Reincarnated As The Heroine?! I refuse!

39: Her Absence

Several months past and there remain no sign of Lea in Chlad. Ulla had almost finished reading every book Izaya has ever collected in his lifetime. Bright increased his rigorous training, while Raize had increased the number of essences he could store.

All the while, Imhe realized she had yet to feel any romantic advancement in her relationship with Duran. She found the youth interesting and intelligent, but she did not feel satisfied.

"Can't we leave for Sabio soon?" She asked one morning while having her usual breakfast with Ulla.

Ulla glanced her way only to look back on her plate of food. "Not yet. Have you succeeded in charming Duran?"

"We are friends!" She proudly claimed.

"....Friends.... Any sign of love on his side for you?"

Feeling panicked, Imhe's eyes swam. "....Ah... ha ha.. Maybe?"

Raising a brow, Ulla carefully observed Imhe. "I don't think you are ready to leave Chlad." She concluded.

Hearing Ulla's response, Imhe couldn't help but feel irritated. "I'm what you need so listen to what I say! I thought it's supposed to be my decision that matters?!"

Pondering Imhe's words, Ulla steeled. "You are indeed right. But without further progress on your side, there would be no point leaving for Sabio any time soon."

"FINE! I'll leave by myself." As she said so, Imhe abruptly stood up and banged the door closed as she left.

Left alone with her food, Ulla gazed out the window. Her face unreadable.

★ ★★

A knock on the door broke Izaya's concentration from the documents he had to sign and study. He urged the person to come in. It was his butler, Derek.

"What is it, Derek?" Izaya asked not looking up.

Derek coughed and informed, "Mingzhe Dei has crowned Oliver York as their Emperor."

Izaya's eyes widened in surprise to the sudden news. "How? I had heard the Emperor was gathering his might, but now someone else is on the throne?"

His query unanswered, Derek continued, "Many nobles were killed right after the previous Emperor lose his credibility caused by his bad ruling. It was known to his citizens that he agreed to have young children sent off overseas to be slaves and poor families sent to deserted lands to cultivate. Furthermore, everyone found out about his plan to go to war."

With the enumerated list concerning Mingzhe Dei's previous Emperor, Izaya couldn't help but wonder, "If the father is not capable, why should the son work?"

"That, M'Lord, I can provide an answer. For a long while, there was a division between the people of Mingzhe Dei. There was the Emperor Faction and the Prince Faction. It seems their father and son relationship was not the greatest."

Izaya was quiet for a while before another knock on the door interrupted. "Come in." When Derek motioned to leave, Izaya stopped him. Thus Butler Derek walked to stand in a corner.

The person behind the door was Raize. "Izaya, was what I heard correct?"

With a raised brow, Izaya replied, "It seems so. What are your thoughts?"

Izaya was used to Raize's rude personality. He had sometimes wished Lea was still around to keep the guy in check.

Raize took a seat on one of the chairs and looked at Izaya in the eyes. "How about any rumors?"