Love Letter From The Future

Words are powerful. However, they are not as strong as what can be seen with the eyes.

Even if one could hear a hundred explanations, witnessing the scene directly was much better. That was the power of sight.

Of all the senses—auditory, olfactory, tactile, gustatory—there is no other sense more dominant than sight. Some scholars even claimed that human perception relied significantly on sight.

Thus, a heavier silence inevitably fell upon the training grounds for swordsmanship.

Before them, there was a sight more blatant than anything else.

His name was Tean. With his cracked and battered lips, he struggled to speak.

“You’d better be careful too. That bastard, he’s completely insane…”

He approached the three women who had been mocking Ceria as they strolled with a swagger. As he got closer, the pallor of their faces turned white.

They began hastily making excuses, even though no one had asked.

“Who, who said anything?”

“We, we weren’t saying anything, just talking about someone we know…”

However, their excuses didn’t last long. It was because Tean, standing before them, uttered a single line in a voice laced with sighs.

“I said the same thing…”

Tean’s finger pointed at their faces. He attempted to tap the injury, but quickly scrunched his face and stopped. Even that was a painful sight.

Cold sweat gathered on the foreheads of the three women mocking Ceria. A warning, one that indicated they could end up like that.

Having seen the white-faced women, Tean smirked.

“…I did this to them. Was it just me?”

He gestured to his back, where his usual gang was limping in to attend class.

Their commonalities included limping or having visible injuries; they all looked like they were suffering from something. It was clear they hadn’t suffered injuries by choice.

Their faces were filled with wounded pride. It was understandable; no one would want to advertise they had been defeated by someone.

Yet, they had forced themselves to come here.

This fact implied one thing: calming someone’s anger was more urgent than sustaining their pride.

These were the prideful gang members of Tean. The students could only hold onto a chilling silence.

Their spines tingled. The calamity they had been worried about while mocking Ceria had become a reality before them.

One of the girls who had mocked Ceria gulped nervously. With a trembling voice, she asked,

“Did… did someone… get taken down one by one?”

“No.”

Although her voice trembled with fear, it wasn’t able to continue. It was because Tean had declared it with an indifferent expression.

The girls’ faces had long since turned pale. Their eyes filled with fear trembled violently.

They too were swordsmen. They were as accustomed to falling as they were to taking someone down. However, the reason they were so scared was because of memories still vividly etched in their minds of a certain day.

The so-called “Incident of Yuridina’s Overzealous Molestation.”

They distinctly remembered the moment of that one-sided and brutal violence. What if they were in their place?

The thought alone sent shivers down their spines. They were up against a force that even Tean’s gang couldn’t withstand.

Tean, as if to comfort them, lightly tapped the shoulder of the woman closest to him. He spoke in a low voice.

Quietly, yet clearly so that everyone eavesdropping could hear.

“We charged at them en masse, but we got our asses kicked. I told you, that bastard is insane… So be careful, you guys.”

Then, Tean glanced at Ceria, who seemed still in shock.

“…Next, it looks like it’s going to be you all.”

The women sniffled and sent fear-laden glances towards Ceria. They looked like they desperately wanted something. Even they didn’t know what they were pleading for.

The roles had suddenly reversed. With Tean’s appearance, the mockery and scorn directed at Ceria promptly turned into sheer horror.

Those who had taken part in tormenting Ceria, knowingly or unknowingly, glanced at her anxiously. The same was true for Tean’s gang.

They were exemplary subjects demonstrating what would happen if one dared to provoke Ceria.

Unable to bear it any longer, one of Tean’s gang shouted.

“What are you looking at, bastards? Did you come to gawk?!”

At that moment, the gazes of the students withdrew in fright. An injured wild beast stripped of its pride was not something to provoke. That was common sense.

Tean then sighed, as if the torment had finally come to an end, and walked slowly towards Ceria.

His expression was slightly dissatisfied, but soon lowered his head. It was a sign of apology.

“I’m sorry for everything that’s happened. From now on, I won’t bother you.”

“…Why is that?”

Ceria asked blankly. Tean lifted his head slightly.

“How can you change your attitude so quickly? And even without being so submissive…”

“You seem to be mistaken.”

Tean whispered, in stark contrast to the earlier loud tones everyone could hear.

It meant this was a secret conversation just for Ceria. Intrigued by the intent, Ceria kept her mouth shut.

“This isn’t about you or Ian. If rumors spread that we got our asses kicked unnecessarily, then it’s just us who would suffer… You understand? It’s about a bunch of idiots who ambushed us and got beaten down by a middle-tier.”

However, exposing their defeat so bluntly changes the narrative.

When it was conveyed just through words, people didn’t grasp the severity of it; but upon seeing Tean’s gang, they realized instantly.

How brutally they had been defeated.

Then the public’s attention would pivot towards Ian, who had crushed them, rather than the defeat of Tean’s gang.

He was a person who thoroughly defeated Tean and his crew, who were undoubtedly skilled. Though it appeared he himself had incurred serious injuries by not showing up today, that only drew attention to his venom and cruelty.

For Tean, this was beneficial. A narrative that they had been defeated by someone deserving would form.

And, within that process, Tean’s gang, who had merely acted as perpetrators, could transform into another victim. In essence, Tean had simply chosen the best option.

He was clever. If he weren’t, it wouldn’t be possible for him to continue acting like a punk in an academy filled with competent individuals.

“To be honest, I still don’t like you. You’re rude, and above all, you’re stronger than me and have a better background… It’s damned frustrating.”

However, as he added that, he straightened his back. He lightly tapped Ceria’s shoulder with his elbow.

It was the greeting of the Southern Kingdoms, meaning he acknowledged her.

“However, having good companions is also a skill. I admit it. This time, I lost.”

Then he waved his hand and turned away. As if their meeting was over, Ceria continued to stare blankly at his departing figure, still in shock.

Tean then glanced back as if he had almost forgotten something. He left Ceria with one last request.

“And make sure to convey today’s events well to Ian.”

Tean’s group followed behind him. Their faces still showed discontent, but they remained with Tean. His status as a highly regarded leader undoubtedly played a role in that.

Ceria thought to herself that he might be unexpectedly clever.

“…A mad dog, if kept as an enemy is frightening, but as a friend, they are reassuring.”

With that remark, Professor Derek arrived, and the class began.

That day’s lecture proceeded in an atmosphere that was heavy throughout, leaving Professor Derek bewildered.

Afterward, the mockery and torment directed at Ceria faded away.

In fact, a few who had openly mocked her even approached Ceria and offered apologies, to the point where her suffering over the past few days seemed laughable.

Thus, Ceria thought.

If only Senior Ian were here, everything could be resolved.

Yes, anything at all.

If only Senior Ian were here.

The aquamarine-like eyes that repeated that thought slowly sank into thought.

In the intensive care room of the temple, I was being scolded by a beautiful girl with silvery hair.

With remarkable pink eyes, she was someone of noble status, the Virgin Saint of the Holy Kingdom.

If I had met her outside of the academy, I wouldn’t even have dared to look her in the eye. So, even while receiving her scolding, I couldn’t lift my head.

I occasionally stole glances at her voluptuous chest, but that was just a man’s instinct; I couldn’t help it.

Whether she failed to notice such gazes or was too accustomed to them, the Virgin’s reprimand continued.

“How can you be in the intensive care room three times in two weeks? Brother Ian, do you have a hobby of abusing your body?”

She was usually so kind and benevolent, but today she seemed genuinely angry.

Her choice of words was quite sharp. I felt a painfully guilty prick in my chest and timidly countered.

“No, um… Lady Virgin? I didn’t mean to…”

“If it’s not intentional, then the rumor that you inflicted violence on the eight individuals who visited the temple today must also be false, right?”

I pressed my lips together. How had news spread so rapidly?

Unless someone deliberately spread it, there was no way rumors could circulate within the academy in just one day. I didn’t know who it was, but my meager excuses had to come to a halt right there because of it.

The Virgin stared at me with her pink eyes for a moment before sighing as if there was nothing else she could do.

“Brother Ian, please take care of your body. Just because it can be cured doesn’t mean you can treat it carelessly. Unfortunately, most people who lose their lives leave in such a manner.”

“Understood, I will take that to heart.”

I quickly responded, fearing she might continue her scolding. The Virgin seemed skeptical, but decided it wasn’t worth her time to keep talking and shut her mouth.

She remained silent for a moment, deep in thought, then threw me a glance.

“I heard the Rianella Duchy is subtly displeased.”

Upon that quiet remark, I sighed as if to say I had expected it. My hand rested on my forehead.

Damn, I knew it would come to this.

Upon reflection, it had been a monumental act of recklessness. How foolish of me, a mere second son of a count, to confront a group that included high-ranking nobles.

Moreover, they were opponents I couldn’t take down with my strength. I couldn’t understand why I had been so angry back then.

All I knew was that I had a faint conviction at that time. A baseless belief that I would never lose to those bastards.

The guilt I felt towards Ceria was likely one of the reasons. It was indeed my responsibility that bullying towards Ceria had intensified.

However, there were points in my recent actions that I couldn’t comprehend. All of it had occurred after I had lost my memories.

Certainly, I had my own thoughts.

No matter how formidable the Rianella Duchy seemed, it was still no match for the Yuridina Clan. And although Ceria was a secondary daughter, she belonged to a family that bore the Yuridina name. The Rianella Duchy wouldn’t want the conflict between us to become public.

Thus, their displeasure would be subtle, as they couldn’t express it outright. It was more about why a secondary son of a rural count even dared to bother their children.

It seemed they wouldn’t take decisive action. No matter how much the families differ in power, I too was of noble descent. I wouldn’t want to make an enemy over a violent incident occurring within the academy.

On the contrary, rumors might spread of a secondary son of a count being thoroughly beaten down. The Rianella Duchy’s name was lofty, but they were not of a prestigious house capable of trampling on a noble family.

Only the Yuridina Clan could boast such weight—one of the five great noble families of the Empire.

Yet, it was true that the warning from the Rianella Duchy bothered me. Not because of me, but because of my family.

I worried the Rianella Duchy might secretly exert pressure on my family. I was already indebted to my family for the exorbitant tuition fees at the academy. It made it hard for me to raise my head.

The Virgin briefly glanced at my complicated expression. Then, she casually mentioned something to me.

“I’ve explained your circumstances quite well.”

“?”

My perplexed gaze turned to the Virgin.

While she said she had “explained well,” it was merely political rhetoric. A more explicit meaning behind it was as follows:

“I’ve managed to talk to them, so they won’t take any action against you.”

But why? Her eyes were filled with doubts, and the Virgin made the sign of the cross.

“The Heavenly Deity tends to support the righteous. I’ve heard about the relative circumstances behind why you acted violently. And also…”

The Virgin appeared as if it was time for her to leave, standing up while giving a playful wink. Her smile was charming.

“Thanks to the previous favor, of course.”

“Previous favor?”

“If you don’t remember, then that’s fine.”

Even though I still wore a bewildered expression, the Virgin responded with a peculiar tone.

As she began to leave the sickroom, she suddenly recalled something and posed a riddle.

“By the way, you look much better than back then.”

“Back then?”

“Yes, back then, you looked extremely exhausted. I’m glad you’ve gotten better, but… well then, I’ll take my leave. Emmanuel.”

“Extremely exhausted,” it dawned on me then what had likely happened during the week of lost memories.

I must have done something during that time. But what on earth?

No matter how much I contemplated, there was no answer to be found. Memories from that week had been entirely erased from my mind. The only thing I could guess, given she spoke of “favor,” was that it hadn’t been a bad thing.

My head wasn’t able to ponder that for long. The moment the Virgin left, someone suddenly peeked in.

“Ian Oppa!”

A cheerful voice, and I instantly guessed who the visitor was.

It was Celin. Just like always, she waved her hand with a bright face and bounced over to me.

“I heard you completely smashed those bastards, right? Oh my, what man are you to pull off such a badass move?”

“Not anyone’s man… Ugh!”

Thwack! Celin’s palm struck my shoulder. Still injured, I could only scream out in a high-pitched voice and squirm.

Celin’s face suddenly turned sulky. She grumbled.

“Can’t you pick up on social cues? When it’s like that, can’t you just give me an okay answer?”

“It’s not something to jest about.”

“Hmpf,” Celin snorted, crossing her arms. Her eyes were filled with blatant discontent.

“You went all out for that girl, but you can’t even say a word to me?”

“If it had been you instead of Ceria, I still would have stepped in. And also…”

I trailed off mid-sentence. Celin turned away as if feeling neglected, but she peeked curiously at me, eager for my follow-up question.

I let out a deep breath as I hesitated.

Celin’s eyes bore a hint of irritation as she prompted me.

“Why, what is it?”

“…It’s about you.”

In the end, unable to resist her prodding, I opened my mouth. Celin’s hazel eyes fixated on me. I hesitated for a bit longer before asking.

“Do you… dislike Ceria?”

Celin showed no reaction to my words.

She simply stared at me. As if trying to gauge the intent behind my question, I decided to ask more directly.

“I was wondering if you are spreading negative rumors about Ceria.”

Only then did Celin’s expression harden. She gradually uncrossed her arms.

Our gazes met in the void. I could feel the depth of my eyes.

Celin didn’t say anything for a long while.

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