Chapter 17: Please Give Me Your Daughter (Second Attempt)

Ferbache Imperial Mansion.

On the dining table where cold air flowed, only their individual bowls were placed.

The food in the bowls were perfectly prepared as usual, but Yohan couldn’t easily taste it.

Yohan silently bowed his head, only looking at the food.

Even though some time had passed since the food was served, Ducal Ferbache remained quiet.

There was no conversation flowing between them.

Only the gentle sound of cutlery clinking against the bowls broke the silence.

Francia was not present for the meal.

The ducal had said he wanted to speak with Yohan privately, which was why they were in this situation.

“Hmm.”

In the chilly atmosphere, the ducal tilted his head slightly after tasting the food.

Yohan hoped he would say something, but the ducal returned his focus to the meal.

‘What is he doing?’

Was he secretly hoping Yohan wouldn’t keep the promise? The suspicion crossed his mind.

“I hear you’ve officially become a special-grade magician.”

At that moment, the ducal finally spoke.

Yohan nodded while maintaining his tension.

“Yes. I reached the rank of Knight within the promised period.”

“Not only did you single-handedly handle the suddenly appeared special-grade monster, but you also saved the knights and soldiers of the Second Official.”

“Yes.”

The ducal slowly closed and opened his eyes while nodding.

“Not bad at all.”

“…Yes. You’ve kept your promise, just as you said back then. You’ve shown a remarkable performance in your first reconnaissance mission.”

Clang.

The ducal set down his cutlery and looked at Yohan with a cold gaze.

The red eyes, strikingly similar to Francia’s, flickered.

“I will acknowledge your relationship with our Francia.”

Just as Yohan was about to smile at the unexpected approval, the ducal continued,

“Swear that you will protect Francia at all costs.”

“…Isn’t that only natural?”

“Even if it’s natural, it’s still a vow. Now, swear it.”

After all, he had intended to protect Francia until the end.

A verbal vow was something he could easily commit to.

“I swear by the origin of mana that I will protect my beloved, Francia Ferbache, at all costs.”

“Good.”

The ducal smiled benevolently, as if satisfied.

“When your duties as an official are over, you will return to the Ferbache family estate with Francia. At that time, your name will be changed to Yohan Ferbache.”

Changing his name meant he would be welcomed as a son-in-law, signifying that marriage was permitted.

“Thank you.”

“Still, it’s best not to relax.”

The ducal exhaled a sigh that seemed somewhat frustrating.

“There are many obstacles waiting for your relationship with Francia. You know the reason, right?”

“It’s probably because I’m just the third son of the Harssen family, while Francia is a princess of the prominent Ferbache family.”

“Exactly.”

The ducal nodded once.

“You may encounter adversaries that you find difficult to handle. For example, the crown prince.”

“Did you know he was interested in Francia?”

“Do you think of Ferbache as a nobody? Naturally, there are vassals well-versed in society.”

Yohan couldn’t believe the ducal was aware of this.

He had never suspected it.

“Francia is currently the most talked-about young woman in society. Many are targeting my daughter. Some want to gain status from the Ferbache name, while others genuinely wish for my daughter.”

That was true. Francia, possessing unparalleled beauty, could easily be called the belle of the ball.

Moreover, her reputation in society was excellent.

No one was discriminated against; she was known for her angelic image, always extending a kind hand.

Even though she showed only a prickly side to the crown prince and Cassis Renokhonen.

“She can even use rare healing magic. As her father, it’s strange for me to say this, but Francia’s value is increasing day by day. There’s even talk among the Empire’s council about whether the crown prince should be replaced.”

The ducal gazed at Yohan with deeply set eyes.

“Even so, can you overcome them?”

“I will strengthen my power.”

“It won’t be easy even if you do.”

“I’m aiming to become a transcendent magician.”

A transcendent magician.

Going beyond the realm of humanity to become an unparalleled being.

This was Yohan’s second goal.

“Becoming a transcendent magician is not an easy feat. I have reached the transcendent level, but I’m still only at the threshold. I believe it’s impossible to grow further from here.”

Literally, the transcendent level.

One of the few strong individuals even in this vast Empire.

A master of masters, akin to a grand swordmaster in swordsmanship.

A figure who transcended humanity.

An entity that couldn’t be approached.

That was the transcendent magician.

The ducal continued.

“Let alone, you’ve just reached the knight level. Your learning speed in magic has been slower than others. Do you really think you can do it?”

Without a moment’s hesitation, Yohan nodded.

“It’s not about whether I can; I must. That’s the only path to be with Francia.”

Once he reached the level of a transcendent magician, everything would become easier.

Those who achieved the transcendent level would be granted nobility as a tremendous force for the Empire.

“No matter how long it takes, I will reach it.”

“…I like your answer. A clever one.”

Even though he said that, the ducal wore a satisfied smile.

He liked Yohan’s answer.

“You had that attitude the first time we met, too. You always exuded confidence that you could do it. That’s why I’ve held you in high regard.”

In truth, the reason Yohan had that confidence stemmed from the talent he possessed.

He had self-taught himself runes and even reached a level where he could use magic.

Whether it was a privilege of reincarnators, he didn’t know, but that talent had always been a source of confidence for him.

“Take good care of my daughter, Yohan Harssen. No, Yohan Ferbache.”

“Leave it to me.”

“…A clever one. Even now, it seems you’re not the type to be trustworthy.”

What does that mean? Yohan’s eyebrows twitched slightly.

“First, let’s eat. There’s much to discuss, from the social party to future matters. We’ll have plenty to talk about today.”

After finishing dinner at the Ferbache Mansion.

“Take this too.”

“This too?”

“And this.”

“Another one?”

Yohan was receiving a deluge of precious gifts from Ducal Ferbache.

“You are about to become the son-in-law of the Ferbache family. Are you going to be that weak?”

Most of the items the ducal handed Yohan were ‘elixirs.’

An elixir that maximizes senses to strengthen mana affinity.

An elixir that widens the blood vessels and enhances mana manipulation.

An elixir that strengthens mana circuits to minimize adverse effects when using mana to the extreme.

And so on.

All were elixirs tailored to the core of the magic Yohan practiced.

“You excel in basic aspects like the amount and manipulation of mana, as well as affinity, but you still have few learned spells.”

The ducal handed Yohan a small elixir bottle and continued.

“But you never know when or where something might happen. Right now, this is the only way to significantly increase your combat power.”

“Yes…”

Yohan accepted one of the elixirs from the ducal with a dazed expression and drank it.

Heat filled his body.

A tingling sensation surged, and his entire body’s senses peaked.

“It will take quite some time for the elixir to digest. However, if you have excellent mana affinity like you do, you should be fine without a period of adjustment.”

“Drink one bottle each time.”

“Yes… Thank you…?”

The ducal looked around the guest room of the Ferbache Mansion, which had become Yohan’s room, with a satisfied smile.

Yohan’s room was filled with rare elixirs, ones that were impossible to acquire even if sought after.

“Take good care of Francia, Yohan.”

“Of course. Just leave it to me.”

Although he was still stunned by the sudden gift barrage, Yohan’s eyes lit up as he shook hands with the ducal.

This could cover the fundamentals he had been unable to build up until now.

“If a social party attended by someone like the crown prince is happening, something will surely happen. You must prepare well.”

He patted Yohan’s shoulder, then emphasized again with a stern expression.

“Take good care of my daughter.”

At the Renokhonen Mansion in the Imperial Palace.

A carriage stopped at the mansion’s main entrance.

“Welcome, Lady Latalen.”

It was Violet Latalen.

She smiled and nodded at the butler of the Renokhonen Mansion.

“Is the Ducal of Renokhonen in?”

“He’s in his office.”

“Can I go in?”

“Yes. I’ll notify him right away…”

“No, don’t. I’ll handle it myself.”

Clack, clack.

Violet strode confidently into the mansion, her footsteps echoing.

She climbed the staircase, which split into three branches, with ease.

Knock, knock, knock.

After three knocks and without waiting for a response, Violet opened the door to the office and smiled brightly.

“You’re quite busy today, Ducal Renokhonen.”

“It’s Ducal, not just Ducal. I believe I’ve informed you of the proper title?”

“What difference does it make between us?”

Violet chuckled lightly and flopped down on the sofa in the office.

Cassis Renokhonen narrowed his eyes and asked,

“What brings you here today? About your engagement proposal…”

“Oh, the engagement is off. I’ve already changed my mind. I’m no longer interested in you.”

“…What do you mean by that?”

Violet tilted her head and smiled, her red hair cascading down.

“Why? Are you disappointed that I’ve withdrawn my interest?”

“Not at all. I was just worried that you might be up to something.”

“Well, you’re right; I am up to something.”

Her eyes glimmered.

“But it won’t be a loss for you.”

“What kind of scheme are we talking about?”

“Francia Ferbache.”

Suddenly, the hand holding Cassis’s pen froze upon hearing that name.

“I don’t understand why her name is being mentioned.”

“What do you mean you don’t know? You’re completely smitten with Princess Ferbache.”

“It’s not a loss for you, so why not listen to what I have to say?”

Violet smiled amiably and crossed her legs, resting her chin on one hand.

“There’s a social party coming up soon. Please attend as my partner.”

“…Is this scheme to deceive me?”

“Please let me finish.”

As Cassis hardened his expression, Violet shrugged and continued.

“During the party, I will secretly switch partners. I will aim for Yohan Harssen, while you will aim for Princess Ferbache.”

“…Yohan Harssen? You’re interested in him?”

“Very much so. So much so that I want him for myself.”

A significant smile appeared on Violet’s lips.

“Focus on Princess Ferbache. I’ll handle the rest.”

Cassis set down the pen and stood up, sitting opposite Violet on the sofa, listening intently.

“Let’s hear the plan in detail.”

“Looks like you’re finally willing to cooperate.”

Violet smiled and continued.

“Since the social party is happening, we’ll have to part ways for a while. After all, Princess Ferbache is a well-known figure.”

“So?”

“At that time…”

“Hm.”

“I’ll approach Yohan. I have a secret method to draw him in.”

Cassis stroked his chin, narrowing his brow in thought.

Violet added,

“As the distance between you grows, you will have the opportunity to approach her. At that point, it’s up to you. I’ll focus on Yohan.”

“Not a bad idea.”

Soon, Cassis smiled faintly and nodded.

“Lady Latalen, it seems we finally agree on something.”

“Right? Then make sure to plan properly. We need to separate them.”

Having finished speaking, Violet stood up.

“That’s all I needed to say. You will agree to be my partner, won’t you?”

“Given that our interests align, there’s no reason not to.”

“Great. Then I’ll be counting on you when the time comes?”

Violet smiled sweetly, tilting her head slightly.

Cassis chuckled softly.

“I’ll take my leave now. Please prepare well.”

She entered without hesitation and left just as boldly, showing no sign of reluctance.

Cassis watched Violet’s departing figure, thinking,

“It seems her heart has definitely moved away from me.”

Remembering how much she had pursued him, it was almost a headache.

Sending engagement letters, various gifts of no interest.

“Yohan Harssen, I guess I’ll have to thank you for the first time.”

Cassis chuckled again and rang the bell.

The butler entered immediately.

“Did you call for me?”

“Contact the hyenas.”

“Yes.”

Though he felt a bit sorry for Violet, who had come up with such a clever plan, Cassis had no intention of letting Yohan be.

To penetrate the solid walls surrounding Francia, he first needed to isolate her.

He regretted not being able to act directly, but the hyenas would be enough to deal with Yohan Harssen.

“Even if he’s a high-ranking magician, it doesn’t matter.”

While it was true that Yohan Harssen’s skills surpassed those of other high-ranking magicians, in combat, his limits were clear.

Without a front-line fighter, he would be prey for the hyenas.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

Cassis stood up and gazed out the window of the office.

The moon was rising at night, and its light was particularly beautiful.

“Princess Ferbache, I will be waiting for the day we can be together.”

At first sight, he was smitten.

This feeling was new to him.

He usually didn’t pay attention to women’s appearances, but there was something about Princess Ferbache that captivated him.

It wasn’t just that.

Her smile while gazing at the scenery, the pained expression from standing too long, and the blank look when she didn’t understand something in the operation explanation all charmed him.

While she could show such carefree and subtle expressions, her disdainful gaze directed only at him pierced his heart.

Surely, if forced, she would send such looks many times.

Cassis smiled again, thinking of the day Princess Ferbache would one day enter his embrace.