Episode 210.2
(EP-210.2) Summer #8
210 Cold Summer #8
It was just Aira and me now.
There had been many occasions when we spent time alone together.
Thinking about it now, I wondered what conversations we had, what expressions and gestures we exchanged.
Aira was the first to speak.
Theo, you know I didnt send any assassins, right? If I truly wanted to get rid of you, I wouldnt have gone through such hassle.
That was pretty convincing.
Also, I am not leisurely enough to interrupt your vacation. Theo, you know that, dont you?
Vacation?
Yes.
Are you saying I was on vacation?
Yes, I told you to leave the room.
But you said to never show my face again.
I didnt say that. Dont make me into a liar.
Indeed, she didnt exactly say it. She just hinted at that sort of sentiment.
Come to think of it, Aira never explicitly said I was fired or that I should quit. She just told me to leave, and then, never before trailing off.
Was it all just my imagination?
No, I know it wasnt. Aira was just trying to brush it off.
Aira continued.
I gave you a vacation to cool your head, which seems to have overheated. So that you can reflect and apologize.
Aira sounded very confident saying that. As if she had done nothing wrong and I was solely responsible for apologizing.
I am a charitable Queen, Theo. If you sincerely repent and apologize, I am willing to bestow generosity~.
Youd forgive me?
Yes. If you repent for what youve done and swear not to repeat such actions.
But, I think Ill do the same thing regardless. Aira-nim, I heard that you fainted again.
A chill swept through the room. Sure enough, ice was forming on the glass of water on the table. It felt like absolute zero.
But even colder was Airas voice.
How dare you reject my offer. You wretched didnt even bother sending a single letter on your vacation. I was even willing to forgive you with great leniency
Aira fumed. But there was something from this exchange that had been nagging at me.
Letters? You didnt receive my letters?
You sent letters?
Didnt I send several messenger pigeons last night?
I didnt receive them
Did the pigeons go astray somewhere along the way? In an era of letters, things could go wrong in ways unimaginable with smartphones.
I see.
I had a vague idea. Perhaps the new aide on Airas side had intercepted the letters.
And it was probably them who sent the assassins. Logically, there werent many who could benefit from sowing discord between me and Aira.
But why targeted me?
I fell silent. There were many straws to grasp at, but I didnt even know who this person was. It was then
Theo.
Airas voice was as mellow as before, and even with a hint of kindness mixed in. It was as if nothing had happened between us.
Theo, I said that you were an unknown half-fairy with no roots.
.
Airas words trailed off. She looked like she wanted to say something, but was hesitant. Whether it was a lack of courage or she felt too embarrassed to express it.
I apologize. My words were too harsh.
Your Majesty is apologizing to me?
I wont say it twice. But yes, I suppose you could put it that way. You may consider it an honor.
Seuk-.
Aira shifted her gaze and looked out the window.
She looked like a tomato, with her face so flushed. I had never seen her this way before. So even someone as fair as Snow White could blush on occasion.
It was surprising to see that Aira also felt shame. Such was a natural reaction for normal people, but for some reason, I didnt think Aira had it.
As she naturally blushed like an actual human, Aira steadfastly continued.
I was foolish. You said you would do the same thing. But if I could go back to the past, I wouldnt say such things.
.
I never wouldve thought that having someone apologize to you felt this awkward.
I slowly parted my lips at Aira, who seemed to be awaiting a response.
We all make mistakes in our lives, dont we? I am amazed that even the perfect Queen Aira made a mistake.
People are not perfect. But a Queen must be perfect. Theo, you made me the perfect Queen. And.
Whoosh-.
As if on cue, wind blew in through the open window. It was a refreshing breeze, cooling the summer heat. Then Aira continued.
And, you made me into an imperfect human being. Youve made me realize my flaws.
Is that a compliment?
Well.
Subtly.
Aira lowered her eyes to the table, avoiding mine. She delicately traced her fingers along the chilled glass, then steered the conversation.
Anyway, yes. Im different from those who apologize only with words. An apology must be sincere. So Theo, if you have a wish, just tell me.
A wish.
In the name of the last remaining Tarantera, Ill hear whatever you wish.
Whatever I wanted?
It felt like lightning flashed before my eyes. A list of wishes I wanted from Aira came to mind, but one particularly stood out.
Then.
Then?
Airas gaze shifted as I spoke. Perhaps she wanted to absolve her wrongdoings by granting me this.
But the words that came out of my mouth must have been quite a shock to Aira.
I want to stop this.
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