The Young Master I Carefully Raised Became Obsessive
Ch. 109

Chapter 109

Seeing my smile, Serina quietly stared at me. "Why?"

"Oh, it's nothing."

She looked away. Still, the atmosphere felt a little more relaxed than before.

I watched her for a moment, then carefully asked, "By the way, have you found a place to live?"

"… No. I’ll find one soon. I’m not planning to stay here long, so there’s no need to worry."

"If you’re having trouble, I can help you find a place."

"That’s not necessary. You've already done enough for me just by making things this convenient. And… I don’t want to rely on you any more than I already have."

I hesitated before finally speaking. "… If you're feeling guilty about me, you really don’t have to. Honestly, that whole incident is just a blur now. And in the end, I survived and even got help."

Serina didn’t respond. She just looked at me. "You’re the first person I’ve ever met like this."

When I stayed silent, she continued, "It’s strange how much you trust me. Most people either dismiss me or try to use me."

I thought about the original Serina from the novel. Come to think of it, her life hadn’t been smooth either.

"Anyway… thank you."

That caught me off guard. I looked up and saw her fiddling with her hands. I said, "After tomorrow, you’ll probably be able to leave this place. I can’t guarantee success, but that’s the plan I’ve laid out."

Serina nodded without saying anything more. Derol squeaked beside me, staring as if he couldn’t get used to the quiet atmosphere.

After a short pause, I turned to Serina. "Then… I’ll get going now."

As I stood up, Serina lifted her head. "If you ever need my help, just let me know."

I nodded. Just as I was about to turn and leave, her voice called out.

"Could you give me some paper and a pen?"

"I’ll tell one of the servants."

"Thank you."

Her voice sounded natural. I was glad she had changed her mind. If she hadn’t, both Ardion and I would’ve had an even bigger headache.

Feeling slightly lighter, I stepped out of the room. Just as I did, I saw a servant passing by.

"Bring some paper and a pen to that room."

The servant nodded and disappeared down the hallway. I lingered for a moment, staring at the closed door before heading to my own room. The ball was tomorrow. There was no time left to hesitate.

❋ ❋ ❋

It was late at night. I left only a small light on as I stared down at my wrist. This is driving me crazy. Why isn’t it working?

If it hadn’t worked at all, I would’ve given up. But it kept feeling like it almost worked, and that was what was really driving me insane. I kept thinking that if I just did it a little differently, it would work. But again…

Still no sensation in my hand.

What am I doing wrong?

Even when I tried different approaches, I failed again and again. I was on the verge of losing it. Finally, I got up from bed. Ardion hadn’t returned yet. It was obvious since I didn’t see him. On his pillow was a small note.

[Laila, I think I’ll be late tonight. If you see this, please come to my office.

You’re probably asleep by now, but if you’re awake… the thought excites me.

Forever yours, Ardion.]

Every time I read one of Ardion’s notes, it felt like the first time. He thought of me so much. I couldn’t just sit around doing nothing.

I tucked the note deep into the drawer and opened another. Inside was the necklace Ardion had given me. Slowly, I took it out and placed it around my neck. I immediately felt the flow of mana return. I closed my eyes and exhaled slowly.

I can do this.

I must have whispered that to myself at least ten times before placing my hand back on my wrist.

Please… please…

Now I was mentally summoning every god I could think of.

Just let this work, and I promise to live virtuously. I truly, desperately begged.

I calmly placed my hand on my wrist again. Mana skimmed over my hand. I focused on the flow and thought about Serina.

Up until now, when I thought about Serina, I was always focused on not attacking her. But maybe it was time to try a different approach.

This time, I thought about Serina from the novel, how she appeared the very first time I met her in those pages. I closed my eyes and focused deeply on the movement of mana.

A bit of water seemed to form in my hand, then began wrapping around my wrist. It felt completely different from when I dispelled Ardion’s mana. And in that moment, the world around me suddenly went dark.

I was in a room I’d never seen before. I looked around. The furniture was neatly arranged, and a large bed sat against one wall. Moonlight spilled through the window. In the light stood a man clutching his chest as if in pain.

"Ugh… argh…"

It was a groan full of agony. The face faintly lit by the moonlight was one I recognized.

Rowell. His face was contorted with pain. Staggering, he reached out to the nightstand, barely managing to grab a bell and ring it.

The delicate chime didn’t last long before falling silent. He dropped the bell and collapsed.

Suddenly, I snapped back to reality. I gasped for air. It felt too vivid to be just a dream.

I wasn’t even asleep… and I’d just tried to extract the magical drug…

I quickly looked at my wrist. Then I noticed I was holding something. My heart skipped a beat. I slowly opened my hand.

A yellow pill, barely the size of a fingernail. I quickly checked the time. It was late, but sometimes the light in Serina’s room stayed on until late. Hoping she wasn’t asleep yet, I stepped out.

It was cold. I realized I hadn’t even bothered to grab a robe. I thought about going back in but decided to walk down the hallway anyway. It was a little chilly, but I wanted to confirm the pill’s identity as soon as possible.

I stopped in front of Serina’s door.

Knock knock.

There was no answer. Just as I was starting to feel disappointed, the door suddenly opened.

"Serina!" I shouted in surprise.

Serina looked just as startled. "What are you doing here at this hour?"

I quickly held out my hand.

Seeing what lay in my palm, she smiled. "You did it."

"This… this is the magical drug, right?"

She nodded. "Yes. That’s the magic suppressant. You’re finally free now."

I grabbed her hand with a bright smile. "Thank you, truly. Without your mana, I never could’ve gotten it out."

She blinked in surprise, startled by the sudden gesture.

I quickly let go of her hand, realizing how abrupt I’d been. "S-sorry. That just slipped out."

"It’s okay. But honestly, you’re the one who put in all the effort. I just lent you my mana."

I shook my head. "No. Without your mana, this would’ve been a lot harder. Thank you again."

But Serina didn’t look happy.

"What’s wrong?" I asked softly.

She looked down. "Well… in a way, I’m the one who put that thing in you. All of this happened because of me. So hearing you say thank you… it just feels wrong. Like—"

"I told you, you don’t need to feel guilty. After tomorrow, Rowell won’t be able to walk around freely anymore."

"…"

"The only thing left is to completely blindside him before the coronation." I grinned and dropped the pill. Then I gently stepped on it with my indoor shoes. The pill crumbled with ease. "All that trouble over something this weak…"

It felt empty… and freeing at the same time. After fully crushing the pill, I looked up. Serina was still watching me. She was in her sleepwear. Then again, so was I.

Suddenly, I realized something. "Wait… I didn’t wake you up, did I?"

"No, don’t worry."

"That’s a relief. Thanks again." I bowed slightly to her and turned away.

As I walked down the corridor, I couldn’t shake the feeling of someone’s eyes on me. When I turned around, Serina was just closing the door.

I paused for a moment before heading to my room. Come to think of it, Derol should be asleep now. I didn’t want to wake him unnecessarily…

I thought of Ardion’s note and headed to his office.

The door was slightly ajar. I quietly pushed it open. A small lamp illuminated the area around his desk, and he stood there, staring seriously at some documents.

What is he looking at?

He didn’t even notice me halfway entering the room, too focused on whatever he was reading. I slowly approached.

After I took a few steps, Ardion looked up. "Laila?"

"Ardion, what are you reading?" I stepped closer.

Ardion furrowed his brow and closed the documents. "What is it?"

His reaction only made me more suspicious. When I asked, Ardion just smiled and wrapped his arms around my waist. "Laila, you came because of my note?"

I nodded, since it was true. Ardion smiled in delight and leaned in to kiss me. I gently pulled back. His arm was still around my waist, so I couldn’t move away completely.

"Laila."

"Ardion, I came because I need to talk to you."

His face stiffened at my words. He let go and lowered his gaze. "What do you want to talk about?"

His voice was oddly sharp.

I hesitated, then glanced at the documents on the desk. "Before that, what are those?"

As I reached for them, Ardion blocked my hand. I looked up to find him staring at me with a serious expression.

"What do you want to say?" He leaned in, pressing his forehead against mine. His hand still held mine tightly.

I couldn’t break free, so I said, "I removed the magical potion."

At that, his expression immediately changed. "You removed it?"

"Yeah. I just confirmed it with Serina and crushed it on the way here."

But almost instantly, his face stiffened again. His handsome brows furrowed deeply. "So… you went to Serina first before coming to me?"

His voice had dropped.

T/N: Ahh, yes – priorities 💅