Episode 141: Magic Tower #2
It was the time just before dawn when the sun had only just begun to rise.
Duke Fervache arrived at the Lahart estate earlier than the agreed-upon time.
Even though their families were to be united through marriage, such behavior was impolite.
However—
“…The Magic Tower is monitoring you?”
Duke Fervache had a good reason for his actions.
“Yes, they sent a very unpleasant familiar.”
“A familiar…”
Yohan furrowed his brows. There weren’t many who could handle familiars. The contract conditions were strict, and they required a constant supply of mana.
That meant only those with the capacity to control a familiar and an extraordinary amount of mana could raise one.
There was only one person who fit that description.
“The Tower Master must have sent it.”
“…The Tower Master?”
As Duke Fervache narrowed his eyes, Yohan continued speaking slowly.
“You mentioned sensing an unusual energy, didn’t you? That’s because it was formed from the Tower Master’s mana.”
“Hmm.”
The Duke recalled that eerie presence. Indeed, such a sharp yet overwhelming energy could only belong to the Tower Master.
“You mentioned recently that the Tower Master has been acting strange. He attended the royal banquet but left right after meeting only you.”
“That’s right.”
“It seems the Tower Master is plotting something. And it involves us.”
At this moment, there were only two possible reasons why the Tower Master would take an interest in them.
“He either wants Francia’s mana or your power to restore the rift in the demonic lairs.”
“That seems likely.”
As far as Yohan knew, the Tower Master wasn’t someone who acted like an ordinary person. In the original work, his interest in Francia wasn’t due to personal affection but rather a calculated choice to further his own abilities.
This time would likely be no different.
“If he went so far as to send a familiar to my father-in-law, then things must have progressed quite a bit already.”
“I agree. That’s too sloppy to be mere surveillance—it was likely meant for confirmation.”
Duke Fervache continued.
“I’ve already sent a warning letter to the Magic Tower through the Imperial court, but… I doubt it will have much effect. Those people are notoriously relentless.”
Of course, even the Magic Tower couldn’t act however they pleased. They, too, made efforts to integrate into society. However, there was one notable exception.
When the Tower Master personally got involved.
Within the Magic Tower, the Tower Master’s word was law—akin to the will of a god.
“I will go myself.”
“…You?”
“Yes.”
Duke Fervache, who had just been carefully lifting his teacup, froze.
The steam rising from the cup dissipated into the air.
“The Tower Master once said that if I had the chance, I should visit the Magic Tower. I will use that as an excuse to meet him and gauge his intentions.”
The Duke firmly rejected the idea.
“It’s too dangerous. No matter how capable you are, your safety cannot be guaranteed inside the Magic Tower.”
He was right.
Yohan going there in person was extremely risky.
If they truly harbored hostility, it would be like stepping into a spider’s web.
“I will make my visit an official matter announced across the continent. That way, even the Magic Tower wouldn’t be able to touch me. The pretext will be discussing the sealing of the demonic lairs’ rift.”
Yohan had a plan.
If the Duke of Lahart formally visited the Magic Tower to research the rift’s sealing, it would attract attention from the entire continent.
Since the outcome could determine the fate of nations, the whole world would be watching.
That would make even the Tower Master hesitant to act recklessly.
“…Indeed. If you do that, the Magic Tower won’t be able to move carelessly.”
Duke Fervache nodded. It was a reasonable argument.
“Then I’ll leave it to you.”
“Yes, please trust me.”
Yohan smiled faintly and lifted his teacup.
He took in the lingering fragrance and closed his eyes.
‘I don’t know what you’re planning…’
But I’ll find out once I meet you in person.
***
In front of the Lahart Estate
A carriage slowly approached the entrance of the grand mansion.
Creak…
As the wheels came to a halt, a uniformed man stepped down first and extended his hand.
“Thank you.”
Smiling brightly, Rudbeckia gracefully accepted the knight’s assistance and stepped down onto the stairs with light, elegant steps.
A grand mansion unfolded before her eyes.
Towering columns that stretched endlessly, a gate adorned with golden patterns, and a garden filled with beautiful flowers.
“Wow…”
She let out a deep breath, lightly brushing her chest as she tried to calm her racing heart.
Today was the day she would meet Yohan.
And not just anywhere—she was visiting his mansion in person!
The thought of going an entire week without seeing Yohan during her vacation was unbearable, so Rudbeckia had mustered up the courage to send him a letter.
She had asked if she could visit his mansion.
Yohan had readily agreed and told her to set a date.
I have to do well.
With a determined look, Rudbeckia clenched her fist, a sense of resolve emanating from her.
It was only natural—she couldn’t afford a single mistake. Though she and Yohan had grown closer since that day, she couldn’t let her guard down. She had to look perfect, no matter what.
Taking a deep breath to steady her pounding heart, Rudbeckia glanced at the carriage window, checking once again if her hair was in place and her dress was properly arranged.
Her neatly styled hair revealed the nape of her neck, looking immaculate.
The deep green dress clung gently to her figure, accentuating the curves of her waist and hips.
Every detail was carefully chosen to match Yohan’s preferences.
“Mm, no problem at all.”
Feeling reassured, she stepped forward.
Click.
As she reached the mansion’s main gate, a uniformed guard spoke to her.
“Are you a guest?”
“Yes. I’m Rudbeckia Freeche. I have an appointment today.”
The guard checked the list momentarily, then nodded and opened the gate.
“Welcome.”
After offering a polite nod, Rudbeckia passed through the gate and proceeded toward the mansion. As the time to meet Yohan approached, her heart began to tremble. Excitement surged through her.
She wasn’t even officially in a relationship with him yet, so why was she so nervous?
Ah, maybe it’s because things have become genuinely sweet between us, unlike in my previous life?
Wait—what if, while they were alone, the mood turned intimate?
Well, with Lady Fervache and Rudella Bismarck around, that probably won’t happen…
Still, wasn’t it okay to hope for a little bit?
Lost in such trivial fantasies, Rudbeckia stepped into the mansion.
A faint warmth in her ears subtly revealed her emotions.
“Welcome, Lady Freeche. The Duke is waiting for you in the drawing room. Allow me to escort you.”
The head butler greeted her.
“Thank you.”
Following his lead, she entered the drawing room, where Yohann sat on a sofa, flipping through a newspaper. As he slowly rose to his feet, a small smile played on his lips.
“Welcome, Aide Rudbeckia.”
“Yohan…!”
Rudbeckia instantly regretted it. She had called him Yohan without thinking—while the butler was still present! And Yohan had addressed her as his aide!
Hurriedly, she corrected herself.
“—Director!”
Then she stole a glance around.
Fortunately, the atmosphere remained unchanged.
“Shall I prepare tea?”
The butler asked Yohan with a gentle smile.
“Please do.”
Once the butler left, Yohan gestured toward the sofa across from him.
“Have a seat.”
“Ahem, yes.”
Feeling oddly flustered, Rudbeckia sat down.
Yohan smiled and said,
“It seems you were disappointed not to see me during your vacation.”
“Of course! We’ve grown much closer, haven’t we?”
“That’s true.”
He agreed without hesitation. Encouraged by this, Rudbeckia hesitated for a moment before carefully asking,
“Did you… miss me at all, Yohan?”
“Hmm, well, I was quite busy during the vacation…”
“Oh…! That’s where you’re supposed to say you missed me too!”
“Haha, I was joking. Of course, I missed you.”
“Too late.”
Puffing up her cheeks, Rudbeckia turned her head away.
“Don’t turn away like that. I can’t see your beautiful eyes.”
Yohan chuckled softly and leaned forward slightly. The sudden proximity and the weight of his gaze made Rudbeckia’s face grow warm.
“…You’re so mischievous. You know I can’t help but listen when you say things like that.”
“Sorry. It’s just that you’re so cute. Your reactions are too fun to watch.”
“Hm, is that so? In that case, I’ll forgive you. Since it’s because I’m cute.”
At the sweet words, Rudbeckia immediately gave in, relaxing her puffed-up cheeks. Her shoulders lifted slightly, showing her good mood.
“But… is it really okay for you to spend time with me today? You have Lady Fervache and that silver-haired woman, don’t you?”
Rudbeckia asked.
“It’s fine. They both had prior engagements and left.”
Francia had gone to spend time with the Duke, and Rudella had gone to meet Vera after a long while. That meant Yohan was left alone in the mansion.
“Then… does that mean today is my day to have Yohan all to myself?”
“You could say that.”
“Hmm…”
Rudbeckia cleared her throat for no reason. A strange feeling of excitement welled up inside her, and anticipation grew. If things went as she imagined, they would be alone together, and the mood might turn somewhat… suggestive.
“Have you eaten?”
“I skipped breakfast. I wanted to eat with you today…”
“Then let’s have lunch at the mansion and go out for dinner.”
At those words, Rudbeckia blinked blankly.
“Oh… We’re spending time together until dinner?”
“…Do you not want to?”
“N-no! Of course not!”
Rudbeckia frantically waved her hands.
“I…! Can I stay the night too?”
“…Stay the night?”
“Ah.”
Only after the words had left her mouth did Rudbeckia realize what she had said.
Did she sound too easy? Too cheap? Of course, Yohan wouldn’t think of her that way, but still…
“I-I mean, I was just saying! Haha…”
She couldn’t stop worrying about being misunderstood.
“I see… Well then, let’s finish our tea and go eat. You must be hungry.”
“Yes…!”
Yohan seemed to brush it off rather ambiguously, but did that really matter? They were going to be together until nightfall, after all.
With a shy smile, Rudbeckia relished the thrill in her pounding heart.
∗∗∗
Some time later, Duke Lahart made a public statement.
A newspaper article containing news that shook the entire continent read:
[We will collaborate with the Magic Tower to research the restoration of the demonic rifts.]
If anyone could find a clue to sealing the rifts, it would be the Magic Tower, which had mastery over magic’s fundamental principles. The continent was filled with anticipation.
“Hm…”
Rein Adriche furrowed his brows as he read the newspaper. It stated that Duke Lahart would visit the Magic Tower as a representative of the continent.
“He’s using his brain for once.”
With this, even if he came to the Magic Tower, he wouldn’t be able to act recklessly. After all, he couldn’t afford to make enemies of every nation on the continent.
Thud.
Rein Adriche casually set the newspaper down.
A strange silence filled his magic-infused chamber.
‘Well, it won’t interfere with my plans anyway.’
From the start, he had never intended to target Yohan Lahart directly.
If he wanted to enrage him, he already knew exactly what to strike.
‘Come, Duke Lahart.’
I’ll be sure to welcome you properly.