My Ruin to You - Chapter 150

Roseline forced the corners of her mouth upward. Just as she was clenching her fist hidden in her skirt, enduring the uncomfortable and unpleasant atmosphere—

“Merrick.”

At Valen’s soft call, a crimson light flickered in Merrick’s pupils. The moment she registered him, the wavelength of the air shifted, and offensive magic shot toward Roseline. Instinctively, just like at the banquet’s ceremonial event, Roseline activated her defensive magic. The clash of opposing magical forces sent a violent shockwave through the room.

The air distorted, teacups shattered, and items on the table crashed to the floor. The wavelength was far more intense than during the ceremonial event. Meaning, the Grand Duke’s loyal dog had cast magic of that considerable strength.

Roseline glared at Merrick with wide eyes. Merrick, likewise dissatisfied with his magic being so effortlessly shattered, looked down at her with a cold gaze. He seemed ready to aim his blade without hesitation if another command was given.

“My apologies, but did you come here to assassinate me?”

The question was directed at Merrick, but it was truly meant for Valen. Merrick kept his mouth tightly shut and turned away from Roseline. Through the tense silence, a soft laugh could be heard.

“You’ve grown. You exceed expectations.”

He laughed with utter ease, a smile even reaching his eyes. His voice was low and gentle, as if praising a commendable child, but it carried the arrogance unique to a predator at its edge. There was no apology or explanation for the sudden attack.

No matter how filthy and wretched I feel, I’ve satisfied His Highness’s expectations, so I should respond with gratitude, but the words wouldn’t come. Roseline gripped her skirt tightly and endured his gaze.

“The professor said you wouldn’t be lacking even if you graduated early. If you wish, I can arrange for your graduation to be expedited.”
“I am deeply honored, but I am quite satisfied with my life at the Academy.”
“It must be tedious.”
“I prefer things that are easy.”
“Change your preference. I need you.”

It would be better to let Valen’s nonsense go in one ear and out the other, answer his questions dutifully, and then escape this place, but—

“…Why?”

The audacious remark was so astonishing that the question slipped out before she could stop it. Her expression was a mess too. Roseline had tried her best, but her brow was furrowed and her gaze was insolent. It was such a ridiculous expression, with only the corners of her mouth barely lifted, that Valen’s smile deepened as he watched. He uncrossed his legs and turned his body toward Roseline, as if focusing.

“Carnoc will invade to reclaim their lost territory once their ranks are assembled. I must prepare as well.”

Carnoc was the barbarian tribe. As he said, Carnoc would soon cross the border with a large army. They had done so in the past as well. But it had nothing particularly to do with Roseline.

“I need a ‘Tara.’ You possess the qualities sufficiently.”

While healing-type Awakeners tended to the wounded in the rear, a Tara was deployed on the front lines to assist in combat—a support role. It required significant skill in manipulating and applying magical power, and due to the high risk, their numbers were exceedingly few.

“I can settle Valooze for you. Of course, I could grant you an even better title as well.”

If you wish.

Valen added magnanimously and leaned back comfortably in his chair. Bringing up an estate suggested he had already done his background research. For a woman to receive a title was an extraordinary event; in her past life, she might have eagerly accepted his offer and sworn loyalty.

But not now. Even if he offered an estate, a title, or even promised to bring her deceased parents back to life, she would refuse.

“My apologies, Your Highness.”

Roseline cleanly refused his offer without adding any further excuses or explanations. A chilly silence followed. Valen tapped the armrest with his fingertips as he observed her.

“You could simply refrain from giving an answer you need to be sorry for.”
“……”
“Fine, I understand. You may go.”

The dismissal she had been waiting for had finally come. She wanted to jump up immediately and leave without looking back. But his casually spoken words held her feet in place. When had him saying ‘I understand’ ever led to a good outcome? The problem was that he always understood things in his own willful way. She considered adding one more thing but decided against it. He wasn’t someone she could reason with; it was better to find her own way out.

“I shall take my leave now.”

Thinking that the time had come to drop out of the academy, Roseline slowly rose from her seat. Just as she had finished a proper bow and was walking toward the door—

“Ah, wait a moment.”