Became an Academy Self-Inflicted Blackmailer chapter 139

139 – Holy Grail (7)

‘What, what, what are you talking about? What on earth are you talking about now…… ?!’

Beatrice was astonished. It was something that could not be avoided. Even after hearing it, he was late in understanding it, and he blinked in a dazed state until he was finally able to recall the words.

Marriage.

The Pope said those very words.

Beatrice was just shocked.

Marriage, a promise between a man and a woman to become husband and wife. Or, it refers to the act of becoming a couple.

…… So who is doing it and with whom?

‘Me and Dante?’

Beetle.

Beatrice suddenly felt the sensation before his eyes spinning. But it wasn’t the dizziness caused by shame or irritation that he often felt.

Should I say it feels something different?

I couldn’t say for certain that it was exactly like this, but it was like that. If you call it shame, that would also be correct.

But… ….

Excited, excited.

What is it? What is the identity of this feeling of my whole body becoming hot and my heart pounding right now? No, why?

Beatrice did not know. I was scared of what I knew right now.

But one thing can be said for sure.

…… The part is that it is not a bad feeling.

‘Ho, marriage? ‘Me and Dante become husband and wife?’

Why did His Holiness the Pope say such a thing? Why are you putting yourself in such an awkward position by suddenly saying something? How.

Without realizing it, Beatrice looked up at the Pope with her hands clasped together.

Of course, he still didn’t look at her.

For now, I just glare at Dante.

It’s as if this moment is saying that it must be done. It was something that Beatrice wasn’t very familiar with.

Although it is very unfamiliar, should I say that the atmosphere is still strange?

Isn’t this like the Pope meeting face to face with the person who will be his companion?

And confirm.

Whether I can really entrust my daughter to this man or not.

‘…… ‘Ugh.’

By that time, Beatrice’s face had become completely red.

It was because he had thought of such thoughts that made his body twist just thinking about them.

‘No, that doesn’t mean that Dante is really the same person as me…… !’

Her fresh, ripe face almost radiated steam, and Beatrice quickly lashed out, fearing that her true intentions would be revealed.

Because I thought it would be premature to admit such a thing right away.

Soon, Beatrice raised her gaze while pressing my face.

The conversation between Dante and the Pope was still going on.

Dante looked embarrassed and made excuses and counter-arguments in a hurry, while the Pope waved his hand as if it was none of his business.

However, such a conversation did not really reach Beatrice’s ears.

I just remember it.

What?

Her first priority was her own mind.

“… ….”

Beatrice was the first to admit, trying to calm her still pounding heart.

I wanted to deny the truth, but I knew it.

She couldn’t have known that she had feelings for Dante that went beyond a normal friendship.

‘…… Oh my god… ….’

Beatrice purred her lips and at the same time tickled the back of my hand.

In fact, this was something that could not be helped.

There must have been a reason. There was a cause, and there was definitely a trigger.

So, I couldn’t help but become aware of it.

Anyway, she wasn’t that insensitive. For example, he was different from Dante right next to him.

His intelligence was slightly higher, and his senses were roughly a hundred times faster.

‘I, I.’

Yes. I admit it. Beatrice quickly admitted.

It may have been a small emotion at first.

However, as time passed, things changed a bit. It started to change.

This means that the size of the emotion has gradually changed.

The time I was with Dante was so long that it felt normal, and if I was separated for a moment, the gap felt even bigger than before.

Emotions changed completely.

The first friend she made soon became the object of her affection for the first time.

‘Ugh.’

The moment she remembered that thought and acknowledged the true nature of her feelings, Beatrice blushed again.

The heat that had barely subsided began to bloom again.

I just thought it was so ‘hot’.

…… At first, it wasn’t a big emotional change, and I couldn’t tell the difference between love and friendship, so I just ignored it.

No, rather than ignoring it, it would be better to say that I didn’t really think about it.

‘But that wasn’t it.’

It was different, and although the two emotions certainly have similar aspects, they must be fundamentally different emotions…….

Why didn’t I know that?

It was truly a foolish time.

“… ….”

But.

Still, Beatrice knew.

No matter what. Even if my feelings were just love for the boy next to me.

Isn’t it unlikely that it will lead to marriage? … ?

‘…… That’s right. Oh, that’s natural.’

Beatrice asked herself and answered herself. After a brief consultation, Beatrice was able to regain her composure.

I mean, using common sense.

First of all, what is marriage? Isn’t marriage a turning point in life, creating a lifelong partner?

You can’t say it and think about it so simply.

That would definitely be the case, Beatrice thought.

To reiterate, it was a ‘common sense’ decision.

This means that it is a judgment made based on the common sense that has been accumulated so far and the general view on love that has only been accessed through knowledge and information.

It was like that.

First of all, it could be said that this is not a conclusion reached after truly looking into Beatrice’s own feelings.

‘…… Huh, it’s a little less hot now. My heart also became calmer.’

Well, that wasn’t important. Anyway, that judgment is correct because it is common sense.

This was Beatrice’s conclusion.

The heat escaped, and the heart, which had been circulating blood all along, became calm, as if it had finally realized the truth.

Beatrice took a short breath and took a step forward again.

Tak.

At that, the two men’s talking gradually began to stop.

Even though a considerable amount of time had passed, the war of words between Dante and the Pope had not come to an end.

It goes beyond simple stagnation, and now life is starting to become difficult in the eyes of the Emperor.

Of course, the target of that killing was not Beatrice.

He is none other than Dante, the third party here, but he ends up becoming the main character in the war of words.

“…… “Don’t stop me, Beatrice.”

At about that time, the Pope’s gaze passed over Beatrice.

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“This guy is not worthy of taking responsibility for you. If he did something, he should first apologize to the woman’s parents and then prove his will to her, but he just avoids it by saying, ‘It’s not like that.’ “A guy like this needs to first change his corrupt mentality.”

At that time, Beatrice also had no choice but to swallow her embarrassment again.

No, what did I say so much that His Holiness even said something like this?

There were several signs of disapproval in her gaze as she glanced at Dante, but of course it quickly dissipated.

Beatrice only spoke to the Pope.

“Your Holiness. “First of all, I think I should correct one misunderstanding.”

Her Pope paused and looked directly at her, but Beatrice tried to calmly continue her speech.

“Your Holiness’ way of thinking is outdated!”

The truth was a little different. She just wanted to get started after spitting out the accusations once.

The Emperor’s expression hardened in an unusual way.

“…… What?”

“It’s old.”

She probably didn’t ask back because she really didn’t hear, but Beatrice was quite confident right now. She truly looked confident.

She continued her words.

“I’m late in telling you this because I heard it suddenly, but that’s true. “I know what you’re looking at, but is that really something you’d even bring up the word marriage?”

“… ….”

“…… Hmm. “What, did you just lightly touch her lips?”

The Pope did not respond to Beatrice’s words. She didn’t seem to have the strength to respond accurately.

The young boy’s complexion, which had never wavered in the slightest, began to slowly turn hard.

After Beatrice noticed the Pope’s reaction, she felt a little ‘oops’, but what could she do?

Not only was it something I had already said, but it was also the right thing to say.

Then wouldn’t it be impossible to redeem it?

At first, she was also quite angry.

‘If His Holiness hadn’t said something like that out of the blue in the first place.’

No, if you ask me, it’s not like that. It is not an incident worth worrying about, but it was the Emperor’s fault for trying to inflate the situation.

Beatrice thought.

No matter what, marriage was not something that should be brought up so lightly.

“They say that’s the case with all kids’ relationships these days, Your Holiness. “Kissing is not a big deal, so you don’t have to worry about it.”

Beatrice said. I continued my explanation as long and verbose as possible so that the Pope could understand what I was saying.

“It was a medical procedure in the first place, and Dante was unconscious at the time. But wouldn’t it be a bit unfair to ask Dante to take responsibility for that?”

“… ….”

“Well, if Dante really does something for which I am responsible, I will come to let you know even if I don’t tell you at that time, so don’t worry… ….”

“… ….”

“…… Your Holiness, are you listening? His Holiness?”

The only problem is that the explanation was too long.

It was too long-winded.

A few more words were said that really didn’t need to be said, such as telling him not to do too much about such a trivial matter and that he didn’t have to interfere in his own marriage.

So, the Emperor was finally sunk.

Dante, who was inferior, sneaked up and grabbed Beatrice’s sleeve.

“Riche, I think you can go that far… ….”

The afterword did not continue, but what is certain is that Dante looked down at the Pope with eyes that felt sorry for the world.

It seems like it’s really sad, maybe even a little pitiful.

“Uh, um.”

And at that point, Beatrice also came to her senses slightly. I realized that I had been too active in polemics.

Beatrice glanced down.

And finally, she saw it too.

This is what the Emperor looks like at this moment.

“…… No, how could you already say something like that…….”

The Emperor waved his short arms and looked up at Beatrice with a pale complexion and glaring eyes.

“…… Ahhh.”

Immediately, the Emperor touched his forehead and fell to the ground.

The grim expression on his face, filled with a sense of betrayal that would never happen again, was truly exquisite.

Beatrice quickly closed her mouth and rolled her eyes.

Soon, she asked Dante one question.

“I, that…” ….”

Even though I was very careful.

“…… “Did I say too much?”

And of course, coming back was also an immediate response.

Dante nodded at her.

“You were very bad.”

“Aha.”

“Still, you must have raised her with love as your daughter, indeed.”

“Aha… ….”

*****

“Wow.”

Duke Blake opened his eyes.

It was a very confusing situation.

The reason is not different. Because my memories right before I lost consciousness were quite blurry.

Wow…… !

He instinctively raised his mana.

A black wind rose around him.

But.

“You don’t have to be so careful.”

“…… !”

Nevertheless, Duke Blake did not notice.

What?

The presence of a being sitting right behind me.

The duke’s complexion turned white.

“… ….”

Jeobug, jerk.

And soon the sound of footsteps rang out.

Lowly, leisurely.

Duke Blake could not bear to turn his head. He had black mana in him at this very moment, but that made him feel even more creepy.

There was no presence.

It is not pale. It wasn’t blurry either.

I just don’t feel it.

Like a ghost, like not a living human being.

Or, as if it were truly a ‘monster outside the standard’… ….

But.

“hahahaha, nice to meet you. Duke.”

He hadn’t even started doing things that should have shocked him yet.

Duke Blake realized it too late.

If you think about it, this voice and the smile that comes from that voice.

It seems oddly familiar, and also sounds familiar to my ears.

“…… “Prince?”

For the first time, embarrassment appeared on Duke Blake’s face.

Not fear or caution.

Not because of anything else, but because I identified the young man who appeared in front of me and revealed his face.

Jerome Romaneia el Pale.

It was the name of a being that was thought to be just an unidentified monster a little while ago.

The emperor’s successor, Imperial Crown Prince Jerome.

Duke Blake thought.

Why is he here?

Why is he in front of me?

“Is it strange? “I am here.”

It was around that time that Jerome became speechless.

Duke Blake closed his mouth involuntarily.

Of course, Jerome just smiled and waved his hand as if he didn’t care, as if telling him to take it easy.

“Well, it’s okay. It can happen. Because this is a situation that can be very embarrassing. Yes?”

Spit out words. Calmly, as if nothing really happened.

Quaak!

“…… ?!”

That was a mistake.

The Duke’s illusion.

“Knock, knock.”

A helpless moan escaped the Duke’s lips.

Just like the screams of a helpless old man.

But isn’t the truth different?

He was the supreme warlock.

The total amount of mana is far beyond that of a top ten archmage, and even throughout the entire history of the continent, there are only a few warlocks who can surpass him.

“But, you have to give it an honorific title. Duke. What is ‘Prince’?”

He was caught helplessly.

In the hands of a young man who just looked fragile.

Wow… ….

“!!”

Duke Blake came to his senses late.

The pressure on the hand was clearly not normal.

This was not the kind of strength that could be produced by someone like the Scarecrow Prince, who was just weak and had a soft personality.

No matter how strong you were in the first place, you should not be able to subdue a warlock with just ‘brute force’!

──The duke’s judgment was quick.

He immediately twisted his mouth.

“…… Womb.”

And spit it out.

“Prince… ….”

“… ….”

“I, ha.”

Tuuk!

It was only then that the strength left Jerome’s hands. The duke’s body, which was being held on, also quickly fell apart.

“…… “Huh!”

The duke, who managed to catch his breath in that brief moment, lowered his head as he collapsed. He just dropped it.

And says:

“…… “I committed a discourteous act.”

Carefully. Be polite and courteous.

“I didn’t dare show respect to the person who saved my humble life.”

“Hmm?”

“…… “Please forgive me.”

He doesn’t even look at Jerome, who is making nasal sounds as if he’s interested, and puts words of apology into his mouth.

Just then, Duke Blake came up with something.

The last moment, the last memory.

…… That moment when I almost died.

Cause and effect are unknown, but Dante pushed himself using an unknown ability of unknown origin.

The swordsmanship of those two men’s attitudes was extremely fierce.

He almost died. Or, he’s probably dead.

‘…… If the prince hadn’t saved me, definitely.’

What happened, what ability was used?

I don’t know anything like that. I didn’t even want to know.

I just had to admit it.

The Duke closed his eyes.

The man in front of him was not the ‘Crown Jerome’ he knew.

“From now on, I will be your limb.”

He declared. No, I begged.

I just want them to become limbs.

So, please save me. If you do that, I will repay you for saving my life once.

“It’s a limb… ….”

Of course, it was Jerome’s purpose for Duke Blake to appear in such a low manner.

That would be the intention.

Jerome laughed. The corner of his mouth was gently torn.

“That’s good. The duke seems capable, so I think he could work under me in the future. hahahaha, did you really fool me? “Could it be that Duke Blake is a warlock?”

“… ….”

“Good, good. “There was an unexpected harvest.”

Duke Blake did not open his mouth.

I just had no intention of making a statement.

So, it was Jerome’s responsibility to continue speaking.

“Of course, unexpected variables also arose… ….”

Those words muttered softly were probably not directed at Duke Blake.

I’m just talking to myself.

Jerome recalled. Anyway, the existence of a bloodline that even he didn’t know about, the existence of a survivor who he thought was dead.

-Dante Ruiz el Pale.

“…… hahahaha.”

Jerome, who muttered the name quietly in his mind, burst into laughter.

Soon, Duke Blake appeared in those eyes again.

“Duke. I won’t be able to return to the imperial castle anymore. “His father’s eyes were already crushed.”

He didn’t hear an answer. As if that wasn’t his specific purpose, he just continued talking alone.

“Eve told an interesting story all night, and after hearing it, your father has been looking for you for a long time. “You probably know it, but you have to be careful, right?”

Jerome smiled darkly and patted Duke Blake on the back.

Just like regular encouragement.

“The father of today is different from ten or even a few years ago. There is the power of the original body, and there is a black spirit that follows. And above all.”

Jerome paused for a moment and smiled softly as he stood up. And it also belonged to the delicate prince whom Duke Blake usually saw.

Right after that, Jerome continued speaking.

“Now Archduke Howard is dead too. “Isn’t that right?”

“… ….”

“Your big and small helpers have fallen one by one, and now there is nothing left. Colleagues, supporters, forces, and foundations that pursue the same goal. Nothing is okay. Therefore.”

Jerome added briefly and then suddenly changed the topic.

“Try to deal with Lucius. “This is your first mission.”

And at those words, even Duke Blake could not help but harden his expression.

Because Lucius was Jerome’s younger brother.

So Duke Blake raised his head with a very wary look, but Jerome only waved his index finger left and right as if he had expected that.

“Remember, Duke. You don’t have to worry about what I say. There is no need to question the true meaning or try to interpret whether there are other secrets.”

The Duke urgently lowered his head, and at that point, Jerome asked.

A brief word.

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“So, what should you do?”

Duke Blake decided to give an answer immediately.

“It’s about following.”

“Very good.”

Jerome laughed, snapping her fingers, and that was the end of the conversation.

Silence falls in the dark space.

First, the sound disappeared.

The sense of existence becomes blurred.

Soon there was light.

Somewhere on the first basement floor of the imperial castle.

Nameless grain warehouse.

There was no one there anymore.