Episode 106: A Face I Haven’t Seen in a While
Time flew by as I busied myself with daily life.
The Lahart estate, prepared directly by the imperial family, was constructed quickly.
It had been built by imperial mages and renowned construction guild workers, so its sophistication and perfection went without saying.
However, aside from the basic furniture and magical tools necessary for daily life, the interior was mostly empty.
“There’s a lot to furnish.” Rudella remarked, nodding slowly as she examined the estate’s interior. Her gaze was sharp and resolute.
“This is something Yohan entrusted to me, so I must produce results that meet his expectations.”
“You don’t have to push yourself too hard…”
“No. It’s about earning the trust of the man who will be my husband. I can’t take this lightly.”
Rudella smiled softly and took a step closer to Yohan.
“And this is also going to be our home, isn’t it? Besides, Lady Fervache must be satisfied as well. I can’t allow even the slightest flaw.”
Her sky-blue eyes glimmered, as if flames were dancing within them. Her determination burned brightly.
“Just don’t overdo it. You’re not alone anymore.”
“I know. I’ll be careful since I’m carrying Yohan’s child.”
Rudella gently caressed her lower abdomen with her delicate hand, a content smile gracing her lips.
“Because it’s Yohan’s most precious child.”
“…”
Seeing her smile, Yohan’s chest tightened. Since meeting Rudella, this was the warmest and brightest smile he had ever seen from her.
“Your smiles have become more expressive.”
“…Expressive?”
“It means you look happy.”
Yohan chuckled softly and gently patted Rudella’s head. Her silver hair felt as soft as silk.
“Happiness, huh… That’s right. I’m happier and more joyful than I’ve ever been. Meeting you taught me that love brings happiness. I’ve learned so much from you.”
Rudella lightly leaned her head against Yohan’s shoulder. Her voice quivered slightly, as if she were holding back her emotions.
“…I’m glad to hear that.”
Feeling a bit embarrassed, Yohan averted his gaze and stared into the air. Occasionally, Rudella would approach him like this, and it always left him breathless.
It wasn’t in a bad way. It was a feeling of excitement, one that made his chest tingle—a novel and peculiar sensation.
Carefully holding Rudella’s hand, Yohan spoke to her in a soft voice.
“I like you, Rudella. And thank you.”
“…”
His voice, tickling her ears, made Rudella flinch for a moment. She took a deep breath, then slowly nodded, her cheeks tinged with red.
“…I like you too.”
In a faint, trembling voice, she looked at Yohan and spoke again.
“I really like you.”
***
Purification Bureau
The Purification Bureau is an upper-level organization primarily tasked with sealing demonic lairs.
Although it is considered an superior institution, it wouldn’t function without Yohan. In fact, it would cease to exist entirely the day he retired.
It was practically an institution created by the imperial family solely for Yohan.
As such, Yohan had complete authority over the internal affairs of the Purification Bureau. He could decide who to hire and where to place them.
“…”
“…”
That’s why Eris, sitting across from Yohan, was swallowing nervously. Though her skills had earned her a classification as a special-class inspector, it didn’t stop her from feeling anxious.
‘What should I do?’
Her tension wasn’t something she could simply shake off.
She had resolved to join the Purification Bureau at all costs, but now, standing before Yohan, no words came to her. Her body was stiff, and she couldn’t move.
“Lady Highlander?”
“Yes, yes?”
“I asked you a question.”
“…”
Yohan blinked slowly and fixed his steady gaze on Eris. Even then, no response came from her.
And with good reason—
‘W-What was the question again…?’
Lost in trivial thoughts, she had completely forgotten the question!
Oh no! Forgetting the question was unforgivable!
Eris felt her mind go blank.
Her heart pounded, her fingers trembled, and her face grew increasingly warm. Her lips opened and closed repeatedly, unable to form words.
Yohan waited a little longer, then, realizing she hadn’t heard his question, repeated it once more.
“…As I asked earlier, Lady Highlander, why do you want to join the Purification Bureau? From what I understand, you’ve already secured a position as a special-class inspector.”
Yohan tilted his head slightly, puzzled. Only after asking the question again did he finally get a response from Eris.
“…I applied because I wanted to work with you, Director, after you saved my life during the previous mission. And isn’t sealing demonic lairs an honorable task? That’s why I applied…”
Eris’s voice grew quieter as she spoke. It was a lie. The real reason she had come to the Purification Bureau was to get closer to Yohan.
“Hm…”
Yohan slowly nodded as he listened. It was a fairly common reason. Repaying a debt of gratitude and wanting to be part of a historic moment were things anyone with a sense of honor would aspire to.
But for some reason…
Something felt off.
It was a strange sense of déjà vu.
This feeling came from Eris’s behavior—her inability to meet his gaze and her fidgeting fingers. It was almost like Rudella’s demeanor when they had first met…
“…No, that can’t be.”
Even though he had saved her life, Yohan felt there wasn’t enough basis for Eris to harbor romantic feelings for him.
After all, they hadn’t known each other for long, nor had they interacted much. Sure, there were some moments that could be considered catalysts, but still…
“This is difficult…”
Her gaze certainly suggested she held affection for him, but whether that emotion stemmed from admiration or love, he couldn’t tell.
Admiration and love were separated by a fine line.
Still, it was too much of a waste to turn her away now.
There weren’t many who had reached her level of skill.
After a brief moment of deliberation, Yohan made his decision.
“…Very well, Lady Highlander. Congratulations on joining the Purification Bureau.”
He accepted Eris into the Bureau.
“Th-Thank you…!”
At his decision, Eris stood up with a bright smile. She repeatedly bowed, expressing her gratitude.
“You can start work tomorrow, right?”
“Of course.”
“Then I’ll inform you of your position and responsibilities then.”
“Yes, thank you…”
“You may leave now. Thank you for your time.”
As Yohan was about to rise from his seat after concluding the interview, Eris hastily called out to him.
“D-Director…!”
“Do you have something else to say?”
“Well, uh…”
Eris felt her head spinning. She didn’t want the conversation to end so plainly, but she had no idea what to say.
Then suddenly—
“Are you feeling very tired these days…?”
Looking at Yohan’s face, a topic naturally came to mind. She hadn’t been able to look at him earlier, but now that she saw him, he appeared quite worn out.
“…Do I look that way to you, Lady Highlander?”
At his question, Eris cleared her throat awkwardly and cautiously examined his face.
The dark circles under his eyes and his hollow cheeks gave him an overall fatigued appearance. Yet, even with such a haggard look, he still managed to appear attractive, making Eris’s cheeks flush red.
It was her favorite kind of face.
“Ahem…”
Turning her gaze away in embarrassment, Eris spoke quietly.
“Yes… It looks like you’re lacking both sleep and proper nutrition.”
“…”
Yohan was at a loss for words. Whenever he met someone new, all he ever heard were comments like, “Are you tired these days?” or “You don’t look well,” or “You should take some herbal tonics.”
It was clearly a sign of how serious the situation had become.
‘Should I talk to Francia about this…?’
But even if he brought it up, she wouldn’t listen. She was too angry right now. All he could do was endure until the next mission began.
“…I’m fine. I’ve just been busy with work lately.” Yohan replied with a bitter smile. There was no way he could explain that his fatigue came from spending sleepless nights with Francia.
Eris nodded, seemingly convinced.
“Ah, that makes sense. The Purification Bureau has just been established, after all.”
That wasn’t exactly the reason, but never mind.
“Thank you for visiting today, Lady Highlander. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Yes, understood…”
At what was essentially a polite dismissal, Eris’s shoulders slumped.
Of course, Yohan had no way of knowing what was going through her mind.
Click.
Eris left, and Yohan sprawled out on the office sofa. Finally, the last task of the day was complete.
“Now I can rest a bit before heading home.”
He needed to get some sleep, even if just a little. No matter how much Francia healed him, the fundamental fatigue wouldn’t go away.
Yohan’s eyelids slowly drooped, and he was about to drift off to sleep—
“Director, Director?”
His aide, Elena, called out to him urgently.
“…What’s the matter?”
“A guest has arrived to see you.”
“A guest?”
Yohan tilted his head in confusion. Who would be visiting the Purification Bureau at this hour?
“Who is it?”
When he asked, the answer he received was quite shocking.
“It’s Princess Raeliana.”
“…”
Yohan unconsciously raised a hand to his forehead. Now that she was mentioned, he realized he had completely forgotten about her. She had been quiet recently, so he had assumed she had lost interest.
“Is she in the reception room?”
“Yes, she’s waiting downstairs.”
“…I’ll head there right away.”
Yohan grabbed his coat and made his way to the reception room.
Elena accompanied him only partway and did not enter the reception room. This was a personal visit, unrelated to official business.
Click.
When he opened the door, he saw Raeliana sitting gracefully, sipping tea. Her radiant beauty was undeniable, as always, but Yohan was unmoved.
“It’s been a while, Your Highness.”
“It has been, Duke.”
Raeliana smiled faintly and tilted her head slightly. Her golden hair cascaded down her shoulders like a flowing waterfall.
“Please, have a seat.”
“…Yes.”
With hesitant steps, Yohan sat across from her. A maid standing nearby poured tea into his cup.
“I heard you’ve been through a lot. Have you recovered well?”
Raeliana asked with a bright smile. Her tone was far more polite than it had been in the past.
“Yes. Fortunately, my fiancée is renowned as a master of healing magic.”
To prevent her from trying anything foolish, Yohan deliberately mentioned Francia.
“Hm, I see.”
Sip.
Raeliana sipped her tea.
Yohan asked, “What brings you here today? If you had informed me, I would have come to you.”
“You ignore my invitations anyway, don’t you? That’s why I came in person. I’m tired of being rejected.”
“…”
Raeliana’s piercing gaze locked onto Yohan. Her golden eyes gleamed with an almost unsettling intensity, as if she were issuing a challenge.
“Well, my reason for coming isn’t anything grand. I just wanted to see you, Yohan, now that you’ve become a duke. After all, I haven’t given up on you yet.”
Raeliana smiled brightly, her golden eyes narrowing into crescents.
“I think it’s about time you gave up.”
“Why is that?”
“…Why, you ask? I have a fiancée—”
“Polygamy.”
Before Yohan could finish, Raeliana’s cool smile deepened. Her voice turned icy as she continued.
“Lady Fervache and Lady Bismarck are both by your side, aren’t they? If you’ve accepted polygamy, it means there’s still room for me, doesn’t it?”
Her smile deepened, growing even more provocative.