The Extra's Reincarnation-Chapter 86: Bewildered

A team of healers dressed in flowing robes of white, and silver appeared around the platform.

Their hands moved in intricate patterns as they began to chant, their voices blending in a harmonious chorus of healing magic.

"Stabilize his core mana channels and pay special attention to the meridian points. They’ve been blocked with a unique accuracy that stops immediate flow. So prioritise on unraveling that blockage gently. We don’t want to risk a mana surge."

The lead healer, an elderly woman with eyes that sparkled with wisdom, nodded in understanding.

"Of course, Lady Meredith. We’ll proceed with utmost caution. Is this boy perhaps?"

"Yes… That’s correct, he’s the future blade of this kingdom, so treat him with care."

The nurses around the lead healer murmured in shock, they couldn’t believe they were tending to the future blade of this kingdom.

It was clear that nurses rarely had the opportunity to care for significant individuals in the kingdom, they were always used to the low-ranking soldiers that returned after a successful or rather lack lustered campaign of abyssal monster subjugation.

So as soon as Meredith established out her orders she was finally satisfied that Marcus was in capable hands, she turned to leave and quickly left after the boy named Julian.

***

"Now... where did he go?"

Meredith strode purposefully through the hallways of Ziverard Zagata, her footsteps echoing off the polished marble floors.

As she approached the grand atrium where the participants were gathered, she caught sight of Julian.

The boy was leaning heavily against a pillar, his face pale and drawn.

His clothes were torn and stained with blood, evidence of the grueling battle he had just endured.

Despite his obvious exhaustion, there was a quiet dignity in his posture, a strength that seemed to radiate from within.

Meredith’s keen eyes noticed the slight tremor in Julian’s hands, the way his chest heaved with each labored breath. She could sense the depletion of his mana reserves, far more severe than it should have been for a child his age.

It was as if he had pushed himself beyond all conceivable limits.

"Julian,"

Meredith called out softly, her voice filled with warmth and concern.

The boy’s head snapped up, his eyes widening in surprise as he saw her approach.

"Lady Meredith," Julian replied, attempting to straighten up and bow.

His body, however, betrayed him, and he stumbled slightly.

In an instant, Meredith was at his side, her hand gently steadying him.

"Easy now," she murmured, her palm beginning to glow with a soft, golden light.

"Let me help you."

Healing magic flowed from Meredith’s hand, enveloping Julian in a comforting aura. His pain disappeared, muscles relaxed, and his cuts and bruises faded, leaving his skin unblemished.

As she worked, Meredith’s other hand made a subtle gesture. The gear used for HP tracking during the challenge began to shimmer and dissolve, the magic holding it in place unraveling at her command. Within moments, Julian was free of the equipment, feeling lighter and more at ease.

"There," Meredith said with a smile.

"That should feel much better...But you know, you’ve been through quite an ordeal, Julian."

Julian nodded gratefully for her help.

"Ah… um… thank you, Ms Meredith. I... I hope I didn’t disappoint you with my decision."

"Your decision isn’t of my concern, however. Your actions today were... remarkable. In fact, I’d like to speak with you further about them, if you’re willing... I want to extend an invite for you to visit the inheritors association."

"Oh… really? well, you see… I’m very tired so if you can, I just want to-"

"Julian,"

Meredith interjected with a more authoritative yet relaxing tone, the difference with her usual voice compared to her kind demeanor caught Julian off guard.

"I understand you’re exhausted, but I must insist that you visit my organization sometime soon. I’m sure any child would jump at the offer given how low our acceptance rate for apprentices… so basically getting an invitation for visit is a big honor,"

One of Meredith’s tactics and pet peeves is that she has no regard for a persons age when it comes to business, a potential candidate and representative for her organization meant securing someone who’d one day take her place after finding the perfect person.

But also, Julian was extremely aware of the consequences! Right! those consequences…

He is a boy who has lived as an upright righteous man in his past life and he wasn’t going to let his morals falter here!

It’s like he wants to live a life on the sidelines while watching the novels story unfold in real time!

"I... I appreciate the offer, Lady Meredith, but I really am quite tired. uh… maybe another time?"

Julian stammered, trying to keep his voice steady, but of course a nervous child would beat any woman’s maternal instinct if they are showing signs of being shy then a woman must back down at all costs…

Except for Meredith…

"Of course, of course. But before you go, there’s something I’d like to confirm." She paused, her gaze boring into Julian.

"The Florence family – they’re your sponsors, aren’t they?"

Updat𝓮d fr𝙤m ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com.

"….!"

Meredith’s lips curved into a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes, it was as if she was saying ’I got you now!’

The question hit Julian like a physical blow. He knew Ophelia Florence was the one sponsoring him, however!

He had specifically asked her not to reveal their connection, especially not to someone like Meredith.

The woman was a legend, a powerhouse in the mage world, and Julian wanted nothing more than to avoid attracting her attention.

He had hoped to slip away quietly, blend back into the anonymity of the crowd, and let the spotlight fall on Marcus, the deserving victor. But it seemed fate, or rather, Meredith, had other plans.

His eyes widened in shock, hoping to keep his act up as if he didn’t know a singly thing.

"I... I don’t..." Julian began to fumble with his voice just like he planned.

Meredith watched his reaction closely, her keen eyes noting every flicker of confusion that crossed his face.

To her surprise, she saw no recognition, no understanding in Julian’s expression – only genuine bewilderment.

"You... don’t know?" Meredith asked, her tone softening slightly.

And that was when Julian couldn’t help but smile in his mind thinking ’I got her here!’

Julian’s internal victory dance was almost noticeable. He’d managed to deflect Meredith’s suspicions, at least for now.

He knew Ophelia’s involvement was a secret, and maintaining that secrecy was crucial to his plans.

Julian shook his head, still struggling to find his words.

"No, I... This is the first I’m hearing of it. I don’t know any Florence family."

A look of relief passed over Meredith’s face, so brief that Julian almost missed it.

She nodded, as if confirming something to herself.

"I see. Well, in that case, I’ll need to have a word with the Marchioness about this. It seems there’s been some... miscommunication."

-NO! DAMN IT WHAT DO YOU MEAN?!

The plan Julian had thought up on the spot had collapsed within a mere second… It seems as flawless as it sounded, it was no more than a proof just for fools… and Meredith was no fool.

Julian’s mind raced, trying to salvage the situation. He had to come up with a plausible explanation, and fast. But before he could utter a word, Meredith continued, her voice taking on a playful tone.

"Don’t worry, Julian. I’m sure it’s all just a simple misunderstanding. Perhaps the Marchioness simply forgot to inform you of her... generosity."

She winked, having a mischievous look in her eyes, she was looking down on him like a kitten that had been caught by it’s mother.

Julian’s jaw dropped realizing she was teasing him.

This stern, imposing woman, known for her unwavering professionalism, was actually engaging in playful banter?

It was almost too much for his tired brain to process.

Meredith chuckled, clearly enjoying his bewildered expression.

"Oh, Julian, you’re absolutely adorable. Don’t you worry your little head about it. Just get some rest, and we’ll sort everything out later."

She patted him on the head, the gesture surprisingly motherly coming from this formidable woman.

"Cyaaaa~ "

Then, with a wink and a swirl of her elegant robes, she turned and walked away, leaving Julian standing there at a lost for words.

"Oh, my God… It’s over…"

He had just been played by the trickster herself.

And the worst part? He couldn’t even be mad about it.

***

[Julian’s POV]

I couldn’t believe it, I didn’t think I truly lost after today but I wouldn’t have thought that damn woman made me look like a complete fool!

Me! Julian!

The indignity of it all… I swear, if I wasn’t so exhausted, I’d have conjured up a flock of pigeons to poop on her fancy hat.

But alas, even my reserves of spite have been depleted by this ridiculous contest.

Still, I have to admit, she’s got me cornered. Ophelia’s secret sponsorship is out in the open, and now I’m at the mercy of the Inheritor’s Association.

This wasn’t exactly how I planned things, but then again, when has anything ever gone according to plan in this crazy new life of mine?

I guess I’ll just have to play along for now. After all, a visit to their Association could be interesting. Who knows, maybe they have a self-cleaning robe that would save me the trouble of doing laundry. Now that’s some magic I could really get behind.

But first, a nap. A long, glorious nap.

After seeing my mother, of course.