I Became The Academy Necromancer
Chapter 383: Side Story - Benefactor

The talk about having a relationship with Deia made me feel a little dizzy, but that was not the only reason I came to Norseweden.

As I stepped out of the mansion, the characteristic cold wind of Norseweden wrapped around me.

The Clark Republic was just as cold, but for some reason, the chill of Norseweden felt strangely familiar and comforting.

Winter has truly arrived.

I needed to sort out my thoughts, so I wandered outside alone. Rather than feeling lonely, I actually felt somewhat at ease.

I guess I need moments like this.

I had always enjoyed being alone, but lately, I hadn’t had much time to myself.

It wasn’t that I hated it, but I still needed a proper amount of alone time. After all, I wasn’t living in an ordinary situation.

Maybe that was why. Every time the chilly wind brushed past my lips, a strange sensation welled up inside me.

Just moments ago, I had only seen Deia as my younger sister, yet we kissed.

I had always known that she had feelings for me beyond that of a younger sister toward her second older brother, but having her express it through action gave me a strange feeling.

Sigh.

If someone asked if I hated it, I wouldn’t say yes.

No, rather, I hated the fact that I didn’t hate it.

I was surprised to find that I wasn’t as repulsed by the idea of a relationship with Deia as I had always expected, despite thinking it was off-limits.

I already know.

I had heard it several times already, so I knew. Deia was my younger sister, but marrying her wouldn’t be a major issue.

Even so, the reason I had been rejecting her until now was simply because of my own personal reluctance.

As if she had made an expert move, Deia’s bold advance in our relationship was more powerful than I had expected.

Until now, she had seemed afraid of losing me, but her recent actions were the complete opposite, catching me off guard and hitting me hard.

Besides, I need to let others know about Deia.

The group was already big as it was, and if I told them that Deia would be joining as well, I didn’t know how they’d react.

They’d probably be quite angry.

Tap, tap.

I had come out to explore the city but was lost in thought. I wasn’t really paying attention to Norseweden’s scenery when someone tapped me on the back.

Kyaa!

At the sound of a familiar, lively baby exclamation, I turned around to see Illuania in casual clothing, holding Sevia in her arms.

“I heard you were coming, but you’re alone?”

Illuania asked with a smile.

“It’s been a while. You look well.”

Seeing the happy mother and daughter naturally brought a smile to my face.

When I reached out to hold Sevia’s outstretched hand and waved, she laughed joyfully.

A child.

Something I hadn’t thought about for a while surfaced naturally in my mind.

Sevia was essentially my foster daughter, and I was indeed supporting her in many ways.

But still, having a child of my own would be nice, though I was not sure if that was possible.

Things were already noisy, but it would surely bring even more joy.

“What are you thinking about?”

“Ah, sorry.”

Watching Sevia, I had ended up neglecting Illuania, whom I hadn’t seen in a long time.

“Shall we go somewhere to talk?”

“I know just the place for that.”

Although we had run into each other on the street unexpectedly, Illuania guided me skillfully, as if she had been waiting for this moment.

I wondered if she had a favorite café or restaurant she frequented.

“A bar?”

Today was full of surprises. Bringing a one-year-old child to a bar?

Even though she came from a brothel, Illuania’s love for Sevia was unmatched.

I even started to question whether it was truly okay to entrust Sevia’s upbringing entirely to Illuania.

“You can simply have a bottle of beer at the outdoor tables here.”

“Is it okay to bring a child here?”

“Mothers need to relieve stress too. Besides, I don’t drink enough to get drunk—just one bottle.”

Well, it was true that a single beer wouldn’t be enough to get Illuania drunk. Given her past profession, she probably had to be good at drinking in the first place.

“Also, I don’t breastfeed.”

She didn’t breastfeed. There was a deep regret in her voice.

Because of the amount of harmful substances and alcohol she had consumed in the past, she didn’t dare to take the risk of breastfeeding Sevia.

It was a wise decision, but in a way, it was also her way of taking responsibility for her past mistakes, even in small things.

“And one more thing.”

“Hm?”

“Actually, this is the real reason I brought you here. When Deia and Findenai were around, the three of us used to meet here often.”

“Is that so?”

I had no idea, but that seemed to be the real reason we had come here.

I glanced around.

For some reason, I had a feeling that Findenai and Deia would soon join us and start drinking heavily.

“Unlike me, Sevia doesn’t like being indoors, so she prefers places like this with outdoor tables.”

“I see.”

Saying that, I sat at the outdoor table. In truth, this place didn’t feel like a bar at all—it had more of a night market atmosphere.

The atmosphere was completely different from a typical bar, and now I could see why the three of them often brought Sevia here.

“This is a great spot for Deia to observe the city’s atmosphere.”

A place with a clear view of the street.

Instead of being inside a building, it felt like we were truly spending time in Norseweden.

“Do you want a beer?”

“Yeah, I’d like one.”

“One bottle of beer, please.”

One bottle?

When I looked at Illuania questioningly, she grinned mischievously.

“I can’t drink while Sevia is watching.”

“So you tricked me into drinking instead.”

“Isn’t the scenery and atmosphere nice? If Sevia weren’t here, I would have had a drink too.”

Illuania had deliberately tricked me so I could enjoy the experience.

I took a sip of the beer the server brought, feeling not too bad about it.

The cold beer in the chilly air made my body tense up more than I expected, but it wasn’t unpleasant.

On top of that, the owner had lit a small fire to grill meat in front of the outdoor tables, quickly dispelling the cold.

Kyaa!

“Oh! It’s fire! If you touch it, it’ll hurt!”

Fascinated by the fire, Sevia laughed and reached toward it, while Illuania kissed her cheek with a smile.

It was a heartwarming sight.

That moment alone made the trip to Norseweden feel worthwhile.

“Would you like to hold her?”

Noticing me watching them, Illuania held Sevia out to me. I saw no reason to refuse and carefully took her into my arms.

I had held her a few times before, but she grew heavier as the days passed, which was strangely satisfying.

Kyaa!

Sevia reached out and touched my lips and cheeks with her tiny hands. No one had ever played with me like this before—Sevia was the only one.

“Hoho, it looks like the child likes you.”

“That’s a relief.”

I stopped Sevia from trying to put her finger into my mouth, closing my lips. She seemed fascinated and kept poking at my face.

I carefully touched her cheek with my finger.

The soft way her cheek moved was unexpectedly cute, and the sensation was pleasant.

“Have you finished talking with Deia?”

Illuania, who had been watching me become preoccupied with Sevia, casually asked.

Still keeping my eyes on Sevia, I answered bitterly.

“You knew, didn’t you?”

“Well, I’m somewhat of an expert when it comes to love.”

It was a slightly dark joke, but Illuania rested her chin on her hand. At that moment, thick slices of meat and roasted potatoes were brought as appetizers.

“Deia is serious. That girl, who used to hate men, really likes you now.”

“It seems like you’ve gotten quite close.”

I remembered that she used to speak formally, but now her manner of speaking had changed.

“I’ve given her quite a bit of advice.”

Advice?

Did Deia actually seek advice from Illuania?

“Sharing love with multiple women isn’t as easy as it sounds, is it?”

“…That hits close to home.”

“I was in a similar situation, though. Of course, I was the one getting paid.”

Comparing that to my own situation felt strange, but I didn’t outright deny it.

Illuania probably just wanted to give me some advice.

“Well, it’s a different situation compared to mine. But if I had to give you one tip…”

“…”

“Even someone like me, a mere prostitute, is treated so warmly by you. It’s no wonder so many are drawn to your kindness.”

“…”

“You even cherish the little child I gave birth to with such care.”

In other words…

“Have courage. You will surely do well.”

Her voice carried a deep resonance.

Illuania was a woman who once wandered from brothel to brothel, selling her body for money, numbing herself with drugs just to get through the day.

She was now living each day with joy, smiling as she went.

“I…”

The answer could already be seen in the smile she was wearing.

“I promised Deus.”

Still, I wanted to hear it from her.

“I promised to make you and Sevia happy.”

That promise, made with the desperate man who had given me another chance, was the reason.

It was gratitude toward the first man on this continent who truly accepted me and showed me mercy.

“Are you happy now?”

I held Sevia tightly in my arms.

The child smiled, feeling the warmth between us.

Beyond that, Illuania, sitting across from me, smiled brightly and answered.

“I’m so, so happy.”

“…I see.”

If that was the case, it was fine then.

I could say it was enough.

Illuania and Sevia would surely be fine from now on.

As the child grew, they may go through growing pains, but they would surely overcome it in the end.

To my benefactor, who vanished without ever resting in peace…

In the end, you were a noble soul who burned your own spirit to save your family.

To you, the pure-hearted one who never let go of your love for the woman you cherished until the very end.

And to you, the one who accepted me—I have kept our promise.

“Now, it’s enough.”

I, too, finally felt like I could completely let go of the name Deus Verdi.

Deus.

I, truly.

Thank you.

***

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