SWNOVELXO Chapter 45
“Father asked you to stop by.”
“Me? Why?”
“He said there are a few things to discuss before starting the mana stone sales.”
He was clearly referring to the mana stones.
“Got it. Let him know I’ll visit soon.”
Arsion gave a slight nod and turned to leave. Watching him go, Camilla allowed herself a small chuckle.
At least they’re talking now.
He even passed on the message personally.
Camilla recalled the last time Duke Sephra had visited their home. Before leaving, he had exchanged a brief, private conversation with Arsion, avoiding the eyes of others.
Sephra had said he’d heard about Sier’s departure—that the child had left with a smile. He had opened his mouth hesitantly, as if speaking the words weighed heavily on him.
“Thank you.”
It had been a short phrase, but it told Camilla everything she needed to know. Sephra had come not because of the divine beasts, but solely to express his gratitude in person.
“Lady Camilla!”
A cheerful voice called out. It was Lila.
She ran up to Camilla with her usual bright smile.
“Congratulations! First place! I’m so proud of you! I can’t wait to go home and tell my parents—‘My friend came in first!’”
The sincerity in her words was almost unnerving.
“Friend?”
“Oh…”
Lila’s face turned bright red in an instant.
Friend.
It was a strange word—one Camilla wasn’t used to. Neither in her past life as a student nor in her career in the entertainment industry had she ever used it seriously.
“What’s that?”
“This? Oh, I noticed you liked it last time, so I made some butter and jam for you.”
Smiling, Lila handed over a small box. Inside, just as she’d said, were jars of butter and strawberry jam.
Ferrol will love this.
The last time Lila had given her desserts, Ferrol had cried tears of joy. First, from the sheer delight of tasting food again after so long, and then from the exquisite flavors Lila had crafted.
“Oh my! It’s Professor JB!”
“He’s back!”
“Is he feeling better now?”
A commotion broke out nearby as a group of female students began to squeal excitedly.
“Professor JB must have returned,” Lila said, clapping her hands in delight.
Professor JB was the history professor for second-years. In his mid-twenties, he was immensely popular among students, particularly the girls.
Kind, friendly, and extraordinarily handsome, he was known for making his classes engaging and enjoyable. Recently, he’d been absent due to a severe cold, but after a week, he was back.
As he walked down the corridor, students eagerly greeted him and surrounded him in excitement.
“You look so much better now!”
“I’m glad you’re healthy again, Professor!”
“We missed you so much!”
Professor JB smiled warmly as he responded to each student, his demeanor as gentle as ever.
“One more added to the list,” Camilla muttered.
“Pardon?”
Lila turned to her, confused. Camilla’s gaze remained fixed on the professor.
“Added to what?” Lila wondered, but Camilla didn’t elaborate, falling silent instead.
***
“Brother, are you busy?”
“…No, I’m not busy!”
Ravi glared at Camilla, who peeked into his study with the same question she always asked.
Why does she bother asking when she never listens to the answer?
“What now?”
“Well, you see…”
“Just get to the point!”
“There’s a murderer.”
“What?!”
“No, no, not me!”
“Explain yourself! Are you involved in this?”
Taken aback by Ravi’s strong reaction, Camilla hadn’t expected him to be this alarmed.
She had come to him casually, assuming he’d be indifferent to the matter, but his intense gaze suggested otherwise.
“Did you see something strange again?”
“What?”
“Something weird, like in your dreams?”
“No, nothing like that.”
He’s oddly perceptive.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“…”
Ravi’s sharp gaze lingered, filled with doubt.
What a surprise.
Camilla had only wanted some advice—about public perceptions of murderers in this world and how they were punished. Despite observing this world for so long, she had no direct experience dealing with murderers.
“I’m warning you—don’t do anything reckless again. Father won’t forgive you this time.”
He was referring to her earlier escapade when she had jumped into the lake to retrieve the divine beast’s egg.
Ravi’s suspicious eyes didn’t waver, as if he suspected she might dive into danger again.
“It’s about someone I know.”
“Who?”
“Would you know if I told you?”
“Why bring this up? Who brings up a murderer like it’s casual small talk?”
“My friend saw someone strange.”
“You don’t have any friends.”
“…”
What a jerk.
Worse, she couldn’t argue with him.
“Keep going.”
“My friend said they suspect someone they know is a murderer. But…”
“But what?”
“They don’t have any evidence.”
“Then how do they know?”
“A gut feeling, I guess.”
“Are you kidding me? Who identifies a murderer based on gut instinct?”
“They don’t have physical evidence, but they’re certain emotionally.”
“And?”
“They think more people might die, but they don’t know what to do.”
“Are they close to the murderer?”
“No.”
“Is there a chance they’ll be the next target?”
“Not really.”
“Tell them to stay out of it.”
“What?”
“Ignore it.”
“But it’s a murderer! What if someone else dies?”
“You said they have no evidence, right?”
“Yes.”
“Then they can’t report it. Getting involved would just be reckless. If a murder occurs, the guards will investigate. Just leave it to them.”
That made sense. Camilla nodded, though the uneasy feeling in her chest didn’t entirely go away.
Still, he’s right.
Without evidence, reporting a murder was risky. It could even lead to retaliation from the accused.
Better to stay out of it.
She resolved to heed his advice.
“Here.”
“What’s this?”
“I found it on my way here.”
She placed a small box on Ravi’s desk as she stood up.
Opening it, Ravi found a silver fox-shaped brooch inside.
“Isn’t it pretty?”
“…I doubt I’ll ever wear it.”
“Then give it back!”
When Camilla reached for the brooch, Ravi quickly pulled it away.
“Why a fox?”
“Huh?”
“Why did you pick a fox?”
Camilla’s eyes darted nervously.
“I’ll be going now!”
She fled before he could press further. There was no way she could tell him she’d chosen it because he reminded her of a cunning fox.
“Strange girl,” Ravi muttered, glancing back at the gift.
“Pointless gestures…”
Though he grumbled, the soft curve of his lips betrayed his true feelings.
****
“Welcome, Lady Camilla.”
Is this some kind of joke?
The man sitting across from her made Camilla sigh deeply.
She had vowed not to get involved. She had promised herself over and over to ignore this situation.
Yet here she was, sitting face-to-face with Professor JB.
“Why did you summon me?”
“It’s about your recent assignment.”
“My assignment? Was there something wrong with it?”
“No, not at all.”
Professor JB shook his head quickly.
“In fact, it was so impressive that I wanted to discuss it with you.”
“Excuse me?”
“The historical materials you included were fascinating. Would it be all right if I used them for my research?”
Thanks to her family’s extensive library, Camilla had access to rare books that helped her ace her assignment on lost nations and civilizations.
“Feel free,” she replied.
“Thank you so much!”
“Is that all?”
“Actually, I was wondering if I could see the original books you referenced.”
“That’s not possible. My father cherishes those books.”
“Ah, what a shame.”
Professor JB looked visibly disappointed.
“Could you at least assist me with my research?”
“Assist you?”
“Yes. You’ve read the materials, so your insights would be invaluable. Those books are nearly impossible to find anywhere on the continent.”
His eyes were filled with desperation.
“You’re not trying to pressure me, are you?”
“Of course not.”
“Then I refuse.”
“…What?”
“I’m declining.”
“Ah…”
Professor JB’s expression turned to shock. Clearly, he hadn’t expected her to say no.