Absolutely Do Not Touch ELdmia Egga – Chapter 174

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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Yuziro
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The Ogatorf estate, having recently weathered a flurry of unprecedented events in a short span of time, was finally enjoying a period of familiar tranquility.

Although Eldmia had instigated one of the most significant incidents in the kingdom’s history, it was an open secret that a peaceful resolution had been reached with the royal family.

Consequently, no one harbored any concerns about potential repercussions.

Moreover, after it became known that his actions had served to both prove Margrave Levien’s innocence and eliminate a traitor, a sense of quiet pride permeated the estate.

As a result, the estate’s staff frequently engaged in conversations about Eldmia, the current topic of much discussion.

The content of these conversations was generally unremarkable, mostly revolving around plans for a grand welcome upon his return.

However, this relaxed atmosphere underwent a dramatic shift with the arrival of a young girl.

“Is this the residence of Sir Ekaf Tsushin Ogatorf?”

The gatekeepers were momentarily stunned into silence.

Not because they failed to recognize the visitor, but because they recognized her all too well.

A petite girl with radiant white hair, adorned in a purple dress that seemed woven from gold, was hardly a common sight.

Esmée Bistim Tel Noa.

The Empire’s Shining White Star.

From afar, she was perceived as an aloof, almost ethereal being.

A figure so distant that the prospect of ever encountering her seemed improbable.

However…

“I apologize for this unannounced visit, but I wish to speak with the head of the household.”

…her presence at the estate transformed her into a harbinger of ill fortune.

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The simple meal and ensuing conversation proved surprisingly invigorating.

Of course, “simple” applied only to my portion.

The rest of the group, with the exception of Rellie, consumed quantities that defied the term.

Having thoroughly enjoyed a convivial meal, a stark contrast to the austere fare of the detention center, I returned to the familiar comfort of the Ogatorf estate.

“How heartwarming.”

Even the guards, upon seeing me, rushed out to greet me…

“You damn brat! Where the hell have you been?!”

…or so I thought.

My awareness of their knowledge of my recent activities and whereabouts made their unchanged demeanor all the more perplexing.

Their reaction was unexpectedly intense, almost parental in its concern for a tardy child.

“What do you mean? I was obviously detained.”

“That’s not what I’m asking! You were released this morning! Why are you only arriving now?!”

“How did you even know that? I figured I’d take care of a few things while I was out.”

Even if they were aware of my release, such an exaggerated reaction seemed unwarranted.

I couldn’t fathom their sudden shift to a parental role, considering our shared history.

“The Imperial Princess arrived this morning and has been asking for you!”

“Oh, dear.”

That explained everything.

Having grasped the situation, I offered a brief apology to the guards and hurried inside.

“Find the young lady first! The Lord is still at the palace, attending to matters in his stead!”

Their prioritization of Asirye over Ekaf, coupled with their frantic tone, suggested a sense of urgency.

I simply waved in acknowledgment and continued running.

“It seems things haven’t quite settled down yet.”

Following the staff’s directions, I arrived at the office and knocked.

Cheryl’s voice, noticeably strained, responded.

-“What is it?”-

It seemed appropriate to adopt the persona of the dutiful butler.

“It’s Eldmia.”

-“Enter.”-

A subtle pause, perhaps a sigh of relief, preceded her response.

I was momentarily tempted to remain outside, just to observe her reaction, but the thought of Esmée, who had likely been waiting since morning, prompted me to enter.

“Perhaps the detention center would have been preferable. Where have you been gallivanting?”

Esmée, her initial expression of delight quickly replaced by a carefully crafted mask of indifference, addressed me with feigned annoyance.

Meanwhile, Cheryl, her eyes wide with relief, offered a silent expression of gratitude.

The contrast between their reactions was striking, almost comical.

It was as if the roles of guest and host had been reversed.

Esmée, with her tense posture and carefully controlled expression, resembled a cat poised to strike, while Cheryl, visibly relieved, observed the scene with quiet gratitude.

I suppressed a chuckle, the image bordering on the absurd.

“I was expressing my gratitude to those who have assisted me. I apologize for the delay.”

“Hmm. Were these individuals connected to the recent… incident?”

“One could say that.”

Esmée, after a brief glance at Cheryl, shifted her gaze back to me and continued.

“I took the liberty of informing them of the discussions I had with the royal family. The remaining matters pertain to the Empire’s recognition of your service. Is it necessary for your… employer to be present?”

Years of honed instincts and a thousand tiny Eldmias frantically brainstorming within my mind produced a perfectly crafted response.

“No. My employment is based on a voluntary agreement, free from such constraints.”

I was now certain.

My ability to read between the lines had reached its peak.

Had I suggested otherwise, I would have undoubtedly been met with a glare.

“….”

Why was Cheryl glaring at ME?

“…Then I shall excuse myself. Please, speak freely.”

Cheryl, after a brief but intense glare, offered a polite curtsy and exited the room, her expression shifting to one of annoyance the moment she was out of Esmée’s sight.

The instant the door closed, Esmée sprang from her seat and, with surprising speed, delivered a light punch to my abdomen.

“You declared confidently that you would arrive shortly, yet you kept me waiting for hours!”

Her whispered complaint, barely audible, betrayed her embarrassment.

“Had I known, I would have returned immediately. No one came to the detention center, so I assumed I had been quietly released.”

Her face, flushed with embarrassment, mirrored my own internal discomfort.

I understood her feelings.

Having confidently announced my imminent arrival, only to be met with hours of silence, would have been mortifying.

“Did you see Lagnis and Asirye?”

“The trial concluded yesterday, and Lagnis has returned to her estate to attend to matters. I understand Asirye accompanied her to offer assistance, so she is not currently at the estate.”

“Oh, dear.”

The timing was unfortunate.

Still, had they known of my release, they might have wasted precious time waiting for me.

In that sense, it was perhaps for the best.

“Well, regardless. Tell me about the Empire’s decision. Is there anything I should be aware of?”

“That was merely a pretext. The decision has already been made. You simply need to respond to the summons at the appropriate time.”

Her blunt declaration, delivered with a hint of affection, sent a familiar warmth through me.

Her straightforward expressions of affection were becoming increasingly endearing.

Perhaps I wasn’t as immune to her charms as I had initially believed.

“However, there is a separate matter I wish to discuss with you.”

“A proposal?”

“Would you consider attending the Academy?”

This was unexpected.

“I understand your aspirations, but your decision to remain here suggests you recognize your own need for further preparation.”

“That’s true, but…”

Attending the Academy wouldn’t be particularly beneficial if there were no instructors specializing in mana manipulation.

Just as awakening one’s Aura granted even a child the strength to shatter stone, true power lay in the efficient utilization of that Aura.

While basic physical abilities and combat techniques were important, the gains from such training paled in comparison to the exponential increase in power derived from increasing one’s Aura level.

Of course, at higher levels, these foundational skills synergized to produce even greater gains, but…

I lacked such innate talent.

My strength was the product of years of disciplined effort, a relentless pursuit of improvement through sheer dedication.

Truly gifted individuals would flourish in the structured environment of the Academy, but I was not one of them.

I could only rely on maximizing my existing abilities and unwavering perseverance.

“I doubt I would benefit significantly from attending the Academy, Esmée.”

“Hmm, I understand you’ve already attained a certain level of understanding…”

“No, that’s not it. I don’t utilize Aura. Most of the instruction wouldn’t be applicable to me.”

“…What? What are you talking about?”

Her genuinely puzzled expression eased my apprehension.

“I utilize mana.”

“…What?”

“Like the demons, I can wield mana. Asirye is already aware of this.”

“…Huh?”

“It would be easier to demonstrate.”

With that, I focused my mana and drew the sword from my hip without touching it.

Esmée, comprehending the scene before her, widened her eyes in surprise.

“Eek!”

Like a startled cat confronted with a cucumber, she leaped back, scrambling for the safety of the sofa.

While I felt a pang of guilt for startling her, the sight of her reacting with such exaggerated alarm was both endearing and amusing.

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[Eldmia just being a party magician for little kids just making swords levitate lol]