Transmigrated Into A Tragic Romance Fantasy

After Deron was taken away, a tense silence befell the room.

Gelwood had left with the guards, and Marien also left after saying goodbyes.

So the only ones remaining were the Grand Duke, and I.

Judging by the fact that he didn’t order me to leave, he must have had more to say.

Since I still didn’t understand where Logan stood in regard to Lumia, I remained seated.

After a moment, the Grand Duke opened his mouth.

“Young Elden. I owe you a great deal.”

He performed a shallow bow.

In a situation like this, it would be my obligation to show courtesy by saying - “Not at all, Your Grace” - or something like that. But really, this guy owes me a lot. From saving Lumia(He doesn’t know about that) to capturing Deron...

Even though I didn’t do such things expecting a reward, receiving some gratitude is not half bad.

“Yes.”

“......”

Not expecting my shameless answer, the Grand Duke stared at me in silence.

Then, after smirking, his eyes gained a curious glint.

“This is our first meeting, isn’t it?”

“Indeed it is, Your Grace.”

“Heh...To think that the stories I heard from Gelwood were true...How amusing...”

“...I don’t know what you’ve heard about me, Your Grace, but I’ve never tried to pretend to be something I’m not.”

“Yes, yes. I can see that.”

A little small talk was exchanged.

Now that the little pleasantries were thrown out, the real conversation would begin.

“You seemed very surprised by seeing Lumia’s maid here.”

He was probing me about the events on ‘that day’. Which were kept confidential.

Luckily, there was an easy way out of this.

A had the perfect tool to use after all. Deron.

One might think that there was no need to play this game and hide the fact I was with Lumia, but I needed to be cautious here.

If I mentioned being with Lumia, and he ordered me to bring her here, I would have no choice but to obey.

So I just focused on gauging his intentions by speaking indirectly and implicitly to an appropriate degree.

If he reacts badly just because there’s a ‘possibility’ I’m with Lumia, I’ll have to show my other cards. But if he reacts favorably, I’ll have to show corresponding promises and trust.

Right now he seemed to be showing a good reaction, but I cannot forget who this man is.

The Ruler of the North.

Someone standing at the very top of this world’s hierarchy.

I can’t let my guard down before him.

“I heard it from Deron.”

“Oh? Then you must also know what happened to Lumia?”

“I didn’t get to hear that part, sadly.”

“Hm. Whatever it is you heard...Since you are someone with a good head on your shoulders, It seems I won’t need to take action against you. Right?”

“There’s no need to worry, Your Grace, my lips are sealed.”

The conversation paused for a moment.

After some hesitation, Logan continued with a somewhat troubled face.

“As you know, humans are foolish animals. In some ways, even more so than beasts.”

“......”

Well, I chose to stay silent since he started saying such philosophical words all of a sudden.

In my experience, when people start saying things like that, there’s a high possibility that what follows will be negative, so it’s best to be prepared with a minimal response.

“Our imagination can give birth to joy, fear...And sorrow. And even though we cannot change the past, the lingering attachment or past regrets still persist. However, beasts don’t regret their choices. They simply act based on their instinct. After a choice is made, they move toward another, with not a single shed of regret.”

“...Is that so?”

“Humans on the other hand...Often regret their past choices. We imagine a better future, one without the mistakes of the past. It’s a foolish thing. That’s why  sometimes humans can be considered more foolish than beasts.”

“......”

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He seems to carry a lot of regret.

Some of it must be related to Lumia.

The curse cast by the Chieftain, Lumia’s enrollment in the Academy, the Grand Ducal Betrothal, and her marriage to Deron...

I waited for his next words, not knowing which one it would be, but Logan smiled with a somewhat regretful expression and refreshed the heavy atmosphere.

“Hahaha....Look at me, rambling in front of a youngster...”

“Not at all. Those were good words.”

“Regardless, thanks to you, the Honor of the Grand Ducal House of Winterfell has been protected, it is only right to reward you for it. Name it. Whatever you wish, I shall grant.”

Whatever I want...

Only people with absolute power could make that absurd claim.

Logan Winterfell knew very well the size of his reach and influence, not to speak of his close relationship with the King, so whether it was gold and treasures, land, or power, he was someone who could truly grant me what I wanted.

Unfortunately for him, I had no interest in those things, so there was nothing I really wanted from him.

Besides, I hadn’t come here waiting for something.

Of course, if I were to prepare to settle down after the Culinary Journey ends, it wouldn’t be bad to receive a patch of land, but there’s still a lot to explore before settling down.

Just by hunting monsters and selling the possessions of Raphelion County, I would have more than enough funds to purchase land.

I could get him to a promise to completely wash away the past Karma, but there was no reason or need to demand that as a reward.

That’s why I tried to refuse...

“Do not insult me, boy. I won’t allow you to say there’s nothing you want.”

Perhaps anticipating my words, I received a stern warning(Threat).

Hmm.

...What would be a good reward...?

If I have to say something, it would be good to use the reward as an excuse to subtly gauge Logan’s intentions...

This man isn’t stupid. I’m sure he’s suspicious of me knowing something about Lumia.

But he’s not showing a decisive reaction to this suspicion, so I needed a more definite response.

And to do that, I needed to reveal my hand, even if just a little.

As expected of a Grand Duke, forget about knowing the Force, this guy knows how to play the Emperor too, tsk tsk.

Anyway.

As that nonsense bounced in my mind, I tried to think of something, and after a moment, I was able to choose an appropriate answer.

“Something I want...Very well your Grace. I wish for The Third Northern Duchess, Lumia Winterfell happiness.”

Lumia’s happiness.

I said something I had sincerely conveyed to both Lumia and Gelwood during the Betrothal. And now, I repeated these words to the Grand Duke.

“......”

The Grand Duke’s blue eyes, the ones Lumia inherited from him...Shook.

Yet, despite this, his gaze remained focused on me.

Soon, he took a long breath and smiled.

It was a pure smile, one without a single shed of apprehension or suspicion.

I could feel it,

The relief and joy contained in that smile.

“You know...Gelwood informed of the events that transpired during the Betrothal. When he asked if there was anything else you desired besides having that agreement signed, you said you wished for Lumia’s happiness.”

“Then and now, that’s all I wish for.”

“Allow me to ask you something, Young Elden.”

“Go ahead, Your Grace.”

“Is that wish some sort of apology coming from an accomplice of that worm?”

Accomplice.

A question of whether someone who participated in the 3 years of devastating violence is sincerely regretting and reflecting on the past.

Just 6 months ago, when I was barely managing to survive, avoiding crimes I didn’t commit was the only way to live, but now that I have the strength to take care of myself and protect someone, I also have the strength to face the crimes I inherited.

I had promised Lumia to live like that too.

So, I answered with a joyful smile.

“If it means Lumia, the Third Northern Duchess, can be happy, I will do anything.”

An answer that went far beyond an apology.

By this point, all the cards I could show without giving up my game were laid.

Now it’s time for each of us to discern the other’s intentions through the cards shown and derive the results accordingly.

Fortunately, Logan also reciprocated with a big smile.

“Pff...Hahahahah! You’re a reliable lad aren’t you?”

“You flatter me, Your Grace.”

And he readily granted the reward I requested.

That promise to grant me anything.

“Go. Don’t let this old man’s regrets get in the way of your wish.”

At that, I got up from my seat and bowed deeply.

Our first and perhaps last meeting ended like that.

The first greeting, and perhaps the last.

“I pray that you’ll stay safe and healthy as well, Your Grace.”

*****Clack-.

I opened the door of the reception room and stepped out.

It felt as if the story that suddenly began 6 months ago had finally put all the periods in place, and although I came here for Lumia, for some reason it felt as if my karma had finally been washed away.

Deron Caelid.

Because of that Bastard, I managed to gain the Grand Duke’s trust.

Who would have thought that guy would end up helping me?

Honestly, for the current him, death would be mercy. But I couldn’t find in me to feel sorry for him. After all, this was the consequence of his actions.

While I don’t know how the Villains ended up back in the novel, I thought this was a good way to end a Tragic Romance Fantasy.

Now, it was time to return to the lodging. I’m sure everyone should be rather worried by now.

And...It was time to write a new story with those who awaited my return.

“Yup. Time to go.”

And so, I.

After ending this Tragic tale where everything began, started making my way towards the lodging.

“Lord Elden! Wait a moment!”

Together with one girl.