Chapter 54: The Truth and Delusion

The Truth And Delusion

Cough, cough!

Frey, who was looking at Kania with a cheerful expression on his face, suddenly covered his mouth and began coughing.

A-Are you all right?

Before long, he threw up quite a lot of blood as Kania approached him cautiously with a bewildered look on her face.

Why are you so surprised? Its always been this way.

Upon seeing her exaggerated reaction, Frey smiled and raised his hand to stop her from approaching. He then pulled something out of his pocket.

That

It seems that the duration of the self-cleaning magic spell has expired.

After wiping the blood from his lips, Frey frowned as the stain on his handkerchief couldnt be removed, and then held out the handkerchief to Kania and said.

Kania, can you cast the self-cleaning magic spell on the handkerchief again?

Oh, thats I apologize, Young Master.

Then Kania momentarily flinched, then crouched down and said.

I used up all my mana to secretly hide the Young Master. Im truly sorry.

No wonder I couldnt sense any dark mana from you at all. But where is this place?

Upon hearing her words, Frey put the handkerchief back in his pocket with a flustered expression and immediately scanned his surroundings. He then asked a question with a perplexed expression.

Ah This is the hiding place I prepared for you in advance.

After all, youre the best aide.

Upon Hearing this, Frey smiled brightly and complimented Kania as she bowed her head in return, and said.

Young Master, you must hide here for now.

What do you mean?

Look at this.

Frey, who took the newspaper handed to him by Kania, began to read it attentively. He then smirked and muttered under his breath.

Yes, Pope He is trying to protect me by any means possible.

The Pope?

Yes, the Pope is actually in cahoots with the Demon King. Isnt that funny?

Upon Hearing that, Kanias expression hardened.

Oh, havent I told you about this yet? Well Its a fact that only Im aware of among those who have gone through the previous timeline

Previous timeline you mean?

Yes, only the highest-ranking officials and the Demon King knew that the Pope was on their side in the previous timeline. Of course, I knew it from the Prophecy.

Eventually, when the story of the Previous Timeline and the Prophecy came out, Kania glanced at Frey in confusion, and then she hurriedly fixed her expression back to normal.

Are you all right, Kania? Are you sick?

Then Frey inquired about Kanias wellbeing with a concerned look on his face.

Are you worrying about me?

Upon hearing his words, Kania replied with an absurd expression as she heaved a deep sigh and took something out of her bag.

What is this?

A medicinal herb.

While saying that, Kania, who had inadvertently almost put the herbs in her mouth, stopped midway and blushed.

Chew it thoroughly. It will help your body.

Uh Thank you?

Then she turned her gaze away and handed Frey the herb. He accepted it without a word, albeit a little surprised by her actions.

Looking at the fact that you bought herbs instead of potions, I guess it must be a pretty effective herb?

Uh yes.

Ummm Its a bit bitter, but its edible.

Frey, who had been chewing on herbs for a while, staggered and tried to get up.

No, Young Master. You must rest.

Then Kania hurriedly ran and settled him down back on the bed. Meanwhile, Frey, who sat on the bed, let out a rough gasp and began scanning his surroundings. He then mumbled.

Its strange Im sure Ive seen this place before

Pardon?

Is there any furniture here? I feel like some furniture is missing

There was no furniture here from the beginning. It was completely empty.

Then, as Frey frowned and began to inquire, Kania started staring at the exit with a nervous expression on her face. She then hurriedly cut off his words, and before Frey could even ask any further questions, she quickly changed the subject.

By any chance, arent you hungry? Young Master?

Huh?

You have to eat to recover your health. So, Ill get you something to eat.

Having said that, Kania said so seriously. Seeing her serious expression, Frey smirked and opened his mouth.

I guess you really are Kania, since youre nagging me to eat.

Ye-Yes.

Well, even if I refuse, Im sure youll just force feed me anyway so Ill eat it with gratitude. Thank you.

Then please wait here for a while. And, since Young Masters current physical condition is the worst, dont move from your bed.

Upon hearing that, Frey nodded hard and smiled as Kania looked at him sullenly, then headed for the exit of the secret base.

..Damn, I almost got caught. Since when the hell does he remember all that?

After she came out, she wiped the cold sweat from her forehead and grumbled. Meanwhile, the furnitures that had the memories of their secret place were stacked around her.

.

.

.

.

.

Uh Kania? Whats all this?

Its your meal, Young Master.

Frey muttered as he looked at the food that Kania had brought in a daze.

Um well, how should I put it? Its a rather humble meal, huh?

Theres nothing I can do, Young Master. Theres a very high chance that Im also being watched, and because I cant use black magic to hide myself right now, I had no choice but to grab these foods

Because she didnt have money, she began to spout all sorts of excuses while looking at Frey.

Frey, who is notorious for his picky eating habits only feasts on high-end cuisine. Thats why Irina was worried that he might be furious.

Haha Its fine! It reminds me of the past, so its nice.

But as Frey continued to stare blankly at the food, she asked.

The past?

Thats right When I was young, Irina and I used to roam the mountains near her house and build a secret base like this. Back then Irina would bring these sort of food.

Frey, who was talking while looking at the food that Kania had brought with dim eyes, quickly smiled.

The first time Irina brought these foods, I asked how on earth I was supposed to eat these things.

I.see.

Because of that, I got pissed off and didnt talk to her for a while, then secretly took a bite off of what Irina was grilling on the fire and it turned out to be really delicious.

Secretly?

Yes, she hit me soon after when I was discovered. Since then, I have tasted everything that she hunted and caught.

Frey, who had been reminiscing about the with a pleasant expression on his face, finished his speech with a bitter smile.

Anyway, Ill take this opportunity to try a meal from the past.

I will do my best to prepare this.

Upon Hearing his words, Kania replied seriously and began to reach out to the food she had caught.

But how the hell did you get all this?

Huh?

However, Frey, who was looking at her quietly, asked curiously.

No, If I remember correctly, you were pretty weak at this point Its amazing that you can catch a hare and a sparrow with your condition.

Ive survived on the street for quite some time I can do at least this much.

Ah well, thats true.

Kania broke out in a cold sweat when she heard those words. She then changed the subject quickly, and gathered pieces of wood in preparation to light a fire.

Oh Irina used to do this often.

Then Frey began to look at Kania with an anticipated gaze. Meanwhile, while hearing Irinas name again, Kania struggled to maintain a calm expression and began to rub the chunks of wood together.

Whoosh!

How the hell do you do that?

You can use the heat generated from friction.

I know that, but Ive never succeeded at it even once. Irina made it look as easy as eating food.

Of course, the fire was ignited not by frictional heat, but by a tiny spark generated from the tip of her finger. Not to mention, it was impossible for him to succeed since he was imitating the terrible technique she had previously shown Frey to brag. As such, she ignore these facts and continued to kindle the fire.

Now we just have to wait.

Its good I feel like Im playing with Irina in the mountain next to her house, just like when I was a child.

Frey, who had described the current situation fairly accurately, began coughing again while watching the fish, hares and sparrows simmering in the fire for a while.

Cough! Cough! Uh

Are you really all right? Young Master?

Um well, can I be honest?

Upon Hearing this, Frey opened his mouth with a bitter smile.

Actually, Im not fine at all.

What?

If things proceed like this maybe Ill last two years?

When she heard those words, Kania opened her mouth wide in shock.

Its not surprising you knew this though, didnt you?

Uh, thats

Yes, come to think of it, I didnt have the life gauge I kept in my bag Do you have it? Take it out.

When Frey said that, Kania, who momentarily had a dumbfounded expression on her face, pulled something out of her pockets with trembling hands.

Ah, there it is. Life gauge.

The date written here

How many days is written there?

When Frey asked with a grin, Kania answered in a subdued voice.

The date written here is two years and six months from now.

It seems my lifespan is cut in half each time.

Even as he heard the day he would die, Frey muttered in a composed tone.

Your lifespan is cut in half each time?

Um Ive been giving you life force since I was little, so when I entered the academy, I had barely 10 years of life left.

You gave Kania no, you gave me life forceGeett the ltest vels on no/v/elbin(.)c/om

Frey shared his life force with Kania since they were kids. Kanias eyes widened upon hearing this revelation, and she was about to ask Frey more about this subject. However, when she looked at Frey, she just bit her lips.

When you first found out about me, the remaining lifespan shown on the life gauge was 5 years. Ive been measuring it since then. Every time I get a penalty, my lifespan gets cut in half.

Huh?

And out of the normal stack and the special stack I received this time, the special stack doesnt affect the lifespan So this time around, one normal stack is applied, and as a result, my lifespan is cut in half.

Hearing those words, Kanias complexion turned pale.

By the way, who do you think noticed this time? First of all, I dont know what the special stack does, so put it aside for now Who do you think is the most likely to have noticed?

Th-Thats

Actually, you said you didnt know either. Sigh This is a real dilemma. There are a few people who are suspicious, but if I asked directly if they noticed, and it turns out that they didnt, Ill be out of luck.

Having said that, Frey began to cough again as Kania, who was staring at him blankly, asked one more question.

What.. Would you do if you found out who noticed?

Well Id like to explain everything to get them on my side, but then theyd be the ones who would feel guilty.

After saying that, Frey heaved a sigh, and then started talking in an anguished tone.

Even though I did terrible things in the previous timeline to gain a System that would allow me to defeat the Demon King

The sins I have committed cant and shouldnt be justified.

Ah

From the standpoint of someone who doesnt know anything, Im just a sinner who has committed countless evil deeds. Thats why, the five Main Heroines who have retained their memories deserve to hate me. However, the problem is.. theyre all extremely kind. Secondly

Frey, who had been confiding his worries, suddenly saw Kanias expression and stopped midway. He then smiled bitterly.

Look, its been a while since youve known everything, yet youre still making that kind of expression What will happen to the other heroines?

U-Uh

Should we stop talking about this now? It looks like the meat is already grilled.

With that said, Frey tried to change the subject, but Kania, who quickly put a fish skewer in his hand, spoke in a low voice.

No, please continue.

To be honest, youre the only one I can confide in with I apologize, but I hope you stick with me for a little bit longer.

Upon hearing that, Kania nodded her head, and Frey frowned and continued speaking .

Even if I committed those sins for the greater good the mental and physical pain suffered by the heroines, including you, will never go away.

Yes

However, even if I explain that all of this was something I had to do to gain transcendent power to save the world.

Even if I ask for their cooperation, so I can keep committing evil deeds in order to defeat the Demon King.

What will they do with the memories, the suffering, the pain, and the anguish they had to endure all this time?

That

When I first regressed, I honestly thought that once everything is finished, Ill reveal that Im actually a false evil, a fake villain. But then I realized the truth will only hurt them even more

Frey, who had said that, pointed to Kania, who had failed to control her expression again, and continued speaking.

You already know the truth, yet youre still suffering.

The pain you had to go through because of me should never be justified, even if my purpose was to save the world.

So, I sincerely hope you stop suffering from guilt.

But you, no the Young Masters lifespan

Its still enough. The Academy invasion Incident will transpire within the time frame of two years and six months anyway

Thats not it

Kania, who continued to stutter with a despondent expression, finally came to her senses and asked.

What are the exact conditions for getting discovered?

Um the moment someone becomes certain that I have falsely committed an evil deed, the penalty is incurred.

Then, two months ago

Yes, like you said, around that time, someone must have become certain about my fallacies. Thats why I coughed out a lot of blood.

Having said that, Frey coughed again. He then heaved a deep sigh and continued speaking.

Anyway, because of those reasons I dont know what to say, even if I find out who discovered my secret.

I see.

Sigh By the way, theres a problem. The ordeal will soon start again.

Ordeal?

Yes, its an accursed trial that even I dont know who the hell created. Fortunately, I dont have to go through it all at once, and instead can clear slowly one step at a time Cough! Cough! Sorry. Lets continue this conversation later.

As Kania once again failed to control her expression, Frey quickly ended the discussion there and began to talk about the fish skewer in her hand.

By the way, this is really delicious I feel sorry for Irina, but its several times better than the fish she used to cook back in the day.

its because of the experience.

Well, is it? You were good at cooking since the beginning

Ive been living here alone for several years and Ive been grilling these all by myself, so its only natural that my skills improved.

She smiled brightly and muttered under her breath what she wanted to say to him.

Do you know what this is?

Yes, isnt it the Ice Dragon Berry?

Ice Dragon

Yes, Irina told me A long time ago, there is a legend that the fish that ate this delicious berry became an Ice Dragon and ascended to heaven. Thats why its called Ice Dragon Berry. Isnt it funny?

Before long, Irina realized that Frey still believed the tale she came up on her own when she was a child. Looking at Frey speaking with an innocent face, she quickly closed her eyes and said.

I need to go to the bathroom for a moment.

Oh, yes. Go, go.

As Frey nodded his head, Kania momentarily glanced at him seriously and then headed for the exit.

Ugh

Coming out of the secret base, Irina, who had been pretending to be Kania until then, plopped down as she leaned against the tree next to her and groaned.

Ugh, it hurts

It was because her stomach and chest had started to ache like they were being squeezed tight.

This must be the side effect of the transformation potion.

She concurred that the sudden anomaly must have something to do with the potion. She then began to sort out all the facts that Frey had told her.

Fuck.

Irina, who summarized everything he said in her head, his actions in both the present and past timelines, spat out a curse.

What am I even supposed to do now?

She began muttering in a daze.

Yes Freys right I dont have to feel guilty It was painful for us too Even if he claims it was all for the sake of the world How can I just accept that.

She, who was hailed as the Second Coming of Hellfire that burned everything, was judging the situation calmly as her heart turned cold due to numerous prolonged battles with the Demon Kings army and the death of her comrades.

Frey, whose time is slowly running out, has willingly chosen that path for himself.

Because of his Special Ability, he was forced to commit evil deeds. Nonetheless, it was still a grave sin that he could never justify.

Even if the world was destroyed and the Demon King burned everything down, if he didnt commit those sins. What he did

Can he justify it?

Irina, who was immersed in such thoughts, soon shook her head vigorously in order to shake off those thoughts.

Ha Ha Ha

Even though Irina managed to shake off her idle thoughts, her heart was still in turmoil.

Because I noticed his lifespan was cut in half? Half?

As Frey says, she isnt entitled to feel guilty, but for some reason her heart keeps aching, as if it will shatter.

Then, did he take the Oath of Death to give me mana?

When she collapsed in the dueling ground during the performance evaluation, the vivid scene of Freys bewildered expression flashed through her mind.

Even at the Freshmen welcome party for new students?

Irina, who was slowly turning crazy because of her own thoughts, suddenly opened her eyes and mumbled in a serious tone.

Wait, then How did he survive the 12 oclock Curse?

At first, she thought that the Demon King had intervened and protected Frey.

However, according to the facts revealed today, he is fighting against the Demon King.

If thats the case how did he avoid the dreadful 12 oclock Curse?

I hope I hope!

While Irina was pondering over this, she eventually realized that there was one terrifying possibility.

The possibility that Frey must have used the most devastating purification methods of all, the only way to escape the most lethal curse, the 12 oclock Curse.

No It cant It cant

Of course, there were only a few people across the continent, including Irina, who knew how to do it, so she started to deny it. However, when she recalled the instance when knew trick about Sacrificial Magic Circle that only she was aware of, Irina began deliberating his words again.

Before he clearly said it was an Ordeal

Before long, as she recalled Freys meaningful remarks, her face gradually turned pale.

Dont have to go through it all at once Slowly One step at a time

Irina, who was helplessly repeating those words, rushed to the secret base where Frey was.

Y-Young Master! Is that ordeal!

The moment she saw Frey, Irina tried to ask him about the so called Ordeal in a hurry. However

M-Mother!

..!

Frey, who couldnt even get up from his bed earlier because of the agonizing pain, sprang up instantly while quivering. He then laughed out loud cheerfully and began spouting gibberish. Upon seeing this sight, Irina froze on the spot.

Even though its just a dream shown by the ordeal Its nice to see you again like this Haha

N-No

Having said that, Frey, who smiled brightly, clasped her hand. Meanwhile, Irina, who was staring at him, turned pale as she muttered in a despondent tone.

Did you really use that method?

Im doing fine. Of course, Im getting along well with my younger sister as well. My father is a little sick, but I must

However, in front of her, Frey only smiled beamingly as he clasped her hand.

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Chapter end