johanna, and Delun being at the orphanage.’
If Luna, Johanna, and Delun weren’t there, Ray probably wouldn’t have paid much attention to the orphanage or Karen.
Karen thought.
It felt like parasitism.
Struggling to share Ray’s attention by clinging to more talented children—it felt like being a parasite.
Karen shook her head.
She would work harder. Work harder so that even without the other kids, Ray would like her.
But if she worked hard and still couldn’t win Ray’s heart, then…
“Ray!”
“Hmm?”
“I really like Ray!”
“Same here, I really like Karen.”
Ray gently patted Karen’s head again and then gave her a rather strong tap.
“Ah!”
“And don’t mess with the nobles.”
“But Ray said Alessia is a commoner!”
“There were circumstances. Anyway, don’t approach people who look noble recklessly.”
“Alessia didn’t look noble!”
“She didn’t.”
Shaking his head, Ray added another task to his future plans.
Philip Count was so lenient that even if someone acted rudely in front of him, he would laugh it off. However, considering the possibility of meeting other nobles in the future, it seemed necessary to warn the kids.
Because they had been overly pampered, the children were ignorant of the harsh reality where a single misplaced word could cost them their heads.
“Now, prepare to get down.”
After circling the town and returning to the orphanage, the children gathered and raised their hands.
“Next, I want to ride!”
“No, it’s my turn!”
“Let’s decide with rock-paper-scissors!”
Ray shook his head.
“Other friends will have to wait for the next time.”
Stunned by the shocking news, all the children’s gazes turned to Karen.
The looks filled with resentment and jealousy didn’t bother Karen much. In fact, secretly, she felt a bit proud.
A brief silence followed before anger erupted.
“Ray always pays attention to Karen!”
“Ray only likes Karen!”
“Don’t discriminate against us! Give us a ride too!”
“Give us a ride!!”
“Tsk, I’ll give you a ride next time. Let’s decide the order until then.”
“Why only Karen today?”
“Respect.”
“Did you give her a ride?”
“Well, since Karen is the fourth-in-command of this orphanage, she has priority.”
Fourth-in-command?
The inevitable curiosity following the word silenced everyone momentarily.
Johanna asked on behalf of everyone.
“Who is the third-in-command?”
“Matthew.”
“Huh?”
Am I the third-in-command?
Matthew, sitting on the saddle, glared daggers at Ray.
Johanna asked again.
“Who’s the second-in-command?”
“Jimy.”
“First-in-command?”
“What an obvious question. Obviously, it’s me.”
“Hey, you fu…”
Matthew stopped himself mid-insult and massaged his forehead.
Arguing here would ultimately harm Matthew either way.
Leaving the noisy children behind, Matthew turned the reins.
*
After dismounting and wiping his body, Karen entered the room.
It had started drizzling outside.
As everyone was beginning to lay out their bedding, Karen hesitated at her spot before approaching Luna.
“Luna…”
“…?”
“I’m sorry for interrupting your lessons with Ray. And thank you for helping me when I asked.”
Although Karen didn’t know that Luna had actually tried to perform magic, she knew that Luna had stepped forward to help her upon her request.
Luna slowly shook her head as she looked at Karen.
“…It’s okay. Karen is… a friend, after all.”
Karen, who had widened her eyes for a moment, smiled.
“Thank you. And talk casually! Luna and I are friends, right?”
“…Yeah, understood.”
Listening to their conversation, Johanna grinned widely.
“Hehe! Finally, you two made up.”
It had been unbearably awkward with the strange atmosphere flowing through the room until now.
Hugging both of them, Johanna collapsed onto the bedding and rolled around on her own blanket.
“From today, we can lie down and talk again!”
“Ray will scold us if we talk with the lights off.”
“Then let’s talk before the lights go out!”
While chatting comfortably and laughing, bedtime arrived before they knew it.
As Johanna stood up to extinguish the candle, complete darkness enveloped the room.
Luna blinked as she stared at the ceiling.
Just then, distant thunder rumbled.
Though startled for a moment, Luna quickly regained her composure.
At that instant, Johanna suddenly sat up and exclaimed with a seemingly joyful voice.
“Lightning!”
Johanna immediately bundled her blanket and nudged Mia beside her.
Mia also bundled her blanket and rolled over to where Luna was with Johanna.
After hesitating for a moment, Karen also rolled her blanket and came to Luna’s side.
“? ”
Luna, sandwiched between them, was surprised as Johanna shouted.
“It’s normal to sleep like this during lightning!”
The warmth of the people next to her and the occasional brushing of limbs felt unfamiliar to Luna at first, but soon she surrendered to the warmth.
Even as the sky flashed and continuous thunder roared, Luna closed her eyes in peace.
Time passed.
All the children at the orphanage fell asleep.
“…”
A shadow slipped into the dark corridor.
The silently moving shadow paused to determine its direction and then flowed down the corridor without hesitation.
Stopping in front of a door, the shadow pointed its finger forward.
The door, which normally would have made a loud metallic sound, opened silently.
The shadow looked at the children.
The four children were tangled together, making it highly likely that pulling one would wake another.
If another child woke up and discovered this incident, it would be troublesome.
The solution was simple. Quietly killing the remaining children except for the target blue-haired girl and disposing of the bodies would suffice.
Though it would increase the load, young children should be manageable.
Children running away from the orphanage was a common occurrence, so their disappearance wouldn’t attract much attention.
To avoid leaving bloodstains, the shadow intended to freeze only the hearts with a finger stretch.
At that moment, David froze his movement.
“Hey, don’t touch that.”
“…”
“That’s mine.”
David asked.
“…Yours?”
“Yeah. Something I’ve collected while getting hit by stones. My possession.”
David turned to face Ray.
Their pupils mirrored each other’s emotions like mirrors.
Sticky greed.
Though the starting point and direction might differ, the crimson emotion eventually reached the same destination in both their pupils.
Ray and David simultaneously thought.
I originally planned to kill him anyway.
Now, I must definitely kill him.
