Chapter 61 – Just Picked Up Over Someone’s Shoulder

As Evelyn recalled her academy days, she furrowed her brow slightly and shook her head.

No matter how she looked at it, he really was a strange person, wasn’t he? Ever since that bizarre rumor had spread that she was his lover, there had always been those who were jealous or spiteful. She even received warning letters from his fan club on a daily basis.

“Ugh, I can’t stand bothersome situations like this.”

To make matters worse, a whole year had slipped by with her constantly by her fiancé’s side, quite unintentionally, and before she knew it, her male friends had all but vanished.

There was a time when she received a note from a male classmate, whose name she couldn’t even remember now, asking to meet her behind the academy after class. Evelyn, harboring a faint hope, went to the appointed spot, but she couldn’t find any sign of the student. Then, for reasons she quite couldn’t understand, the rumors about her and Axion only grew more rampant after that.

‘At this rate, my love life will be ruined before it even starts.’

She let out a deep sigh. Somehow, her circle of friends seemed to be shrinking, limited now almost entirely to those of her own gender. Still, she thought that if Axion ever came to like the female lead, everything would work itself out naturally.

Yes, the story hasn’t even begun yet, so it’s far too soon to give up!

One way or another, as long as she was in this contract relationship with Axion, she would have to brace herself.

“If I can just hold out until graduation, that will be enough.”

︵‿୨ ₊‧꒰ა ཐི༏ཋྀ ໒꒱ ˚₊ ୧‿︵

As Evelyn toured the newly built laboratory in the annex, her face lit up with pride.

“It’s even more impressive than I imagined.”

She had kept her promise to support Jactor in every possible way, both materially and emotionally. Even though it took some time to complete, the laboratory that was created solely for the boy, was an ideal space for magical research.

“You’re here, Sister?”

“Yes, Jactor. You’ve got yourself a wonderful lab now!”

“I… really can’t thank you enough.”

He was clearly delighted to have a place of his own, though he seemed a little overwhelmed by it all. Sensing his unease, she purposely teased him in a lighthearted tone.

“I told you, didn’t I? I’m not just helping you out of the goodness of my heart.”

“Yes! I promise I’ll succeed and repay your kindness!”

Amused by the child’s earnest resolve, she let out a soft, gentle laugh.

“As I’ve told you before. Don’t get sick, and just focus on growing up healthy, alright?”

Fortunately, Jactor had filled out considerably since the first time she’d met him at the orphanage.

‘The head chef must’ve taken special care of him.’

According to Larie, the household staff had all taken him under their wing, doted on him relentlessly. Their hearts undoubtedly went out to a child left all alone at such a young age. Moreover, Jactor was sharp and quick-witted, so he was unlikely to fall out of favor with anyone.

And with the staff working so hard to look after him, how could his benefactor do any less?

Lately, Evelyn had been kept busy with her research at the botanical gardens, but now she resolved to spend more time with the boy.

After finishing her tour of the laboratory, she glanced over the books and notebooks scattered on the desk, her eyes shining with interest. Jactor had scored nearly perfect marks on every test he’d taken so far. Even though she’d always known he was clever, hiring a private tutor for him had clearly been the right decision.

She found herself smiling as she looked at the densely written notes. Seeing him speak the imperial tongue so comfortably now filled her with pride.

Pulling out a chair and sitting at the desk, she tapped the seat beside her.

“Jactor, come sit here. If there’s anything you don’t understand, I’ll help you!”

“Sister, do you know how magical engineering works too?”

When Evelyn, who possessed healing abilities, opened a book on magical engineering, Jactor blinked his eyes wide like a startled rabbit.

She quickly shook her head, determined to prevent any possible misunderstanding.

“No, it’s just something I picked up over someone’s shoulder.”

“Over someone’s shoulder…?”

Seeing the child’s puzzled expression, she murmured, barely above a whisper.

“When I was young, there was someone who always carried around a book on magical engineering.”