The sun was just beginning to rise, a time close to dawn.
Duke Ferbache arrived at Rahardt Manor earlier than the promised time.
Even though their families were about to unite and become one, it was a breach of etiquette.
However—
“…Surveillance from the Magic Tower?”
Duke Ferbache had a reason for his behavior.
“Yes, they sent a very unpleasant familiar.”
“A familiar…”
Yohan frowned. Not many people could handle familiars. The contract conditions were difficult, and they required a constant supply of
mana.
In other words, only those with the capacity to handle familiars and an exceptional amount of mana could raise them.
There was only one person who fit that description.
“It seems the Tower Master sent it.”
“…The Tower Master?”
Duke Ferbache narrowed his eyes, and Yohan continued slowly.
“Didn’t you say the energy you felt was extraordinary? It must be because it was made of the Tower Master’s mana.”
“Hmm.”
The Duke recalled the chilling mana. Certainly, only the Tower Master could possess such a sharp yet immense presence.
“I heard the Tower Master has been acting strangely lately. He came to the Imperial Family’s banquet, only to meet you and leave immediately.”
“That is correct.”
“It seems the Tower Master is plotting something. And it involves us.”
As of now, there were two possible reasons why the Tower Master would be interested in them.
“Either he’s after Francia’s mana, or he’s after your ability to repair the fissures in the Demon Realm.”
“That seems likely.”
Yohan knew he was far from ordinary. In the original story, the Tower Master targeted Francia not out of romantic affection, but as a means to further his own mastery.
This time would be no different.
“In my opinion, sending a familiar to my future father-in-law suggests things have progressed considerably.”
“I agree. It’s too clumsy to be considered surveillance; it’s more like a confirmation.”
Duke Ferbache continued.
“I’ve already sent a letter to the Magic Tower through the Imperial Family, as a sort of warning… but I doubt it will be very effective. Those guys are notoriously stubborn.”
Of course, the Magic Tower didn’t act as they pleased. They generally tried to integrate into society. But there was one exception.
When the Tower Master himself moved.
In the Magic Tower, the Tower Master’s word was law, the will of God.
“I’ll go.”
“…You will?”
“Yes.”
Duke Ferbache’s hand, which had been carefully lifting his teacup, froze. The rising white steam dissipated in the air.
“The Tower Master once mentioned wanting me to visit the Magic Tower if I ever had the chance. I’ll use that as an excuse to go and probe him directly. To find out what his purpose is.”
The Duke refused firmly.
“It’s too dangerous. Even for you, I can’t guarantee your safety in the Magic Tower.”
As he said, it would be too dangerous for Yohan to go to the Magic Tower.
If they were truly hostile, it would be like walking into a spider’s web.
“I’ll make an official statement to the entire continent before visiting. Then, even the Magic Tower won’t be able to touch me. I’ll say the purpose is to research the restoration of the Demon Realm fissures.”
However, Yohan had a plan.
If Duke Rahardt announced he was visiting to research the restoration of the Demon Realm fissures, the eyes of the entire continent would be on him. Depending on the results, it could change the fate of nations.
Even the Tower Master would find that burdensome.
“…Indeed. That would prevent the Magic Tower from acting rashly.”
Duke Ferbache nodded. It made sense.
“Then I’ll leave it to you.”
“Yes, leave it to me.”
Yohan smiled faintly and lifted his teacup.
He closed his eyes, inhaling the aroma.
‘I don’t know what you’re thinking.’
He’d find out when he went there himself.
* * *
In front of Rahardt Imperial Manor.
A carriage slowly approached.
Creak…
As the wheels of the carriage came to a halt, a man in uniform stepped down first and offered his hand.
“Thank you.”
Rudbeckia smiled brightly and, with the help of the escort knight, descended the steps with a light step.
The magnificent manor unfolded before her eyes.
Endless soaring pillars, golden patterns engraved on the gates, beautiful flowers filling the garden.
“Whoa…”
She took a deep breath, gently stroking her chest to suppress her pounding heart.
Today was the day she would meet Yohan.
And she was even visiting his manor!
Not seeing Yohan for a week-long vacation was unacceptable, so Rudbeckia mustered her courage and sent him a letter.
Asking if she could visit his manor.
Yohan readily agreed and asked her to set a date.
‘Do well.’
Rudbeckia clenched her fist with a determined expression. Her resolve was evident in her demeanor.
She couldn’t afford even the slightest mistake. She and Yohan had grown closer since that day, but she couldn’t let her guard down. She had to look her best.
Taking a deep breath and suppressing her pounding heart, Rudbeckia looked at the carriage window, checking her hair and making sure her clothes were in order.
Her neatly styled hair revealed her nape, looking clean and tidy.
Her deep green dress clung slightly to her body, revealing the curves of her waist and hips.
She had gathered all the elements that Yohan liked.
“Yes, everything’s perfect.”
Gaining confidence, she took a step forward.
Тар.
As she approached the front gate of the manor, a soldier in uniform asked.
“Are you a guest?”
“Yes. Rudbeckia Friché. I have an appointment to visit today.”
The soldier checked the list for a moment, then nodded and opened the gate.
“Welcome.”
Rudbeckia offered a greeting and passed through the gate, heading towards the manor. As the time to meet Yohan drew closer, her heart began to race. Excitement washed over her.
She wasn’t even officially dating him yet, so why was she so nervous?
‘Ah, maybe it’s because, unlike before my regression, the atmosphere is genuinely sweet?’
Oh, but what if they’re alone and a sensual atmosphere develops?
‘Well, with Duchess Ferbache and Ludella Bismarck around, that’s unlikely…?’
Still, wouldn’t it be nice to have a little expectation?
Rudbeckia indulged in such trivial fantasies as she stepped into the manor.
Her slightly flushed ears subtly revealed her emotions.
“Welcome, Miss Friché. The Duke is waiting in the drawing room. I will guide you.”
The head butler greeted her.
“Thank you.”
Following his guidance, she entered the drawing room, where Yohan, who had been sitting on the sofa reading a newspaper, slowly rose and smiled faintly.
“Welcome, Rudbeckia Assistant.”
“Yohan…!”
Rudbeckia realized her mistake. The head butler was still there, but she had inadvertently called him Yohan. Yohan had called her Assistant!
She quickly added.
“-Minister!”
And she glanced around.
Fortunately, the atmosphere didn’t become awkward.
“Shall I prepare tea?”
The head butler asked Yohan with a subtle smile.
“Please do.”
And as he left, Yohan pointed to the sofa across from him.
“Have a seat.”
“Ahem, yes.”
Feeling awkward, Rudbeckia sat on the sofa.
Yohan smiled and said.
“Looks like you missed me during the vacation.”
“Of course. Yohan and I have gotten much closer now.”
“That’s true.”
He agreed. Sensing progress, Rudbeckia cautiously glanced at him and spoke carefully.
“Did… did Yohan miss me?”
“Hmm, well. I was a bit busy during the vacation.”
“Ah…! You’re supposed to say you missed me too…!”
“Haha, I’m just kidding. I missed you too.”
“Too late.”
Rudbeckia puffed out her cheeks and turned her head away.
“Don’t turn your head away like that. I can’t see your pretty eyes.”
Yohan chuckled and leaned forward. As the distance closed and she felt his gaze, Rudbeckia felt her face growing hot.
“…You’re so mischievous. You know I can’t help but listen when you say things like that.”
“I’m sorry. It’s because Rudbeckia is so cute. It’s so fun to see your reactions.”
“Hmph, is that so? If that’s the case, I’ll forgive you. It’s because I’m cute.”
Rudbeckia, who was easily swayed by sweet talk, deflated her puffed-up cheeks. Her shoulders shook as if she was in a good mood.
“But is it okay for you to spend time with me today? What about Duchess Ferbache, or that silver-haired woman?”
“It’s fine. They both have appointments and are out.”
Francia had gone to spend time with the Duke, and Ludella had gone to see Vera after a long time. Yohan was alone in the manor.
“So, today is the day I get Yohan all to myself?”
“You could say that.”
“Ahem…”
Rudbeckia cleared her throat for no reason. She felt a strange excitement and anticipation. It seemed like the sensual atmosphere she had imagined might actually happen.
“What about meals?”
“I didn’t even eat breakfast. I wanted to eat with Yohan today…”
“Then it would be good to have lunch at the manor and dinner outside.”
Rudbeckia blinked blankly at those words.
“Oh, are we… are we together until dinner?”
“…Do you not want to?”
“Ah, no? Of course not!”
Rudbeckia frantically waved her hands.
“I…! I can even stay the night!”
“…Stay the night?”
“Ah.”
Rudbeckia realized what she had said only after she had blurted it out.
Was she coming on too strong? Of course, Yohan wouldn’t think that way, but…
“Th-that’s just what I meant, right? Haha…”
She couldn’t stop worrying that he might misunderstand.
“I see… Then let’s finish tea and go straight to lunch. You must be hungry.”
“Yes…!”
Yohan’s tone was somewhat ambiguous, but did it matter? Today was the day they would be together until night.
Rudbeckia smiled shyly, reveling in the excitement of her pounding heart.
* * *
Some time later, Duke Rahardt made an announcement.
The newspaper article containing the news that had stirred up the entire continent read as follows.
[I will collaborate with the Magic Tower to research the restoration of the Demon Realm fissures.]
If the Magic Tower, which understood the source of magic, collaborated with Duke Rahardt, could they find a clue to restore the fissures?
Such anticipation lingered throughout the continent.
“Hmm…”
Rain Adriche frowned as he read the newspaper. It stated that Duke Rahardt would visit the Magic Tower as a representative of the continent.
“You’ve used your head a bit.”
This would prevent him from doing anything reckless even if he came to the Magic Tower. He couldn’t turn all the nations on the continent
into enemies.
Thud.
Rain Adriche casually put down the newspaper.
A strange silence flowed in his mana-filled room.
‘Well, it doesn’t disrupt the plan anyway.’
From the beginning, he had no intention of targeting Yohan Rahardt. He knew exactly what to touch to provoke his anger.
‘Come, Duke Rahardt.’
I’ll give you a warm welcome.
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