CHAPTER 31………………………………
—“A mouse? You think I’m the same as someone who turns into a mouse?”
Branson had said he turned into a hamster, not a mouse.
But pointing that out would only make the cat angrier.
Urenia clasped her hands together, trying to calm the furious feline.
“I’m sorry.”
—“It’s a break, a break! Unlike those fools in the Magic Tower who recklessly burn through mana without thinking of the future, I’m wise! I’m simply taking a short vacation in this small and adorable body!”
The cat scolded her loudly, then flicked its tail.
—“And just so you know, it’s a secret that I’ve transformed into a cat. If the Emperor finds out, it’ll be a hassle. I hate running errands.”
“I won’t tell anyone. Oh, but…”
—“What now?”
“If I tell people that I can help the young lady, will they believe me? Mana flow isn’t something people can easily perceive.”
Only a handful of mages could read the flow of mana within the human body—that’s why Urenia had been trying to find Rex in the first place.
At her concern, the cat tilted its head.
—“That’s true. I’ll pass it on to the High Priest. They’ll believe him.”
“Wouldn’t that be troublesome for you?”
—“You think I’ll do it myself? The Valerio family is close to the Emperor. If they find out I’ve appeared, I’ll be dragged away immediately. That’s far more troublesome.”
The cat grumbled, then narrowed its eyes again.
—“Anyway! If I get caught, they’ll think you exposed me, so be careful! A cat holds grudges for a long time!”
“You’re not actually a cat, though.”
—“It’s a figure of speech!”
“Alright, don’t worry.”
Urenia smiled warmly.
Seeing her innocent smile, Rex let out a soft sigh, stood up, and walked toward the window.
—“There was no way to save the Valerio girl… until you appeared. It might be fate that you became involved with this family.”
With a light leap, he landed on the windowsill and glanced back at her.
—“See you again.”
Before she could respond, Rex slipped out through the open window.
Urenia rushed over and looked outside, but he was already gone.
‘He’s really fast.’
Admiring his agility, she closed the window and stretched.
Even though she had supposedly slept for three days, her body still felt drowsy.
She straightened the bedding and lay down properly.
How long had she slept?
Suddenly, loud noises and shouting came from outside.
Urenia rubbed her eyes and sat up.
Just as she did, Kiernan burst into the room after knocking hastily.
“Teacher! The young lady—the young lady has woken up!”
“What?!”
That woke her instantly.
She jumped to her feet, shaking off the last traces of sleep.
“Let’s go!”
Fixing her hair quickly, Urenia ran.
She didn’t know how long she had slept, but outside, the sun was shining brightly just like before.
Her heart pounded as she rushed toward Lilian’s room.
The girl who had been destined to die in the original story had survived.
With Lilian’s recovery, many things would change.
The tragedy of the Valerio family would no longer continue—and their descent into darkness would never happen.
“Lily…!”
As she neared the room, she heard Maeve Dalton Valerio’s voice—brighter and happier than ever before.
Urenia quietly entered with Kiernan.
As if sensing her, Chester turned sharply.
“Teacher.”
He strode toward her and grabbed her hand firmly.
Startled, she flinched, but he tightened his grip.
“You saved Lily. Thank you.”
“Teacher, you’re here?”
At his words, Maeve stood from the bedside.
Her eyes were red as she wiped them and approached Urenia, staring at her silently.
“Um…”
Just as Urenia awkwardly tried to speak—
Maeve suddenly pulled her into a tight embrace.
Her hands trembled as she held her.
“Thank you… thank you so much…”
“….”
Urenia blinked in confusion.
Beside her, Kiernan whispered,
“Thanks to you, the young lady has recovered.”
“The High Priest told us. Without you, there would have been no hope for Lily.”
Releasing her, Maeve led Urenia closer to the bed.
“Teacher, you have negative mana, correct? How is this even possible… The High Priest said meeting you is nothing short of a miracle.”
Sniffling, Maeve dabbed her eyes.
“The two of you are compatible. You can live without Lily—but without you, Lily would have died.”
She looked at Urenia with overwhelming gratitude.
“You are the savior of our family. We will never forget this kindness.”
“You don’t have to go that far. It helps me too.”
“No. Without you, Lily wouldn’t have survived this. Thank you.”
At her words, Nadia, Kiernan, and Chester all looked at Urenia with agreement.
Feeling overwhelmed by their gazes, she said,
“I didn’t really do anything…”
“What do you mean? This is incredible. Negative mana—who knew such a constitution even existed?”
“Exactly. How did someone like you appear right in front of Lady Lily…”
Their awe-filled voices surrounded her.
Chester stood among them, lips pressed tight as if holding back emotion.
“You’re Lily’s lifesaver. If this isn’t a miracle, what is?”
His fervent gaze locked onto her, as if she had saved the entire world.
Feeling burdened by their praise, Urenia shrank slightly—but Maeve grabbed her hand again.
“Yes, this is a miracle. You are a miracle.”
There was a strange light in Maeve’s eyes.
“You are now like family to me. The Dalton family will do anything for you—no, for Urenia Dobine. I swear it.”
“The Valerio family as well. We will gladly act for your sake.”
Not to be outdone, Chester stepped forward and declared the same.
Their grand vows left Urenia flustered.
The Dalton marchioness—favored by the Emperor—and the Valerio ducal house, trusted by both the imperial family and the noble council—
Both were pledging to repay a mere tutor.
It was overwhelming.
“You really don’t have to…”
“We are not beasts who forget kindness,” Chester said firmly.
“Teacher, is there anything you want? Tell us—we’ll give you anything.”
“I don’t need anything.”
“Nothing? Then…?”
As she kept refusing, Maeve’s expression grew anxious.
She clutched Urenia’s hand tightly, afraid to let go.
“Are you saying you won’t treat Lily anymore? Please… I beg you. She’s not fully recovered yet…”
“Of course I’ll treat her!”
Seeing tears well up in Maeve’s eyes, Urenia hurriedly reassured her.
