Chapter 271

Chapter 271Previous

Lil clenched her fists so hard that her palms crushed. She felt an unusual sensation, as if her entire body was being tickled, even though no one was tickling her. Meanwhile, Ed traced the bridge of her nose with his fingertip, which was crinkled from the foreign phenomenon she was experiencing.

Then if you feel like it, write a book.

A book?

Ive never considered writing a book Actually, I never imagined Id even be able to write one because Ive only read a few books and most of them were about how to become a refined lady Im not sure if Ill ever want to write in the future, so if I want to do this, it feels like it has to be now But Im no academic nor a researcher either. Most of all, Ive never heard of a woman writing a book Is this even possible?

However, Ed seemed determined regardless of his awareness of Lils confusion.

Think of it as something you can leave behind as your legacy

Looking into the eyes of a flustered Lil, Ed added.

in this world.

***

Later that night, a bird chirped beyond the window.

Ed fell asleep while wrapping Lil in an embrace from behind her back. Just a few hours ago, she couldnt overcome the exhaustion and fell asleep, but now that she had woken up, she couldnt get back to a proper sleep no matter how hard she tried. Lil was unaccustomed to such a pleasant state of excitement, so it wasnt until the third or fourth time that she woke up that she realised that what she was feeling now was the thrill of looking forward to something.

When she checked the clock, she discovered it was already dawn, and that if she waited a little longer, she would witness the sunrise. Additionally, now that she was aware of it, it seemed like the servants who woke up early could be heard making noises.

Despite the fact she didnt say it out loud at the time, Eds suggestion shook her.

Hes an emeritus professor* at the Imperial Clairaut after all, so writing is probably part of his daily routine. The idea of me writing an entire book, not just a few pages, on the other hand, is completely foreign to me. Ed even said that if I decide to try it, he can connect me with the Imperial Clairaut or even recommend a professor

I have always asked myself what kind of life a woman like me can lead other than marrying and having children

When I was younger, I believed that accumulating enough achievements as a soldier would allow me to live a meaningful life. After all, men, both nobles and commoners, gain honour serving as soldiers when going to war to fulfil their duties and gain esteem on the battlefield. I thought the same thing: that there was nothing I couldnt do. But when that failed, I thought I could make money through commerce and joined forces with the Southerners to suppress the Empires violence But now, Ive been given the change to actually share my knowledge! Regardless of the outcomes of my previous endeavours, Im kinda excited to have another branch in my life. Its fun to see that I can accomplish more and more things.

However, just a day after Lil spent the night with her eyes open like that

You pathetic fraud!..

..!

Lils fist hit the surface of the water. Ed stood motionless like a convict being punished and received the full splash of water. He knew that if he dodged it, he wouldnt be able to avoid greater disaster later.

It wouldve taken less time to hear the words that werent lies!

No, Liloa. Thats really not

What?!

No, youre right. Im sorry for shamelessly trying to make excuses. I was wrong.

Her reaction was nothing to be surprised by because Eds crimes were way too many.

So, their impromptu game would only end as one of them rose to the surface first. That was why they were busy grabbing each others torsos and ankles to lower themselves until they both began to gradually run out of air. Thinking that Lil would go on till she actually died, Ed eventually hugged her tightly and immediately tried to stand up, making Lils shout break through and refract through the water droplets. Ed then had to plant himself firmly on the floor and held on to Lils body which was fiercely struggling to break away.

As soon as Ed reached above the surface, he took a deep breath while a stream of water fell from his head and hit the surface of the water. The belated realisation that they fought each other to death in a waist-deep pool, was kinda amusing to Ed.

Lil, who was still in his arms, screamed the moment she was lifted in the air.

Let go of me!

..!

As she was being held by her waist, her pride got hurt and she flapped her limbs wildly. Ed quickly put her down before one of them would get injured and Lil reflexively pushed his chest away while taking a step back.

After wiping her face, Lil looked back at him and began shouting again because Ed was clearly struggling to hold back his laughter.

Dont laugh!

Ed, immediately straightening his face, fumbled with his earlobe and tried to explain.

Well, I didnt mean to fight back

Was this funny? Was this funny to you?

No, its just that you are so

Shut up!

Unlike her irritated reaction, Lil also saw the irony in their situation especially when she looked at the water lapping at his waist. While Lil secretly had to bite her tongue, Ed contorted his face to hold back another fit of laughter. But even when he forced his eyes to glare, he couldnt help but smirk. In the end, Ed was only able to control himself by lowering his eyes.

I was in the wrong.

Lil sighed and glared at him. Both of them were out of breath, but for some reason, their breathing didnt ease even though it had been a while since they had been out of the water. Lil shook her head firmly as Ed slowly gazed up at her again.

Im sorry. I was really wrong.

Its Fine!

I didnt mean to take you lightly. If it seemed that way, it was my mistake.

I said its fine!

Despite her words, her face became serious as if it wasnt fine at all. Eds shoulders were still rising and falling, and it was the same for her. Lil eventually waded her way through the water and out of the pool, trying to act as serious as possible.

Footnote:

Emeritus professor: Is an honorary title granted to someone who retires from a position of distinction, most commonly an academic faculty position, but is allowed to continue using the previous title, as in professor emeritus. [WIKI]