Chapter 59
The man in the black mask seated Elshnain near the podium, then strode confidently toward the podium where the manipulative artifact was displayed.
He opened his mouth as naturally as if he belonged there, surveying the audience.
“Welcome, everyone! Every year, we introduce one piece of ancient magical heritage at this exhibition. We extend our gratitude to His Majesty for making time for this precious event.”
Elshnain was slightly taken aback at how naturally the man carried himself, as if returning to his rightful place, confidently managing the proceedings.
Who is this guy?
She had assumed he was just some wandering scammer, the sort who asks, “Do you know the Way?”
What’s his real identity?
His demeanor suggested a deep connection to this exhibition.
Elshnain narrowed her eyes.
“Hmm. I wonder what legacy will appear this time—curious indeed!”
“Right? Last time, it was a magical artifact that sprayed infinite water. Truly amazing!”
“Yes, though it was just made to look functional. I wonder if they’ll put on a similar show this time?”
Whispers came from the masked people nearby. Elshnain looked around. Many masked figures had taken their seats, all gazing at the podium.
Though their faces were hidden, their anticipation could not be concealed.
This is the demonstration hall from the original story.
At every exhibition, a demonstration is held to show how a magical heritage item works.
Of course, since no one on the continent could actually activate this artifact, it was all just for show.
But Kilian really will fall under the effect of a mind-manipulating magic.
In the original story, there was no mention of an ancient magic actually activating, so it was unclear whether it was the artifact’s power or someone else’s doing.
One thing’s for sure: Kilian will be affected by the magic here.
A mind-control spell, to manipulate thoughts. Elshnain pressed her lips together.
I was trying to prevent this from happening.
“This artifact has never been shown at an exhibition before. Unlike last time, we’ve kept this one hidden until now,” the man said with a smile.
“To give everyone an even more enjoyable experience!”
His tone suggested, See what I did?
No wonder I couldn’t see it coming.
In the original story, Arwen was impressed when she saw this artifact at the exhibition. That was why Elshnain had scoured the exhibition hall the previous day.
I tried everything to prevent Kilian from showing up here.
Watching the black-masked man excitedly circle the manipulative artifact, Elshnain felt a headache coming.
It’s fine. Kilian isn’t here right now. He went to buy Arwen’s necklace… wait.
“Yes! The lucky participant for our demonstration is the gentleman who just purchased the beautiful necklace we hold dear!”
As if reading her thoughts, the man grinned slyly and pointed.
There stood Kilian, arms crossed, his face obscured by a mask yet still drawing attention.
“Who is that gentleman? He looks extraordinary.”
“Indeed. Even with his face covered, he exudes presence. I’m curious to see him.”
“His body is like a sculpture.”
“Oh my, can you really see that?”
“Hoho, isn’t that what everyone’s thinking?”
Masked faces whispered suggestive comments, unconstrained by decorum.
Kilian, immediately commanding the audience’s attention, slowly turned his gaze around before stopping at Elshnain.
He was definitely looking for her.
Ugh. Why is Kilian here?
Elshnain held her head in pain and sighed.
If this continues, things will unfold as in the original story.
As Kilian fixed his gaze on her, Elshnain raised both hands, forming an X.
Don’t. Look. At. Me.
Even as she moved her lips silently to convey her message, Kilian remained unresponsive.
She waved her hands frantically, but he didn’t react.
Why is he not responding while looking right at me?
Elshnain frowned and grabbed her waist as if questioning herself.
While she desperately tried to signal him to stop, the black-masked man dramatically pointed at the manipulative artifact and shouted:
“From now on, this fine gentleman will help us with the demonstration! It wasn’t easy to bring him here, but who are we? Through countless efforts, we’ve managed it!”
“Wow!”
Perhaps thanks to his con-artist charisma, he delivered his lines smoothly, despite Kilian’s lack of cooperation.
As the man spoke, the excitement in the hall grew.
“When can we see it?”
“Hurry, we want to see the demonstration!”
Even knowing it was fake, everyone’s anticipation swelled.
“Now, calm down and focus! We’ll start immediately!”
With a hearty laugh, the man spread his hands, activating magic without any incantation.
Bang! Bang!
Like fireworks, small bursts of light exploded in the air, forming beautiful flower shapes.
Kilian’s eyes widened slightly as he stared at the man, clearly surprised by the magic executed without incantation.
His previously large red eyes gradually shrank and then closed firmly.
Huh?
As if asleep standing up, Kilian did not move, even as the black-masked man nudged his shoulders comically.
“Ladies and gentlemen, do you see? I’ve just subdued his mind using this manipulative artifact!”
“Wow, it’s so realistic!”
Excited by the crowd’s reaction, the man continued to chatter happily.
“His mind is now in the palm of this artifact. Hoho.”
“So what can we do with it? I heard it can control thoughts!”
“Exactly! This mind-control is a fascinating ancient magic. Though now restricted by the god Aetern, let’s see what it could do in the past!”
The man circled Kilian like dancing a waltz and whispered into his ear:
“From now on, you must answer my questions truthfully. Understood?”
Kilian’s closed eyes opened slightly. The usually sharp red eyes appeared hazy.
He spoke:
“Understood.”
“Hmm. Those under the manipulative artifact usually speak respectfully. This one has a strong will! Hahaha. I’m excited.”
Scratching his head with a grin, the man asked:
“Why did you come to this exhibition?”
“…To see the exhibition.”
“Ah, of course. You came to view the exhibition, naturally!”
Hears of dissatisfaction echoed around the crowd.
“What kind of question is that?”
“Right! If you ask, at least make it a proper question!”
“Oh? I must have failed to ask properly. Hmm. Let’s ask someone for their opinion! What should we ask?”
A flustered middle-aged man stammered before shouting:
“Hmm! You should ask something like their true feelings, not usually shown! For example…”
“For example?”
“Who they secretly harbor feelings for?”
Elshnain, spinning her head for a way to stop the magic while Kilian’s eyes were closed, froze.
Of course, that would be Arwen.
This question was trivial. She already knew the answer, and saying “Arwen” wouldn’t cause any trouble.
Even if it was the saint hiding her appearance from eight years ago, Arwen wasn’t a unique name on the continent.
Elshnain dismissed the mischievous man’s question and frantically thought.
If I suddenly run off with Kilian, he’ll think it’s strange and draw unwanted attention. There must be another way…
Meanwhile, the black-masked man bounced over and asked Kilian:
“Now, fine gentleman, who do you harbor feelings for in your heart?”
“…Harbor feelings for?”
“Hoho, did I put it too subtly? No! The person you love! The one you miss constantly, want to be near, can’t stop thinking about, whose gaze makes your heart flutter!”
Kilian’s gaze slowly shifted toward where Elshnain was standing.
Elshnain, searching for a way out, did not notice.
“…The person I love is…”
Finally, his lips moved.
Elshnain lifted her head, meeting Kilian’s eyes as he began to form words.
