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Chapter 62: Time to Go Back

Roy spoke with just the right weight, clear enough that Leanna could understand perfectly.

As expected, this time Leanna didn’t do anything out of line. She obediently curled her legs and leaned against the other corner of the sofa, keeping a suitably distant space between them.

“Junior, you really lack romantic flair,” Leanna’s voice was a lot colder, “Can’t we just play around a little?”

“It’s precisely because it’s just playing that it can’t happen,” Roy replied nonchalantly, then didn’t glance at her again.

Hearing this, Leanna lowered her gaze and let out a sigh of resignation.

“Just playing, and it can’t happen?”

But she was already the latecomer. If she didn’t put on a playful act, how could she get close to him? Leanna mocked herself in her heart.

She glanced at the young boy beside her, feeling the urge to reach out a few times, but it was as if an invisible barrier kept her from doing so.

Deep down, Leanna knew.

It was said that Roy had a profound bond with the Lionheart Princess and the Elven Nightingale, having shared life and death experiences while being hunted by a cult. As a latecomer, she didn’t have nearly enough time with him. How could she possibly shake their place in his heart?

To take him for herself would mean relying on shallow physical connections, seizing fleeting pleasures in his moments of wavering.

But Leanna understood even more that the young boy was not that kind of person.

Even the strongest illusion wouldn’t hold against an unwavering will, and he had proven that during their clash that night, leaving Leanna even more enraptured.

In fact, if he were just some soft-headed person who would fall at her feet with a simple beckoning, Leanna would have no interest in the hunt.

How paradoxical; it was precisely because she couldn’t have him that her desire to possess him grew stronger. She wanted an unshakeable bond not affected by external things, yet here she was, having to rely on external means to touch his heart.

The outcome of this farce had been sealed from the beginning.

So be it, let it be.

Leanna gave up.

She shifted her gaze from the boy and for the first time today looked towards the stage.

She didn’t actually mind this subtle distance; simply enjoying the drama with the young boy was a pleasure on its own.

However, just thinking that this might be the last chance to be close to him made her heart ache —

No, wait.

Feeling heartache just because a man rejected her was simply ridiculous.

The deep, gnawing pain made Leanna lose her usual smile, and feeling the restless blood within her, she finally realized this was more than just a psychological effect.

Tsk, how could she be dealing with side effects at a time like this…

Leanna glanced at Roy again.

But she didn’t say anything, only gritted her teeth and clenched her fists, silently enduring it.

With Leanna behaving herself, Roy finally could enjoy the show properly.

However, with no interruptions, the plot took a turn that dampened Roy’s mood.

The affair between the witch and the respectable young man was exposed. Moreover, the witch, akin to a demon, went berserk and killed the young man’s fiancée. Furious villagers surged forward and bound both of them to the stake.

Roy understood the significance of such a script arrangement.

Witches, or rather black magicians, had a notoriously bad reputation in the history of Veszyra.

The Seven Colors Academy hunted corresponding magical beasts to concoct suitable magic potions. However, black magicians’ potions were made from the corpses of demons.

Magical beasts and demon race, just a word apart, yet worlds apart.

Magical beasts had limited intelligence and their nature wasn’t malicious. Unless territory conflicts arose, they mostly didn’t interfere with humans. So even if one consumed a potion made from magical beasts, it only needed to suppress the primal urges they brought.

But demons were different.

The demons of Veszyra weren’t just a different race with peculiar appearances and customs; they were monsters whose souls had been tainted by the power of the demon gods, completely driven insane.

Consuming such things to create potions made it easier for black magicians to suffer backlash from their bloodlines, leading to many tragic incidents throughout history.

As a result, the once-flourishing black magicians had retreated from the stage of history, falling to the point where even the Seven Colors Academy wouldn’t accept them.

“Foolish mortals, you don’t understand the greatness of black magic! The powerful force is the true essence of this world!”

On stage, the frenzied witch broke free from the stake’s restraints, transforming into a monster, attacking the villagers.

Roy could already guess the plot’s progression without needing to be told; it was merely the villagers paying a heavy price to ultimately slay the monster, then passing judgment on the besotted young man, with confetti to finish.

However, Roy’s thoughts had already drifted away.

People condemned the young man for betraying love; Roy’s views aligned with theirs on this matter.

Of course, the witch who lured him into corruption while slaughtering the innocent wasn’t anything less than a villain.

Yet, that statement made Roy’s heart tremble fiercely.

Power, of course, wasn’t the truth of this world.

But if given a choice, who wouldn’t want to enjoy peaceful, tranquil days?

If they weren’t backed into a corner, who would willingly drink the filthy blood of demons and become a black magician?

Roy couldn’t help but think of the girl beside him.

The original didn’t mention why Leanna became a black magician, but it probably wasn’t a light-hearted topic.

If Leanna weren’t a cunning black magician but a simple-minded ordinary girl, perhaps he wouldn’t need to be so wary of her.

Maybe they could be a bit closer.

Forget it, there’s no point in dwelling on what-ifs.

Their relationship was merely one of mutual use; once he obtained the King’s Soul, it would be like parallel lines never meeting, unrelated to each other.

Thinking too much would only amplify his troubles.

Such sentiments were fleeting; Roy quickly pulled himself from that emotional tangle, ready to welcome the story’s final climax.

Unexpectedly, Leanna crossed the line she should’ve maintained and bumped into his shoulder.

No, come on, we’re almost done! Do you really have to pull something like this?

Roy looked at her helplessly, but instead of that familiar playful smile, he stared at a pale face that was frightening to behold.

“Senior? What’s going on…?”

It was then Roy realized that Leanna’s extraordinary aura was in disarray, and it even felt somewhat cold.

Even if this weak demeanor were just an act, the aura couldn’t be faked.

Bloodline side effects of a black magician? But shouldn’t there be signs of side effects? Why did it come so suddenly…

“Sorry, just a little issue. Let’s continue watching the play.”

Seeing Leanna pretending it was nothing and forcing herself to sit up, Roy instantly understood everything, his expression darkening.

“Let’s go back, Senior.”

“The show isn’t over yet. It’d be a shame to leave now.”

“Cut the jokes. Is this how you’re supposed to watch a show?” Roy couldn’t help but raise his voice but noticed her expression twisted slightly in pain and gently urged, “Let’s go back. I’ll take you home.”

Leanna didn’t argue or agree, just quietly looked at him, leaving Roy feeling a bit at a loss.

However, not long after, the music ended, the lights brightened, and thunderous applause filled the audience, announcing the end of the drama.

With no more excuses left, Leanna finally bowed her head, letting out a long sigh as if she had drained her remaining strength.

“Let’s go back.”

“Junior, could you help me a bit?”

The tone was so faint it was barely discernible, like a mosquito’s buzz.

Looking at the horrifying scales appearing on the girl’s neck, this time, the young boy did not refuse.

 

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