Episode 56: Unprecedented #2
The soft light of the chandelier seeped into the dining room like the dawn’s glow.
It was beautiful, yet it also felt cold in a way.
The pristine, cool surface of the marble floor deepened the silence, amplifying the quiet stillness.
Even as the palace servants quietly came and went, preparing the meal, the calm and dignity remained unshaken.
Raeliana sat still, silently twisted her fingertips and holding her breath. Normally, she would have no reason to come to the imperial palace, but she was here because of a promise with the Emperor.
“Raeliana.”
It was the Emperor’s voice that broke the suffocating silence. Raeliana raised her head and replied quietly.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Though she was someone who always sought freedom and despised stiff atmospheres, things were different when she stood before the Emperor.
The reason she could roam the world freely and live as she pleased was because of the man before her.
“Do you know the name Yohan Harssen?”
“Yes, of course. It’s impossible not to know. He’s the most famous figure in the Empire right now.”
Naturally, Raeliana had heard the news.
The story of Yohan Harssen closing the rift of a demonic lair spread quickly—starting with officials, to the nobles and then to the servants’ ears, before eventually reaching the streets.
Restoring the rift of demonic lair was an almost miraculous feat, and as an unprecedented event, it inevitably drew widespread attention.
“Nothing has been confirmed yet, but if the abilities of the Special-Class Mage Yohan Harsen, are not merely a coincidence—if he really can close the demonic lairs—the Imperial family must claim him.”
The Emperor’s meaning was clear. Yohan must become part of the Imperial family. Raeliana instantly understood why she had been summoned.
“I heard he’s close with the daught of House Fervache.”
“Yes, they’re famously very devoted to each other.”
“But they are not yet engaged, correct?”
His golden eyes shone coldly. That gaze carried the arrogance and authority unique to Imperial Family.
“If Yohan Harsen successfully restores the rift of demonic lair this time, before he becomes engaged to the daughter of House Fervache, I will arrange an engagement between you and him.”
An engagement personally overseen by none other than the Emperor—essentially the heavens itself. There was no room for refusal.
Of course, Fervache’s status as one of the Empire’s four great noble families was a potential complication. But if the Emperor pushed for it, nothing was truly impossible.
“Can you do it?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I will follow your command.”
Raeliana slowly closed her eyes and bowed her head.
“That is all I had to say.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Afterward, the suffocating silence resumed as they continued their meal.
The dining hall was filled only with the light clinking of cutlery and restrained breaths.
A daughter and her father sat across from each other, yet the air above the table was dominated by an icy stillness.
When the meal ended, Raeliana stood, left a polite farewell, and rose from her seat.
Click. Click.
The sharp sound of her heels crushed the moonlight reflected in the corridor.
Walking down the palace corridor, where the moonlight filtered faintly through the windows, Raeliana’s face sank into a cold expression.
…In truth, she was not pleased with how things were unfolding.
Even if a marriage was arranged, it would not be because he chose her out of attraction or admiration for her. He would only accept it under the Emperor’s pressure.
She had finally found a man with talent, appearance, and character—someone she thought suited her perfectly—only for it to turn out like this.
This was essentially a forced engagement. He would likely never open his heart to her, not after being separated from the woman he loved by sheer authority.
But complaining to the Emperor was not an option. For someone like Raeliana, a Imperial herself, his will was absolute.
“You don’t seem to be in a good mood.”
It was then that a voice emerged from the shadows. A familiar voice, but not a welcome one.
“Brother.”
The voice belonged to Fedelian Rozino.
Though the succession had already been firmly decided, Raeliana neither had a bad relationship with him nor could she call it a good one.
She simply avoided him when she could.
She despised the Crown Prince’s two-faced nature, his hypocritical mask, smiling on the surface while scheming underneath.
Still… There was no need to let her true feelings show in front of him.
“What brings you here at this late hour?”
Raeliana tilted her head slightly, wearing a polite smile. Her golden hair gently cascaded down her shoulders.
“His Majesty seems to have taken quite an interest in your marriage prospects with Yohan Harsen.”
A faint smirk curled on one side of Fedelian’s lips. It was the kind of smile that made Raeliana suspect he wanted something.
“Where did you hear that?”
“The palace has many eyes and ears.”
The only emotion Raeliana could sense from him was displeasure. She didn’t know what he wanted, but it couldn’t be anything pleasant.
“As far as I know, Raeliana, you seem to be quite fond of Yohan Harsen. Enough to invite him to a tea time under the pretense of Imperial duties.”
Fedelian folded his arms and lifted his chin stiffly.
“Yes, I do like Yohan Harsen. If marriage talks proceed, I’ll gladly accept them.”
Raeliana smiled faintly and nodded her head.
“I’ll help you.”
“…You will help me?”
She narrowed her eyes and met Fedelian’s gaze. Suspicion towards him was written all over her face.
Fedelian, as if unfazed by her wariness, smiled gently as though nothing was wrong.
“Yes. Even if closing the rift of the Demonic lair turns out to be impossible and His Majesty calls everything off, I’ll ensure you can have Yohan Harsen.”
“Hmm…”
Having the support of both the Emperor and the Crown Prince for an engagement could only be a good thing for Raeliana, who wanted Yohan.
However… she couldn’t understand why Fedelian was helping her marriage prospects.
Simply as family? That couldn’t be it. Fedelian would never do something for no reason.
‘If my engagement to Yohan Harsen benefits him somehow…’
Narrowing her eyes thoughtfully, Raeliana quickly reached the correct conclusion.
“Aha? So you want the daughter of House Fervache, don’t you, Brother?”
It was Francia Fervache.
Even in high society, it was no secret that Crown Prince Fedelian was after her. Many had witnessed his one-sided courtship.
The rumors had died down recently, slipping below the surface, so she had almost forgotten about it.
“Yes.”
“Hmm…”
Raeliana’s lips twitched into a smile. In truth, Lady Fervache had been a thorn in her side as well. From her position, it would be as if she was blatantly stealing a man.
But if Yohan Harsen and Francia Fervache fell apart over mutual Interest? There’d be no conflict with one of the empire’s four great families, and both sides would get what they wanted.
“Alright. Let’s do it. You can have the Lady Fervache, and I’ll have Yohan Harsen.”
Raeliana smiled brightly and nodded. Though she disliked Fedelian, the benefits were clear—there was no reason to refuse.
“Good. Then I’ll make the arrangements.”
“For what?”
“The engagement ceremony.”
Fedelian continued.
“Their engagement isn’t far off. Before that happens, we need to act first.”
It was true. If the Lady Fervache’s engagement were finalized, everything would become much more complicated.
“I understand. I’ll leave that part to you, then.”
“Can you persuade Yohan Harsen?”
“Of course. Who do you think I am?”
A smile played on both of their lips.
***
Immediately after his audience ended, Yohan returned to the returned from the imperial palace to the Fervache mansion.
“Yohan…!”
As he stepped out of the carriage, Francia ran to him at once, greeting him warmly.
“Why are you outside in this cold weather?”
“I was worried about you…”
“Have you been waiting long?”
“No, I just came out.”
“I don’t think so.”
Yohan gently touched Francia’s cheek, reddened by the cold. Her skin, always warm and soft, felt as cold as ice.
“Your face is freezing.”
“This much is fine.”
“It’s not fine at all. Let’s go inside quickly.”
“Alright.”
Entering the mansion with her, Yohan walked her to a room. Once the fireplace was lit and they were seated, Francia wasted no time getting to the point.
“What happened?”
“His Majesty has issued a decree.”
Yohan continued.
“I’ll take some time to recover and prepare, and then I’ll head to the Count Ekarsi’s territory. To close the Demonic lair.”
If the demonic Lair is truly sealed this time, much will change. He would no longer be seen as just a special class mage but as the Empire’s hope.
“You’ll be going with the First and Second Division, right?”
“Yes.”
“Phew. Then I’ll be going, too.”
Francia, warming her hands by the fireplace, smiled softly.
“This time, it doesn’t seem particularly dangerous. After all, both the First and Second Division Officers are accompanying you.”
The Second Division Officer’s strength alone could handle several demonic lairs with ease.
If the experienced and powerful First Division Officer were going as well, there would be no risk at all—unless an army of special-grade demonic beasts appeared.
“So, I’m not particularly worried. I just… wonder if I’ll really be able to close the demonic lair.”
Yohan spoke with a worried tone. Even if he failed, there wouldn’t be any major problems, but he couldn’t help but feel uneasy. That’s simply human nature.
“You’ll be able to do it. You’re more special than anyone else.”
Francia’s bright smile wasn’t just full of trust—it held absolute certainty.
“Haha…”
Yohan could only give an awkward laugh at her words.
“Anyway, you should rest! You’re tired, aren’t you?”
“Well, that’s true.”
“Lie down! I’ll make sure you get some sleep tonight.”
Francia, who had been basking in the heat of the fireplace, stood up from her chair and walked to the bed.
“Come here.”
She opened up the soft bedding and patted the bed with her hand.
“Hmm…”
Yohan flashed a meaningful smile. Francia stiffened, instinctively pulling her head back.
“What… What is it?”
“What do you mean?”
“You smirked mischievously.”
“Did I?”
His lips curled into a playful grin. Though his gaze was teasing, it was filled with warmth for her.
“I was just wondering if we’re really only going to sleep.”
“Um…!”
Francia’s face turned red as she gently pushed against Yohan’s chest.
“Ah, you can’t be like this right now! You’re tired!”
She scolded him, her eyes glaring, but the corner of her lips curled up slightly. Embarrassed, yet unable to suppress her smile.
“And what about you, Francia? Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.”
“Really?”
“Really…”
Francia averted her gaze, her face still flushed. Yohan, smiling naturally, pulled her into his arms and lay down on the bed.
Francia relaxed, letting herself be held comfortably in his embrace.
“Our engagement isn’t far off now.”
“Yes. It’ll be after this winter passes.”
Yohan and Francia had wanted to proceed with the engagement sooner, but they had to wait due to the circumstances of the Duke of Fervache.
With winter’s demands—managing food and resources, clearing demonic beasts, and border inspections—there were urgent matters that needed attention first.
It wasn’t possible to proceed without the Duke Fervache either.
As the only daughter of the duke, Francia’s engagement would be a celebration that required festivals or banquets… There were many things that couldn’t happen without the Duke’s presence.
“Once we’re formally engaged, Yohan will truly be my man.”
“And Francia will formally be my woman.”
“Exactly.”
Grinning brightly, Francia nestled even deeper into Yohan’s arms.
“I hope that day comes soon.”
There were still those who tried to separate them, and women who cast longing glances at Yohan never seemed to disappear.
But Francia wasn’t concerned in the slightest.
Unless she—the one who transcended time like herself—appeared, there was no chance Yohan’s heart would waver.